As far as comfort these shoes give you that feeling like a pair of shoes that you've had for a couple of years that are completely dogged out and broken in but you keep them around for odd jobs such as cutting the grass, painting, etc. Now if you are looking at this shoe, it should be safe to say that you've owned a pair of Nike Aqua Socks. There is absolutely no comparison between the two. This shoe gives you superior ankle support and the sole is thick like a regular tennis shoe just incase you step on a piece of glass (try that in an Aqua Sock). And the drain holes are so cool. Just imagine you are leaving any theme park with water rides and walking to your car. By the time you get there your feet will be dry. With an Aqua Sock it'll feel just like that...a wet sock. And we all know how the Aqua Socks start to stink after a while especially when you walk around in them and your feet start sweating and you get in the pool then walk around some more with the chlorine and sweat and when they dry it's just awful. My last pair I had to leave on the balcony. The shoe has shoe string like a regular shoe so you have the ease of putting them on and taking them off unlike the Aqua Sock. Also the sole protects your toes so they won't get stumped. Even though Aqua Socks only cost $30 or $40 just keep in mind that you get what you pay for. This shoe allows your feet to breathe very well. And the drain holes have nets on the bottom so debris can not come up through the drain holes in the bottom of the shoe. And with that said I willnever buy another pair of Aqua Socks as long as I can get my hands on a pair of these. I wish they came in all black *hint*. I do not have anything against Nike. As a matter of fact, with the exception of these shoes and Timberland boots, all the shoes that I own are Nike. So if you area water lover, do yourself a favor and buy a pair. Do not worry about the price because you are going to love them. And if you should happen to wear an 11.5 and do not like them, look me up I might take them off of you hands if I should need another pair at the time. Oh yeah I almost forgot, they come in half sizes too!!!!