I was very pleased to be able to purchase these on Amazon while we live abroad. My youngest kiddo loves her Natives and is in a growth spurt. I let her pick out her own color, and since there were so many to choose from she had a good time browsing. These shoes don't have a smell and they don't take on any foot smells when kids wear them. The perforated holes allow sweat to evaporate, but they also let in sand and dirt, so be prepared to wash the shoes every day. It's not a big deal and I have been encouraging my child to try to wash them on her own. They handle tough playground climbing and running like a champ. They are great for water play. She says they feel like the sole is soft/cushiony, but I don't know how to validate that assertion.When my teen was younger I dressed her in Crocs and Keens. Crocs weren't stable and Keens held water in the straps and were heavy. Keens were great at supporting little feet, which Natives don't do. Natives win in all other categories, PLUS my kiddo puts them on by herself without asking for any assistance. I will buy this shoe until she is old enough to decide they aren't fashionable.