Review Skechers Men’s Selmen-enago Trail Oxford Hiking Shoe – Comfort vs Durability $55

Three months of testing different hiking shoes led me to the Skechers Men’s Selmen-enago Trail Oxford. Mike here, and after burning through two pairs of budget hikers that left me with blisters and soggy feet, I was getting frustrated with the whole “affordable outdoor gear” category. That’s why I spent 16 weeks putting these through every scenario I could imagine – from muddy dog walks to weekend trail adventures. Here’s whether Skechers actually delivered on their waterproof promises or if I got burned again.

Technical Specifications

• 💰 Price: $55 ()
• ⚖️ Weight: 1.2 lbs (men’s size 9)
• 🧪 Midsole material: Air Cooled Memory Foam
• 👟 Upper material: Leather/Textile combination
• 🏃‍♂️ Category: Trail Oxford/Light Hiking Shoe
• 🎯 Best for: Casual hiking, dog walking, yard work, wet conditions
• 💧 Waterproof: Yes (membrane construction)
• 👣 Fit: Relaxed Fit (wider than standard)
• ⏱️ Testing period: 16 weeks, 45+ outings, 200+ miles

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

Right out of the box, the Selmen-enago feels substantial – maybe too substantial. At 1.2 pounds per shoe, these are definitely on the heavier side for what Skechers calls a “trail oxford.” The leather and textile upper has that classic hiking boot look without the ankle height, and the build quality initially impressed me. The stitching looked solid, the waterproof membrane felt properly integrated, and that memory foam midsole promised all-day comfort.

The relaxed fit lives up to its name – these run roomy, especially in the toe box. I normally wear a 9.5 wide, but the standard 9.5 in these gave me plenty of space. The memory foam does create that “sinking in” sensation that some guys love and others hate. Personally, it took about a week to adjust to the feeling, but once broken in, the cushioning was genuinely comfortable for long walking sessions.

Trail Cushioning & Support Experience

Let me be straight about the memory foam – it’s a double-edged sword. During my first 3-mile trail hike, the cushioning felt amazing for the first hour. The foam contours to your foot shape, providing decent arch support and heel cushioning. But here’s what I discovered after longer outings: the memory foam doesn’t bounce back quickly like traditional EVA foam. After 90 minutes of hiking, especially on uneven terrain, my feet started feeling a bit “dead” – like the foam had compressed and stayed compressed.

The ankle support is minimal – this is definitely more of a hiking shoe than a boot. For well-maintained trails and casual outdoor activities, that’s fine. But if you’re hitting rocky terrain or carrying a heavy pack, you’ll want something with more structure.

On-the-Trail Performance

The waterproofing actually works – and that was a pleasant surprise at this price point. I tested these through several Missouri rainstorms, morning dew walks, and even a creek crossing. My feet stayed dry through 2+ hours of wet conditions. However, there’s a trade-off: the “Air Cooled” marketing is basically meaningless. These shoes run hot. On 75-degree days, my feet were sweating within 30 minutes of moderate hiking.

The tread pattern provides decent grip on most surfaces – packed dirt, gravel, wet rocks all felt secure. The rubber compound seems appropriate for the price point, offering reasonable traction without the aggressive lugs you’d find on serious hiking boots.

Meeting Your Hiking Goals – Does It Deliver?

For casual hikers and outdoor workers, the Selmen-enago delivers solid performance in specific scenarios. Dog walking, yard work, light trail hiking, and general outdoor activities – these shine in those roles. The relaxed fit accommodates wider feet beautifully, and the immediate comfort is real.

But here’s where I have to pump the brakes: durability is a significant concern. After 4 months of regular but not abusive use, I started noticing separation at the toe area where the sole meets the upper. This isn’t isolated to my pair – reviewing other user experiences revealed this as a common failure point around the 3-6 month mark.

Key Strengths and Weaknesses

What Works Well:
– Genuine waterproof protection for the price point
– Comfortable memory foam once broken in
– True to size with relaxed fit for wider feet
– Effective traction on most trail surfaces
– Good immediate comfort for casual use
– Reasonable value at $55

Where It Falls Short:
– Significant durability concerns with sole separation
– Heavy weight for a trail oxford
– Poor breathability despite “Air Cooled” claims
– Laces constantly come untied (common Skechers issue)
– Memory foam loses responsiveness over time
– Not suitable for technical terrain or heavy loads

Performance in Various Trail Conditions

I put these through Missouri’s diverse outdoor conditions – from Ozark rocky trails to muddy creek bottoms to suburban sidewalks. In dry conditions on maintained trails, they performed exactly as expected for a $55 hiking shoe. The memory foam provided adequate cushioning for day hikes under 5 miles, and the grip felt secure on packed surfaces.

Wet weather testing revealed both strengths and weaknesses. The waterproof membrane kept moisture out effectively during short exposures (under 2 hours), but the poor breathability meant my feet were soaked from sweat instead of external water. On muddy trails, the tread cleared reasonably well, though they’re not aggressive enough for seriously slippery conditions.

Winter performance was mixed. The waterproofing helped with light snow and slush, but the sole compound seemed to lose grip on icy surfaces. For mild winter conditions and indoor/outdoor work, they’re adequate.

Does Skechers Deliver on Their Promises?

Let’s fact-check Skechers’ marketing claims against reality:

“Air Cooled Memory Foam” – The memory foam part is accurate, but “air cooled” is misleading marketing. These shoes run noticeably warmer than traditional hiking footwear. If anything, the waterproof membrane and synthetic materials trap heat.

“Relaxed Fit” – This delivers exactly as advertised. The toe box and overall fit accommodate wider feet comfortably. If you typically need wide sizes, these might work in standard width.

“Waterproof” – This actually works as claimed, at least initially. The membrane construction provides genuine water protection for casual outdoor use.

“Outdoor” performance – Depends on your definition of “outdoor.” For light hiking, dog walking, and yard work, yes. For serious trail hiking or technical terrain, absolutely not.

The biggest gap between marketing and reality is durability. Nothing in Skechers’ messaging prepares you for sole separation issues that commonly occur within 6-12 months.

My Overall Assessment

After 16 weeks of real-world testing, the Skechers Selmen-enago sits in an awkward middle ground. The immediate comfort and waterproof performance justify the initial purchase for many users, but the durability concerns make it difficult to recommend without reservations.

Detailed Performance Scoring

Comfort (7.5/10) – Genuinely comfortable for casual use, but memory foam loses responsiveness over time. The relaxed fit accommodates various foot shapes well.

Waterproofing (8/10) – Actually works as advertised for light to moderate wet conditions. This was a pleasant surprise at the price point.

Durability (4/10) – The major weakness. Sole separation is a common failure mode that typically occurs within 6-12 months of regular use.

Traction (6.5/10) – Adequate for maintained trails and casual outdoor use. Not aggressive enough for technical terrain or seriously slippery conditions.

Breathability (3/10) – Poor ventilation despite “Air Cooled” marketing. Feet get sweaty quickly, especially in warm weather.

Value (6/10) – At $55, they provide good immediate comfort and waterproofing, but durability issues hurt long-term value.

Versatility (7/10) – Good for multiple casual outdoor activities, though not suitable for serious hiking or technical use.

What Other Hikers Are Saying

The user experience aligns closely with my testing. Positive feedback consistently mentions comfort, true sizing, and effective waterproofing. One tanker truck driver noted significant improvement in his Achilles tendinitis, crediting the memory foam cushioning. Multiple users with wide feet praised the relaxed fit accommodation.

However, durability complaints are widespread and consistent. Users report sole separation typically occurring between 3-12 months, with most failures happening at the toe area or heel. The pattern is so consistent that it appears to be a design or manufacturing issue rather than isolated defects.

The lace problem is universally mentioned – they simply don’t stay tied. This seems to be a Skechers-wide issue with their synthetic lace materials.

Value Assessment

At $55, these shoes occupy the budget hiking category where compromises are expected. The question is whether the specific trade-offs make sense for your use case.

Cost per month of use: Based on typical 6-month lifespan, you’re looking at about $9 per month for waterproof outdoor footwear. That’s reasonable if you accept the limited durability.

Compared to alternatives: Merrell or Keen equivalents cost $90-140 but typically last 2-3 times longer. The math favors spending more upfront if you use hiking shoes regularly.

Best value scenario: Occasional outdoor users who need waterproof protection and wide fit accommodation for light activities.

Final Verdict

The Good and The Bad

Buy These If You:
– Need waterproof shoes for light outdoor work or casual hiking
– Have wide feet and struggle with standard hiking shoe fits
– Want immediate comfort without a long break-in period
– Use hiking shoes occasionally (less than twice per week)
– Work outdoors and need affordable waterproof footwear
– Are okay replacing shoes every 6-12 months

Skip These If You:
– Hike regularly on technical terrain
– Need shoes that last 2+ years with regular use
– Require aggressive traction for steep or slippery conditions
– Want breathable footwear for warm weather activities
– Prefer responsive, energy-returning midsole materials
– Are frustrated by constantly retying loose laces

Who Should Buy the Skechers Selmen-enago?

The ideal buyer is a casual outdoor enthusiast who needs waterproof protection for light activities. Workers who spend time in wet conditions but don’t need heavy-duty boots. Dog walkers who want comfort and weather protection. People with wide feet who struggle to find proper-fitting outdoor footwear.

This shoe makes sense for someone who values immediate comfort and water protection over long-term durability.

Better Options for Specific Needs

For serious hikers: Merrell Moab 3 or Keen Targhee IV offer better durability and performance for $40-60 more.

For daily outdoor work: Consider actual work boots like Timberland Pro or Red Wing for longer-term value.

For breathable hiking: Adidas Terrex or Columbia Trail shoes provide better ventilation.

For budget durability: New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro offers similar comfort with better longevity for $10-20 more.

Final Recommendation

The Skechers Selmen-enago earns a conditional recommendation. At $55, it provides genuine waterproof comfort for casual outdoor use, with the understanding that you’re trading durability for immediate value. If you need hiking shoes occasionally and prioritize comfort over longevity, these deliver solid performance for 6-12 months.

However, if you hike regularly or need footwear for demanding outdoor work, the durability issues make it difficult to recommend. The math favors spending more upfront for shoes that last longer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do these hiking shoes typically last?

Based on user reports and my testing, expect 6-12 months with regular use. Light outdoor workers report 6-8 months, while casual weekend hikers might get closer to a year.

Are these true to size?

Yes, they run true to size with a relaxed (wider) fit. If you normally need wide sizes, try the standard width first. If you have narrow feet, consider sizing down a half size.

How waterproof are they really?

Genuinely waterproof for light to moderate conditions. I’ve tested them in rain, wet grass, and shallow creek crossings with dry feet. Not suitable for deep water or extended wet exposure.

Do the laces really come untied constantly?

Unfortunately, yes. This appears to be a consistent Skechers issue across multiple models. Double-knotting helps, or consider replacing with quality aftermarket laces.

Are these suitable for serious hiking?

No. They’re designed for casual outdoor use, light trails, and work applications. The sole separation issues and limited ankle support make them inappropriate for technical hiking.

What about the “Air Cooled” feature?

This is misleading marketing. The shoes run noticeably warm due to the waterproof membrane and synthetic materials. Don’t expect enhanced breathability.

Can I use these for work boots?

For light outdoor work, yes. Several users report success in maintenance, landscaping, and similar roles. They’re not safety-rated, so avoid if you need steel toes or electrical hazard protection.

How do they compare to Merrell or Keen?

Skechers provides similar initial comfort at half the price, but Merrell/Keen typically last 2-3 times longer. Consider your usage frequency when deciding.

Review Scoring Summary

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