I returned a Xero sandal that had a different and firmer material around the heel cup, it felt like I was stepping on something. These sandals do not have that, they have a uniform material for the footbed. VERY comfy, what I'd expect in a minimalist sandal. Very firm but cushy and flat sole. Girl review here, I get the men's sandals as the women's versions are NOT wide enough for my feet. My feet are happy today. My feet have NEVER fit comfortably with standard inflexible hard soled shoes, causing Plantar fasciitis. The standard raised heel gives me sesamoid pains in my big toe, so finding flexible shoes that have NO RISE for the heel are amazing.  I have a wide forefoot, high arches, and strong ankles. Traditional shoes are instruments of torture. My feet do not like to be moved and changed by stiff shoes and "supporting" insoles. I'm thankful for the companies that realize not all of us are happy with confined, cramped and stiff narrow shoes.