It's real suede, not a man made fabric, which is one of the reasons I purchase them. I treated them with a brand name water protection spray before wearing them at all. They fit very true to size, to the extent that some people might wish they came in traditional half sizes rather than the European sizes. Their slip resistance is adequate, and the soles do grip the floor, but I am not sure I would wear/test them in a rainy day. They look very much like the very expensive brand they are... emulating. I have footwear from that brand and they are worth the money. However, I wanted to get a pair in this style in that brand but wasn't sure I'd feel comfortable with the look. Rather than going to the specific stores that may carry the expensive brand to try this closed-toe version, I figured I'd pay a fraction of the cost and 'test drive' these. I'm picky about shoes, like so many people, and I am very pleased with these. The feel, the look, the comfort is great. They don't look cheap and, if treated with a good water-resistant spray when they're new, I think they are a great value for the money. As for durability, I've only had them for a few months but I think they would reach the six month and one year mark if used and maintained carefully. However, as with many other types of merchandise, reviewing durability edges on guesstimating or trying to read the future, which I can't. I would have to wait and see and maybe update later on.