About 10 years ago - I bought a pair of Dr Marten's sandals.

That was back when they were made in England. They were very expensive.

I could not wear them. The leather above my toes was so stiff it hurt my toes.

I still see them in the closet and ........ wish I could wear them.

A few months ago - I noticed some claw-toe going on (right foot). I put on my trusty old Dr Martens boots - was going to go for a motorcycle ride. I could not walk without pain.

I've had those boots for maybe 15 years and did not want to part with them. I went all creative and altered them ...... it worked. I put some slits above my toes - that gave the room/flex I needed.

Then I went deep deep into toe/foot exercises and got my toes much better.

The boots are not a problem anymore but ...... the sandals still go unused.

Someday i will think of something to fix that stiff edge (thick leather) over my toes. Maybe have a shoe shop sew some soft leather over the stiff part.