text: I was a little disappointed at how stiff the soles of these shoes are.  While I appreciate the protection it provides for little feet, they are quite heavy for toddler shoes and don't have much flexibility.  She will occasionally want to wear these and clop around the house, but she usually prefers to wear softer soled shoes that flex more.  Perhaps if she would wear them enough to break them in, they might get softer but I don't argue with a toddler about her choices unless I have to!