We needed a shoe that was dressier than a sneaker but still provided traction for running and climbing.  This is a nice looking shoe and according to my picky son it is comfortable to wear.  He usually wears Merrels or Geox and I found the quality of this particular Stride Rite shoe to be comparable. I found the quality of this shoe to be much better than the Land's End sneaker mocs which I was considering. I will update on wear after we've owned them for a while. I do not hink the picture does the shoe justice. I found it to be much better looking shoe than what was shown in the picture.