X-SCAPE BAJA Review: The Ultimate Water-Friendly Shoe with Eco-Friendly Comfort
Product Review Summary
For a water-friendly shoe blending comfort and style like Crocs or HOKAs, the X-SCAPE BAJA stands out. Crafted with high-quality, eco-friendly materials, they ensure durability with a lower environmental impact, all for under $100.
Ratings
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★★★★★
During a walk around Cape Town, the X-SCAPE BAJA shoes impressed with their quality materials providing exceptional comfort and breathability, whether worn with or without socks. The soft EVA collar, heel pillow, and anatomical footbed offered a snug, cozy fit. Their standout versatility, with non-wicking laces and quick-drying features, allowed for tackling various terrains without worry of wet, soggy shoes.
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★★★★★
Ordered in a US Women's size 9, these shoes fit true to size. The roomy interior comfortably accommodated thick hiking socks without restriction. For an optimal fit, order your usual shoe size.
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★★★★★
The X-SCAPE BAJA shoes impressed me with their water-friendly design during a recent dive trip. The drainage holes and breathable upper kept my feet relatively dry, while the non-wicking laces and soft foam collar provided a snug, water-resistant fit. Slip-on convenience is enhanced by the Sorona bio-based knit tongue. Made with eco-friendly materials, these shoes excel in comfort, versatility, and durability. Though not ideal for long runs or intense workouts, they're perfect for boat days or errands. Opt for Beige-White or Black-White over white for easier maintenance.
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★★★★★
At just $69, the X-SCAPE BAJA shoes are a steal, offering top-notch quality and features. Comparable to Crocs in price but surpassing HOKAs in affordability, they provide comfort, water-friendly design, and eco-friendly materials—all under $100, making them a fantastic value.
Pros:
True-to-size fit
Water-friendly
Made with eco-friendly materials
Affordable price point
Cons:
Not suitable for long runs or intense workouts
White may scuff easily, opt for Beige-White or Black-White for easier maintenance
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Deckers X Lab: What To Know About the Brand
Deckers X Lab is the brainchild of the innovators behind renowned brands like HOKA, Teva, and UGG. At the core of Deckers X Lab are three key principles: unparalleled dynamic comfort, elevated performance, and environmentally conscious products. Through collaborations with customers, they strive to develop solutions that enhance everyday experiences while prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Deckers X Lab X-SCAPE BAJA Shoe Review
I must admit, after years of being put off by Crocs, I recently gave in and discovered an unexpected love for them. That's why I was thrilled when I stumbled upon the X-SCAPE BAJA sneakers, which share a similar design aesthetic to my beloved Crocs.
The following is a review of Deckers X Lab’s X-SCAPE BAJA in a US Women’s size 9 and the color White.
First Impressions
This shoe first grabbed my attention initially because of the intriguing description that it was like a fusion of HOKA and Crocs. Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the soft and comfortable construction, with a thick sole reminiscent of HOKA and a perforated design akin to classic Crocs. As soon as I slipped them on, I was amazed by their exceptional comfort and was excited to put them to the test.
Quality of Materials
After taking the X-SCAPE BAJA shoes out for a walk around Cape Town, I was thoroughly impressed by the quality materials used in their construction. The sugarcane IM-EVA midsole outsole combo and molded upper frame provided exceptional comfort and breathability, whether I wore them with or without socks (I tried both ways). The soft molded EVA collar foam, heel pillow, and anatomical footbed hugged my feet snugly, offering a cozy and secure fit throughout my walk. What really stood out was their versatility – the non-wicking laces and quick-drying features allowed me to tackle various terrains without worrying about wet, soggy shoes, making them suitable for wear with or without socks.
Sizing and Fit
When I ordered the X-SCAPE BAJA shoes in a US Women's size 9, I found that the fit was absolutely perfect and true to size. The interior offered a spacious and roomy feel, comfortably accommodating even thick hiking socks without any tightness or restriction. If you're considering purchasing these shoes, I would highly recommend ordering your usual shoe size for an optimal fit.
Overall Design
The X-SCAPE BAJA shoes have been an absolute delight to wear -- but what truly impressed me was their water-friendly design. During a recent dive trip, I walked along the shore, and the drainage holes and breathable upper frame allowed water to drain out rapidly, keeping my feet relatively dry.
The non-wicking laces and soft foam collar contribute to the water-resistant fit that hugs my feet snugly, while the Sorona bio-based knit tongue makes it effortless to slip these shoes on and off. Constructed with high-quality, eco-friendly materials, the overall design of the BAJA shoes exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort, versatility, and durability.
While I wouldn't recommend them for long runs or intense workouts, these shoes are perfect for days spent on a boat or near water, or even for running errands in comfort. I would suggest getting a pair in a color other than white, such as Beige-White or Black-White, as the white option can show scuffs more easily, although they are easy to clean.
Value for Money
With a price tag of $69, I consider the X-SCAPE BAJA shoes an absolute steal for the quality and features they offer. Crocs are priced similarly, while HOKAs tend to be much more expensive. The fact that you get a comfortable pair of casual sneakers with water-friendly design and eco-friendly materials for less than $100 makes them an excellent value for money.
The Bottom Line
If you're in the market for a water-friendly shoe that combines comfort and style reminiscent of Crocs or HOKAs, then the X-SCAPE BAJA shoes are an excellent choice. What sets them apart is their construction using high-quality, eco-friendly materials, ensuring both durability and a lower environmental impact. And the best part? You can get your hands on these versatile shoes for well under $100.