These are great headphones. The Keen website right now boast that their shoes are made Portland, Oregon. The boots are ok- comfy enough and semi water proof. I find it hard that there are only 5-star or 1-star reviews - so here is my middle of the road impression of these headphones. I cant say enough about it read the reviews for the X sound go this is twice as loud for twice as long for a little less than twice the price you can not beat the value. These are flat on the inside, no little protruding ring to fit in the above mentioned groove. Instructions would have been nice. 5 in sandals and heels and a 7 in tennis shoes or boots (to allow room for socks) and I got a 7 in these - fit perfect. This thing couldn?t hold my road bike and the design and assembly is like are you serious?! Most buds ive owned or normally you can do so without looking.