Stupid shoe question

I wear New Balance 990 series, not shoes but super comfortable. Been wearing these before Steve Jobs wore them.
 
I need a general purpose pair of shoes. I really only have two pair. A pair of Sperry topsiders (gift from my wife) and the steel toe shoes (gift from my employer). I mean yeah, I have boots I wear hunting and some flip flops, but I don't have a pair of shoes. Around the house and yard, I'm usually barefoot and only put on shoes (Sperrys) when I leave the house.

I want something that I can wear to walk around the neighborhood, as well state park trails, etc. But, I also want something that I can still wear to an eating joint and not have people whispering.

Whatcha got?
When people are whispering, it's not about your shoes.
 
referring above: "I like Johnston and Murphy shoes. I found their outlet over in Alamance County at the outlet mall over there..."

isn't there an Allen Edmonds outlet there, too? they're great, but expensive.

this is what i wear most days...and it's on sale right now.
C04059_A.jpg


https://www.colehaan.com/tucker-venetian-loafer-french-roast/C04059.html
 
I would take a look at Solomon’s. My favorite are the XA Pro 3D with speed lace system. Used to be a big fan of Merrell’s but the quality has definitely slipped over the years and they tend to fall apart pretty quickly.

these are my current go to’s

https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/xa-pro-3d-v8.html#color=17959

I have 3 pairs of Salomons. Ruined the first pair on purpose to make "yard" shoes out of them. Best "tennis" shoe I've ever worn. I've worn my old pair dove hunting three times this year, superior comfort. The Speed Lace system is the shiznit.
 
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I need a general purpose pair of shoes. I really only have two pair. A pair of Sperry topsiders (gift from my wife) and the steel toe shoes (gift from my employer). I mean yeah, I have boots I wear hunting and some flip flops, but I don't have a pair of shoes. Around the house and yard, I'm usually barefoot and only put on shoes (Sperrys) when I leave the house.

I want something that I can wear to walk around the neighborhood, as well state park trails, etc. But, I also want something that I can still wear to an eating joint and not have people whispering.

Whatcha got?
Get some SKETCHERS. Easy to find and a lot of different styles to choose from. I have their tennis shoes, flip flops, casual shoes and some dressier ones. Most confortable shoes I've ever worn. Every pair. Not expensive, around $50-60. BUT you need to try them on. Most shoes I wear a 10 1/2. My Sketchers vary from 10-11 depending on the style. Ride over to Rack Room and pick up a pair
 
The tread on my Moabs didn't last real long, then the seams started failing where they flex at the ball of my foot. They were great for a year or maybe a little more though.

I have some Salomons I don't wear them a lot on account of being waterproof, but they're pretty comfy even for long days on rocks and not too heavy.

For hikes in the park and daily events trail running shoes that aren't minimalist are my pick, Academy usually has something for $40ish in a not gawdy color.
 
I also like the Merrell's but the last couple of pairs did not hold up well. I am now wearing Oboz Sawtooth II and like them so much I went ahead and ordered a second pair before they change the style. These are holding up a lot better and longer than the Merrell's.

https://obozfootwear.com/products/mens-sawtooth-ii-low
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The last two pairs of Merells that I owned fell apart after a couple of months of wear. I started buying New Balance and have been very happy with them.
 
I also like the Merrell's but the last couple of pairs did not hold up well. I am now wearing Oboz Sawtooth II and like them so much I went ahead and ordered a second pair before they change the style. These are holding up a lot better and longer than the Merrell's.

https://obozfootwear.com/products/mens-sawtooth-ii-low
View attachment 249344

My hiking boots are Oboz Bridger's. They are awesome, probably the most comfortable boots I've ever had.

I know a lot of people love Merrill and swear by them, I just haven't had good success with them. They fall apart too easily, the fit is weird, something.

But if you want something for occasional light trail hiking, you don't need a heavy duty hiking shoe or hiking boot.

Salomons are really good, I've had a pair up there trail running shoes, and I have a pair of their "tactical" boot.

Still I say, try before you buy.
 
Thanks.

I could use a pair of shoes. Just saying.


I got some old work boots I don't need anymore. You can get them. Size 14 steel toes. :p


The last two pairs of Merells that I owned fell apart after a couple of months of wear. I started buying New Balance and have been very happy with them.


New Balance is what I buy. Just got a new pair last week. They have cheapened them some. The tongue used to be thick and now it is just one layer. Still a good shoe though.;)
 
Merrell has gone down hill the last 7-8 years. I really like the vasque line of shoe's and hikers. I've switched to mostly HoKA stuff now because of foot tendinitis but it's mostly running shoes. I think they have started some hiking stuff but they look odd.

I also like the Merrell's but the last couple of pairs did not hold up well. I am now wearing Oboz Sawtooth II and like them so much I went ahead and ordered a second pair before they change the style. These are holding up a lot better and longer than the Merrell's.

https://obozfootwear.com/products/mens-sawtooth-ii-low
View attachment 249344
I had a similar experience with Merrell. I used to own nothing but Merrell for years and did a lot of hiking back when I lived in CO and some here. But the last three pair I owned (more than 4 years ago) all broke down way too fast with far too little use/abuse. By comparison, I have a pair of Salamon's that are 10+ years old and still going strong.

I got some Oboz out of frustration with my last pair of Merrells. I was pleasantly surprised. They have held up better than the last three pairs of Merrells combined.
 
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Used to love Merrill, but no more. Bought 3 pairs 2 years ago to wear at work. Rotated daily, the 1st pair starting falling apart after a month & the heels on the other 2 were already worn through to the midsole after a year. They're comfy, but they cost quality shoe/boot money & last like Walmart specials. Oh yeah, they're made in China, so one more reason I'm over them.

Recently bought a pair of Keens. Not as comfy to lounge around in, but much better for walking. Not made in the PRC, either. Verdict's still out, but I'm liking them so far.
 
For the record, I'm 51, have a narrow foot with a high arch. I'm a barefoot, flipflop, sneaker?, Tennis shoe?, guy. Long walks on the beach, oh wait, wrong forum....
I haven't really worn shoes since March when I got kicked out of my office building.
I like Sketchers, they are comfortable and have many different styles. One very similar to what @turkeydance posted, and super comfortable.
I refuse to buy another pair of Nike's. Even though they fit my foot rather well.
I am in love with Under Armor Tennis shoes, very comfortable. Buy them on sale or something, I don't pay full price.
I've never tried a pair of Merrells.... Not sure if I like the style or not.
 
I have had pain in my feet for years. Got some clarks and the pain went away. If i have to stand longer than an hour, im wearing clarks
 
I have a wide foot so finding a good fit is hard. I was a Merrell Moabs fan for years- fix good and lasted. But the last 2 pair I got were not up to par to the others. Not sure what changed but they did not last and got a funky smell that none of the ones before ever got. I am wearing Keens now and after gett use to them like them as much as I did the Merrells, I ware them 80% of the time, and about 19% of the time I am in these around the house

https://www.skechers.com/men/shoes/relaxed-fit-creston---moseco/65355.html
 
Get some of this and you can make them waterproof or at least water resistant.

iu
warning - waterproofing mesh top shoes can have the effect of putting MORE water inside. made that mistake with my wife's shoes once. dunno the physics behind it, but if you dripped water on top, it's like the repulsion was so great that gravity jammed it right through the fabric. but at least the fabric stayed dry...
 
I’ll go a different direction.

I do a lot of walking – neighborhood, community parks, State Parks, Historic sites, etc. I have discovered two criteria for me for happy feet while doing this: 1) something breathable (no waterproofing) because my feet get uncomfortably hot while walking, and; 2) something with a wide toe box, so I don’t feel like I’ve been trying to hike in a pair of stilettos (oops, TMI or maybe wrong forum – Mods please move if so…).

I happened upon a pair of Altras. https://www.altrarunning.com/shop/men/mens-timp-2-al0a4pe9?variationId=000#hero=2
Shop around - better prices are available.

I love everything about them and have been especially pleased with the tread. The grip is amazing and they don’t retain mud. I did some work in the mountains this past Spring and was able to go up and down steep slopes with great traction and confidence. Made this 62-year-old look almost athletic, LOL!

At any rate, I recommend the Altra Timp. But there may be other models that you like better. They offer color combos that appeal to the younger folks, but there are some more conservative colors as well that won’t have people pointing at me when trying to eat. Well, at least not pointing at me because of my shoes…

Hope this helps a bit and happy trails to you!
 
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For a boot I'd suggest trying on a pair of Solomon X Ultra's. I'm in my 3rd pair of the mid height. They make a high and low as well depending on what you prefer.

For a sneaker, If suggest going to a running store (if you can find one open...) and having them fit you for shoes. They will analyze you gait and determine if you pronate, supinate, or are neutral when you strike. People often comment that they don't like a certain brand because of the way they fit but don't realize most brands have shoes designed for each different type of gait.
 
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For a boot I'd suggest trying on a pair of Solomon X Ultra's. I'm in my 3rd pair of the mid height. They make a high and low as well depending on what you prefer.

For a sneaker, If suggest going to a running store (if you can find one open...) and having them fit you for shoes. They will analyze you gait and determine if you pronate, supinate, or are neutral when you strike. People often comment that they don't like a certain brand because of the way they fit but don't realize most brands have shoes designed for each different type of gait.
Great advice. I wish the shoe makers didn't make the garish colors the ones that are comfortable on me. I high school I had baby blue/orange Asics for X-country. I had a real love hate relationship with those shoes, and people used to give me lots of ribbing abou them. They were very comfortable though and my personal bests were all achieved in those shoes that year.
 
Because I'm spendin my own money on these, the brand needs to have the ability to stay on my feet if I get hit by a car.

Can't have someone running off with my shoes while I'm being carted off to the hospital.
 
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