These are great for walking around campus all day or going exploring. The only ground I found uncomfortable in these was a rocky beach, but then that's not really comfortable in any shoe. My main problem with them is that if there's any water on the ground, your feet will become soaked, and if it's chilly, your feet will freeze (even with socks). This limits their utility to warm, dry days, although they are fine as beach or pool shoes. If they do get wet and/or smelly, you can toss them in the washer and dryer (I'd stick with cold/cool water and low heat).<br /><br />If you're wearing this type of shoe for the first time, i.e. with very thin soles and no support, ease into it. I made the mistake of jumping into it, walking around in them for hours everyday... It was painful for a week or two.