I was looking for a pair of what were called "barefoot sandals" when I was a kid. I go to fairs and festivals where I walk on dirt, gravel and grass surfaces, and the weather is usually hot. If I wear sandals, I get them full of dirt, gravel and debris, but closed shoes make me feel SO warm, so I want something a little more closed, at least around the bottom, but something open enough to be cool. These are just about perfect for that. The fit is just a little closer than I'd like, but I went for a walk in them yesterday, and they didn't bother me at all. No socks, and they didn't rub anywhere. The inside of these is very soft! I was concerned that the soles didn't look very thick, and that they wouldn't provide sufficient cushioning for real walking, but when they arrived, I discovered that the tops seem to wrap around the real sole, and there is lots of cushioning. I would have to describe them as feeling bouncy to walk in. After enough walking yesterday that my feet and legs usually feel tired, I felt fine when I got home. There is an arch cushion, but it doesn't seem to provide much support. But then again, my feet didn't hurt, either, so maybe they're doing more than I thought. They're as comfy as sneakers!