The shoes have a very tight elastic band under the tongue, which prevents the shoes from opening too wide. This makes it difficult to put on shoes on the foot. The only way to solve the problem is to cut off a piece of electrical. It also makes the shoe very tight around the toe which I don't like as I like my shoes to be loose. Very disappointed that Sperry decided to put a piece of gum under his tongue to keep the shoe's opening sealed. This is the first time I've come across this with a boot, and I'm a "senior".