My son had only worn soft soled shoes.  It was suggested by his physical therapist that he get a shoe with a bit more support and a firmer sole.  These shoes are a very good shoe for someone looking for support but not an overly clunky shoe.  My son is able to crawl in these and easily pull himself up.  The sole is very flexible grippy rubber.  The leather is a nice sturdy leather.  They are very easy to put on with a velcro closure.  They do not fall off easily.

The only reason they do not get a 5 star rating is that my son has figured out that he can pull open the velcro.  He must find them comfortable because he has not pulled them off his feet even though he has figured out how to do so.