The rather tight fit around the instep/ankle makes it difficult to put on. In no case "put on". But I solved that problem by buying a long-stemmed shoehorn (one of those things that make life easier with age!). And I'm very happy with them. In the end, a snug (but comfortable) fit is exactly what I wanted from these garden shoes. I'm tired of coming out of the garden with wet feet or socks and now I don't have to worry about cleaning because they are designed for the dirty work in the garden and they don't need to be put on when I go somewhere. Quite expensive for what they are but they are exactly what I wanted and do an excellent job for me (I'm not a sane person).