My oldest son is 12.  He's at that in between stage where he's big enough to wear men's yet some of his tastes are younger, yet not little-kiddish.  That's a tough age to shop for.  He liked the look of these and said they're very comfortable.  I like the tread so I don't have to yell at him when he wears them outside ----- kids don't worry about ruining socks or slippers like Moms do.  =)