However, it is a bit of a nit, and generally I am very pleased with these. Noise cancellation is comparable to the stock silicone. Ordering a replacement for the defective one and hope it is better. Might take them hiking as well, but for now theyre just the warm weather work shoe. The criticism that I must give, is that the rubber band areas (4 on each side) need a little wear to loosen them up some. My size 10 came in at size 10 so nothing wrong there. The containers are a good size and overall it is a great storage system for using at home or traveling with. they bend as soon as any pressure is put on them making it impossible to use them to clean ear wax or anything else. I used a product called “fray check” to secure the ends to stop the laces from coming apart again! They are extremely comfortable even when walking over gravel.