Summary
The Reebok Work Women’s Soyay RB191 Safety Shoe had an old-school vibe that I usually see only on casual sneakers, so I was surprised to learn that it had a steel toe fitted discreetly into its stylish structure. I loved the deeply cushioned interior that surrounded my foot with superb plushness, allowing me to walk and stand in complete comfort as the padded interior softened the impact of my repetitive steps.
The steel toe enhancement kept my foot protected against hazards that can fall from high places but didn’t make the shoe look too bulky. I appreciated the secondary layer of protection against electric shock, as well as the breathable lining that prevented overheating even with continuous shoe use. We’ll examine the shoe’s components more closely to determine what gives the footwear its superb form and performance.
To keep up with challenging job settings, this shoe has the protective qualities that you’ll need while showcasing a low-key skater silhouette.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
I gave this shoe the highest rating as far as comfort is concerned because I enjoyed using it in different environments and didn’t encounter discomfort in any way.
I loved the liberally cushioned interior that hugged my foot with an almost luxurious plushness, cradling my foot so it was saved from feeling the unwelcome hardness of the floors that I walked on.
The thickly cushioned base supported my foot, so it maintained its proper alignment while I navigated different surface conditions in the work area.
I liked how the padding had enough softness to ward off the pain yet still managed to retain a supportive structure, keeping my foot secured and preventing it from sliding uncontrollably inside the shoe with every step.
The sponge rubber component in the insole added a bouncy feel that returned energy to my steps so it was easier for me to stay on my feet without feeling a great deal of pain.
The collar was just as generously cushioned, so my ankle was held very firmly in place. The padding protected it from accidental twisting as I moved over inclined or uneven spots in the workplace. Even the back of the ankle had ample cushioning, enabling me to walk naturally for extended periods without the uncomfortable chafing that can develop from shoes that don’t have enough padding in this area. The EVA cushion midsole added another cushioned layer from the bottom, soaking up most of the impact of my foot striking hard surfaces to protect me from intense pain.
I appreciated the footbed’s removable structure as it was quite easy to clean, enabling me to prolong the comfortable experience. I was expecting to feel the steel toe digging into my toes when I walked, so I was quite relieved when that didn’t turn out to be the case. The steel toe wasn’t obvious, and the only way I felt it was when I knocked or pressed firmly into the shoe – not when I was walking comfortably all day long.
The suede upper delivered all-day comfort by adapting to my steps, allowing my foot to flex naturally without being restricted by stiff materials. The upper flexed along with my steps so I walked almost effortlessly. After all, there were no hard components that would’ve dug into my skin from all around the shoe.
Weight
I assumed that this shoe would be much heavier because of the steel toe component, but I’m glad to be proven wrong. It’s not the most lightweight work shoe I’ve used but it doesn’t feel too bulky, either. I liked that it had enough heft to enhance my stability while I walked on tricky surfaces. At the same time, it maintained a minimized weight profile that didn’t drag uncomfortably on my foot even when I needed to stand or walk for a long time.
Traction
This shoe’s traction level was strong enough to sustain my stable footing on tricky surfaces. The slip- and oil-resistant outsole worked remarkably well to save me from slipping accidents as I moved over challenging surfaces while on the job. However, I realized that the traction level can still be improved because I didn’t feel the rubber sole powerfully gripping the surfaces I walked on.
Fit and Sizing
This shoe is true to its size. I chose my usual size 6, and I immediately enjoyed the wonderfully cushioned interior which didn’t feel excessively tight around my foot. The snug fit embraced my foot with a relaxing plushness, with the generous cushioning preventing pain from setting in even with prolonged shoe use. My ankle felt very secure as it was kept in a snug position, thanks to the thickly padded collar. I felt that my toes didn’t have a lot of room to wiggle in the toe box, but this didn’t result in any discomfort.
Waterproofing
This shoe isn’t constructed with waterproof materials, so I won’t recommend it to those who are working in exceptionally wet conditions. The suede leather upper won’t prevent water and other liquid substances from entering, so your foot may become uncomfortably soaked when you’re working outdoors in rain or in other environments that are exposed to wet elements.
Breathability
The suede leather upper didn’t allow a lot of air to enter the shoe. It didn’t have ventilation holes to allow hot air to come out, either. Luckily, it’s fitted with a nylon mesh lining that promoted a well-ventilated interior, evaporating moisture and allowing heat to dissipate. I appreciated how this lining worked hard to maintain the cool feeling inside the shoe – something that I enjoyed even more when I used the shoe for prolonged periods in humid or overly warm conditions.
Quality and Durability
I loved the skater silhouette of the Reebok Work Women’s Soyay RB191 Safety Shoe as it brought back memories of my high school days in the 2010s. The simple lines blend well with uniforms and different workwear, so I didn’t have any trouble maximizing this shoe in the workplace. At the same time, the shoe was versatile enough to be used with jeans and chinos, enabling me to transition from the job site to a more relaxed setting without worrying that it would look out of place. The design is equal parts chic and sporty, so it is quite easy to pair with a wide variety of outfits when I want to go for a laidback yet stylish vibe.
I appreciated the way the steel toe was fitted in, becoming virtually undetectable to retain the shoe’s streamlined design and preventing it from having an extremely industrial profile.
The steel toe cap offered lasting protection against impact and compression threats, giving me the assurance that my foot wouldn’t be seriously harmed in case these hazards roll or fall on top of the shoe. As the toe protection was concealed efficiently within the shoe, I didn’t feel it painfully digging into my toes when I walked for long hours at a time. I’d have to mention, though, that the toe box didn’t feel too spacious – but this didn’t negatively affect the shoe’s remarkably comfortable structure.
Speaking of comfort, this is where the shoe stood out the most. The interior had generous cushioning that embraced my foot with a soothing feeling, prolonging my comfort and warding off the pain of hours-long walking or standing. The thick padding underfoot cradled my foot with sufficient support to promote a stable walking experience while preventing pain from setting in. The sponge rubber heel delivered a bouncy sensation that returned energy to my steps, making it possible for me to walk comfortably for extended periods while avoiding a great deal of pain.
The slip- and oil-resistant rubber outsole helped sustain my steady gait on slippery and uneven ground, giving me the chance to walk safely without compromising my productivity in the workplace.
. However, I felt that the outsole didn’t bite powerfully into the ground, so I concluded that the traction level can still be improved.
I welcomed the sole’s electrical hazard protection that gave me the peace of mind of having a secondary layer of safety against electric shock if I accidentally touched an electrically charged object in dry conditions.
I noted that the laces didn’t have any plastic or metallic parts that may break off with long-term use, so this aspect is one less thing to worry about when it comes to the shoe’s durability. I just have some concerns that the suede upper may not be attached to the sole for long, especially with heavy shoe use while doing challenging tasks.
Other Versions
The Reebok Work Women’s Soyay RB191 Safety Shoe is available in black and navy colors. It doesn’t come in other versions.
The Challengers
The Fila Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Shoe
The Fila Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Shoe showcases a leather upper that’s equally bold and sleek, making it a great partner not only for uniforms and workwear but also for various casual ensembles. The lacing system features a combination of metallic eyelets and D-rings which allow you to more easily adjust the shoe’s fit until you get a customized feel, securing your foot in place while delivering superior comfort at the same time. The memory foam sock liner cradles the foot with enough softness to prevent pain from setting in. It conforms to the foot’s shape for an almost personalized sensation and soothes the foot’s pressure spots to stop blisters from developing. The collar has ample padding to keep the ankle in place, protecting it from accidental twisting while you’re navigating tricky surfaces. The thick sole has an aggressive structure that offers strong traction to help you walk safely on unstable or slick ground conditions. This shoe doesn’t have a safety toe, though, so it’s not the best option for hazardous worksites.
The KEEN Utility Women’s Vista Energy ESD Shoe
The KEEN Utility Women’s Vista Energy ESD Shoe is built with a static-dissipative sole that minimizes static electricity for a safer experience when you need to work in areas where there’s a risk of static electricity build-up. The mesh upper permits plenty of air to get into the shoe, keeping the interior feeling comfortably cool as excess heat is quickly dispersed. The metal-free construction makes this shoe suitable for exceptionally secured locations as the shoe won’t unintentionally trip off metal detectors that are in place. The durable construction can take on demanding tasks and work conditions without compromising its structural integrity. The composite toe cap guards the foot against impact and compression threats, keeping it safe from serious harm should these hazards suddenly fall onto the shoe. It isn’t as heavy as steel, so the shoe easily maintains its fairly lightweight profile that doesn’t drag the foot down with extreme bulk. The toe cap tends to press into the toes, however, resulting in significant discomfort that continues even when you’re not walking.
New Balance Women’s 412 V1 Alloy Toe
The New Balance Women’s 412 V1 Alloy Toe Industrial Shoe has an alloy toe cap to keep the foot safe from crushing injuries if you encounter compression and impact risks while working in hazardous surroundings. The safety toe doesn’t feel as weighty as steel, making it possible for this footwear to deliver continuous foot protection without the extreme heaviness of a steel-toed shoe. The EVA insole supports the foot with a cushioned structure that has enough softness to ease the discomfort of walking for hours, at the same time providing the support that’s needed to maintain a steady gait over varying ground conditions. The sleek profile can be mistaken for athletic sneakers as it looks great with workwear but also pairs nicely with casual outfits, allowing you to go directly from the worksite to a relaxing night out without needing to change your footwear. The slip-resistant outsole has a strong grip on different surfaces to help you move more safely over challenging ground conditions without losing your steady stance. However, the heel reinforcement tends to break apart easily, resulting in durability issues before long.
Caterpillar Women’s Connexion Steel Toe Sneaker
The Caterpillar Women’s Connexion Steel Toe Sneaker features a mesh upper that lets air move in to quickly dissipate heat, promoting a cool feeling for longer as the interior is protected from overheating. The athletic profile fits in with workwear but is also stylish enough to pair wonderfully with more casual outfit choices, allowing you to fully maximize the shoe’s aesthetic in and out of the workplace. The steel toe cap forms a protective shield over the foot so it won’t be crushed by impact and compression risks, making it safer for you to work in tough conditions where heavy objects may suddenly fall from elevated spaces. The contoured footbed follows the foot’s shape for increased comfort and support, maintaining the foot’s proper alignment while preventing the pain that can come from fallen arches. This ergonomically designed shoe also has shock-absorbing qualities that prevent foot fatigue by soaking up and spreading the impact that comes from hours of walking. Its slip-resistant qualities help you avoid slipping accidents when you’re walking over slick or unstable ground. The grey portion easily attracts dirt, though, so it may be challenging to keep this shoe clean for a long time.
Danner Women’s Run Time Composite
The Danner Women’s Run Time Composite Toe Shoe has an OrthoLite footbed that provides good cushioning to ensure that your foot will be cradled by soothing softness while you walk. This material has an open-cell structure that helps with air circulation, promoting a cool feeling for longer so that the interior won’t easily overheat even when the shoe is used for hours in humid or hot surroundings. The midsole acted as a shock absorber as it soaked up the impact that’s produced by repetitive steps and kept it spread throughout the footwear to prevent foot fatigue. The composite toe cap guards the foot against machinery, tools, and other heavy items that can unintentionally drop from high places. It prevents serious foot injuries without significantly increasing the shoe’s weight. It’s worth noting that this shoe isn’t generously padded and doesn’t have waterproof features, making it unsuitable for extremely wet work settings.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Reebok Work Women’s Soyay RB191 Safety Shoe offers excellent value for money, offering a lower price point than similar options while still having high-performance features. I liked how the skater sneaker silhouette channels old-school stylishness that can be maximized in and out of the work area. The steel safety toe and electrical hazard safe design offered enhanced protection against hazards in harsh work environments. I loved the wonderfully cushioned interior that delivered superb comfort even with all-day shoe use. I’m just a bit worried that the components may not be strong enough to endure heavy use for a long time.
