The part of the shoe between the toes has a leather band that was rubbing the skin off my toes less than an hour after I put them on. I usually have a problem with flip flop bands being too 'tall' (meaning my skinny foot can move too far up when I walk and they don't stay on) but these were actually squeezing my feet. I agree that the yoga mat ones are awful by water but I find these significantly less cushy. I would prefer a softer sole the 99% of the time I am not by water and use a different pair at the pool. I am going to see if they work for my sister. If not, they are being sent back ASAP.