I bought these for my two year old granddaughter to wear to Disneyland. When they arrived I was very pleasantly surprised at how soft and supple the upper leather was. The soles are sturdy, but flexible so that little feet won't fatigue in them. She wore them with cotton socks and walked and ran in them with nary a red spot or blister. Her feet were cool as cucumbers when we took them off, and it was HOT! Best of all, they looked so cute with the flouncy dresses her mom had made for her to wear, while giving her the strength and comfort of a running shoe.