The shoes look great, you do not feel that would be Birkenstock shoes, but ordinary sneaker. The sole is fixed right, but I think for something "running" it is soft, just like the clogs. It's smooth light brown leather with textile Schnren plan. You sole is it made of cork with a fabric layer over it and cross strips of rubber, it feels less slippery as the rubber sole of the normal clogs. Too bad that I have to send them back, because they are my husband far too short, even though it also contributes in size 42 Birkenstock clogs. Customize probably a 40-41 (with me 40 adjusts the length quite good, but they push me at one point, otherwise I would keep for myself - are indeed men's shoes :-)). Nevertheless, a strong buy recommendation, they'll just 1-2 sizes larger order. The return is by the way not free (only from a value of 70) !!! The shipment took about 7 days (New Year's Eve was in between).