i got a new pair of cruzers, and leather replacement soles, to use with the strap that i still have from cruzers that i got in 2024. the sole started wearing pretty thin after wearing them constantly for two years. also, the footbed started peeling from the sole. i suspect going swimming and having them constantly being wet and then drying out might have caused the glue to lose hold after a while. but i'm not complaining, cause it held for the entire time up to the end
maybe this might be helpful in terms of learning how people use the sandals, and developing new models: i looked at other models, but stuck with the cruzers cause, while i use the back strap when going out for a walk or riding my bike, when i wear them around the house, i use them like flip flops, and just step on the back strap, instead of putting it around my heel. i think the other models have a more "developed" back strap, that might make it less comfortable to step on and use in "flip flop mode"
the leather footbed is pretty awesome for my new "flip flop mode" pair, and i'm thinking it's good to have the two pairs to split the duties. like the pair that's always getting wet is different from the "walking around" pair
maybe one thing is that i was a little unsure of assembly of the old strap with the new sole, until i saw a video where the guy pushed the pliers through to grab the strap. and also that the sole will stretch enough to pull the whole thing through, but won't get damaged to the point that the toe plug can't keep it held in place
anyway, good experience overall, super comfy!