The shoes that I wore on my Sri Lanka trip, although they were waterproof, very stylish looking and of a reputable brand (Timberland), they were the most uncomfortable shoes I think I've ever owned. Not wanting to suffer like that again, I bought these shoes just two days before leaving Bangkok. The are so light and comfortable that I feel like I'm walking on air. And now I can walk all day without my feet hurting. What a difference shoes can make!