First Impression

At first glance, the afterburn shoe looked more like trainers or hiking shoes than work shoes. I assumed it would be heavy because of its bulky design – thankfully, I was proven wrong as it turned out to be amazingly lightweight. Aside from the minimized weight, another thing that stood out when I unboxed the shoe was its thick rubber outsole, which had a 1.7-inch height. The combination of materials on the upper resulted in a somewhat complex structure that was quite eye-catching. I also expected a lot regarding traction because of the thick outsole structure, and I wasn’t disappointed when I tested the shoe’s performance on tricky surfaces.

Material Quality and Care

The upper was made with leather, mesh, and synthetic materials. These high-quality materials created a sturdy upper that can last long, especially with proper care. I wouldn’t recommend using this shoe in wet conditions because the upper isn’t waterproof, and exposure to liquids can damage the different materials. Another layer of material, darker than the rest of the upper (for the pebble/black colorway, at least) was fitted to the tip to reinforce against abrasion. I discovered that the memory foam insole was glued onto the inside of the shoe, but I think it can be removed when a bit of force is applied. Meanwhile, the rubber outsole had a robust design that flexed easily and offered great traction. Even the laces were quite thick and looked like the ones on premium trainers.

Comfort & Fit

I discovered that the insole significantly contributed to the shoe’s total comfort. It was made with thick memory foam that cushioned in the most comfortable, foamy way as it molded to the foot’s shape. Underneath was a shock-absorbing midsole that soaked up the impact of every step, protecting against a tired feeling after hours of continuous walking. This flexible shoe didn’t restrict the foot’s movement, so walking felt natural and effortless. I appreciated how the upper and the sole flexed along my steps and didn’t get in the way of mobility and comfort. I also liked that this shoe was offered in extra-wide sizes, which allowed me to enjoy a roomy toe area that enabled my toes to wiggle comfortably. The remarkably lightweight design also greatly impacted the shoe’s comfort level. All these qualities added up to an excellent score in terms of comfort. I don’t often give a perfect score for footwear comfort, but this shoe deserves that top mark. I can confidently say that you can wear this shoe 12 hours a day or more and your feet would be fine.

Break-In Period

The shoe felt flexible and comfortable to wear straight out of the box. The upper was made with pliable materials that flexed along with my foot’s movements, and the rubber outsole also had a flexible structure even if it looked exceptionally thick. The shoe’s overall flexibility and memory foam insoles, removed the need for a break-in period, so I didn’t need to wait for a while to enjoy comfortable use.

Design & Craftmanship

Looking more like hiking shoes, this work shoe had a sporty vibe that I enjoyed at work and for leisure use. It looked versatile enough to be used on and off the worksite, allowing me to maximize this purchase. With more than ten color combinations, there’s a colorway for virtually any style preference and requirement. I chose the pebble/black colorway that looked much more interesting than the usual plain black or white work shoes. I discovered that this color combination looked great with beige and brown pants, but they also looked nice with black pants and jeans. I liked the design that looked more elaborate (and interesting) than other sneaker work shoes because the different materials created variable textures on the upper. Double stitching details on the upper gave the impression of superior quality and strength and, at the same time added a bold touch to the shoe’s aesthetic. What makes this shoe even more amazing is its affordable price and the outstanding value it offers, given the benefits of its comfy, sturdy design.

Weight

This is one of the most lightweight (non-safety) work shoes I’ve tried. I was surprised at how lightweight it felt because it looked bulky with the thick multi-layered materials on the upper and the thick rubber outsole. I’d recommend this work shoe for jobs and activities that require walking or standing all day because it doesn’t weigh the feet down.

Traction

The thick rubber outsole had a thickness of 1.7 inches, with pronounced lugs that had a strong grip on the ground. It can handle rocky terrains, and a decent pair of hiking shoes could, if not better. However, I noticed that the sole felt a bit slippery when I used the shoe on wet surfaces.

Safety Features

This soft-toe work shoe didn’t have safety features built into the structure. Without safety enhancements, this shoe is suited only for non-harsh work environments and casual use.

Water Resistance

The upper was built with non-waterproof materials that didn’t block wet elements. I tested the shoe’s water resistance by applying water on the toes, which quickly absorbed the liquids. The mesh sections also allow wet elements to get in, so this shoe definitely isn’t ideal for wet weather conditions.

Durability

The shoe’s solid build was robust enough to keep up with different activities in non-hazardous, dry environments. Strong stitching details secured the different materials together on the upper. If you wear this work shoe in non-harsh ground conditions and dry weather, it could last a long time – especially if it’s properly maintained. The rubber outsole also looked exceptionally hardy and easily took on challenging surfaces without breaking apart. I noticed that the shoelaces were also quite thick, functioning and looking like the laces on premium hiking shoes that stay sturdy even after heavy use and abuse in demanding settings.