I received my shoes yesterday and they've exceeded my expectations!  The instep is a very soft and comfortable canvas fabric and the shape of the toe is very complimentary.  I purchased the taupe color and am considering purchasing one of the other colors, too.  The bottom sole is rubber but is covered in a thin canvas which looks like it will wear off after they are worn out a few times, however, right now they are very slippery on smooth surfaces. I am a size 8 or 8.5 depending on the shoe.  I ordered the 8 and they fit perfectly.