The shoes actually are mesh. The shoes in question come from the period after the introduction of mesh, but before the idea of mesh body parts had taken off. Mesh bodies were years in the future at that point.
So basically they are a shoe and foot combined. While that might appear to be a downside, it can be a positive ... because the shoe doesn't have to comply with a common foot (i.e. Slink, Maitreya, etc) it can look different to all the other stuff out there.
While they are no mod, they come with the most extensive HUD I've ever seen for a shoe ... the range of textures, materials, and options is really impressive and encompasses not only the shoe but the foot.
And they have great sentimental value.
I have plenty of other shoes, but these will always be my favorite.