These shoes are comfortable like sneakers but don't look like sneakers. They have leather uppers, some ventilation, and look very nice. But what's particularly good is that they are very light, so not tiring to wear and well-suited for taking when traveling. I brought them on a trip, wore them every day and walked alot; they never hurt my feet. I don't know how consequential the wave sole was -- at any rate, the shoes are very comfortable.