These shoes are a great addition to my feral cat rescue operation! I finally had to retire my On sneakers, because they were just plain wore out! Holes on both sides of each shoe, and since they were made with a mesh material, the last thing I needed was more holes! My feet were already getting soaked on wet weather days, and everyday, when I would come home to hose off the cat traps. So the first thing I was looking for in a replacement shoe, that they be waterproof. Check, these Sketchers are waterproof. The next thing on my requirement list, they had to be slip-on. With the hours I keep rescuing feral cats, the last thing I want to do is have to tie my shoes. And traipsing through vacant lots, full of weeds and debris, I needed a shoe that wouldn’t require me to stop and retie my shoelaces, if they came undone. Check, these shoes answer that requirement too. I would like to add, as others have mentioned, “Sketcher, you missed an oppprtunity in design, you absolutely should had put a pull tab on the top of the tongue!” You will most likely have to use your fingers to pull the tongue of the shoe into the proper position, once you slide your foot into the shoe. But for me, that’s not a deal breaker, because of all the other features I get with these shoes. Right out of the box, I did notice that the shoe felt a little stiff around my ankles, and around my Achilles. However in a few days, I’ve noticed the stiffness greatly reduced. But, I’m in these shoes everyday, so my break in period, is probably accelerated! One thing that didn’t seem to need braking in, the insole, that seemed cushy right out of the box. These shoes give me a nice comfortable step every time. But, I would caution others about the soles of these shoes! I wouldn’t really trust them on inclines or declines. They are pretty much flat on the bottom, with no “real” tread. But for my everyday use, on pretty much level ground, they are perfect! And I am thrilled at the end of my cat rescue day, to come home and hose down the traps, without getting wet feet!!!! I love that part the best, I can just stand right there and blast away with the hose. Getting all the leftover wet cat food off the traps, and still keep my feet nice and dry! While I can’t speak to the durability of these shoes, because I haven’t had them long enough to review that aspect, I can speak to my experience with these shoes. And my experience, is that these shoes were a GREAT buy for my needs. And at a price point, where I don’t mind the abuse they take rescuing feral cats! Oh, I almost forgot to mention sizing! I listened to other reviewers, and ordered a 1/2 size bigger. And I’m so glad I did!!! I normally wear a men’s 7, but I bought these shoes in a 7.5. And they fit just fine, I’m sure my normal 7 size would’ve been too tight! So, if you’re looking for a reasonably priced, waterproof, slip-on shoe, give these Sketchers a try. I’m really glad I did, and sent the Merrell Mocs I also ordered, back! I got a way more comfortable shoe, that was actually waterproof, for half the price of the Merrell Mocs!
