The shoes are very ligth weight. The sole of them is sturdy but not too think. Very easy to walk in. They do also dry out quickly. I don't like to go barefoot in public pools and this solved those issues as well. No more worries about gettting a fungus from someone. We go in lakes and rivers often and these help protect again sharp objects like sea shells and rocks. They also come in handy when launghing the boat. The only thing I don't like about them is I wish they fit a little more snug on the top of the foot.