Looks as if it is coated in a form of rubber? Which certainly helps, when cables are not in use, to wind them up and store them neatly. Fit loafers are no eception to what I have come to expect from this line/style of sneakers. My comments about the sound remain favorable, but I have dropped my rating due to this build quality issue. Really comfortable with the soft footbed . Amazing earphones. I realize that in most worlds, these are expensive headphones. I paid about $49 for the pair & would definitely buy again. Ive had them for a few months now and can solidly say I will be ordering another set in other colors to change out for dressing up, but these are sleek and stylish! I didnt realize it basically looks like youre wearing a higher neck shirt under a low cut top. They did mesmerized us on a few albums but either the base or treble gets on our nerves.