Birkenstock Women's Gizeh Sandals, 37

I read all about how there is a breaking in period for Birkenstocks and was prepared--or so I thought. I wore them about the house for a half hour several days before out of the house to the grocery store and some other errands. Within an hour my feet were pretty achy but having no other option I pushed on and the time out amounted to about 4 and a half hours. When I reached my car the shoes came off--and I attempted the next day to try again but just putting my foot in them the ache started. The toe piece on one side hit my toe in a bad spot so --although every sandal I have are thongs--it hurt. Although there is no blister as soon as the piece touhes that toe it hurts, the raised area that hits about mid ball of the foot (or just under in the middle of the foot) was just terribly uncomfortable and in putting my foot back into the sandal it immediately started to ache again. I have given up and contacted the company who sells them. I am preparing to ship them back. I really wanted to like these sandals and for them to be the most comfortable thing I've ever worn but I guess I just can't take the "break in" period. Like the style and the shoe I just can't wear them.