These are about the same shape as "Red Solo Party Cups" we all know and love. The 16oz ones are a bit smaller than party cups. They give a little when you grip them, but not as much as others. If you squeeze a red solo cup hard enough, it will break and rip. Not these ones, which bend, then bend back to their normal shape."Ultra clear" means almost as clear as a clean glass window. They have a minor blue-black tint at certain angles, but overall look nicer than normal "clear" plastic cups, which are cloudy in comparison.