I buy these Chinese velvet ballerinas in all solid colors for 20 years and this is the first shoe (gold brocade) with somewhat softer sole, which also has a different profile than any shoes I had. These have a round "studs" pattern. I have not tested it in wet conditions, but can not imagine that it's a little more comfortable. The closure on ankle strap is however difficult to almost impossible to adjust, what with all other shoes previously was not the case. The others were all set easily. However, it is not a problem as at me the attitude sits exactly in the right place. The color is great, it shimmers in all colors and fits almost all.