I dont like thick shoe soles that contrast too much with the color of the upper shoe. It provides similar level of noise isolation as Shure SE215. This sandal is for light duty use. Hopefully this is the exception and not the norm. Also, it make the bag much more stable when you pull it on wheels, helps with the overall shape of the bag. I bought two pairs one for each of my girls and they are going in the trash! No shoestring to mess with makes for easy slip on slip off. I don’t like how it is kind of tight on my feet but I have wide feet. It may not be as pretty as those professional closets, but on a budget Id rather purchase more clothes, shoes, and hats with my money! Not only is does this case provide twice the durability, it has a lock on the side to prevent your AirPods from falling out and being damaged.