I'm not a flip flop person. I needed a pair for the pool/beach this year and wanted ones that were antimicrobial and comfortable. yes crocs are both but are over priced. These Okabashi's are actually great. They seem to be formed in a mold so the strap and piece that goes between your toe is all one clean smooth piece. They are very soft even though they look like recycled rubber. They also are cushy and keep your feet from slipping out or to the sides. The BEST feature about these is that you can put them in the dishwasher or washing machine to clean them. I had an expensive pair of Nautica's and they got wet from going in the pool, well they smelled like the garbage dump and they were brand new. The Okabashi's didn't smell and they don't absorb water like most flip flops...Love them and hope they last forever!