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.

    • robotdna@toast.ooo
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      4
      ·
      1 year ago

      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.

      • EddoWagt@feddit.nl
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        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

        • robotdna@toast.ooo
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          1 year ago

          The Primus outsole is around 2mm thick. It’s a night and day difference compared to a normal shoe. I actually think the whole “we need arch support argument” is sorta overblown because I have super high arches and had issues with my feet pronating in, putting stress on my knees, and since I’ve swapped things got much better. You change how you walk, so you don’t slam your heels down like most do, instead relying much more on Achilles and calf muscles. My foot fascia feels stronger as do my calves after daily walking in vivos, and this was noticeable a few months after swapping. The first week was the most odd, as you somewhat have to learn how to walk to not have as much impact (let your calves be the “spring” and land midfoot or ball of foot) especially on things like concrete.