The design is extremely easy for wearers to put on "all by themselves," as they say (which becomes very important at around age 2!), and they are on the stiff side to begin with (which means they are sturdy and will last well).
Personally, we didn't get a good chance to break them in when they were on the big side; now that they fit snugly, they are not yet flexible enough to slide on and off easily (no stretch).  As a result, they will be handed down soon (and would be soon enough, anyway, due to a growth spurt); however, they will probably serve the next user well.