First, the whole thing was a lot thicker/heavier than I expected. Not these socks. You are in no way barefoot. I'm ashamed of all the people who say it's like walking barefoot - have you ever been barefoot? They look like cheap department store water shoes, but they are hotter on the feet. I also experienced a very uncomfortable "wobble" with every step, like something was moving on the ground beneath my feet. It was much worse on flat, level surfaces like city sidewalks and slightly better on grass and rocks. Based on many other reviews and manufacturer's advice I went down a half size (I'm a woman and wear a women's 9.5/9.5W or women's 10 in tight shoes; all advice suggested that men's 9 should fit too large !). To be clear, I have wide, square "flint feet", a very high/tall foot that doesn't flex due to almost no arch, and thick ankles, and they still slide over my ankle too much and squirm on my legs . Also, they were very hot and sweaty! I hope that with a pair of thick socks they will be suitable for my work as a play therapist. In winter when it's cold. These are very flexible shoes, so they are comfortable to crawl on the floor with children. Rubber or something else on the sole is very thick and protective, I would ride on glass without question. But definitely not what I was looking for and doesn't suit my feet.