They are flexible and allow my foot to freely bend. This is the cheapest slip-on I bought from Amazon(for $20). The top one is top mount. 5inches. I ordered my size in UK and didnt realise the sizes were all in US so the shoes are far too small for me. These are perfectly sized and fitted slides(not as they say "RUNS A SIZE LARGER, BUY A SIZE SMALLER"). The new version is stiff and fits a bit smaller. I dont understand the design/business justification for shrinking the sole width of recent Rockport shoes. Sony has great products, and also some not so good ones. The earbuds are indeed difficult to get out of the case, it takes me about 60 seconds to remove each earbud.