UPDATE (Sep 11, 2014):  I've just finished with my second pair.  Same issue as the first.  The side strap on the right sandal that connects the leather to the sole has broken.  I avoided constructions etc...  These sandals were very comfortable for me, but they do not meet the road test - at $50, I expect that they would last more than a season.

I wore them out.  I wore them everyday. all day for three months.  I wore them camping, sailing to the beach and finally I wore them when I was building a garden shed.  They'd still be being worn if I hadn't done construction in them.

All said. they are amazingly comfortable, durable and good on my feet.