I bought these after finding that my sidewalk surfers were getting worn out. The sidewalk surfers are definately more sandal like, letting in some dirt and being flatter on the bottom. I wanted the same sanuk comfort, but with more traction and a cloth insole so I could go barefoot in them more comfortably. These solved all of my issued. The sole is more like converse or other tennis shoes, but is thin and squishy like a sanuk. Because the sole is more tennis shoe like, I don't get dirt in my shoe as often. Because of the cloth insole I can wear them barefoot and my feet don't get too sweaty.