I bought these for my daughter who is a student nurse. As she has very problematic feet after a bunion operation, these shoes are just what she needs when she is on shift. The mules themselves are the usual great Birkenstock quality.Supersoft leather on top, the cork sole has an extra layer of latex in between which is working like a shock - absorber.Walking in these shoes is very comfy and even after a 13 hr shift the feet are still not too sore.However, the infection control lady at the hospital my daughter is working is adamant that my daughter is no longer allowed to wear them because of the exposed cork!!!!! According to her the rist of infection is too high. She does however not see any problems with other nurses wearing trainers. Pathetic.