Neeman's joggers review: Unique comfort makes these a worthy pair

I am not quite sure why these shoes are called joggers. They don’t even feel like shoes. The Indian-born shoes made from Australian merino wool looked so delicate I thought they would be perfect to pad about a hotel room in. But then I decided to step out in them to find out where they stand. 

Design 3/5

Indian shoes made of wool are unusual, to say the least. Still, the two-year-old Hyderabad-based company, Neeman’s, thought it was a good idea to make the shoe upper from merino wool and market it heavily even in the summer. Well, I can confirm that the pair does stay cool, just like they advertised, so much so that I wonder if they will provide any insulation at all in the winter. 

There isn't much more to the design than the wool upper, a rubber insole and a thin outsole with a diamond pattern for extra grip. The result: ridiculously lightweight, soft and eco-friendly footwear. The only downside is that they look like fur balls with awkwardly long striped laces. These are great shoes for various reasons, but let's not call them sneakers. 

Performance 4/5

I expected the shoes to rip apart over the course of this review. Two weeks later, I still find myself reaching for them over a dozen other pairs. I have worn them to work and to the gym — for yoga, weight training and light cardio — and each time I was too lazy to tie and untie the laces. The upper is breathable and surprisingly rugged. The wool did not disintegrate with rough use. The thin outsole, however, gives it a barefoot-style character, which meant that I had to negotiate rough surfaces with little protection. 

Verdict 3.5/5

These may be the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. But I don't think they should be worn without socks. They may not stink, but the inner wool is not as comfortable as soft cotton. For Rs 5,850 on discount, Neeman's joggers may not be things of beauty, but are worth every paise for their unique comfort.