Comfortable, cushioned sole. However, the elastic is too, well, elastic. When you combine that with the angle of the heel and any actual movement then you have all comfort from the sole negated by the constant bracing of your toes to keep them from slipping forward and through the peep. It is a tiny bit like walking in those moon shoe toys which is fun for a moment until you actually need to walk and you're using muscles in your feet you didn't even know existed. These would probably be very nice without any heel height, but I don't think they look quite as funky and youthful in that style.