The shoe laces were too short. I had to go out and buy some and at the price of these shoes, even though shoes laces are cheap enough, I wasn't happy.
My son wore them to school one day... no outside sport even, and they looked like he had them for weeks.
Lastly, and most importantly, if they are to be worn barefoot... then the top of the heel cup area should be more padded, hence eliminating the blister on the back of the achilles tendon insertion area. You shouldn't have to "break them in" with socks first.... especially if you are buying the proper fit for barefoot.