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I feel like everyone recognizes this shoe. It’s iconic. For some people it reminds them of cutting the grass at 8 in the morning, or wearing waist high cargo shoes, tube socks, and sunglasses. But for the target demographic, these shoes remind them of comfort, reliability, and getting shit done.

As I’ve grown older, it feels like a there’s chemical in my head that changes my perception of these shoes from disgust, to acknowledgement, to curiosity, to an inevitability as I age. It feels like a naturally occurring phenomenon, similar to wrinkles and grey hair that science has yet to understand.

So, when I was needing a new work shoe, this shoe had such an allure to it. It looked like it would be money well spent. As long as I ignored the potential long term consequences this might have on me from a purchase.

So after a trip to the store and surrendering my cool card to the cashier, I am now the owner of the “get shit done” shoe.

— Preface —

Now, I’m not going to lie to you. So much of my knowledge has come from reading and learning about shoes before making this purchase. I’ve never taken shoes that seriously, so if you’re tired of reading from shoe experts, and just want the opinion of someone you’d see at the grocery store, I think you’re in the right place.

So, let me start by saying that there is not a shoe of this quality in this price bracket (at least from my search). There are definitely better shoes out there, but you won’t find better materials or build quality from another major shoe manufacture at this price point ($74.99).

The leather top actually makes a huge difference in what if feels like I'm paying for. I've owned other Adidas, Nikes and similar, and I've never felt like I'm getting my money's worth for how much I paid. I realize it's a pay-to-play world and $80 no longer buys a high quality shoe, but most shoes these days feel cheap and last as long as you'd expect them to.

— Feel —

Let me start by saying, these shoes are HEAVY. Not overly so, but there is a substantial difference in these and your typical running shoe. Even so, I almost find my self liking this aspect of the shoe. I feel like it's a light work boot, and as the “get shit done” kind of shoe, I found this to be an overall positive when wearing this shoe.

When I was looking at their sizings, I went for the wide variant of this shoe. It's one of the few shoes that seem to take this sizing seriously. There is plenty of room on the sides without losing the support and security of feeling like they will slip off. I used these for work where I'm on my feet for 4-8 hours a day and they aren't really to the level of Crocs, but they definitely get the job done.

My feet did hurt a little bit, but it wasn't from rubbing on the sides of the shoe, or from the back part rubbing behind my ankle. More just general standing feel, but quite great for the price of these things.

— Aesthetic —

Alright, so we move on to the aesthetics of these things. They're ugly. Even in the trends of ugly nineties shoes coming back. They are completely unshapely and demand the respect of the people around you with their dad aura.

Weirdly enough, I've gotten a lot of complements on these shoes, not only from dad's, but surprisingly the younger adults. I can't find it in me to agree with them, but there will be no complaints here when a compliment is sent my way.

— Conclusion —

So, let's picture you grabbing these shoes. You didn't have to spend almost $200 on them, so your bank account isn't going to be reeling from your purchase. The day is nice and you decide to get some lawn work you said you do a month ago. I've got to tell you that these shoes will have your back. You'll even unlock the classic “Dad” grass green stain on them. Maybe you have. All for the cost of your cool card. On the bright side, you might still receive random complements from other dad shoe lovers.

Okay, for a serious conclusion, I think you get a good amount of build quality for the price you're paying in today's money. Having actual leather on a shoe this price is virtually unheard of. They are comfortable enough to be standing on for hours at a time, and are durable enough to take outside and do yard work, or walking about. While I don't find any redeeming qualities in their aesthetics, I can't avoid the fact that they look well made like tanks.

If you're needing a work shoe, or pair that you don't mind getting dirty (that get shit done shoe) on a budget, I think these shoes will serve you greatly.

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