And they didn't.  I bought these in the brown/bronze because I wanted a sturdier flip flop than what is out there.  I looked at all the other high end flip flops; and the fitflops were actually on the lower end of the price range for sturdy flops but still fairly stylish.  These are comfortable, they haven't lost their shape (as I wore them and still wear them about twice a week all day since summer began; its October now), and my feet don't hurt.  I have gotten them a little wet and I wasn't sliding all over the place and they didn't rub me in the wrong places (noticed how I typed a little wet)...doing that in a more "cost effective" flip flop would've formed a blister somewhere.
If the company advertised this product as a comfortable shoe as their marketing ploy, then I'd say it is the truth.  Don't buy these expecting to have a toned butt and thighs...it ain't happening.  Proper diet and exercise (and yes plastic surgery) have been proven to achieve that, not the fitflops.  But what a comfortable shoe.  It was worth the money and I'm looking to buy another pair.  I get to show off my toes in a more sturdy, comfortable flip flop.
Oh yeah...I am usually an 8 1/2 or 9...I wear an 8 in this shoe.  So my suggestion is halfs order a size down.