Comfortable right out of the box. However, I teach Physical Education and walk outdoors over dirt and gravel and these soles pick up HUGE rocks. I showed my classes why they should not walk on the gym floor with street shoes by emptying the rocks my shoes collected into my hand. (This was after EVERY period!) I hand a complete hand full of rocks that were huge. I think a couple were 1/2" in circumference and I had 10-12 of them every period. It was a great visual for the kids. The biggest surprise to me is that I honestly had no idea these were in my shoes as I could not feel them. Probably would not want them on a home's hardwood floor after seeing what I saw. If you live in the city, highly recommend them. Just not sure they are great for the country.