I love these shoes once I cut the plastic off from the thong that goes between my toes! No instructions or suggestion for removing it, but I took a chance and did so because they were so uncomfortable and did not want to return them. Removing it may shorten the life because the thong part may wear faster, but the price of the shoe is very reasonable, and they will last for some time since I have several different pairs to wear during the fair weather we enjoy here in Southern California.