Pretty much every pair of Sketchers shoes now has memory foam soles and everyone seems to think they are great but I hate them.
They are really hot, the foam is like a layer of insulation.
The top of the memory foam soles is somewhat elastic so it’s really smooth and slippery so your socks slide around inside
They are no more comfortable than regular shoes and in fact I think they provide less arch support since they are squishy compared to shoes with harder foam.
And most of all the memory foam gets smashed and wears out in no time with some shoes having the foam glued in so replacing the insole is impossible.
I just can’t fathom how they are so popular.
Memory foam shoes are terrible for the environment too. Natural cork soles do just as well of a job for 99% of people and are actually biodegradable. Memory foam is more comfortable out the box but gets worn out within months and is usually non-replaceable.
A nurse friend of mine told me that Sketcher are one of the most popular shoes in that profession. He recommended them if you had to be on your feet a lot.
Memory foam anything is terrible.
This is why barefoot shoes exist, e.g. Vivobarefoot. Thin, puncture-resistant soles that prevent puncture and slice damage while still allowing your feet to remain connected with the ground and get stronger.
Hadn’t heard of those, they look comfy at least, although I’m not sure if I would call that barefoot, but of course I haven’t tried them
I’ve lived in 7 US cities and I wouldn’t go barefoot in any of them. I like socks. They keep my feet warm and my shoes from stinking. I require support in most shoes due to a plantar fasciitis injury and my knees appreciate the extra shock absorption from shoes. I also work in a place that requires proper foot protection. This isn’t something everyone can or should do.
I don’t have am answer why, but my feet hurt like hell after a day of standing around or walking without the memory foam. I’m trying to find a good pair of professional looking shoes that fit like Sketcher memory foam actually.
If you’d like to try the barefoot concept of shoe, Carrots (Edit: Carets) shoes make really nice dress-style barefoot shoes.
Sketchers make loafers and other “professional” type shoes. I wore a brown leather pair everyday for 8 years when I was still in an office.
