As a minimalist traveler, I’ve long been in search of the “perfect travel shoe”. Perfect is such a subject term because it will of course mean many different things to many different people.
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I contacted PlanetShoes.com with the following wishlist of features for my perfect travel shoe:
- Waterproof
- Stylish (this has been the biggest sticking point. There are plenty of light, waterproof boots available. But most look like rain boots, rugged hikers, work boots, etc.)
- Available in black and dark brown (to ensure they match just about anything)
- Relatively light (for comfort and packing purposes)
- Rugged without looking like a work shoe
Their response: the simply named Cushe Universal Traveller Baja Mocc WP. Sure the name ain’t pretty, but we never said that had to be a feature.
Cushe Universal Traveller Baja Mocc WP
The Skinny
PlanetShoes.com’s describes the CUTBMWPs (affectionately deemed “cut-bim-whips”) thusly:
In all your travels, through all the universe, you probably haven’t seen a men’s waterproof shoe as chic as this guy. Oh yeah, the Cushe Universal Traveller Baja Mocc WP has all the Cushe style you crave, all the urban-chic turned totally functional goodness you need for your life on the edge.
Set in a premium waterproof and stretchable mesh upper, this Cushe shoe does not mess around — it keeps water out and provides a flexible fit, and you’ll be able to get in and out of these puppies as fast as you need (and you never know what situations those universal travels will hold).
So slip into a pair of Cushe Universal Traveller Baja Mocc WP’s and let the journey begin, my friend.
In Detail
Bear in mind that this review is not to determine how much we liked these shoes for a specific purpose. It’s solely (get it?) to review how they rank for the title of … “Perfect Travel Shoe” [cue the triumphant horns].
Upon first opening the box, we found the fit and finish of the Universal Travellers to be extremely well-made. The materials used and the stitching/seams between these materials is particularly solid.
Let’s see how they stack up against our “perfect travel shoe” checklist:
- Waterproof: The upper is constructed with waterproof leather and a stretch mesh around back to provide a snug fit. Check.
- Available in black and/or dark brown: Check.
- Relatively light: At only 12 ounces, they’re indeed quite light. Given the heavy duty Vibram rubber outsole, we were pleasantly surprised by how light they feel. Check.
- Rugged without looking like a work shoe: They can clearly take a beating and they definitely don’t look like a work shoe. Check.
- Stylish. I particularly like their unique design, however I recognize that style is a matter of personal taste. My main requirement is that I be able to wear them: for a day of walking around the city AND at a decent restaurant anywhere in the world. For this, I would say: yes, they fit the bill. They’re certainly never going to be mistaken for classic dress shoes. But, the design is smart, minimalist urban chic (I’m going to slap myself for saying that). Paired with a nice pair of jeans or pants, I’d have no problem wearing them to a fancy meal out. Check (mostly).
Comfort
At first, I was a bit leery of the stretch mesh around the heel. It’s unlike any “normal” shoe that I’ve owned, but it allows for a perfectly snug (and still comfortable) fit. After a week of wear, I’ve found them to be perfectly comfortable. They’ve in fact become my “go-to travel shoe”.
Pricing & Availability
Available now in Black and Chocolate for $120 from PlanetShoes.com.
Bottom Line
With all of the above in mind, I’d rate the Cushe Universal Traveller Baja Mocc WP a 4.5 out of 5 stars as the “perfect travel shoe”. If the style was toned down even a bit more, particularly the sole, they’d be pretty much perfect.