I enjoy these sandals. I've worn them in the rain and they were fine. I'm usually the type of girl who loves the flexible-type soles. Yes, I like feeling the rocks I step on. The cardboard makes that a bit difficult, but I'm not complaining. Just stating it just in case someone were interested in these sandals for that reason.

About the straps. At first they were a bit uncomfortable. They were tight and sometimes even left subtle welts on the tops of my feet. But like any shoe I believed that they must be broken in (I love a challenge) and that's just what they did. The straps loosened up to fit the shape of my foot within a couple of days and they are as comfortable as ever. I didn't have the size problem many seem to have had. People have different types of feet--this sandal isn't made for everyone unfortunately.

The suede (I believe) on the straps is very comfortable. There are no metal pieces in the thong of the sandals (brown) I bought unlike what was stated in a previous review, though it may differ from style/color to style/color. Maybe it's just me, but I feel special wearing things that have been handmade. Whether the design or what-have-you can be seen or not someone busted their behind to paint pretty-looking flower-like things on the soles of my sandals, so I'm darn sure going to wear them with some misplaced sense of pride in appreciation.