I didn't realize the mateeial with which these shoes were made. I guess you could compare it to durable, waterproof paper that doesn't rip. It makes them unique. Also, the actual color isn't as light as in the picture; it's more like sky blue. They are definitely true to size. I consider myself a size 8, and these 8s fit great--if it helps, I'm also a size 8 in Converse; these brands both fit the same. Despite the unexpectedness of those details, I like these shoes, and I'm waiting on my next two pairs of Bobs in the mail.