If I paid over $100 for this shoe I would have been very disappointed. Sure - I noticed something akin to pressure on my ears but that sensation passed in a few minutes. All the above-mentioned parts are exactly as per the description provided which is a good thing. Bought a new pair. What great performance coming from such a small speaker. 11 for him was a bit too snug and went for size 13. They are tight trying to get your foot into them, around the ankle part, but they fit nicely once you have them on. Wish it had some additional cushion at the heel side. Im left speechless. It was a great replacement for a previous one(that died similarly) and served me well.