When I first tried these on in a store I was blown away by how comfortable they were. I remember saying I think I could make it through an entire day at the zoo in these things! After wearing and owning them for a while, they are better than high heels but I don't see them as my first choice to wear to the zoo. I would recommend them, especially to people like me who prefer flip flops and I personally feel they're appropriate to wear to an outdoor function with a dress.