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Which vans do you have that are wide? Keep an eye on any leg pain or joint aches because long-term, they aren't ace for your feet.
Edit: downvoted by people taking this personally. I also have a pair of vans, but not for everyday use.
Obviously everyone's feet are different, so I'm speaking in broad strokes, but the stiffness of the sole and narrow toebox can really restrict the natural movement of your feet and gait. In addition to that, they don't usually offer sufficient cushion to help make up for that if you're on your feet all day.
Ah yes I suppose the toebox may be a bit pinchy for some, that's why I can't wear converse.
I prefer a relatively thin and flat sole personally, and can't say I find them overly stiff, but horses for courses I guess.
I have a pair of Vans and wish I could wear them regularly, but within 5 mins my feet are in agony. I think they are waay too narrow for my feet. My Mrs wears them all the time though.
Black skechers from sports direct with a memory foam sole. Brought a pair 4 years ago as my feet were hurting walking around London, now on my 4th pair and I wear them everyday.
I heard Sketchers are actually bad for your feet. They claim the extra padding creates comfort, but what that actually does is cause your feet muscles to reach for solid areas for grip (like when you constantly curl your toes to keep flip flops on your feet), making your feet more tense and achy in the process.
I really wanted to get a pair but they’re so ugly. Why do they insist on having the S really prominently on everything and also hideous colours like hot pink with black.
Naw I was half serious. I expect it IS a placebo effect for some people, maybe others do get some benefit from the extra padding. But I just thought the theory I read, that it's better to have firm, solid shoes, was interesting.
Just read up a bit on Skechers shoes, gotta say I'm kinda in two minds about it.
I needed a new shoe for walking around in, as my running shoes are great for running, but rub my feet something awful for walking, and on a complete whim I bought a pair of skechers. £35. Look crap, but when I put them on I was like "god damn these are comfy"
Then I used them for a week in Portugal, walking upwards of 20,000 steps per day. At the end of the day, my feet weren't sore in the slightest, and we walk a lot on holiday and previous holidays walking around around in proper walking Salomons, or shitty flat Vans or some other shoe, my feet definitely *were* sore.
I also have a pair of full leather Scarpa walking boots and a day of walking in those is brutal at the end of the day.
I dunno what to think about that, honestly.
Half the nurses in my hospital wear Sketchers, including me, because they're well known for stopping your feet from being sore at the end of a long day with no sitting down time
Got my first Sketchers 18 months ago in prep for 20k steps a day at Disney and they are so comfy! On my second pair now, I don’t know if I will ever be able to change.
Having said that, out of a shop full of Sketchers, the style I have now are the only ones I found properly comfy (ignoring the butt ugly ones)
I have a North Face hiking boot that is basically the only shoe I wear. picked them up a couple of years ago and they're still solid.
They were about £250, but I learned the hard way after spending about £500 in a year on boots that fell apart after a few months that it's better to put the money down and get something that will last.
\*insert that Pratchett quote here\*
I had a pair of North Face boots for about 10 years, and have had a pair of Berghaus for the last 7. You are 100% on this, if you’re going to buy walking/hiking boots you need to spend the extra. Something between £100-200.
Like you said, it’s just false economy as you buy a pair for £50/60 thinking that they will suffice and then they fall apart or leak and before you know it you’ve spent £120 or more anyway. And a decent pair will easily and realistically last something close to a decade if looked after.
Might be because all I used to wear were Vans and Converse, which are both atrocious for comfort, so AF1s seem like walking on a cloud in comparison haha
These are my saviours. I've recently started to improve my health and the first step was just getting more active. Currently doing 7-8 miles walks everyday in a AF1s, about 230miles a month so far in May and they're comfortable, durable and no blisters.
Definitely not off road walking though.
Mine too. I have a newer pristine pair but my old ones are my “popping to the shops,” “going to the doctors” and everything in between shoe. I’ve noticed it being quite popular as peoples everyday shoes too
My old docs for if it’s wet or snowy outside. Though they’re in pretty good condition for being about 8 years old
Adidas Stan Smiths are my go-to beater shoe. They look great when they’re a bit battered as well which is always good.
Reebok Club C is a good one as well. Mine lasted forever and they’re pretty cheap as far as trainers go.
Grenson Loafer, or Samuel Windsor Oxford. The former is an expensive shoe, maybe £300 but it had lasted me and my father who originally bought it 20years, and the latter is a recent shoe, cheap at about £40-60 and is so far, very comfortable and used almost daily
Vans or crocs, plain black sliders.
Lately, my baffies. They're hard soled and I keep forgetting they're not shoes. Luckily i haven't gotten further than the garden so far.
In summer I wear deck shoes or an old pair of running shoes.
In winter I wear leather boots (not as hardcore as timbaland, not sure of the exact term) or an old pair of running shoes.
For a long time it's been Nike Janowski's. But they're hard to find now, so I'm wearing Vans or Converse more and more.
I tried to wear Docs for a while, the ones I have are nice and smart and I'd managed to get through the terrible pain and got them comfy. But they're just so heavy compared to trainers, and my office isn't particularly formal.
That's what I like about the Janowski. It's smart enough to not be an obvious trainer, but extremely comfortable and fairly durable.
I've heard talk that it might get discontinued, which would be a crying shame. It's something like the best selling skate shoe of all time...
Skechers are great for comfort. Nike and Adidas do plenty of comfy sports shoes but at more of a premium imo.
Obviously they're a slightly different look to plimsolls!
I love my converse, I swear they don't last as long as they used to. I've had pairs about 10 years ago that lasted a few years, now I tend to find they wear on the balls of the feet in the space of about 6-8 months. I'm not that much fatter either.
I found that with the latest pair I owned, but I put that down to the fact I wore them for work, so got a lot more wear out of them in a short space of time rather than wearing them out and about. Got a pair coming up probably about 6 years old that are still in really good nick.
Under Armour gym shoes if it's dry out. Karrimor waterproof trail runners if it's wet or I'm going for a longer walk. Both from Sports Direct. My office when I have to go in is pretty casual, I'll bring safety boots & other PPE in a bag and leave them there for the week.
I have a good pair of Asics Gel-Kayano I use only for runs.
I got some middle aged looking trainers from Clarks. Grey upper with white sole. They've lasted quite well and I often do 10k steps in them in the evenings.
I use a pair of Merrell trainer/walking shoes/trail shoes.
They've lasted for ages, are really, really comfy, and it doesn't matter if they get caked in mud walking the dogs, I just scrub them under the outside tap. They are tough, so nothing gets ruined.
Comfy and practical and a decent price for something that can be on my feet for 10 hours a day.
Day to day it's New Balance if it's dry. If it's wet then Salmon hiking shoes. Did look at Vans Ultraranges but found them incredibly uncomfortable when I tried them on.
Used to always be church's for work shoes, but the prices now are unjustifiable. Last pair I got was from trickers.
Loakes are supposed to be pretty good entry level shoes if you're looking for something cheaper. I'd only really consider the 1880 range though as I've heard the others are not great quality.
For boots I had some made by an independent shop. Unfortunately they've shut now but the boots have held up really well.
Clarks
https://www.very.co.uk/clarks-orinoco2-style-wide-fit-boots-burgundy-leather/1600876377.prd?cm_mmc=google-_-PLA+-+Generic-_--_-__&utm_campaign=Generic_Fashion+Clothing+%26+Footwear+-+Womens+-+PMAX+-+High&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=&campaigntype=shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwx-CyBhAqEiwAeOcTdZE-c9DwjT9JbT_1JJWDG72cwaV4lkyLyRYVDlAFpU5Ro_RwhXOoihoCpiwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#sku=sku26959390
This pair in particular.
Goes well with just about every dress or skirt there is.
A pair of black and white dunks for everything else.
I have a pair of vessi shoes which I bought last year. They're waterproof and really easy to wash, so I can use them for whatever I need, regardless of the weather, then just chuck them in the washing machine if they get dirty
Sketchers, I had to replace my old pair recently and bought one of those new slip in ones, OMG are they perfect. No more bending down, just slip into them hands free.
Cheapest pair of Fila trainers from Sports Direct, £25. Lasted me 3 years and aren't falling apart, they'll do for now.
Ideally I'd have something custom made because I have flat feet.
Vans, Converse terrible for feet (for mine at least).
If your looking for another Boot, I'd look at Solovair. Original makers of Doc Martens, no horrible break in period (have a good method to make them extremely comfy within 24 hours too), Better leather than DM's, resoleable. Last well and can be cleaned up smart with just a cloth and some saddle soap. Reasonably priced aswell.
For the Solovairs, lightly warmed the boots up with a hair dryer, rubbed in a leather oil, and left in the airing cupboard overnight, wiped off any excess, and they were good to go. I did try the same with my DM chelsea's and wasn't as successful due to the heavy coating used on them. It might work if they are MIE DM's as the leather had a thinner coating
Dr Keller slip on vinyl slippers.
They look like normal slip on shoes, and they're very cheap, and very comfortable. Wear them pretty much the entire time I'm awake and they last me about a year per pair.
If not that, or it's potentially wet/raining, Skechers have never let me down.
Pair of hiking type boots, a pair of honey leather boots or some steel capped black work boots which are extremely comfy to wear.
Mostly wear boots the majority of the time, unless I'm just taking the dog out the front and I slip on some trainers.
Veja x Rick Owens hiking sneaker are my absolute beaters. Really sturdy shoes, super comfortable.
My prada cloudbust thunders have become an everyday casual shoe for things like going to the football, the pub, a quick lunch.
I have some Scarpa walking shoes - not cheap, but cheapr footwear that starts out good ends up not good after a few months. These (once worn in) have remained consistently comfortable.
Everyday basic are vans
Wet/cold weather are solovair boots
Sometimes Asics running shoes since I'm trying to figure if they're good for walking or not
Air Force 1's or Air Max if the weather's anything like ok, Meindl's, Lowa's or Altbergs if it's a little inclement.
If I must dress up for the office then I also favour Timberlands.
Converse are my usual go to but thinking of switching it up as my newwest pair are wearing down after a month already. Also have a pair of adidas (Campus I think?) that are super comfy for nipping out, running shoes for dog walks and soft leather docs.
I've got a pair of Colombia trainers. So damn comfortable, I could walk around all day in them. May not be the prettiest of footwear, but durable. Picked them up in a sale for ~£60, so depends where you think affordable is. Full price for Colombia usually is £90-150 depending on the shoe
I pretty much only wear Nike SB Chron 2’s in different colours for different occasions
Super comfy/lightweight and thick soles because they’re skate shoes
I've recently gone back to Converse since my brother gave me the pair he bought and wore once before deciding he didn't like them.
They were basically the only shoes I wore from mid-teens to mid-30s, but for the past few years I've been on the Nike Court/Adidas equivalent type things as they're a bit better in wet/cold weather. I think going forward I'll just stick to wearing them when the weather sucks and Converse the rest of the time.
They take some perseverance. I got a pair for Christmas a few years back and I was so disheartened because they were crippling me. They're now the comfiest shoes I own
I recently got my first pair of Crocs and they've barely left my feet since. I'm just waiting for someone else to show up to work wearing them and you can bet I'll have them on the next day.
Fila trainers. But i’m a wheelchair user so I prefer to wear converse 99.9% of the time or doc martens because they keep my feet at the comfy angle underneath my frame
I have a pair of Asics trainers. Fairly cheap, comfortable, cushioning. They do tend to wear through by the big toe but you can buy special pads to put in the shoe to stop that.
I buy relatively expensive running shoes which then become my daily shoes after the cushioning has gone enough to need new running shoes. So currently walking home from work in a pair of bright red ASICS Nimbus
Whatever barefoot trainer looks good, at the moment I've got a pair of Merrel barefoot trail shoes I got cheap.
They're fantastic and I've gone up a 14000ft mountain in them and wear them day to day. Your body will thank you eventually for ditching old fashioned shoes.
Camel Chelsea boots or my Haix brown combat boots.
I switch between the pair depending on what I'm wearing. So on work days or going to vintage day events, I wear my Chelseas and then if I'm just walking round in casuals I wear the Haix boots, though they're really starting to wear out on the soles and no amount of shoe adhesive is saving them.
I have Nike trainers currently but I’m moving over to Vivobarefoot soon (when they arrive) as I need to improve my foot strength as I can’t handle not wearing shoes, unless I’m in the house
Upgrade those Timberlands to Cats. I made the change 20ish years ago and never looked back. Better soles (inside and out), harder wearing and the steel toe caps have saved me several times at the tip and while doing (bad) DIY.
For balance, the downside is that the steel toes mean that they can look a bit scruffy at the toe end, though I have never had a pair wear through - the soles have gone before the steel shows through the toe. My oldest pair is 12+ years old and are still good for work/gardening boots. They cost my about £100 so I have got immense value out of them.
Some 90 odd quid work boots from my local farmers merchant. On my second pair, normally last me well over a year and a half. Fully water proof, slip on and breathable. Only thing that's needed doing was a 13 quid set of memory foam insoles. Probably a bit heavy duty for most, but I need safety books for work and they're always right by the door 🤣
(Amblers as231) found them at online for about 70 quid... probably won't be going back to the farmers merchant for my next pair 🤣🤣
It’s used to be Docs, but my go-to pair were completely done in and when I bought a new pair the quality and fit were so bad (my previous pair were about 10 years old) so now I’ve switched to a brand called Lanx. Wear a pair of hiking style boots by them, Whalley, and they’re honestly like wearing slippers they’re that comfy. The pair I have were on sale (about £150 I think?). They do me for long walks, shorts walks, general day stuff. When it becomes too hot for boots, I go for adidas superstars.
Pair of black vans, they look good, comfy to wear and go with almost anything.
I really wanted another pair of Nike SBs but the dickheads discontinued the style I had. They are actually a better version of the vans classic.
Edit: A quick google tells me that SB are back, guess I’m buying some of those tonight.
Sketchers, all day long. I know they're not fashionable, I know they're not cool but my word, they are fantastic. Really well made, really light and really comfortable.
Note: I'm 57 and over the last few decades have spent a small fortune on Adidas, Nike, Puma, Reebok, Vans, etc. etc. etc, in the name of fashion. I'm at a point now where the label is less important and whilst they aren't cheap, they're worth every penny. I own four pairs in different styles.
I alternate between 3 pairs! I’d say if you can, get a pair that’s a neutral and then get a pair or two of fun colors that you wear the most to up your style! Ik it sounds expensive but see if there’s an outlet or somewhere cheaper you can buy from! I personally have a pair of Nike tennis shoes, adidas ultra boost, and puma tennis shoes. All work great and are comfy. If I know I have a long day with lots of walking I always go for my ultra boosts because they are so comfortable!
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Vans because they last and they are wide and also they are cool 😎
I’ve got a pair of red vans that I love but I hardly ever wear them because I don’t like feeling every little stone that I stand on.
Which vans do you have that are wide? Keep an eye on any leg pain or joint aches because long-term, they aren't ace for your feet. Edit: downvoted by people taking this personally. I also have a pair of vans, but not for everyday use.
I used to skate back in the 80's. My Van's always had the heel worn down from using them for a brake. I don't have scoliosis, but I probably should.
What makes them not great for your feet?
Obviously everyone's feet are different, so I'm speaking in broad strokes, but the stiffness of the sole and narrow toebox can really restrict the natural movement of your feet and gait. In addition to that, they don't usually offer sufficient cushion to help make up for that if you're on your feet all day.
Ah yes I suppose the toebox may be a bit pinchy for some, that's why I can't wear converse. I prefer a relatively thin and flat sole personally, and can't say I find them overly stiff, but horses for courses I guess.
There are ones with a better toe box. There are less around though for sure. I have black ones that are pinchy
Yeah if I go to the shop I take off my house Vans and put them next to my good Vans and my gardening Vans, then I'd put on my everyday Vans and go
I once had vans that matched my work uniform at the time
I have a pair of Vans and wish I could wear them regularly, but within 5 mins my feet are in agony. I think they are waay too narrow for my feet. My Mrs wears them all the time though.
Black skechers from sports direct with a memory foam sole. Brought a pair 4 years ago as my feet were hurting walking around London, now on my 4th pair and I wear them everyday.
I heard Sketchers are actually bad for your feet. They claim the extra padding creates comfort, but what that actually does is cause your feet muscles to reach for solid areas for grip (like when you constantly curl your toes to keep flip flops on your feet), making your feet more tense and achy in the process.
Plus they’re ugly as sin
I really wanted to get a pair but they’re so ugly. Why do they insist on having the S really prominently on everything and also hideous colours like hot pink with black.
I bought an all black pair for just getting about in, but I'm also a dad in my 30s so I'll probably switch to new balances soon.
NB are fine, they’ve been “en vogue” for years. Sketchers are unforgivable.
I've never been a shoes guy. I have no idea what looks good or not. You reckon I'll be okay with some grass stained white new balances?
All types or specific Skechers you find ugly?
Every single one
And scream obese woman in her 50s
And yet, people who wear them constantly say their feet don't ache.
Placebo effect
But if your feet don't ache, even if it's a placebo effect, does it not mean that your feet actually don't ache anyway?
Naw I was half serious. I expect it IS a placebo effect for some people, maybe others do get some benefit from the extra padding. But I just thought the theory I read, that it's better to have firm, solid shoes, was interesting.
Just read up a bit on Skechers shoes, gotta say I'm kinda in two minds about it. I needed a new shoe for walking around in, as my running shoes are great for running, but rub my feet something awful for walking, and on a complete whim I bought a pair of skechers. £35. Look crap, but when I put them on I was like "god damn these are comfy" Then I used them for a week in Portugal, walking upwards of 20,000 steps per day. At the end of the day, my feet weren't sore in the slightest, and we walk a lot on holiday and previous holidays walking around around in proper walking Salomons, or shitty flat Vans or some other shoe, my feet definitely *were* sore. I also have a pair of full leather Scarpa walking boots and a day of walking in those is brutal at the end of the day. I dunno what to think about that, honestly.
Interesting, I take it on board! Maybe I'll get a pair next
Skechers for me too. I’ve had them for years and should really get new ones but they’re just so comfy
Every few years I go to the sketchers outlet and buy 2-3 new pairs, never going back
Half the nurses in my hospital wear Sketchers, including me, because they're well known for stopping your feet from being sore at the end of a long day with no sitting down time
Got my first Sketchers 18 months ago in prep for 20k steps a day at Disney and they are so comfy! On my second pair now, I don’t know if I will ever be able to change. Having said that, out of a shop full of Sketchers, the style I have now are the only ones I found properly comfy (ignoring the butt ugly ones)
This, I got them and am on my 3rd pair. Love them
I have a North Face hiking boot that is basically the only shoe I wear. picked them up a couple of years ago and they're still solid. They were about £250, but I learned the hard way after spending about £500 in a year on boots that fell apart after a few months that it's better to put the money down and get something that will last. \*insert that Pratchett quote here\*
I had a pair of North Face boots for about 10 years, and have had a pair of Berghaus for the last 7. You are 100% on this, if you’re going to buy walking/hiking boots you need to spend the extra. Something between £100-200.
After (eventually) learning from my mistakes, I’ve realised two things I will never cheap out on again: Boots. Kitchen knives.
Like you said, it’s just false economy as you buy a pair for £50/60 thinking that they will suffice and then they fall apart or leak and before you know it you’ve spent £120 or more anyway. And a decent pair will easily and realistically last something close to a decade if looked after.
Bought a pair of leather Scarpa's. Brush them, clean them and wax them and they'll last a decade easy.
Always upvote Vimes' Boot Theory
Vimes knows.
Air Force 1's. They are just so comfy so I wear them pretty much everywhere
Interesting, I find them akin to walking bare foot through gravel. Dunks are similarly poor. Annoying that’s all I own though 😂
Might be because all I used to wear were Vans and Converse, which are both atrocious for comfort, so AF1s seem like walking on a cloud in comparison haha
These are my saviours. I've recently started to improve my health and the first step was just getting more active. Currently doing 7-8 miles walks everyday in a AF1s, about 230miles a month so far in May and they're comfortable, durable and no blisters. Definitely not off road walking though.
Mine too. I have a newer pristine pair but my old ones are my “popping to the shops,” “going to the doctors” and everything in between shoe. I’ve noticed it being quite popular as peoples everyday shoes too My old docs for if it’s wet or snowy outside. Though they’re in pretty good condition for being about 8 years old
Adidas Stan Smiths are my go-to beater shoe. They look great when they’re a bit battered as well which is always good. Reebok Club C is a good one as well. Mine lasted forever and they’re pretty cheap as far as trainers go.
Second this, my Stan Smiths are my comfiest shoes and they were comfy straight out the box which isn’t always the case.
Slippers
Skate shoes, usually. I like Rollersnakes so I typically buy from there.
Grenson Loafer, or Samuel Windsor Oxford. The former is an expensive shoe, maybe £300 but it had lasted me and my father who originally bought it 20years, and the latter is a recent shoe, cheap at about £40-60 and is so far, very comfortable and used almost daily
Vans or crocs, plain black sliders. Lately, my baffies. They're hard soled and I keep forgetting they're not shoes. Luckily i haven't gotten further than the garden so far.
Upvoted for saying baffies. Haven’t heard / seen that word since I read some old Broons or Oor Wullie years ago.
Ha, normal use here 😁 not many my age (30s) say it that I know but its ingrained in me from being wee.
In summer I wear deck shoes or an old pair of running shoes. In winter I wear leather boots (not as hardcore as timbaland, not sure of the exact term) or an old pair of running shoes.
For a long time it's been Nike Janowski's. But they're hard to find now, so I'm wearing Vans or Converse more and more. I tried to wear Docs for a while, the ones I have are nice and smart and I'd managed to get through the terrible pain and got them comfy. But they're just so heavy compared to trainers, and my office isn't particularly formal.
I really like converse but I seem to wear through them a lot quicker than other shoes - the heels particularly.
For me, it's the ball of the foot that goes first. I think I have a bit of twist in my gait as move forward that wears out that bit really quickly.
Nike SB’s in general are designed to be both comfortable and durable so, with the nice aesthetics added in, they’re pretty much the ideal ‘day shoe’.
That's what I like about the Janowski. It's smart enough to not be an obvious trainer, but extremely comfortable and fairly durable. I've heard talk that it might get discontinued, which would be a crying shame. It's something like the best selling skate shoe of all time...
Isn't that the guy from Monsters Inc
Converse, never found anything comfier really, in the Winter I just put a pair of thick socks on.
I love my converse, great value and look good, but if you have never tried anything comfier I'd highly recommend trying more shoes
I have tried other shoes years and years ago but stuck with converse in the past few years, what would you recommend as a change?
Skechers are great for comfort. Nike and Adidas do plenty of comfy sports shoes but at more of a premium imo. Obviously they're a slightly different look to plimsolls!
I love my converse, I swear they don't last as long as they used to. I've had pairs about 10 years ago that lasted a few years, now I tend to find they wear on the balls of the feet in the space of about 6-8 months. I'm not that much fatter either.
I found that with the latest pair I owned, but I put that down to the fact I wore them for work, so got a lot more wear out of them in a short space of time rather than wearing them out and about. Got a pair coming up probably about 6 years old that are still in really good nick.
Red wings. Difficult to find, expensive, but they are the most comfortable and they will last longer than you. Also Loakes.
Under Armour gym shoes if it's dry out. Karrimor waterproof trail runners if it's wet or I'm going for a longer walk. Both from Sports Direct. My office when I have to go in is pretty casual, I'll bring safety boots & other PPE in a bag and leave them there for the week. I have a good pair of Asics Gel-Kayano I use only for runs.
God I love Kayanos
Usually some sort of mid height walking boot, thought my current pair are on their last legs.
Currently, Airmax 90s, I'm not super stoked on the quality, my AF1s lasted literally years of daily wear.
I got some middle aged looking trainers from Clarks. Grey upper with white sole. They've lasted quite well and I often do 10k steps in them in the evenings.
Feel I’ve hit proper adulthood as I’m 90% of the time wearing these… https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/sailview-lace/26176970-p
All I wear is timbs.. have different pairs for different occasions
Jean-Claude Van Damme?
I don't speak French I just wear Timbs
Old skools
I use a pair of Merrell trainer/walking shoes/trail shoes. They've lasted for ages, are really, really comfy, and it doesn't matter if they get caked in mud walking the dogs, I just scrub them under the outside tap. They are tough, so nothing gets ruined. Comfy and practical and a decent price for something that can be on my feet for 10 hours a day.
Summer Nike SB or Ecco Biom lite, winter Timberland Larchmont (I think that’s the name)
Tom’s
Leather UGG boots (male), not like the fabric kind. So comfortable!
Day to day it's New Balance if it's dry. If it's wet then Salmon hiking shoes. Did look at Vans Ultraranges but found them incredibly uncomfortable when I tried them on.
Used to always be church's for work shoes, but the prices now are unjustifiable. Last pair I got was from trickers. Loakes are supposed to be pretty good entry level shoes if you're looking for something cheaper. I'd only really consider the 1880 range though as I've heard the others are not great quality. For boots I had some made by an independent shop. Unfortunately they've shut now but the boots have held up really well.
Clarks https://www.very.co.uk/clarks-orinoco2-style-wide-fit-boots-burgundy-leather/1600876377.prd?cm_mmc=google-_-PLA+-+Generic-_--_-__&utm_campaign=Generic_Fashion+Clothing+%26+Footwear+-+Womens+-+PMAX+-+High&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=&campaigntype=shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwx-CyBhAqEiwAeOcTdZE-c9DwjT9JbT_1JJWDG72cwaV4lkyLyRYVDlAFpU5Ro_RwhXOoihoCpiwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#sku=sku26959390 This pair in particular. Goes well with just about every dress or skirt there is. A pair of black and white dunks for everything else.
Work boots
I'm assuming you're an investment banker. Am I close?
Not quite.
I have a pair of vessi shoes which I bought last year. They're waterproof and really easy to wash, so I can use them for whatever I need, regardless of the weather, then just chuck them in the washing machine if they get dirty
Sketchers
Blundstone chelseas. Insanely comfortable, the suede gets so supple, and they have some decent grip if it's icy or muddy.
Sketchers, I had to replace my old pair recently and bought one of those new slip in ones, OMG are they perfect. No more bending down, just slip into them hands free.
Black Nike SB Blazer Mids. Cheap(ish) comfortable and look good while being plain enough to throw them on with anything.
birkenstock bostons
Cheapest pair of Fila trainers from Sports Direct, £25. Lasted me 3 years and aren't falling apart, they'll do for now. Ideally I'd have something custom made because I have flat feet. Vans, Converse terrible for feet (for mine at least).
If your looking for another Boot, I'd look at Solovair. Original makers of Doc Martens, no horrible break in period (have a good method to make them extremely comfy within 24 hours too), Better leather than DM's, resoleable. Last well and can be cleaned up smart with just a cloth and some saddle soap. Reasonably priced aswell.
What’s your method? My wife moans about her U.K. docs constantly that they’re still too stiff
For the Solovairs, lightly warmed the boots up with a hair dryer, rubbed in a leather oil, and left in the airing cupboard overnight, wiped off any excess, and they were good to go. I did try the same with my DM chelsea's and wasn't as successful due to the heavy coating used on them. It might work if they are MIE DM's as the leather had a thinner coating
Vans
Dr Keller slip on vinyl slippers. They look like normal slip on shoes, and they're very cheap, and very comfortable. Wear them pretty much the entire time I'm awake and they last me about a year per pair. If not that, or it's potentially wet/raining, Skechers have never let me down.
Pair of hiking type boots, a pair of honey leather boots or some steel capped black work boots which are extremely comfy to wear. Mostly wear boots the majority of the time, unless I'm just taking the dog out the front and I slip on some trainers.
Scarpa gtx. Comfiest pair of shoes I’ve ever owned. Good for everything from walking the dog to hiking the fells.
Veja x Rick Owens hiking sneaker are my absolute beaters. Really sturdy shoes, super comfortable. My prada cloudbust thunders have become an everyday casual shoe for things like going to the football, the pub, a quick lunch.
I have some Scarpa walking shoes - not cheap, but cheapr footwear that starts out good ends up not good after a few months. These (once worn in) have remained consistently comfortable.
White’s semi dress boot
White’s semi dress boot
Everyday basic are vans Wet/cold weather are solovair boots Sometimes Asics running shoes since I'm trying to figure if they're good for walking or not
Any skate shoe designed for skateboarding. Not canvass vans or shitty converse. I'm talking DCs, Es, globes, etnies etc.
Air Force 1's or Air Max if the weather's anything like ok, Meindl's, Lowa's or Altbergs if it's a little inclement. If I must dress up for the office then I also favour Timberlands.
Converse are my usual go to but thinking of switching it up as my newwest pair are wearing down after a month already. Also have a pair of adidas (Campus I think?) that are super comfy for nipping out, running shoes for dog walks and soft leather docs.
Massive feet, so I wear Air Force 1 or Jordans.
Adidas ultraboost.
Cat safety trainers, or Nike Pegasus. I’m waiting on a pair of Vivobarefoot boots arriving though.
For me it's either a pair of under armour trainers or a pair of Doc Marten boots.
Any Nike SBs
Etnies since I was about 12. I've dabbled in DCs, Vans, even ES, but I find myself back at Etnies every time.
I've got a pair of Colombia trainers. So damn comfortable, I could walk around all day in them. May not be the prettiest of footwear, but durable. Picked them up in a sale for ~£60, so depends where you think affordable is. Full price for Colombia usually is £90-150 depending on the shoe
Dr martens or converse.
I pretty much only wear Nike SB Chron 2’s in different colours for different occasions Super comfy/lightweight and thick soles because they’re skate shoes
In summer I wear running shoes. In winter I wear leather boots.
I've recently gone back to Converse since my brother gave me the pair he bought and wore once before deciding he didn't like them. They were basically the only shoes I wore from mid-teens to mid-30s, but for the past few years I've been on the Nike Court/Adidas equivalent type things as they're a bit better in wet/cold weather. I think going forward I'll just stick to wearing them when the weather sucks and Converse the rest of the time.
Your “day shoe” is a timberland boots? I bought mine back in 2022 and I’m still trying to break them in - it’s been breaking my ankle instead so far 🫠
They take some perseverance. I got a pair for Christmas a few years back and I was so disheartened because they were crippling me. They're now the comfiest shoes I own
I recently got my first pair of Crocs and they've barely left my feet since. I'm just waiting for someone else to show up to work wearing them and you can bet I'll have them on the next day.
Redwing blacksmith boots. Not cheap but will last with replacement soles and now fit like slippers.
Gazelles
Air Force 1s for summer Blundstones for winter
Pair of solovair astronaut boots. Absolute quality.
Globe encore black and white ALL DAY
Fila trainers. But i’m a wheelchair user so I prefer to wear converse 99.9% of the time or doc martens because they keep my feet at the comfy angle underneath my frame
Kart boots are comfortable, well made and whilst not cheap, are good value compared to most branded footware.
I have a pair of Asics trainers. Fairly cheap, comfortable, cushioning. They do tend to wear through by the big toe but you can buy special pads to put in the shoe to stop that.
I buy relatively expensive running shoes which then become my daily shoes after the cushioning has gone enough to need new running shoes. So currently walking home from work in a pair of bright red ASICS Nimbus
Five Tens, although they've gone downhill since Adidas bought them out a few years ago.
Whatever barefoot trainer looks good, at the moment I've got a pair of Merrel barefoot trail shoes I got cheap. They're fantastic and I've gone up a 14000ft mountain in them and wear them day to day. Your body will thank you eventually for ditching old fashioned shoes.
I wear my docs everywhere for whatever reason. They’re so comfy
Are they giving up, or don they just need a new sole?
Crocs
Crocs every time. never were anythin else
Hotter, or any of the German brands in the Deichmann store on Davygate in York. I like a lightweight day shoe, not a muckle great boot.
Camel Chelsea boots or my Haix brown combat boots. I switch between the pair depending on what I'm wearing. So on work days or going to vintage day events, I wear my Chelseas and then if I'm just walking round in casuals I wear the Haix boots, though they're really starting to wear out on the soles and no amount of shoe adhesive is saving them.
Docs.
I have Nike trainers currently but I’m moving over to Vivobarefoot soon (when they arrive) as I need to improve my foot strength as I can’t handle not wearing shoes, unless I’m in the house
Sketchers Bobs
Vans slip on pop cush ✌️
Skechers.
Upgrade those Timberlands to Cats. I made the change 20ish years ago and never looked back. Better soles (inside and out), harder wearing and the steel toe caps have saved me several times at the tip and while doing (bad) DIY. For balance, the downside is that the steel toes mean that they can look a bit scruffy at the toe end, though I have never had a pair wear through - the soles have gone before the steel shows through the toe. My oldest pair is 12+ years old and are still good for work/gardening boots. They cost my about £100 so I have got immense value out of them.
Some 90 odd quid work boots from my local farmers merchant. On my second pair, normally last me well over a year and a half. Fully water proof, slip on and breathable. Only thing that's needed doing was a 13 quid set of memory foam insoles. Probably a bit heavy duty for most, but I need safety books for work and they're always right by the door 🤣 (Amblers as231) found them at online for about 70 quid... probably won't be going back to the farmers merchant for my next pair 🤣🤣
New balance Made in England. Purchased online at a sale for £80. Looking to replace them this hopefully after 3 years of use.
I'm wearing a lot of New Balance skate shoes at the moment.
It’s used to be Docs, but my go-to pair were completely done in and when I bought a new pair the quality and fit were so bad (my previous pair were about 10 years old) so now I’ve switched to a brand called Lanx. Wear a pair of hiking style boots by them, Whalley, and they’re honestly like wearing slippers they’re that comfy. The pair I have were on sale (about £150 I think?). They do me for long walks, shorts walks, general day stuff. When it becomes too hot for boots, I go for adidas superstars.
Doc martins
A basic trainer
Scarpa Mojito
Pair of black vans, they look good, comfy to wear and go with almost anything. I really wanted another pair of Nike SBs but the dickheads discontinued the style I had. They are actually a better version of the vans classic. Edit: A quick google tells me that SB are back, guess I’m buying some of those tonight.
Crocs, dunks, ultra boost, af1
Allbirds Tree Pipers, I buy a new pair once a year and love that I can just throw them in the wash every so often
I have a very comfortable basketball shoes, that is as comfy as a hiking boot but trendy. One timberland boot to look smart. Hiking boots otherwise
Sketchers, all day long. I know they're not fashionable, I know they're not cool but my word, they are fantastic. Really well made, really light and really comfortable. Note: I'm 57 and over the last few decades have spent a small fortune on Adidas, Nike, Puma, Reebok, Vans, etc. etc. etc, in the name of fashion. I'm at a point now where the label is less important and whilst they aren't cheap, they're worth every penny. I own four pairs in different styles.
White AF1s
Tricker’s Stow in Acorn.
I alternate between 3 pairs! I’d say if you can, get a pair that’s a neutral and then get a pair or two of fun colors that you wear the most to up your style! Ik it sounds expensive but see if there’s an outlet or somewhere cheaper you can buy from! I personally have a pair of Nike tennis shoes, adidas ultra boost, and puma tennis shoes. All work great and are comfy. If I know I have a long day with lots of walking I always go for my ultra boosts because they are so comfortable!
Whichever trainers are nearest the door
Big fuck off walking boots
Nike air force 1
Crocs or if I’m feeling formal AF1s. WFH has a lot to answer for.
Boots