text: After contemplating which shoe to order first, I read a few different reviews, including a couple of people that mentioned poor customer service. However, this seemed to be not a common experience. Unfortunately, I'm a potential life-time customer who is now a one-time customer due to my poor experience.<br /><br />The one star is for the (lack of) service. I left a message on the customer service message on the day after receiving my shoes. A few weeks go by, no return phone call. Fair enough - perhaps my phone number wasn't heard (despite always repeating it slowly twice). So, 1.5 weeks ago I call the customer service line and leave another message. I wait a week. No call back. I called back again yesterday and spoke with Janice. I felt like she didn't believe that I had left messages and found her service very unhelpful. She stated at the end of the conversation she would send me an email with some links. 1.5 days later, nothing received. No issues resolved.<br /><br />As for the shoes. I would rate them a 3. Mind you, I've been in minimalist shoes for over 7 years now. I've ordered 3 times from SoftStarShoes.com (which is made in USA and has excellent customer service) and have had 2 Fivefinger shoes. They all have their pluses and minuses, but overall it's the only shoes I wear - for both running, hiking and walking.<br /><br />The Ventures: the heel cup doesn't prevent much from getting in. Any off road use in these and I'm always stopping to get something out of my shoe. Additionally, I'm constantly tightening the heels which come lose throughout the day. I can't imagine how people can run in these things.<br /><br />I also ordered my daughter the kit, and she can't wear the shoes without them flopping forward. My partner ordered the Ventures and have only worn them twice due to the pain it causes between his toes. Despite being a previous avid flip flop wearer, I also experience pain from the hard plastic that goes between the toes.<br /><br />Had I receivedbetter customer service, I would be willing to try their newest model. However, I definitely won't be coming back due to how my situation was handled.