this rug is SOOOOO soft! It is exactly what we hoped for and more. Every person that comes into our home and walks on this rug in bare feet asks where we got it! It doesn't shed at all. It gives great vacuum lines. I was nervous about ordering a rug online without being able to feel the quality in person - but this exceeded my expectations. It feels luxurious under your feet and looks amazing in our livingroom. It flattened out right away and I bought an underlay for it, but didn't end up using it. Would highly recommend this rug!