Tsubo Men's Spum

Tsubo Men's Spum   —   Other product page Rating:

This is the first time I've ever reviewed something that wasn't a music album, movie or book.  Suffice to say that I was inspired by the product, and it's good to know that I can formally review just about anything I want.



These are the new shoes I got to replace my Kenneth Cole Shifting Gears, which I had an unfortunate accident with a few weeks ago.  I wanted another driving-shoe-style casual pair that I could sneak on my feet into the workplace once in a while, and the Tsubo Spum seemed to fit the bill.  I screened them with Ina and Dave before I bought them, as I sometimes do when I have trouble making up my mind about something; it's good to get very different perspectives on clothes than my own.  Along with this review, I strongly recommend reading the manufacturers' description on the product page above.



Style is important to me, and these shoes definitely have that -- in spades. In fact, these are some of the coolest, most cutting-edge shoes I've ever owned.  They look nothing like anything else I've seen.  On my way to work today, an old guy on the Metro platform asked, "Where did you get those shoes?  Who makes them?  They are really nice."  And this was just the first day.  



But comfort is just as important.  These shoes feel really...weird.  I'm not sure if it's good, bad, or simply a matter of waiting to see what happens when I get used to them.  In any case, they are unlike any shoe I've ever worn before.  First of all, they are super-light - It feels like I'm not wearing shoes.  Second, it feels like I'm walking around barefoot thanks to the contoured, solid-rubber insole (and outsole) specially designed to relieve pressure and mold to your foot.  The question is: do I want to feel like I'm walking barefoot?  The shoe doesn't actually lack protection; the insole and outsole provide plenty of evidence to the contrary, and they seem to be able to take my high-impact steps pretty well.  But still, is this a good feeling?



And will I be able to last a full day walking in these shoes?  I don't know.  I guess I'll find out at some point soon.  Fortunately, the insole is completely removable...so if need be, I can take out the current sole and put in my typical arch-support orthotic or sports insoles. 



Right now, Tsubo seems to be making some of the sweetest 'kicks' on the market.  If you need anything from sneakers to business-casual shoes, they are a brand worth checking out.  Their attempts to re-vamp shoe fit and their fresh styles make me want to replace my other pairs of shoes with Tsubos based on potential alone.   

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