The button placements are excellent and easily accessible at all times. Im still paying for that bone-headed mistake. The main uprights are are two pieces that screw together with internal screw and threads. I tried and would NOT recommend for long trips, or for less rigid or long (+10 ft) SUPs. They knew me during my bachelor days, through the courtship of my wife and three years of marriage. I’ve owned and wore Reef sandals for several years and never had this problem. I looked at the shoes (had order 2 pairs - the other one was 8. it costs $12. Maybe a bit sharp and less warm. I bought these to lounge and walk in and can already tell after 1 day that I wont be disappointed.