Last Tuesday morning, while browsing Amazon for budget-friendly athletic shoes that could handle both gym sessions and weekend errands, the Kricely Men’s Walking Shoes caught my attention with their bold colorways and surprisingly positive reviews. Mike here, and as someone who typically gravitates toward name-brand footwear because “you get what you pay for,” I was curious whether a lesser-known brand could deliver solid performance at this price point. That’s why I spent 4 weeks putting these through every test I could imagine – from daily walks to gym workouts to trail exploration. Here’s the unfiltered truth about what $23-50 can actually buy you.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $23-50 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: ~12 oz (men’s size 9) – heavier than typical running shoes
- 🧪 Midsole material: Basic foam cushioning
- 👟 Upper material: Knitted mesh with synthetic overlays
- 🦶 Sole material: Rubber with aggressive tread pattern
- 🏃♂️ Category: Budget walking/casual athletic shoes
- 🎯 Best for: Daily walking, casual gym use, weekend errands
- 📏 Sizing: True to size (some prefer 0.5 size up)
- ⏱️ Testing period: 4 weeks, 15+ sessions across various activities
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Upper Analysis & First Impressions
Right out of the box, these Kricely shoes surprised me with their solid construction quality – especially considering the budget price point. The knitted mesh upper feels more substantial than I expected from a sub-$50 shoe, with a sock-like fit that actually delivers on the “breathable and lightweight” promise. The mesh isn’t the premium athletic mesh you’d find on $150 Nike or Adidas shoes, but it’s genuinely breathable and kept my feet comfortable during hour-long sessions.
The colorways are definitely the attention-grabber here. I tested the blue gradient model, and I’ll be honest – these shoes get noticed. Multiple people asked about them during my first week of testing, which isn’t something that typically happens with budget athletic shoes. The design is bold without being obnoxious, striking that sweet spot between athletic functionality and street style.
Fit-wise, these run pretty true to size in my experience. I typically wear a 10.5 in most brands, ordered a 10.5, and the fit was spot-on. However, based on feedback from other users and my own testing, if you prefer a roomier fit or plan to wear thicker socks, going up half a size wouldn’t hurt. The toe box provides adequate space without being sloppy, and the heel lockdown is surprisingly secure for a budget shoe.
Support & Cushioning Experience
Let me be real about the cushioning situation. These aren’t going to compete with premium running shoes when it comes to impact protection and energy return. The midsole foam is basic – it provides adequate cushioning for walking and light activities, but don’t expect the plush, responsive feel of higher-end athletic shoes.
That said, for daily walking and casual gym use, the cushioning is totally acceptable. During my testing, which included 2-3 mile walks, light jogging sessions, and gym workouts, my feet felt comfortable throughout. The key is managing expectations – these deliver solid comfort for the price, but they’re not engineered for serious running or high-impact activities.
The support structure is where these shoes punch above their weight class. The heel counter provides good stability, and the overall construction feels more substantial than typical budget footwear. I never experienced the flimsy, unstable feeling that often comes with cheap athletic shoes.
Real Performance Experience
On-the-Ground Performance
After 4 weeks of testing across various surfaces and activities, here’s what I discovered: These Kricely shoes excel at exactly what they’re designed for – casual athletic activities and daily wear. The rubber outsole with its aggressive tread pattern provides excellent traction on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Whether I was navigating wet pavement, gym floors, or light trail surfaces, grip was never an issue.
The weight is noticeable – at roughly 12 ounces per shoe, they’re definitely heavier than dedicated running shoes. This actually works in their favor for walking and casual activities, providing a stable, planted feel. However, for extended running sessions, the extra weight becomes apparent. I tested them during a few 3-mile runs, and while they handled it, my legs definitely felt the difference compared to my lighter running shoes.
One area where these shoes really shine is versatility. I wore them for everything from grocery shopping to gym sessions to weekend hikes, and they performed admirably across the board. The breathable upper kept my feet comfortable during longer wear periods, and the durable construction showed minimal signs of wear even after substantial use.
Meeting Your Walking and Casual Athletic Goals – Does It Deliver?
For the target audience – guys looking for affordable, versatile athletic shoes for daily wear and light activities – these absolutely deliver. The combination of comfort, style, durability, and price creates genuine value that’s hard to beat in this category.
However, it’s important to understand their limitations. These aren’t serious running shoes – they’re walking shoes with athletic styling. If you’re training for a 10K or doing regular 5+ mile runs, invest in proper running footwear. But for casual joggers, gym-goers, and guys who need comfortable daily wear shoes that can handle weekend adventures, they’re excellent.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
– Outstanding value for money at $23-50 price point
– Eye-catching, unique colorways that generate compliments
– Surprisingly solid build quality for budget footwear
– Excellent traction on various surfaces
– True-to-size fit with comfortable, breathable upper
– Versatile enough for multiple activities
– Immediate comfort – no break-in period required
– Durable rubber construction that shows minimal wear
Weaknesses:
– Heavier than dedicated running shoes
– Basic cushioning system – adequate but not premium
– Limited arch support compared to specialized athletic shoes
– Colorful designs may not appeal to conservative tastes
– Wide foot wearers may need to size up
– Not suitable for serious running or high-impact sports
Performance in Various Conditions
Indoor Performance
These shoes excel in indoor environments. The rubber outsole provides excellent grip on gym floors, tile, and other indoor surfaces without being overly aggressive. During weightlifting sessions, they provided stable footing for squats and deadlifts. For gym cardio like treadmill walking or elliptical use, they’re perfectly adequate, though I wouldn’t choose them for serious treadmill running.
The breathable mesh upper really shines during indoor activities. Even during intense gym sessions, my feet stayed comfortable and relatively dry. The sock-like fit prevents slipping inside the shoe, which is crucial for any athletic activity.
Outdoor Versatility
Outdoor testing revealed these shoes’ true strength – versatility. On light hiking trails, they provided good traction and foot protection. The aggressive tread pattern grips well on various surfaces, from pavement to gravel to packed dirt trails. However, I wouldn’t recommend them for technical hiking or rocky terrain where you need specialized trail shoes.
Weather resistance is adequate for light conditions. The mesh upper will get wet in rain, but it dries relatively quickly. For serious outdoor activities in challenging weather, you’d want waterproof footwear, but for casual outdoor use, they’re fine.
Daily Wear Comfort
This is where these shoes really prove their worth. For all-day wear during work, errands, or casual activities, they’re surprisingly comfortable. The cushioning, while basic, provides adequate support for extended periods on your feet. I regularly wore them for 8-10 hour periods without significant discomfort.
The style factor is a real bonus here. These don’t look like typical “dad shoes” or generic athletic footwear. The colorful designs and modern styling make them appropriate for casual social situations where you want to look put-together without being overdressed.
Does Kricely Deliver on Their Promises?
Let’s examine Kricely’s key marketing claims against real-world performance:
“Fashion Knitted Mesh Upper offers snug, sock-like fit” – CONFIRMED. The mesh upper genuinely provides a comfortable, sock-like fit without being restrictive. It’s breathable and lightweight as advertised.
“Colorful and unique fashion design makes you the coolest person on the street” – MOSTLY TRUE. While “coolest person” is subjective, these shoes definitely get positive attention and compliments. The designs are genuinely eye-catching without being gaudy.
“Rubber sole possesses high durability” – CONFIRMED. After 4 weeks of varied use, the rubber outsole shows minimal wear. It appears built to last much longer than typical budget footwear.
“Slip-resistant and wear-resistant” – CONFIRMED. The traction is excellent across various surfaces, and wear resistance has been impressive during testing.
“Suitable for all kinds of sports and daily wear” – PARTIALLY TRUE. Great for walking, light jogging, gym use, and daily wear. However, “all kinds of sports” oversells their capabilities – they’re not suitable for serious running, basketball, tennis, or other high-performance sports.
The marketing is mostly honest, with only slight overselling of their athletic capabilities. For the target use cases, they deliver on their promises.
My Overall Assessment
After 4 weeks of comprehensive testing, I’m genuinely impressed with what Kricely has achieved at this price point. These shoes represent outstanding value in the budget athletic footwear category.
Detailed Scoring
Comfort (8.5/10): Excellent for walking and casual activities. The sock-like fit and adequate cushioning provide all-day comfort, though they lack the premium feel of expensive athletic shoes.
Style (9/10): The colorful, modern designs are genuinely attractive and get positive attention. They strike an excellent balance between athletic functionality and street style.
Durability (8/10): Impressive build quality for the price. The rubber construction and solid upper materials suggest these will last much longer than typical budget shoes.
Performance (7/10): Excellent for their intended purpose – walking, casual athletic activities, and daily wear. Limited by basic cushioning and weight for serious athletic use.
Value (9.5/10): Outstanding value proposition. At $23-50, these deliver quality and performance that typically costs 2-3 times more.
Versatility (8.5/10): Genuinely suitable for multiple activities – from gym sessions to casual outings to light outdoor adventures.
What Other Guys Are Saying
The community feedback strongly supports my testing experience. Users consistently praise the comfort, style, and value. Common positive themes include:
– “Surprisingly comfortable right out of the box”
– “Get compliments everywhere I wear them”
– “Much better quality than expected for the price”
– “Perfect for daily wear and light workouts”
– “True to size and well-made”
Criticisms align with my findings:
– “Heavier than running shoes”
– “Not suitable for serious running”
– “Basic cushioning compared to premium brands”
– “Wide feet may need to size up”
Multiple users mention owning these shoes for extended periods (one reviewer mentioned 3 years) with continued satisfaction, suggesting good long-term durability.
Value Assessment
At $23-50, these shoes offer exceptional value. To get comparable quality, comfort, and style from major brands, you’d typically spend $80-120. For guys on a budget who need versatile, comfortable footwear for daily activities, this represents genuine savings without significant quality compromise.
The cost-per-wear calculation is compelling. If these shoes last 12-18 months of regular use (which seems realistic based on construction and user feedback), you’re looking at roughly $0.05-0.10 per day of wear. That’s outstanding value in any footwear category.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
The Good: Outstanding value, attractive designs, solid comfort, excellent traction, true-to-size fit, versatile performance, immediate comfort, impressive durability for the price, genuinely breathable upper, positive social feedback.
The Bad: Heavier than dedicated running shoes, basic cushioning system, limited arch support, not suitable for serious athletic performance, colorful designs won’t appeal to everyone.
Who Should Buy the Kricely Men’s Walking Shoes?
Perfect for:
– Budget-conscious guys who need versatile daily wear shoes
– Casual gym users who prioritize comfort over high performance
– Men who want stylish athletic shoes that work for multiple occasions
– Light joggers and walkers who don’t need specialized running footwear
– Anyone looking for comfortable shoes for standing/walking jobs
– Guys who appreciate unique, eye-catching designs
Skip if you:
– Need serious running shoes for training or competition
– Prefer conservative, understated footwear designs
– Have very wide feet (unless you size up)
– Require premium cushioning and support features
– Need lightweight footwear for performance athletics
Better Options for Specific Needs
For serious running: Invest in proper running shoes from ASICS, Brooks, or New Balance in the $80-120 range.
For conservative styling: Consider Adidas Grand Court or Nike Revolution series for similar prices with more subdued designs.
For premium comfort: Look at Skechers or New Balance walking shoes in the $60-90 range for superior cushioning.
For wide feet: New Balance or ASICS typically offer better wide-width options in budget categories.
Final Recommendation
The Kricely Men’s Walking Shoes earn a strong recommendation for their target audience. At $23-50, they deliver exceptional value, combining solid comfort, attractive styling, and versatile performance in a package that costs significantly less than comparable alternatives.
While they won’t replace specialized athletic footwear for serious activities, they excel as versatile, comfortable daily wear shoes that can handle light athletic activities and look good doing it. For budget-conscious guys who want one pair of shoes that can handle multiple scenarios, these are an excellent choice.
Overall Score: 8.3/10
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these true running shoes or more for walking?
A: These are primarily walking shoes with athletic styling. While you can jog in them, they’re heavier and less cushioned than dedicated running shoes. They’re best for walking, casual gym use, and daily wear rather than serious running training.
Q: How do they fit compared to major brands like Nike or Adidas?
A: They run pretty true to size. If you wear a 10 in Nike or Adidas, a 10 should work well. Some users prefer going up half a size for a roomier fit, especially if you have wider feet or prefer thicker socks.
Q: Are they durable enough for daily wear?
A: Yes, the build quality is surprisingly good for the price. Multiple users report wearing them daily for extended periods. The rubber outsole and solid upper construction suggest they’ll last 12-18 months or more with regular use.
Q: Do they provide good arch support?
A: The arch support is basic – adequate for most people but not specialized. If you have high arches or specific foot issues, you might want to add aftermarket insoles or consider shoes with more advanced support features.
Q: Are they appropriate for work environments?
A: Depends on your workplace. The colorful designs make them suitable for casual work environments but might be too bold for conservative office settings. They’re excellent for jobs requiring standing or walking.
Q: How’s the breathability during hot weather?
A: The mesh upper is genuinely breathable and performs well in warm conditions. Your feet stay noticeably cooler compared to solid synthetic or leather shoes. However, in extremely hot conditions, no closed shoe will be as cool as sandals.
Q: Can I wear them without socks?
A: The mesh upper is comfortable enough for sockless wear for short periods, but I’d recommend moisture-wicking socks for extended use to prevent odor and maintain hygiene.
Q: Are they suitable for people with wide feet?
A: The fit is average width. Wide foot wearers should consider going up half a size or looking for brands that specifically offer wide widths. The mesh upper does provide some give, but it won’t accommodate very wide feet comfortably.
Q: How do they compare to more expensive athletic shoes?
A: You’ll notice differences in cushioning quality, materials, and advanced features. However, for basic comfort, style, and durability, they punch well above their price point. The gap isn’t as significant as you might expect.
Q: What’s the return policy if they don’t fit?
A: Check Amazon’s current return policy for specific details, but generally Amazon offers easy returns on footwear if they don’t fit properly.
Review Scoring Summary
| Category | Score (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 8.5 | Excellent for walking and casual use, basic cushioning |
| Style | 9.0 | Eye-catching designs, modern athletic styling |
| Durability | 8.0 | Impressive build quality for price point |
| Performance | 7.0 | Great for intended use, limited for serious athletics |
| Value | 9.5 | Outstanding quality for $23-50 price range |
| Versatility | 8.5 | Suitable for multiple activities and occasions |
| OVERALL SCORE | 8.3 | Excellent budget choice for casual athletic use |
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