It has a nice case. Had a bit of pain when first wearing due to leather straps and just generally not worn in. All these affect sound, as does age and the previous noises you?ve been subjected to over the years. I am disappointed in both Chaco and Backpacker magazine for not really caring about their customers but instead chose to profit with an inferior untested product. So good have I found them to be, that within a couple of days, I wore them on a 20 mile plus trek, and spent the entire time enjoying the walking experience. I got the large to allow for some shrinkage and it actually fits pretty well and I usually am solidly in a medium size in whatever. I personally have a very hard time finding shoes now i HAVE A Material allergy to the new mesh use in next every breathable athletic shoes on the market currently. I opted for the Amazon installation. I wear and ordered size 9. I really like the feel of them and they look very stylish .