We have bought four pairs of pediped's Giselle shoes in various sizes (grip n go, flex) because my daughter loves the polka dot design.  The shoes get many compliments, seem comfortable, and hold up well.  However, the last two pair that we have bought have been from the Flex line and they both have a distinctive, stinky chemical-type odor.  When we received our first stinky pair last year, I complained and the company offered me a small discount off my next purchase.  Unfortunately I decided to try the same pair again this year in a larger size, and the new pair have exactly the same odor.  I've tried airing them out, wiping them down with a damp cloth, and even just setting them aside for a few weeks, and it doesn't seem to help.  I don't even like to keep them in my daughter's closet because you can smell them as soon as you open her closet door.  We've purchased quite a few pediped shoes in the past and have never noticed an odor like this.  I won't buy another pair of the flex Giselle.