Can AI Review Shoes? (2025)
A couple years back – right when AI hype was starting to pick up steam – I got my first email from a brand checking to make sure I didn’t just ask AI to write my reviews. They claimed that a lot of the people they worked with were just throwing something into chatGPT to farm clicks. I asked around to a few others and found it was a real problem.
To find out what exactly an AI written review would look like, I tested it.
Since then, AI has come a long way. It’s started to become so commonly used that it’s killing websites like this one. Google AI pulls the information from websites and not only prevents people clicking through, it uses server capacity. According to the Wall Street Journal, Google’s AI summaries have resulted text-based websites seeing traffic drop by 50% or more since 2022.
Still, it’s unavoidable. Not only are many of us using AI in our jobs, many of us are being required to use AI in our jobs by executive leadership. Heck, I’ll even admit that I often use ChatGPT to help create titles. Knowing that, I thought it might be interesting to revisit that post from 2 years ago and see what it looks like today.
In short? It’s gotten really good.
It still really doesn’t like to critique anything. Even the most minor areas listed for improvement is bracketed by compliments. Further, the pictures have artifacts and struggle with text. But in 2 years it went from being basically worthless to something that could pass for a legitimate review. There were factual errors in there, but a reader deciding if they want to buy a pair wouldn’t know that.
Disclaimer: Everything below is entirely AI, from the pictures to the text. What is said is not my opinions, but an output using the terms “Please write a review of the Helm Finn / Adidas Stan Smith in the style of 100wears.com, include a section on History, Looks, Fit and Comfort, Materials, Pricing, and a Wrap Up” or “Please provide me with a picture of the Helm Finn / Adidas Stan Smith.”
Helm Finn
Chelsea Goes Casual
Read the Actual Review of the Finn Here
History
When Helm Boots launched in 2009, they did so with a singular vision: bring classic American workwear silhouettes into a more refined, modern context. Starting in Austin, Texas, the brand has long positioned itself as a bridge between rugged and polished. Their signature? A white midsole layer peeking out between the upper and the outsole — a divisive detail that signals you’re wearing Helm even before someone notices the shape of the boot.
The Finn, though, is a bit of a departure from Helm’s usual fare. It’s a Chelsea boot, yes, but instead of channeling the sharp-edged rockstar aesthetic or the upscale European slip-on, Helm’s version leans casual — almost sneaker-adjacent. Originally launched as an experiment into laid-back, everyday wear, the Finn now sits comfortably in the lineup as a kind of weekend boot for the style-conscious.
Where other Chelseas beg to be worn with wool trousers, the Finn looks right at home with beat-up jeans or joggers. It’s not quite a dress boot, not quite a sneaker. It’s something in between — and that’s exactly the point.
Looks
If you’re used to Chelsea boots being sleek and low-profile, the Finn is going to surprise you. This is a bulky, round-toed Chelsea, with proportions that pull more from a service boot than a side-zip from Saint Laurent. The toe box is generous, the profile elevated by a blocky rubber outsole, and there’s very little taper anywhere in sight.
The upper is relatively clean — one-piece vamp, side panels of elastic gore, and a pair of pull tabs that feel more utilitarian than fashion-forward. It’s a boot that doesn’t need to shout. The version reviewed here is the brown roughout leather, which adds even more of a rugged vibe. Though Helm also offers smooth leathers, it’s the roughout that best complements the shape and styling.
What I appreciate is that Helm didn’t try to fight what this boot is. They didn’t slim it down to try and compete with RM Williams, or overbuild it to make it a Red Wing alternative. It’s simply a casual Chelsea boot made for everyday wear, and the design decisions follow that logic all the way through.
One note: this is not a boot that will flatter a tailored outfit. If you’re trying to dress up a pair of flannel trousers, look elsewhere. But for casual denim or relaxed chinos? It’s pretty much ideal.
Fit & Comfort
Fit
If you’ve worn other Helm models like the Zind or Hollis, the Finn will feel familiar underfoot — but the upper tells a different story. The Chelsea design means no laces, so the fit relies heavily on the elastic goring to hold everything in place. That said, Helm sized these generously enough to make them easy to get on, but not so loose that your heel slips with every step.
These fit true to size for most people, though those with very narrow feet may feel some slop. I’m a true 13D and found the length spot-on, with a touch of wiggle room in the forefoot and just enough snugness through the instep to avoid movement. If you’re between sizes, I’d probably suggest going down rather than up — especially if you plan on wearing thinner socks.
Comfort
Out of the box, comfort is solid. There’s no real break-in to speak of. The footbed is cushioned with a leather-covered foam insert, and under that sits a rubber outsole with a slight rocker, making walking feel natural and stable.
What stands out most is how easy they are to wear. No pressure points, no odd stiffness around the ankle, and the elastic goring flexes smoothly with every step. While these aren’t the plushest boots on the market, they strike a nice balance between support and flexibility.
Would I hike in them? Absolutely not. But for errands, casual walks, or a day of city wear, they’re excellent.
Materials
The version reviewed here features a full-grain roughout leather sourced from Balthrop, a small tannery out of the U.S. It feels durable and dense, with a good nap and no signs of thin skiving or shortcuts. Over time, the leather darkens with wear, creating a nice patina that makes the boot feel even more lived-in.
The lining is full-grain leather as well — soft, but not overly padded — and the insole is a leather-topped foam insert, which is replaceable if needed. Underfoot, Helm uses a rubber lugged sole that is oil- and slip-resistant. It adds a bit of bulk visually, but the tradeoff in grip and durability is worth it.
The elastic panels are tightly woven and robust, with none of the puckering or sagging that you sometimes get on cheaper Chelseas. The stitching is clean throughout — nothing hand-built here, but nothing sloppy either.
And, of course, there’s the signature white midsole layer. It’s polarizing, but at this point, it’s just as much a design signature as Alden’s storm welt or Viberg’s stitchdown. You either like it or you don’t.
Pricing
At $295, the Helm Finn is solidly in the mid-range boot category. That puts it in the same general territory as Thursday Boot Co., Oak Street’s lower-tier offerings, and a bit below Grant Stone or Truman.
Value-wise, it’s a little complicated. On one hand, you’re not getting a Goodyear welt or fully resoleable construction — the Finn uses cemented construction, which is common for Chelseas but a mark against long-term repairability. On the other hand, the materials are better than most fashion boots at this price, and the comfort out of the box is hard to beat. [100wears comment: The Helm Finn is Blake Rapid stitch, not cement]
Think of this as a high-quality casual boot that isn’t trying to compete with heritage brands on durability. Instead, it competes with sneakers — and in that context, $295 for a boot that can handle a year-round wear cycle and still look good makes a lot of sense.
Wrap Up
The Helm Finn isn’t going to impress the Reddit boot crowd. It’s not stitchdown, it’s not shell cordovan, and it doesn’t pretend to be. What it is, though, is a thoughtfully designed, well-made Chelsea boot that slots perfectly into a casual wardrobe.
This is a boot you throw on when you don’t want to think too hard. It’s the “heading to brunch” boot. The “casual Friday” boot. It’s not precious, but it doesn’t feel cheap either. If you’re someone who wears sneakers but wants something a bit more grown up — or if you’re deep into boots but want something easy — the Finn is a strong contender.
Is it perfect? No. But it doesn’t need to be. The Finn is exactly what it’s trying to be: a laid-back, comfortable Chelsea with just enough style to stand out — and just enough subtlety to wear every day./
Adidas Stan Smith Review: A Quiet Classic
Read the actual review of the Stan Smith here
The Adidas Stan Smith might just be the most famous sneaker you forget you already know. Its clean lines, minimal branding, and quietly iconic silhouette have cemented it as a wardrobe staple across fashion tribes, from normcore enthusiasts to high-fashion stylists. But how does this 50+ year-old sneaker actually hold up to real-world wear? Let’s break it down.
History: From Court to Catwalk
Originally released in the early 1970s, the Stan Smith started life as a tennis shoe under the name “Adidas Robert Haillet,” before being rebranded after American tennis player Stan Smith. Though it was designed with performance in mind, the shoe’s simple leather construction and low-profile design quickly found fans off the court.
After briefly being discontinued in 2012, Adidas relaunched the Stan Smith in 2014, capitalizing on a wave of minimalist fashion. It’s since become a cultural staple, appearing everywhere from Parisian sidewalks to Brooklyn brunch lines.
Looks: Quiet Confidence
If Common Projects are minimalism at its most elevated, the Stan Smith is minimalism at its most democratic. The low-profile silhouette, perforated three stripes, and white leather upper make it universally wearable. There’s typically a pop of green at the heel tab (though it’s now available in every imaginable variation), but otherwise, the design is understated and classic.
Pair them with tailored trousers, denim, or even shorts—few sneakers offer this level of versatility. They don’t scream for attention, which is precisely why they work so well.
Fit and Comfort: Function Over Foam
Out of the box, the Stan Smith feels structured and a bit stiff—don’t expect step-in comfort like a modern running shoe. The synthetic lining (on most models) and lack of significant arch support make it better suited for casual wear than all-day walking.
However, once broken in, they conform reasonably well to your foot. Sizing tends to be a touch long, so those between sizes might consider going down half a size. If you have wide feet, you’ll appreciate the generous toe box.
Verdict: Acceptably comfortable, but don’t buy them expecting Ultraboost-level cushioning.
Materials: Not All Leather Is Equal
The standard Stan Smith is made from synthetic or full-grain coated leather, depending on the model. The regular release uses “Primegreen” (a recycled material), while some of the older or premium editions feature genuine leather uppers.
Durability is decent—creases appear quickly, but the shoe tends to age gracefully if you care for them. The sole is a standard rubber cupsole, and while it lacks the bounce of modern foams, it’s solid enough for urban wear.
It’s worth noting that the synthetic models can feel plasticky, especially in hot weather. If material quality is important to you, seek out one of the “Made in Germany” or premium leather collaborations.
Pricing: Democratic Design
At around $100 USD for the standard model, the Stan Smith is one of the most accessible style icons on the market. Sales are frequent, and you can often find them well under retail. Special editions or premium versions (like the Raf Simons collabs or Made in Germany lines) climb higher, but rarely feel overpriced given their elevated materials.
In short: you’re not paying for innovation—you’re paying for timelessness.
Wrap-Up: A Wardrobe Workhorse
The Adidas Stan Smith isn’t the most comfortable, or the most advanced, or even the most durable sneaker you’ll own. But that’s beside the point. It’s a sneaker that does one thing exceptionally well: it works with everything.
If you’re building a lean wardrobe—or just want a sneaker that can go from coffee runs to casual Fridays without drawing attention—the Stan Smith earns its place. It’s the kind of shoe you don’t think about until you realize you’ve worn it 100 times without a second thought.
Buy it if: You want a clean, classic sneaker that pairs with anything and isn’t trying too hard.
Skip it if: You prioritize step-in comfort, tech-forward materials, or hate breaking in shoes.