These shoes grip incredibly well.  In fact, they hurt when my son is wearing them and steps on my bare foot.  The upside is that I don't have to worry about him falling or slipping outside as he's standing on logs and rocks.  These shoes are so far very durable and resilient - my son tested them out in a mud puddle and after washing them off with the hose, they were as good as new.  He also has learned how to kick rocks while wearing these.  To sum it up, these have taken more abuse than any other Stide Rite shoes my son has owned and they have held up remarkably well for all that they have been put through.