The Skechers Nampa Slip-Resistant Work Shoe has a remarkably lightweight design that’s best suited for working on your feet all day. Its SRC slip resistance rating is outstanding, ensuring a stable stride on slick surfaces for improved safety on and off the work area. A sleek design makes this a versatile shoe that’s easy to pair with work wear and casual attire, and the availability in wide sizes is also a huge plus. Inside, a memory foam insole softens the blow of every step on hard ground to ward off discomfort.
Skechers Nampa Slip-Resistant Work Shoe Review
Can this Lightweight Work Shoe Compete with Classic Sneakers from Other Brands?
Performance Breakdown
Bottom Line
The sleek Skechers Nampa Slip-Resistant Work Shoe, with an all-leather design, offers versatile style and comfort. Featuring memory foam cushioning, reduced weight, and superior slip resistance, it ensures stability on various surfaces.
Pros
- Showcases an SRC slip resistance rating – the highest safety rating for outsoles
- Lightweight design that doesn’t pull down the feet with excess weight
- Memory foam insole creates a cushioned cradle to enhance comfort
- Available in wide-fit
- Versatile design for work attire and leisure outfits
Cons
- Not as flexible as other shoes in similar styles
Material
SyntheticBoots Type
Work ShoesSafety certifications
NoneWaterproof
NoSole
SyntheticSteel Toe
NoPrice range
$35 To $40Manufacturer
SkechersWeight
770 grams / 1.7 lbs. / 27.15 ozShaft Size
4 inchesSummary
Performance Analysis
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Following the wear-testing of the Skechers Nampa, we have thoroughly assessed its performance across key features.
First Impression
The shoe’s style reminded me of the classic sneakers from Nike, New Balance, and Reebok. I appreciated how the black color added to the shoe’s sleekness, which I assumed was best suited for indoor use. From the start, I saw that the materials used for this shoe were of high quality, including the synthetic, leather-looking material that was showcased in separate sections across the upper. Another thing that stood out from the beginning was the shoe’s lightweight design, which I eventually appreciated even more with hours of use.
Summary: This shoe’s classic good looks and solid build spoke of high quality, with a versatility that can be enjoyed at work and long after the day’s tasks are done. Its minimized weight also caught my attention and greatly impacted comfort.
Material Quality and Care
The upper is built with a synthetic material that mimics the look of real leather. It comprises different sections with various shapes and textures, with some parts feeling grainy and others having a smooth feel. For instance, the toe part felt grainy, along with the section on the side shaped like a rhombus and embossed with the letter S (for Skechers). The contrast created by the varying textures makes the shoe look more interesting without making the structure bulky. I noticed that the slip-resistant sole had a relatively foamy sole but wasn’t entirely flexible – which I think works to the footwear’s advantage in terms of durability. The insole was glued into the structure but can be removed and replaced. Given the quality of materials, I believe this work shoe can last a long time, especially with proper care and minimal exposure to the elements.
Summary: This work shoe had a solid build, featuring high-quality materials that can be expected to last long.
Comfort & Fit
Skechers advertises this work shoe as having a relaxed fit. Based on my experience, though, I would say it actually had a regular to snug fit – and I don’t even have wide feet. The good news is that this style is offered in wide-fit sizes, which would be much better for wide feet. The red-topped memory foam insole protected my foot from directly feeling the hardness of the floors I walked on. It had ample cushioning that made walking comfortable throughout the day, but nothing as advanced as the dedicated comfort systems showcased in other work shoes. It didn’t have an exceptionally foamy or shock-absorbent design, though, so it’s not as comfy as premium work shoes with these qualities. The memory foam insole was glued on but with a bit of force, it can be pulled and replaced as required. I liked the shoe’s lightweight design as it helped keep the structure as comfortable as possible, even after hours of continuous walking.
Summary: The shoe’s comfortable design was mostly thanks to the memory foam insole and a lightweight design. It’s not comfortably foamy since it doesn’t have high-tech shock absorption in place. It had a relatively snug fit, but wide fit options are available for wide feet requirements.
Break-In Period
The shoe was made with synthetic materials that were pliable enough from the start. Unlike thick leather that has to go through a long break-in period, this work shoe’s synthetic upper felt flexible and comfy enough to be used immediately after purchase. I assumed the sole would be very flexible, but it turned out to be less flexible than the soles fitted into shoes in the same style/category.
Summary: The synthetic upper felt comfortably flexible enough to be used right out of the box, but the sole lacked the remarkable flexibility I expected from similar sneaker work shoes.
Design & Craftmanship
I liked the timeless look of these work shoe. It resembled sneakers from Reebok, Nike, and New Balance, featuring a versatile design that paired quite nicely with work outfits and even casual attire. The different sections of synthetic material were strongly stitched together, creating an upper structure consisting of varying textures and shapes for an even more interesting aesthetic. The punched eyelets helped sustain the streamlined look, with thick laces complementing the entire look. Even with the non-leather upper, this work shoe still had a high-quality design that offered lasing performance.
Summary: The timeless design resembled classic sneakers from other popular brands, featuring a synthetic upper that looked and performed to a high standard.
Weight
One of the best aspects of this work shoe is its lightweight design. The relatively thin upper helped keep the weight down, and I believe the outsole’s streamlined structure also minimized the total bulk. I appreciated the lightweight profile because it made the shoe comfy enough for all-day walking and standing.
Summary: This lightweight work shoe felt comfortable enough for long hours of walking or standing.
Traction
The outsole had an SRC rating, the highest rating for slip resistance for outsoles. I tested the slip resistance by using the shoes on wet surfaces. I wasn’t disappointed because they maintained their anti-slippery design and continued to perform well on the tricky surfaces. Notably, the absence of large treads limited the traction level on unstable ground, making the shoes suitable only for indoor areas.
Summary: With the highest rating for outsole slip resistance, this work shoe is best suited for indoor work areas.
Safety Features
This work shoe didn’t have safety features like other work footwear, such as safety toes. That wasn’t a big issue, though, because the shoe was designed specifically for non-hazardous work environments – such as food service settings – where safety features would be required.
Summary: This work shoe wasn’t built with safety features because it was designed for use in non-challenging or non-harsh work conditions.
Water Resistance
This shoe didn’t have waterproof materials or a dedicated waterproofing system (such as GORE-TEX). However, I tested it with water and found that the upper was naturally water-resistant. I expect this water resistance to wane, though, especially if the shoe is constantly exposed to wet conditions.
Summary: This isn’t a waterproof shoe, so it’s best suited for dry indoor settings. It did have natural water resistance, although it’s not recommended for wet environments since it didn’t have a completely waterproof structure.
Durability
This was a well-designed work shoe, with a synthetic upper that performed well in various settings. It may not have top-notch materials like thick, genuine leather, but this isn’t a big issue since it’s designed for non-harsh indoor settings. It can last for a few years if properly cared for, and if it has a limited amount of exposure to rainy conditions and other wet environments.
Summary: This work shoe had a solid build and is expected to last long with proper care and without frequent exposure to wet elements.
Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 KC Shoe
The Reebok Work N Cushion 4.0 KC Shoe had a sleek upper made with leather and synthetic materials. Its distinctive design was a refreshing change from the usual lace-up style, featuring a hook-and-loop closure for more effortless shoe use that didn’t involve fiddling with shoelaces. This shoe retained its streamlined profile while adding an almost youthful vibe that didn’t affect performance. It was lightweight and flexible, so walking for hours at a time wasn’t difficult since there were no bulky, rigid parts that would cause discomfort. The mesh lining encouraged plenty of air to get in and circulate, leaving the interior feeling fresh and cool for much longer. It also dissipated moisture fast and prevented a sweaty feeling from developing. It’s worth noting that the area just below the straps sometimes feels too tight.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Skechers Nampa Slip-Resistant Work Shoe is a solid choice if you’re looking for lightweight work shoes that can be used indoors for long periods. Its design is best suited for service jobs, such as kitchen or food service industries requiring staying upright or walking for extended periods. Its features are quite basic, though, and there are better options from Skechers and other brands if you’re looking for more premium and more comfortable work shoes.
These boots are ideal for those who are looking for:
- Lightweight work shoes for use on slippery floors
- Working indoors in dry conditions
- Wide feet
These boots are NOT ideal for those who are looking for:
- Waterproof work shoes
- Safety work footwear
- Very flexible work shoes
Jobs That These Boots Are Ideal For
FAQs
- Does the Skechers Nampa Slip-Resistant Work Shoe have a version with a safety toe?
- No, but it comes in a Nampa-Wyola version with an electrical hazard-safe design.
- Is it safe to use on wet floors?
- Yes, its outsole offers outstanding slip resistance to prevent slipping on wet floors. However, since it’s not waterproof, the upper won’t protect the foot against becoming soaked by excessive wetness.
- Is the relaxed fit option suitable for wide feet?
- Based on my experience, the relaxed fit option feels a bit snug. If you have wide feet, I recommend getting wider options with more space, allowing the feet to spread naturally.
- Can the Skechers Nampa Slip-Resistant Work Shoe’s insole be removed?
- It’s technically non-removable and glued in place. However, it can be pulled out with some force and replaced if necessary.