SoftWalk

Rocklin

Women's

I ordered these in the grey color as I was looking for a neutral bootie for the fall. I have bunions and have decided that life is too short to wear uncomfortable shoes. I ordered several brands/pairs to try on. This pair was comfortable, good support with the built in insole (I was prepared to swap out with a 3rd party insole with more support, but found that I did not need to), and was very comfortable to walk in. I was pleasantly surprised that the sole, which just looks like a hard substance in the photo, is actually made of a more grippy, rubberized material that provides great traction and probably some cushioning when walking around. The suede upper is very nice, and I did not have any issues with accommodating my bunions at all. When I looked down at the top of my feet, they did almost look like jelly beans (rounded toe, oval shape overall), but this did not bother me. I would have kept them, but found another pair in a more neutral/tan/taupe color, which is what I really wanted, and the heel was slightly higher (1 1/2"), which is the upper limit of heel height for me to walk around and not have pressure on the joint of my bunion. So if I had not found these other boots (Dolce Vita Sutton), I would have kept the SoftWalks. Other boots in similar styles that I considered were the Eileen Fisher Knack Nu (I found these bordering on being "elvin-like" and the Blondo Villa (really liked that they were waterproof, but the heel was slightly higher, and I could just tell that my toes would be less happy at the end of a long day).

I really enjoy these boots, having worn them once -- they seem like they're going to be a peach to break in, the width is generous, and super stylish. But what I don't enjoy is the 'wood-grain' detail on the heel beginning to shred, discolor, and detach after ONE wearing on a normal, damp October day in Portland. No puddles, no major water exposure beyond wet pavement, no tumbles, just normal City wear over the course of four or five hours. And thinking I'd somehow managed to really manhandle them, while checking out the peeling I saw that the 'wood-grain' panels are all separate, and shoddily glued on. The inner (under the sole) piece was crooked, and already beginning to peel at the corners. For the price, and the boot shaft being real leather, I expected so much better. I've had shoes from Target and Old Navy (for 1/3 of the price) last longer. It's disappointing, and while I love the width, style, resilient heel, comfort and had planned to order a couple other colors in the same style, I'm now completely disheartened by the shoddiness of the construction.

I think these boots are really cute but I'm very disappointed in the quality for the price. As others have noted the heel is very cheap. I wore the boots maybe a total of 30 times (not even in a row, and doing what for me is intensive care of the leather by cleaning, lotioning, and water-resistant spraying after the equivalent of 1-2 weeks of use). The heel is already coming apart and the shoes have scuffed SOOO easily. I'm not wearing these to work on a ranch. I'm walking, sitting, or driving.

I didn't find these soft at all. Also, there is some funny looking white paint or something on the soles of the shoe and slightly on the upper shoe. I am sure they are for effect but not for me. Back they went.

Loved the fit, however, they have this white powder substance on sides and bottom. Cute bootie otherwise. Would have kept them but was leery of the powder.