The surface is slightly roughened and the color like it very much, although it was a surprise. I think that is rather dark blue than gray. I kept the slippers but because the color fits very well with jeans.
The reason for the low number of stars is the poor quality of the bond. Already in the first days of lint accumulated on the front of the shoe. The adhesive of the cork had somehow a mistake and collected several fibers of carpets etc. on. For this wish to the adhesiveness of cork seemed left. Within days, the cork began to unravel. In the many years that I now wear Birkenstock slippers, I do not have never experienced - at least not after such a short time.
I'll return the slippers. The dealer answered me immediately on my e-mail and the customer service seems to be very good.
