Some of the 3 star reviews on these shoes imply mediocrity.  I don't think that is the case.  They are very comfortable and appear to be of very good quality.  Now if you want to pay $70 or more for Sperry, Sebago, or Rockport, be my guest.  But I think these shoes will last just as long.  As for the shoe strings, I would rather have these than the leather types which are always coming undone, and they are long enough for those who like to double-tie them. You can easily get in and out of these shoes like loafers, so leaving them permanently tied is not a problem. I never much liked Nunn Bush shoes before I bought this pair.  They never seemed to fit me right.  But these do. They are true to size.