Breathability is one of the key criterion for a comfortable pair of Mephisto shoes. Unfortunately, it's also the criterion that's hardest to evaluate.

Unlike things like size and material, it's not something that can be identified at first glance - or even the first time you wear your new footwear. Rather, it tends to become obvious only through time, and when/if you realize there's a problem, it's already too late to go back. That's why it's crucial to know what to look for prior to making your purchase.

To begin with, breathability evaluates how well a pair of footwear is able to dissipate or wick out moisture and odor. Ideally, shoes should keep the feet fresh, dry, and odorless.

Mephisto shoes include a special technology called Soft-Air Technology. Though its main purpose is to provide cushioning and shock absorption, it also contributes to providing ventilation. Most, if not all Mephisto shoes have this technology used in their construction. However, how effective it depends on other factors of the shoe, the most obvious of which is the shoe style.

It goes without saying that sandals are more breathable than hiking shoes. However, the technology tells you that regardless of style, the pair would provide more ventilation than their counterparts that don't have the technology.

Another thing to consider, which is not specific to the brand, is the material. Microfiber leather, a high-quality artificial leather, is one of the most breathable materials because there are ventilation "pores" evenly distributed on it.

In a test done by CHIKO Shoes, moisture was pushed through different types of materials using a special instrument to determine their level of breathability, and with microfiber leather, the moisture bubbles came out nice and evenly. Genuine leather was also found to be breathable, but the moisture bubbles were not evenly distributed.

On the other hand, synthetic materials like polyurethane (PU) and vinyl score very low with breathability. Unless they are used in sandals, your feet will likely drown in their own perspiration. Thankfully, these kinds of materials aren't used much by in Mephisto shoes, but just keep that in mind when purchasing from other brands.

Unless you've got tons of cash to spare and don't mind if you lose a bit here and there, the price is an important aspect of purchasing footwear. You might think you want to get the cheapest possible price, but in reality, what's more important is to make sure you're getting the most out of your money spent. That means having a high quality for a relatively cheap price.

Now, Mephisto shoes are relatively expensive. Some of their walking shoes cost more than the typical winter boots or hiking shoes, which are normally more expensive. To evaluate whether or not they are a worthy investment for you, consider the material and versatility of the shoe.

Mephisto shoes often use leather. This material is pricey since it is, after all, real animal hide that can't be churned out of a factory with cheap labour. Its development, acquisition, and manufacturing process is much more costly, and combined with a high demand, the price of the material is hiked up.

However, there is a wide range of benefits that come with it. The elasticity of leather renders it tear-proof, flexible, and supple. When used in the lining or cushioning, it provides premium comfort. Leather is also sturdy, heat insulating, and can regulate temperature, which is desirable in winter and hiking boots. This is just one example of a costly material that can offer priceless benefits. Other high-quality material examples include suede, sheepskin, and silk.

Versatility is also important because it determines whether or not your Mephisto shoes can be put to good use. Shoes that are expensive but multi-use are worth the money because they can fulfill the role of several pairs, saving you clutter in the closet as well as the energy to pick out and buy other pairs.

In terms of practicality, nearly all Mephisto shoes should be pretty versatile because they are all designed for walking and comfort. What you should worry more about is style. For instance, walking shoes of a neutral colour are more multi-use than burgundy dress sandals - whereas the first can be worn for long walks, streetwear, and maybe even semi-formal events, the latter would be reserved for formal wear. Therefore, pick footwear that can be worn for a wide range of occasions to make the most out of your purchase.

When out and about, make sure to keep your feet properly protected. Just like how you wear a helmet for bicycling, your toes must be kept safe to prevent potential injuries. This point isn't very important to consider when you're just running errands around town, but it is crucial when going for long walks, hiking, or when out in harsh weather or uneven terrain.

First things first: the toes. Toe protection is necessary for cold weather because it provides warmth and also reduces the pain when/if you stub your toe on uneven terrain. For hiking boots, a toe guard is preferable. For normal outdoor shoes, a covered toe should be sufficient.

If you know you'll be near water, then it's water-resistance you'll need to prioritize. Waterproof membranes in the uppers can protect the feet from getting wet, though the downside is that as effective as they are at keeping moisture out, they're also good at keeping it in - in other words, you'll sweat. Leather also claims to be waterproof, but if you know you'll be getting wet, rubber and other synthetics are more sure to be effective.

Another aspect of hiking boots are plates, which are semi-flexible inserts between the outsole and midsole. These prevent bruising from uneven rocks underfoot. However, this provides heavy-duty protection and usually isn't needed unless you're hiking.

Once upon a time, footwear was worn for the sole purpose of protecting the feet and making it easier to walk and get around. Nowadays it's also for style, which is why all sorts of unpractical yet oh-so-fashionables types of shoes have popped up (just take a look at stilettos).

The best thing about Mephisto shoes is that they attempt to combine fashion and practicality. The brand's products often have a sleek modern look and yet retain lots of practical features as well. At their core, each pair of Mephisto shoes is made to facilitate walking, and with the come and go of trends they have not only managed to keep that as an objective but also enhanced their products to both look good and feel good on your feet.

With that said, you've got to know which pair is suitable for you, your style, and your conditions. Though there are countless great looks, the looks are each suitable for different kinds of environments, and picking the wrong one could not only ruin your outfit but also make a bad impression by making you look out of placed and dressed inappropriately.

For casual, everyday occasions, sandals and sneakers are perfect. They have a laid-back feel and are super comfortable, so you can never go wrong with them on a lazy day. If you want to look a bit dressier, then men's slip-ons, boat shoes, Oxfords, and dress sandals are a good choice. The best thing about these dressy shoes is that they have hidden practical features too, so even if you're at a formal business meeting or in the office, you can always stay comfortable.

No matter how high-quality, protective, or stylish your footwear is, you'll never get a chance to feel their benefits if they don't fit well to begin with. A slight difference in size might just seem like squished toes or the occasional blister, but in the long-term it can result in foot fatigue and strain, which is never desirable. What's more, it will come in the way of you experiencing the other great features provided by the shoe, and will give you an inaccurate impression of what the shoe can really offer.

What's so difficult about sizing, especially when buying online, is that some shoe models do not fit true to size. They might run large or small, which means they could be slightly bigger or smaller than the typical shoe of that shoe size. Sometimes, the manufacturer will state sizing suggestions in the product descriptions (e.g. order half a size up) and you can simply order accordingly. They have a sizing chart on their website that lists the sizes in US and UK sizes compared to measurements in inches and centimeters. This way, you can simply measure your own foot and order accordingly. Here are some tips when taking your own foot measurements:

In short, to make the most of the comfort provided by your new pair of Mephisto shoes, it's crucial to ensure you've got the right size.