I bought these after trying on similar casual shoes by Merril, Clarks, SAS, Dansko, Rockport, Redwing, and Ug. The only one that I felt had the same level of confort was the Dansko. But it was ugly, and was 2 1/2 inches high! I felt like I was unsteady in them... Like a man should feel in high heels!

I came across these on amazon and do to the cheap price I figured I would give them a shot. I had little hope that they would compare to the more prestiguous brands, but I was dead wrong. And frankly, I am happy to admit it.

Yes these look like clarks naturevelts and that is my favorite style, so that works for me as a plus. But strangely these half priced shoes are more padded and feel sturdier to me. These shoes are a little wider I think which allows a nice open toe feel. The leather is thicker than many other types I tried on, but is still very soft. I have very sensitive and picky feet so I can tell right away this is a high quality shoe. No rubbing or pressure spots, good support, and a price less then half of the others is too good to not at least try.

Upon reading the other reviews I noticed one state these shoes squeaked some. Mine have done so too, but oddly I didn't hear it. I could feel it on vinyl flooring. I asked my wife if she could hear that, and she said hear what? My hunch is that on a really sturdy surface the inner pad may shift on the sole of the shoe slightly. But if it does, I don't care. My foot doesn't rub, it is quiet, and so soft on my feet. The sole doesn't squeak against the ground at all if you were wondering as fearing that was a possible flaw, I tried in vain to make it squeak. Is it possible some squeak more then others? I suppose so, but mine are fine.

Given all I have said, I think only one thing really matters to perspective buyers... I will buy more in different colors asap. These shoes are fantanstic and I am very glad I took a shot on them.