I totally understand your husband... I, too, wrecked a leg in a motorcycle wreck and one shoe would wear out faster than the other. More important, as the one wore out my back would go out of whack, so I'd buy a cheap pair of shoes twice as often. If he just wants the step-in feature but still wants cheap shoes, I suggest he visit Big 5 Sporting Goods. They sell step-ins, presumably of lower quality, but cheaper than Sketchers.