I only buy Ecco and Lowa shoes or hiking boots for a number of reasons; Most important among them is that they mold the soles from a hard polyurethane material, which makes the soles last a very, very long time. Injection molded hard soles last longer than leather uppers and probably at least 12 heel changes since I went outside. That compares to all those ultra light EVA shoes that last 4-6 months for serious walking. Second, the very well-made and comfortable leather upper and insole, and the fact that they slip inside make it easier to pass through security at international and domestic TSA airports. I now have 3 pairs of these casual/business shoes as I am in sales and have to travel to different parts of the world frequently; For example 7 trips to Asia in the last year. I'm 6 inches tall and 225 pounds so I'm not a small person. I've been wearing the last 3 pairs for over 6 years. I just replaced a pair with these Helsinki Slip-Ons. Others I have - Seattle Slip-On. that have been hired. These Helsinki shoes are just as comfortable from the start. The fact that I got them for over 25% off the regular list price just can't beat that. I haven't used my Johnson Murphy & Bostonian sneakers since I switched to Ecco ten years ago. Even when I speak to local ECCO outlet stores, they tell me that their top customers buy their shoes from UPS, FedEX, and US Postal workers are the ones who tell you about the comfort, durability and value you represent. to buy.