The shoes fit perfectly and are comfortable as I am used to it by Birkenstock. The gray felt is pleasant and chic. The soles actually dampen slightly the transition compared to even the outside grade sole of my previous Birkenstock sandals. A pity, I find that the sock on the proven cork footbed is now made of microfibre, I prefer natural materials. Let's see how wearing the microfiber. Maybe she's the reason that this model was reasonably priced.