Comparing the Shoes

We have already touched on the difference in the price. What else is different? Let's take a closer look.

Size Availability

I immediately noticed a difference in size range when I went to purchase the shoes. I bought the Sketchers first in a size 1. They had 1/2 sizes available but we felt a size 1 fists the best. Then I headed over to the Base Exchange to buy the Empire shoes. These shoes had an odd way of doing their sizes. They had shoes that had 2 sizes on them. For example there was  10/11's 12/13's 1/2's 3/4's etc. I bought the 1/2's.

The Sketchers are 8 1/2 inches long from heel to toe and the Empire shoes are 9 inches long from heel to toe. So how does size effect the fit? The Sketchers have a much better fit because they offer a more specific size availability. The Empire shoes fit ok, they are a little loose but not so much that they don't stay on. The Sketcher shoe has a better shoe size selection insuring a better fit.

Elastic (holds foot in shoe)

One might notice that these shoes have no laces and they have an elastic strap on the inside to help keep them from falling off your foot. The elastic in the shoes also effect the fit as well. The Sketchers elastic is attached on each side of the tongue of the shoe. This elastic runs down to the sole of the shoe.  It is about 2 inches long  and 3/4 inches wide on each side. This makes for a good fit because the entire top of the foot is secure.

The Empire shoe has elastic as well but the elastic is secured differently. The elastic runs through the inside of the tongue and is attached to the side of the shoe.  The total amount of elastic they use for this is 3 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. The elastic does not give as tight of a fit on the foot.

The Sketcher shoe elastic is more sturdy and helps in providing a more snug fit.

Heel of Shoe

The heel fabric is also very different. The Sketchers shoe fabric is stiff and hard. The Sketcher shoe heel can not be folded. The Empire shoe fabric is soft and can be folded in half. When I walk, if the heel of the shoe slips off, the Sketcher shoe's stiff fabric rubs my heel. The Empire shoe's soft fabric does not rub against my heel. The Empire shoe heel fabric is more comfortable.

Sole

 

The height of the Sketcher sole is almost 1 inch and the Empire sole is also approximately 1 inch. This is good for shallow puddle stomping and light rain only. Both soles are non-marking but the tread is also different. The tread on the Sketchers is very decorative. There are hearts and a small section of rectangles. The Empire shoes have a tight zigzag pattern of tread on the bottom. The Empire shoe provides better traction.

The Sketcher shoe has better size availability and a better elastic system. The Empire shoe has more comfortable heel fabric as well as better traction.

Learning and exploring the wonderful world of science!