I stopped wearing boat shoes about 5 years ago after spending an entire summer day walking the sidewalks of New York City. The throbbing in my heel became unbearable and I threw them in the trash after buying a pair of rubber sandals at the corner drugstore. I missed light summer shoes without socks and was intrigued by their description based on midsole and heel cushioning. Let me tell you this is the real deal. Probably the most comfortable shoes I've ever had. Cushioning and support are there, and the leather is as soft as a glove. I should add that I also tried the shoes in the darker Amaretto colorway and while the cushioning and support are the same, the leather is thicker and not as soft. The lighter shoes are made of super soft leather that feels great from day one.