I have not experienced the problems some reviewers have written about. I've worn this model for a dozen or so years without issues. I am very hard on my shoes and a pair does not last more than a year with daily use. They may be slightly less padded than in the past but are still comfortable. They polish up fine. The inserts they come with are OK, but after a few months I replace the inserts to provide a little more comfort. I've had no sole separation, no stitching unraveling, no eyelet braking. They fit as expected and have adequate width. Good solid utilitarian shoe.