When I first tried on these shoes, they were very hard to put on.  However, once I realized that if you put your foot half way into the shoe first, then hold onto the tongue as you slide your foot in the rest of the way, it's a lot easier to put them on.  It certainly is not a fast shoe to put on, but that might get better after a little bit more wearing. They do offer great support as I jump, kick and run in the pool, and they look so much better on than in the picture too.