I received these slippers from my husband when I was 9 months pregnant. They are backless, which makes them easy to slip on and off quickly in the middle of the night. The inner lining is very soft, but its cushiness diminishes as you use them. The soles are made of thick hard rubber (more like a men's boot than a slipper). This gives them a sturdy feel, but also makes them rather stiff and rigid for a house shoe. That said, I love the cable knit pattern, and, overall, I'm very happy with the slippers.