- Herringbone uppers are hemp, plaid uppers are 100% organic cotton
- Carpet padding midsole for comfort
- Constructed using water-based adhesives
- Recycled car tire and natural rubber with jute outsole
- Recycled PET and latex elastic heel
You've solved the mystery of combining eco-friendly construction with casual good looks in the Simple Gumshoe Men. The organic hemp upper of this men's slip on features elastic goring for a snug fit. Eco-conscious considerations include a recycled carpet-padding midsole, water-based adhesives combined with stitch construction, and a grippy sole made of a recycled car tire, natural rubber, and jute. This Simple slip on also has PET and latex elastic in the heel. You'll be a regular P.I. in the sleuthy Simple Gumshoe Men.
List Price: $ 59.95
Price:
Gumshoe vs. Sanuk,
The Simple Gumshoe is just that…..simple. It is a fabric loafer with a rubber sole made from recycled rubber (including tires). It is lined with a simple, almost fleecy fabric that helps avoid chafing and blisters. They almost look like bedroom slippers with a more rugged sole.
And that is their charm. They are comfortable, a little loose, with a very modestly padded footbed. They look great with jeans.
The Gumshoe reminds me a lot of the Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers. I’ve had several pairs of those in the past – they share the same kind of fit. The soles on the Sanuks are simply flip flop soles. They tend to wear out quickly – well before the upper has. I get about 8 months out of a pair.
The Sanuks – due to their foam sole – have more “give” and are thus are a little more comfortable (at least when they are new). The Gumshoe has a sole that is made from a harder rubber (again, like a car tire), so they have less give. The Gumshoe does have padding on the insole that helps a modest amount.
Neither shoe has arch support. The Gumshoe has a little bump for the arch, but with wear that mashes down, and they are then more like the Sanuks. Since I have flat feet, I find both of these shoes very comfortable.
I bought a size larger as many people have recommended. The shoe fits a little loose – like my Sanuks – which I like. I wouldn’t wear them on a 5 mile hike, but for everyday use – including walking a 1/2 a mile to the office – they are fine.
My hunch is that these shoes are ultimately going to hold up better than the Sanuks. If you are a big fan of Sanuks – you should consider giving the Gumshoe a try.
Was this review helpful to you?
|The Gumshoe is awesome,
I’d like to start this review by addressing Simple’s ‘Vegan’ philosophy. For those not aware, Simple manufactures all of their shoes in a non-animal byproduct super environmentally friendly way. This shoe actually features a bottom made from a recycled tire. I have to say that initially this philosophy had absolutely no impact on my buying decision whatsoever. I typically discount this kind of marketing as BS; just companies hopping on the green bandwagon because that is what is in right now.
The difference with Simple is…well, simple: they make a QUALITY product. Their shoes are well made and while I may reflexively dismiss environmentalism in a company I respect quality products. I also respect products made in the country by small companies. So the vegan philosophy didn’t win me just because it’s vegan. It won me because the result is a good shoe, made in the country by a small, locally owned company. Grand slam. Simple won a devoted customer in me.
On to the shoe itself. I purchased these after returning a similar pair of Sanuks to Amazon. I returned my Sanuks first because they were hideously ugly (the picture did not do them justice) and because the sole was a sort of cheap rubber flip-flop thing which was very uncomfortable. The Gumshoe has, as its name implies, a sort of soft gummy sole which is much more comfortable on my feet. The recycled tire bottom seemed kind of odd at first, but it functions exceptionally well and despite its light weight feels as though it will withstand long a series of hard days. All of that, and it’s a pretty stylish shoe.
The Only reason I am not giving it a full five stars is because of the fit. I ordered a full size up (13 from my regular 12) on other reviewers’ advice and it is just a LITTLE too big. Comfortable but a shade too large for me to feel truly secure wearing them. Unfortunately, there is no 12.5 available (though this is common to shoe manufactures. Lucky me.) and I am certain a 12 would be too small. So if you can get a half size bigger then do so. If not, I am personally well enough satisfied with my 13s to keep and wear them anyhow so consider a full size.
Was this review helpful to you?
|Top Quality Shoes!,
I love this shoe for the simple stance on recycling it takes… but once i got it and wore it i love it for it’s top quality & cute comfortable appearance. I plan on ordering one in almost every color! They run pretty true to size and trust me when I say, you can’t have just one pair! They have a very padded & soft foot-bed, and walking around all day in these is a great pleasure! plus you look cuter than all get out!
Was this review helpful to you?
|