Are these the same type of cushion you'd feel from a pair of crocs or are they softer material?

No nothing like Crocs. They are extremely cushy. Really no support, just ultra soft. Like walking on giant marshmallows. I have a few Crocs and I prefer them over this slipper. My biggest complaint was that I couldn’t keep my foot from sliding through the toe opening. Returned them. Also, very unattractive especially if you wear a size 9 like me. Looked like boats.

Dear,you can wash them ,but the EVA material may shrink and deform at high temperatures, please do not expose them to the sun for a long time.

I wear a size nine womens . I have a very wide foot with bunions on both feet on each side of foot . These are very very wide . I had to size down because my feet flip flop in shoe. However, they are very thick and pillow soft . Much better comfort on bottoms of my feet .

my foot size is between a 5.5 and a 6, which this doesn't cover. should i go smaller or bigger? thanks.

SMALLER! I am the same and they fit more like a 6 wide. The 35-36 (4-5.5) is still a tad too big but you can follow the instructions to shape them down to your feet!