World Balance EasySoft Waterproof Office/School Shoes

As early 2013, the EasySoft shoes have been available locally but it was only this month that the brand caught my attention. I may have came across them before, but the style options were initially limited (mostly loafers) and not my type.

I came across the shoes in the suggested items from the Lazada app. The low price of P399.75 for a decent looking pair of office/school shoes intrigued me. While there was no mention of any leather material (genuine or synthetic), it's hard not to expect from the pictures. The ad indicated that the shoes are made from Vicrotech, but what is it? Why is it so inexpensive?

After a few searches on Google, I found out that it's not made from the usual shoe materials and does not undergo the normal shoe manufacturing process. There is no leather, wood, cloth or the likes. There was no need to hammer, dye or sew. They have made the manufacturing as simple as injecting the VicroTech into a mold, let it harden and remove it from the mold. That means the upper and the sole are made from the same continuous material. It's similar to the process of making plastic toys, like doll shoes. That explains the cost. The insole is separate, though. Some styles have shoe laces that also has to be attached manually. 

Despite the material and manufacturing process, the shoe doesn't look like a toy. It looks like a leather shoe. It doesn't feel like one, though. It feels like silicon or rubber. If worn with appropriate socks, the shoes feels comfortable. The flexible Vicrotech bends with the foot. The manufacturer also claims some shock absorbing properties of the shoe. The best part is it is waterproof.

EasySoft Rome model

While the ingenious shoe manufacturing process allows the price to be lowered, the injection molding process leaves unwanted witness marks on some models. Models with more fake stitches are usually free from these marks. Despite the marks, I still bought the Rome model as the marks are negligible. The sole is thin compared to the heel, thinner than rubber slippers. This makes it uncomfortable when walking on rocky surface. The wearer will feel the rocky surface he/she will step on. I believe that we can still criticize the things we support.

Although I saw the shoes at Lazada, I opted to buy from a physical store to get the right fit. I'm satisfied with this shoe. I will probably buy again if I find a style to my liking.


UPDATE AFTER 1 YEAR AND 1 MONTH:

The left shoe developed a tear as shown in the picture below. I used this pair for about 3 times a week and I'm satisfied with the durability knowing the price. I decided to buy another pair of the same model. The price has increased to PhP499.75. That's a 100 pesos (or 25%) increase in 1 year!