I picked up a pair of these earlier in the year as a gift for a friend and, although I usually stick to shelltoes, I have to say I nearly kept them for myself at the time. Nothing about this shoe feels cheap. The construction is solid throughout and the little flap that covers the laces is a nice touch especially since it's clasp locks tight with a neodymium magnet. With all that said plus the fact that there has been a significant price drop on this shoe in the last few months, you just can't pass on these.