This rug is very soft underfoot, though thinner than some other rugs I've bought, but I expected that from other reviews. I am using it over basic beige apartment carpeting, so pile height is not an issue. The big thing to note about this rug--and other reviewers have said this--is that it looks quite different depending on the angle you see it in a room. In one direction, it has rich deeper tones and the other it is quite pastel looking. This was not a problem for me because my style is bohemian and I have a very eclectic mix of colors in the room so it goes great, but definitely take that into account if you are considering this rug. For me, just great!