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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.