Very nice “jute” rug! I wouldn’t call it soft by any means, but it’s not too scratchy or abrasive feeling when you walk or sit on it, which I like. I haven’t really noticed any shedding yet, so that’s a big plus. My only complaint would be that I thought it would be bigger, but I guess that was my fault for not measuring my space beforehand! The 5x8 didn’t make as dramatic of an impact in my living room as I thought it was going to.