Lug-sole boots, like those from Dr. Marten or Timberland, are ultimately too heavy to be comfortable walking shoes. That’s why we suggest CAT Footwear instead.
These hypebeast-worthy sneakers, made by the streetwear arm of Caterpillar Tractor Co., were surprisingly comfortable to walk in for upwards of 45 minutes during testing. I won’t pretend like they were nearly as comfortable as most winners on this list — but it’s incredibly hard to find a cool-looking sneaker that is supportive and comfortable, so the CAT Intruder is worth putting forth.
These sneakers are made with a soft EVA foam footbed that feels responsive and comfortable underfoot. However, they have beefy lugs to deliver that workwear aesthetic, and because of this, they felt a bit stiff after an hour. However, they are still far more comfortable than most street shoes.
One important fact to highlight is that they’re unisex, which means they aren’t specifically designed for a woman’s foot shape (which is typically narrower, with a higher arch and a mored tapered heel). That said, I think these actually fit women better than they would men. Unisex shoes usually cause female heels to slip out easier, but these shoes have a soft nylon mesh sock lining that’s padded at the heel. I loved how much vertical coverage and cushy support these shoes offered, so I never felt any risk of slippage. Still, they aren’t super supportive for high arches.
The Intruder Shoe is designed with upper panels of soft nylon that help to shave a little weight off and offer some breathability. Its exterior’s suede overlays are pretty pervasive across the shoe’s body. This add to their rugged aesthetic, but prevented them from being breathable. I didn’t have an issue with my feet overheating during testing, but that may happen at the height of summer.
All in all, if you’re looking for max comfort, this shoe isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a trendy silhouette that’ll be far more comfortable to walk in than most other options, the CAT Intruders are certainly worth the mid-price point.
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