It's a great looking shoe with a snug, supportive Merrell fit, but the more spongy part of the outsole is a very soft material that protrudes on the sidewalls and part of the bottom. There is some protrusion on the sides which makes the shoe feel like some of the cheaper competitors, but for the most part it's so soft that it's too easy to cut and scratch. The quality of the leather is amazing but I ended up coming back.