get a pair of plyers and squish the sides of the straps a little to give them a U shape. Should make them go in a bit easier, though you may have to do this the whole length of the straps if your pedals are tough. use needle nose plyers to help you.

fwiw it took me about an hour to get both on mine.

and im so happy i found white (well, sorta cream colored) ones for a reasonable price at my lbs.