I've tried countless hiking sandals. Most had too many pillows to be called barefoot. Regular sandals didn't have the traction or protection that hiking boots did. This shoe strikes the perfect balance of "ground feel" and protection for your feet, while still providing enough traction to safely scale a muddy slope or cross water. These are now my favorite shoes for hiking, fishing, warm weather hunting, and gardening. My wife also has a pair and she loves them