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Welcome to Skimm Tested, where we put products to the test and then give them a report card. (Check out all of our tried-and-tested faves here.)
The assignment…
All over TikTok, these Dr. Scholl’s (Yes, that Dr. Scholl’s) sneakers ($70) were a packing staple for the walking wanderers. They sold out a few times and were on backorder. As someone who travels, walks regularly, and usually overpacks, I had to find out for myself if they were, in fact, perfect travel sneakers.
Straight A’s in…
Comfort. One of my favorite things about these sneakers was that I didn’t need to break them in. I popped them out of the box, onto my feet, and walked out the front door. They fit like they were made for me. Which could be because the inside has anatomical cushioning, so it actually does adjust to your specific foot for support. Plus, the outside soft faux-leather and the cored-out rubber sole make them super lightweight and flexible. Not getting any blisters from new-shoe syndrome was enough for me to love them.
Price. At $70, they are a great affordable option over other sneaker brands. And for how often I wore them, and how many occasions I could wear them for, I’d say they prove their worth.
Versatility: Usually with a “classic” white sneaker, you have to pick between comfort and style. If you want to bring sneakers on a trip, you bring a pair for walking and a pair you can wear with a cute outfit. But these can do both because of their simple retro look. The water-resistant faux-leather gives them a slightly elevated feel and the chunkier platform provides a little boost for longer dresses, skirts, or pants.
Room for growth…
Staying clean. Mostly regarding the rubber platform of the shoe. The top faux-leather part was easy to wipe clean, but the sole has become dirty over time. I managed to clean it a bit, but the color is definitely not as pure-white as it was before, and because it’s a platform, I feel like you notice the dirt more than you would on a different shoe.
The Dr. Scholl’s logo. This is nit-picky, but I would love the sneakers even more if the Dr. Scholl’s logo on the heel wasn’t as big. It would give the shoe an even sleeker look if the heel was just white.
Works best for…
The traveler who loves to pack a carry-on for trips, and needs a shoe that can work for exploring, lounging, and heading out on the town.
A capsule-wardrobe lover who is looking for a classic white sneaker to keep in rotation.
On-the-go moms who are on their feet 24/7, but want to look good doing so.
Gets extra credit for…
The anti-stinky-feet feature. They’ve got an antimicrobial, anti-odor insole that helps with sweaty feet and odor.
Eco-consciousness. The sneakers are sustainably crafted. The fabric toe box, linings, and topcloth are made from recycled bottles, while the heel counter is also made from recycled materials. Plus, they were shipped in an eco-friendly box made with soy-based inks.
How I did my homework…
I wore these shoes from the moment they came out of the box at least three times a week (honestly, probably more). I walked a lot. I’m talking through airports (yes, I wore them on a plane), while touring London, walking my dog, running out for coffee, and while out at night. I wore them for all types of occasions, and even brought them with me to wear during a work conference.
Footnotes…
Comes in eight colors (not just the viral white)
True to size, I’m a 8.5 and they fit like a glove
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