The first time I put them on, the right shoe tongue, or part that goes between the toes, was very stiff and painful. It dug into my second toe and I took them off early. That part is made of an unflexible leather stitched together.
The second time I wore them, they did not hurt like that again. In fact, they didn't hurt much at all, only if I twisted my foot to press the leather into the toes did I notice the stiffness. I was very surpirsed and happy. I didn't want to have to return them, and now I don't.
I have now worn these a couple more times and I can see they will be a good shoe for me once completely broken in. Like any good shoe, they need to conform to your feet and that does take time and some patience.