The pieces seem like pretty good quality metal. Still, this is a very solid purchase, and I think Ill purchase a couple more for my kids. These were my first Clarks shoes and I have to say they are last ones as well. This is the only pair of shoes she will wear now. I love answering the phone and adjusting the volume without taking the phone out of my pocket or belt holster. Without it resting against the ear, I ALWAYS forget Im wearing it, (EVERY SINGLE TIME). I get soooo many compliments on these lil guys! It took me a bit to stretch them out. However, for listening to stuff on your phone or tablet (I use them for YouTube and Amazon Prime) they are very good and allow you to leave the phone in a pocket or on a table (whilst casting) and not have to deal with wires and not disturb anyone else with your viewing. Will return and get a bigger pair but this is very annoying.