These shoes wear well and the toe is covered which is helpful for active play.  While there are prettier sandals, I always worry that my daughter will end up stubbing her toe with an open-toe sandal.  These also clean up like a champ and with a bit of white polish, they look like new.  Like many of the reviewers, we never had a problem with the shoes rubbing her feet.  These were my daughter's first sandals and I will never forget the smile on her face when she got them.  I am back purchasing them in a bigger size because they are so timeless and go with everything.