These are my first pair of sport sandals with synthetic uppers that have the look and feel just like an athletic shoe.The thing I've noticed that really makes the difference with this type and style of sandal is the sox worn with them!Of course these can be worn without sox on, but would be more exposed to various elements and hazards without wearing them.Speaking of exposure, these are way better in toe protection and safer than open-toed sandals (i.e.; Tevas).I've owned a pair before that were prone to stubbing toes and having things fall from a table above and cause hurt feet down below!Teva sandals painfully come back to mind and those pair eventually succumbed to water damage and dirty soles to the point they were not wearable anymore. Although haven't worn them in yet, the Atika sandals seem quite durable and are economically priced. Would give these a Five Star in product design IF they had an adjustable heel strap (not stitched/sewn strap that is fixed in place to suffice as one-size-fits-all).On a side note - Don't know whether Teslagear is associated with Tesla motors (known for battery operated automobiles, reverse return landing spaceships, and high speed transit system currently in design/development stages). Awesome IF Teslagear is actually a subdivision of the auto/spaceship/travel company because these Atika sandals are Fantastic Futuristic Footwear!