After haphazardly ruining a previous pair of Birks :( I needed a replacement for this upcoming summer....having a baby on the way, I wanted a pair that I could slip on with no hands, were comfy & durable....I was on more of a budget this time so I got the synthetic rather than splurging for the leather....that would be my only complaint, I miss the leather strap....otherwise they are comfy & fit well.