Get messy? No problem hose, sink, bucket, wherever you wash off messy things. It was pretty straightforward to put together, but I recall doing some steps in the wrong order and then having to redo them. Protects the case well, but the rubber texture of the case tends to allow for the case lid to open wall in your pocket. She is 54" and Im 58". The size expands to very large to small enough for a kid to wear it. Ive owned these slides approximately 6 months and they have fallen apart on me at least 4 times. Great quality and fit! 5 shoe size, I ordered a 7 and an 8. This is unacceptable for a sports sandal. He is so happy.