I bought these shoes for volleyball at the end of February. Of the 3 different pairs I ordered, this one was my favorite. I thought the stiffness in them would come off once they broke but they still feel stiff when I have to walk around the court. I was tying my shoelaces a few weeks ago and the top hole ripped on one side and the next week the other ripped. I only wear these shoes twice a week for 1-2 hours so they don't get abused or wear out. They have to withstand tying shoelaces and they can't.