I've purchased a number of styles of therapeutic shoes for a family member who has multiple medical conditions, including pedal edema and neuropathy.  These have been by far the best of all the styles we've tried. They expand as needed to accommodate swelling/edema and are comfortable/durable.  I've spent much more money on specially fitted shoes by a pedorthist, but these are the ones she wears.  There was no break-in period for these shoes.  She has never had any blisters or reddened areas. I have even put these in the washer on occasion and they still look/feel fine. Admittedly, they are not going to win any glamour contest--they look just like the illustration. But they look as good (or better) than most therapeutic shoes of this type. We have been most pleased with this purchase and highly recommend these shoes.