I need a new pair of all the time shoes/boots and I'm fricking lost. In the past I have liked Merrel but the quality seems to be going down hill hard. They used to last me 2 years, now it's like 6 months. On the recommendation here I got some Doc Martins for my casual + office and I like them so far, and I'm hoping you all have some suggestions. I prefer the support of a low boot to sneakers, and I find myself "hiking" (around the suburbs or walking/playing with the kiddo) more than running. I'm hoping for something that doesn't look terrible with shorts as we're coming up on Texas summer so it's about to be hot as balls. I don't wear flip flops out in the world because of all the advice not to here and elsewhere. Is there something comfy, looks decent with shorts and jeans for my weekends, holds up to actually being walked in, and lasts longer than 6 months?
I wear Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX shoes year round. I find them very comfortable and durable so far. Going into my 2nd year with them. Paired with white socks, they look fine in shorts as far as I'm concerned. I'm not on the cutting edge of style though I'm not a shmuck either. I wear the plain black ones, but there's other colors available as well. https://www.salomon.com/caus/product/x-ultra-3-gtx.html?article=398672
I second Outbound's suggestion. However, they ran small for me - I'd order a half size up if ordering online. My favorite of all time were, amazingly, Hi-Tecs. I got their top of the line hiking boots in '12, don't remember the model. Got them from Big 5 on clearance - should have bought 2 or 3 pairs. It took me 3 years of almost daily wear on city streets during the weekend & playing in the woods on the weekends to wear out the soles. BTW, I always had a backpack with at least 20lbs in it, & 40 was no problem either. The uppers still looked relatively new - I take care of my boots/shoes. Just a note - the Hi-Tecs seem to run a bit narrow in the instep & ankle, true to size in length. Perfect for me, but not for everyone. Hope that helps. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
I should actually mention as well that Salomon shoes seem to fit a bit narrow, especially in the beginning. The do loosen up over time though. I have EE feet, and although my Salomon shoes were snug when I first got them, after about 3 weeks of daily use they loosened right up and feel excellent.
Wow, you fit EE's in Salomons? You have more patience than me, lol... Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
Salomon now makes two shoes in Wide they they attribute to EE width. I ordered a pair of the trail runners, and they were comfy. However, despite being wide enough they seemed a half size too short so I sent them back but haven't ordered a replacement. They also have a GTX hiking boot in Wide now as well.
Sure do. LOL. Fit in Salomons that is. Patience is not one of my few virtures. I find them a little snug for a few weeks, then they break in nicely and are comfortable. I was actually very surprised. Shoe shopping is a pain in the for me...mens 8.5 EE
I’d recommend Ecco shoes. In my experience they’re both very durable and comfortable. The only thing I don’t like is they have some funky styles....
You don’t need to get a hiking shoe. The difference between a hiker shoe, a running shoe, and a trail running shoe is as follows: hikers have a really sturdy sole and shank so you don’t feel rocks through the bottom of the shoe if you’re hiking a trail or mountain. They’re grippy and have good traction. Runners have a more flexible sole and have less traction on like rocks and wet roots. Trail runners have really grippy soles, and are thinner, you’ll definitely feel rocks through the bottoms of them if you’re walking over really rough terrain. They have good grip but using them on pavement wears them out, and they also don’t have great support for your feet. I would suggest getting some mesh sneakers, the airflow will make your feet less hot and dry faster if they get wet. They will also be a lot lighter, which means more play with the kiddos and longer walks. I like adidas, Nike and new balance. For boots, I have steel toe Wolverines I use at work all the time. They have a wedge sole and they keep my feet happy. I also got steel toe mesh sneakers, made by Sketchers and I love those at work too. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I’ve fallen in love with Arc’teryx they are quite... pricey but you get what you pay for. I’ve liked Nike Shox, New Balance minimalist w Vibram soles and ADIDAS ADIZERO ADIOS 3. But the Arc’teryx are just so well made and comfortable around town or trail hiking. They come up on geartrade.com from time to time
I have some Converse Star Player Ox, they might be the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn and good and wide!
Loving my Teva Arrowood's. Great for walking, hiking or casual hanging out. After 3 years, they're still holding up great. More comfortable than my Keen's, Merrel's too.
North face 110 have been good for me. Width can be off for some so be sure to try on before buying. 18 months in this pair, going strong.
Dr Marten Birkenstocks Oofos Merrell Asics That's all I can think of right now. Crocs are okay but got tired of them.
I ditched Merrells for Keens several years ago. I did have a problem with my second pair Keens. But a quick email to their customer service and I had a new pair on the way in no time.
Hubby wears "Original S.W.A.T Classic" workboots. Side zip, safety toe, apparently very comfortable, tagline = Sportshoe comfort, tactical performance. *shrug*
Cabela's | Meindl Men's "Perfekt™" Hikers These are the boots I wear every single day. It is the only pair of boots I have ever worn with the stock insoles rather than a superfeet orthotic. made in Germany and was significantly better built than the other shoes I looked at. The cork insoles are the best thing ever. Cheers, H.G.
For business/office attire Ecco and Rieker (German brand) are my favorites, or real leather shoes for when having to wear a suite & tie (most times not, thankfully!). Casual shoes are GEOX during three seasons, except when snow/ice or heavy rain. Very comfortable and not sweaty feet as the shoe soles "breath". Different material and color options, also fit my wide foot print greatly. Have worn Sketchers some years back after I hurt my left foot. Thanks to their soft inlay I was able to recover quickly (3 months) - now they are too soft. Also most of them are with a mesh upper side which lets through every bit of a rain - and wet feet are no fun, not even for a few hundred meters/yards. Tried HAIX (Germany/Bavarian brand) - very good shoes, also stiff and are not compatible with my footprint. Very sorry, really wished they would be a "thumbs up" for me. Will look into Lowa (another German brand, famous for the hiking boots which I own & LOVE) for an EDC (black or dark color, leather or similar look, low profile, Vibram grippy soles) shoe pretty soon (when next pay check arrives).
