Freedom Hands-Free Run Sneaker

I own 3 other pairs of Kiziks and was excited to get this pair. First of all, this shoe runs bigger than the other pairs I have and my normal size 8.5 is too large. The footbed is very comfortable but unfortunately the heel area leaves something to be desired. This is the only pair that I cannot easily slip into because the back is more narrow and just fabric under the “compress heel” - my other kiziks have a plastic piece inside which helps keep it firm enough to slide my foot in one smooth motion. I’ve included a couple pictures of me compressing the heel to show the difference this makes. But even worse than that, the plastic “compress heel” piece digs into the inside of my ankles! Again, my other 3 pairs do not have this issue and you can’t feel the heel plastic at all because it’s a wider opening. I’m sad because these are comfortable otherwise but there’s just no way I can wear them and will have to return.