The toe protection and the built in sock keeps these annoying loose stones away. I must say I was pleasantly surprised! It took 10 minutes! Love these and they are comfortable I have a gold pair of the otbt and love them and wanted another color but the price was a little out of my budget for the second pair. JEAN I hate the new comic book ones they sell in stores now. I easily removed the handle by removing the black tape covering hiding the hex head screwswhere the handle inserts on the side. I can actually walk 50 feet away from my phone now and still get excellent audio quality. They are stacked at one end of the kitchen and kitchen counter works wonderfully as folding area but for years hanging up clothes has been a bit tricky.