Summary
The Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe caught my attention while I was looking for work shoes, mainly because of its good looks. What I discovered was much more than what I was expecting from a work shoe when it comes to comfort. I was a bit concerned at first that the leather upper might make the shoe uncomfortable since that was often the case with other leather shoes. Thankfully, the leather upper turned out to be quite flexible, enabling me to walk normally as I went through my workday since my movements weren’t limited by stiff materials. The breathable lining was another plus and a surprising element since I was expecting the leather upper to cause a bit of overheating, especially with long hours of continuous use.
I liked how this shoe had an air-cushioned feel, making it easier for me to spend almost the entire day on my feet without suffering from intense pain. The cushioned interior surrounded my foot with just enough softness and support to ward off the pain of being on my feet for hours. The sole had shock-absorbing qualities, cushioning my foot against the impact of every step to prevent foot fatigue from developing. The slip-resistant outsole kept my foot planted firmly on the ground, maintaining my steady movements across different surface conditions so I was able to easily avoid slipping accidents. In this article, we’ll discuss even further the details that make up this boot, uncovering the features that give the footwear its standout qualities while also exposing which components may benefit from some enhancements.
For long days of staying on your feet, this work shoe delivers a comfortable experience in a sleek package.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
I had a wonderful experience while using the Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe because it was a lot more comfortable than I expected.
It may not be the comfiest pair I’ve used but it’s definitely at the top of my list when it comes to comfort. It delivers a sneaker-like feel, helping me walk around naturally without anything getting in the way of my effortless movements. This shoe uses the same DMX foam technology that’s used in its line of basketball shoes, delivering long-lasting cushioning that wards off the pain of standing or walking all day long on hard surfaces. The foam is designed to be softer at the top to ensure that a comforting texture surrounds the foot, while the bottom part is constructed to provide strong shock absorption. The foam soaked up each step’s impact so instead of it being concentrated on the heel area, it was dispersed evenly throughout the shoe to prevent muscle fatigue. I liked how this foam structure resulted in a responsive platform, adjusting easily to my foot’s action to deliver cushioning and support exactly where they’re needed the most.
I loved how the MemoryTech foam sock liner created a soft base to cradle my foot. The material quickly conformed to my foot’s shape, delivering a personalized level of comfort that made it seem like the shoe was made just for me.
This conforming feature also helped secure my foot in its proper position, stopping it from unintentionally sliding, which might’ve increased the risk of my steps becoming unstable, especially over tricky surface conditions. The sock liner also worked hard to ease the pressure points on my foot, so it was a lot easier to prevent blisters from developing with long hours of use – which would’ve been a big issue if I used shoes that didn’t have a pressure-relieving footbed. The interior had an air-cushioned feel, making walking a lot more comfortable with a bit of bounciness that kept me on my feet for longer without experiencing pain. I welcomed the flexibility of the leather upper as well, as it increased my comfort and mobility without hampering my movements the way stiff leather work shoes can. The beveled heel was another enhancement that I truly appreciated, as it worked to minimize the impact of every heel strike, protecting my foot from feeling the intense shock that can be produced by walking on hard surfaces.
Weight
This shoe is very lightweight, making it suitable for professions and activities that require you to walk or stand for extended periods. I’ve used this pair for almost an entire day and I’m happy to say that my feet stayed comfortable, keeping me protected from experiencing the pain that can come from using heavy shoes. I was expecting the shoe to be weightier than it actually was because of the leather upper, and I was glad when my first impression turned out to be wrong.
Traction
The slip-resistant outsole offered a strong grip on different surfaces, keeping me walking steadily even when I needed to move at a rapid pace as my job required. This grippy outsole made the shoe feel more stable, giving me the confidence to walk over slick or uneven ground conditions without worrying that I’d easily slip in the process. The strong traction makes this shoe suitable for outdoor and indoor work environments that may be exposed to tricky surfaces, providing a strong enough grip to keep you walking safely and comfortably.
Fit and Sizing
This shoe is true to its sizing, eliminating the need to choose a size that’s different from your usual choice. I went for my usual size 10 and it fit me well. However, I felt that it ran towards the snug side – making it uncomfortable for those with wide feet. For me, this fit kept my foot secured in place for a more stable walking experience. The lace-up design made it possible for me to customize the shoe’s fit conveniently. The light padding that’s fitted into the tongue and collar contributed to the snugness of the shoe and at the same time helped maintain a secure feeling, preventing my foot from sliding accidentally inside the footwear for increased stability over a variety of surfaces.
Waterproofing
The shoe isn’t made with waterproof materials, so it’s not the most ideal option when your job or other activities require you to stay in exceptionally wet areas. However, the leather upper offers a bit of liquid resistance, preventing small amounts of liquid from quickly seeping in, so your feet won’t automatically become soaked in case of accidental exposure to wet elements.
Breathability
I was expecting this shoe to be a lot warmer because I know that a leather upper won’t allow a lot of air to get in, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover this shoe actually offered ample breathability. It’s worth noting, though, that this isn’t the most breathable work shoe I’ve tried. The leather upper has vents built into the structure, allowing air to get in to prevent overheating. There are also some sections of the upper built with mesh, encouraging more air to come in to help disperse heat and moisture before these can build up to uncomfortable levels. I liked the mesh lining that helped with good air circulation, promoting a cool feeling even with continuous use for hours.
Quality and Durability
I liked how the Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe combined the formal look that’s commonly found in leather work shoes with sneaker-like comfort, delivering the best of both worlds when it comes to the qualities that make up some of the best work shoes. The leather profile blends well with work pants, jeans, and chinos, making this a great choice if you’re after versatile footwear that can be maximized for different purposes in and out of the workplace.
I liked how the leather material also aids in retaining the shoe’s shape, providing the support needed to protect the foot from pain through long hours of use while maintaining the footwear’s strength.
The upper is fitted with overlays on the heel, quarters, and toe box portions, giving the reinforcement that’s needed to improve the shoe’s strength and resistance against scratches and other damage that may be caused by exposure to abrasive objects. The synthetic reinforcements also work to maintain the shoe’s structural integrity from the top, so you’ll be able to take full advantage of its functional and aesthetic benefits for a long time. I believe the stitches all throughout the upper contributed to the shoe’s durability as well. The vents on the upper allow a bit of air to come in, working with the mesh lining to prevent overheating, especially with nonstop shoe use in humid or hot settings. I loved the way the exclusive MemoryTech sock liner forms a welcoming cradle underfoot, delivering a customized level of comfort as it molded to my foot’s contours. This sock liner also worked hard to prevent blister development by relieving my foot’s pressure zones. The proprietary DMX foam is used in both the insole and the midsole, creating cushioned and supportive structures for continuous comfort. I appreciated the insole that had ample cushioning, cradling the foot with enough softness to ward off the pain of staying upright for hours. Meanwhile, the midsole was designed to deliver strong shock absorption, soaking up the impact of standing or walking on hard surfaces for long hours at a time so that leg and foot muscles won’t become fatigued. The beveled heel design also enhanced the comfortable experience by softening the blow of every heel strike, preventing the force from being concentrated on this area alone, protecting the foot from intense pain. The rubber outsole strongly gripped different surfaces with ease, allowing me to walk on low-traction ground conditions confidently without compromising my safety and comfort. The flexible sole didn’t hamper my mobility in any way, although I would’ve preferred a more robust construction that I think would last longer compared to this more flexible (and thinner) sole design. This shoe’s lightweight profile makes it an ideal choice for all-day walking or standing.
However, I’m concerned that the thin laces won’t hold up to long-term use.
Other Versions
The Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 with Laces is offered in black and white color options. It also has a version with straps and a hook & loop closure instead of laces.
The Challengers
The Skechers Work Malad Comp Toe Shoe
The Skechers Work Malad Comp Toe Shoe showcases a sporty look that goes great with jeans, cargo pants, and even overalls to give you a casual yet stylish look in and out of the work area. The upper is built with synthetic panels and fabric sections, creating a structure that offers superb flexibility to allow you to move as freely as possible. This flexible upper comes with heel and toe bumpers, increasing the shoe’s resistance to premature damage with exposure to rough or abrasive materials that can otherwise cause scuffs or scratches. The mesh sections allow plenty of air to enter, keeping the interior feeling cool for longer as pent-up heat and moisture are dissipated before overheating the shoe. The air-cooled memory foam keeps the air circulating inside the shoe while cradling the foot’s curves, resulting in customized comfort even as it relieves pressure points throughout the long hour of shoe-wearing. The midsole absorbs the impact produced by walking or standing for extended periods on hard surfaces, keeping this force spread throughout the shoe to prevent foot fatigue. The composite toe cap forms a barrier over the foot, protecting it from serious injuries with exposure to compression and impact threats. The shoe’s construction meets electrical hazard safety standards, delivering a non-primary level of protection against electric shock should there be exposure to live currents in dry conditions. However, the mesh and synthetic materials used may not be as strong as other materials – such as leather or ballistic nylon – and may get damaged more quickly as a result.
The New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer
The New Balance 624 V2 Cross Trainer has a classic sneaker silhouette that goes well with workwear but also looks great with jeans, so you’ll be able to enjoy this shoe in different settings. The leather upper protects the foot against hazards that may be encountered in various environments while offering much-needed rigidity to preserve the footwear’s structural integrity. The EVA heel pocket keeps the heel in its secured position, preventing it from sliding unintentionally inside the shoe to promote a stable walking experience. Meanwhile, the EVA footbed offers ample cushioning, forming a comfortable cradle to support the foot’s natural alignment while at the same time staving off pain with a comforting softness. The midsole offers additional support and cushioning, with the injection-molded EVA material providing a firm platform, retaining superior flexibility that won’t hamper your movements. Even with its robust design, this shoe maintains a reduced weight profile, aided by the EVA components that deliver superb performance in low-profile structures that don’t contribute significant weight to the footwear. The thick laces are designed to provide a convenient way of adjusting the shoe’s fit while offering enhanced durability at the same time. The outsole leaves a lot to be desired, though, as it only offers limited traction.
The Puma Safety Elevate Composite Toe Shoe
The Puma Safety Elevate Composite Toe Shoe offers superior comfort and increased protection in equal measure. Its knit textile upper lets you enjoy unhampered mobility, keeping you walking comfortably without stiff components to bite into your foot with every step. This material also permits air to freely enter the shoe, maintaining a breathable interior with quick heat and moisture dissipation to prevent overheating. The heel and toe areas are reinforced with TPU overlays, increasing the shoe’s resistance to abrasion and scratches that may be huge risks when you’re in tough surroundings. The evercushion BA footbed is designed to follow the foot’s natural contours for enhanced comfort, providing cushioning and support where they matter the most to keep you walking or standing comfortably for longer. The BreathActive lining moves perspiration away from the skin, enabling the dry foot environment to be maintained for hours to stop excessive foot sweatiness. The composite toe enhancement guards the foot against serious injuries that may be a threat when heavy objects are accidentally dropped or rolled onto the boot. The flexible midsole is built with anti-penetration technology, blocking sharp objects that you unknowingly step on from penetrating the shoe, protecting you from puncture injuries. The idCell technology offers strong shock absorption to prevent foot fatigue. However, the shoe only offers limited traction, so it isn’t ideal for slippery or unstable surfaces.
The Saucony Omni Walker 3 Shoe
The Saucony Omni Walker 3 Shoe is built with a durable leather upper that provides continuous foot protection against hazards in a given environment. The upper has a sleek finish, making it a great partner for workwear and jeans so you’ll be able to take advantage of the shoe’s streamlined look for work and leisure. The leather has a pliable nature that promotes effortless foot movements, allowing you to continue walking without rigid materials getting in the way of your mobility. The exclusive PWRRUN midsole gives a bouncy feel, bringing the energy back to each step to relieve pain, protecting the calf and foot muscles from becoming fatigued even with long hours of continuous shoe-wearing. The sole offers superior cushioning to cradle the foot with welcoming softness, at the same time provides increased support to promote proper foot alignment, keeping you pain-free all day long. The outsole offers good traction to help you maintain your stability over different ground conditions. However, this shoe feels heavy and bulky, so it isn’t the best option for those after lightweight shoes.
The Asics GEL-Contend Walker 2 Shoe
The Asics GEL-Contend Walker 2 Shoe is made with mesh and synthetic materials that allow increased freedom of movement, allowing you to walk comfortably without being limited by rigid shoe components that can also cause discomfort. The mesh panels let in plenty of air, working together with the breathable lining to promote good air circulation so that the interior will feel cool and fresh for longer, even with nonstop shoe use in hot or humid conditions. The OrthoLite sock liner conforms to the foot’s shape for personalized comfort while easing pressure points to stop blister development. The midsole that’s made with the proprietary AmpliFoam is designed to deliver remarkable cushioning and flexibility while also ensuring superb support for a stable walking experience. The heel gradient moves the body mass forward, minimizing the pressure on the legs to prevent foot fatigue. The outsole offers good traction, making it easier for you to walk on tricky surfaces without compromising your stable movements. It should be noted that the adhesive can be visible in some parts between the sole and upper, and this may or may not lead to durability issues in the long run.
Conclusion & Verdict
The reasonably-priced Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoe is a great option for those after great value work shoes that can be used indoors and outdoors. I liked the lightweight and flexible shoe design that’s a suitable partner for jobs or activities that involve long hours of walking or standing, since it doesn’t drag uncomfortably on the foot or hamper movements with unnecessary stiffness. I’m also a fan of the cushioned interior, as it prevented foot pain even with long hours of use. I just have some concerns that the thin laces might not last as long as thicker shoelaces. The shoe’s construction and snug fit also make it unsuitable for those with wide feet.
