Need some city walking shoes

jdbee · 3 months

All of the shoes in the sidebar guide are made for walking. I have no idea if this is the case, but if your only experience with non-sneakers is wearing cheap, ill-fitting dress shoes when you were a teenager, there's a whole world out there for you.

Edit: Man, are you getting some poor recommendations down at the bottom of this thread. If anyone ever tells you to buy shoes like this or this, that person may as well be trolling you. They're clunky, overdetailed, and in-no-way-shape-or-form stylish. Are they comfortable? Probably. Put enough padding, gel and air pockets into anything and they'll be comfortable. I'm assuming you're asking this on MFA because you want something stylish and comfortable. I think it's important to find a balance between style and comfort if you're going to be on your feet all day, and those don't have enough points in the style column. There are plenty of options out there, so don't settle for those.

frisbalicious · 3 months

I'm also in Chicago! I've found that after breaking in some desert boots (Clark's) they're extremely comfortable. On the other hand, I've had boots get ruined because of crappy sidewalks, ice, and salt.

If you're doing a decent amount of walking, you may want to go with the Diesels or maybe some nice Nike's (not running shoes though!)

Try the Shoe Guide on the sidebar.

NotClever · 3 months

I'm gonna go against the grain here and recommend some desert boots

Loop_Within_A_Loop · 3 months

Fellow Chicagoan here:

Yeah, it's cold/wet 90% of the time here, I feel. While people are going to say CDBs, they're not that great simply because you honestly can't wear them that often becuase CDBs simply do not deal well with Chicago weather. Basically, anyone who tells you get a pair of desert boots isn't from chicago.

Since I've now pissed off the hivemind, I'm going to recover by saying that Red Wing's are good. They actually work with Chicago weather. Check them out.

fase · 3 months

I walk 30 minutes to and from work each day and I just wear normal dress shoes.

uberdev · 3 months

Cole Haan makes a line of shoes with Nike Air soles. I had a pair last me 5 years, and they were some of the most versatile and comfortable walking shoes I have ever owned.

NotClever · 3 months

If you're looking at nicer dress shoes, there are a few things to be aware of.

Most nicer dress shoes come with a cork midsole layer that starts out a little uncomfortable but will mold to the shape of the bottom of your foot for better support
They won't have arch supports in the insoles, so if you need that support you'll have to get it from the shape of the leather upper itself (or add your own orthotic insoles). You can find shoes with a narrow "waist" (the part of the shoe where your arch is) that will cause the upper to support your arch.
There are different types of soles on dress shes. Thin single leather soles are the ones you'll be used to seeing, and they are not generally the most comfortable, as they almost feel like walking barefoot. You can get double leather soles, which provide substantially more cushion and insulation from pebbles and shit. You can also get nicer rubber soles like Dainite, which provide the benefits of rubber soles without looking cheap.

TeacherMuradin · 3 months

From Chicago also, and I loved my Sperry boots. Very comfortable. I suggest them (:

giwoon · 3 months

diesel shoes are pretty bad :P had a pair and they didnt even last half a year

Dirtylicious · 3 months

Nike Safari 87... the original color...which are the black and orange onea

they're a bit old but if you can find a pair on ebay for 85-100 ish... its a decent deal.

mobilewusan · 3 months

Any of the Wolverine work boots.

Water proof leather, oil, water slip resistant rubber bottom, comfortable all day long. They are comfortable enough to walk all day in, durable enough for winter and summer, and they look nice! Take care of them by polish, leather protector, etc and they will last a life time. Def watch out for salt damage, clean/protect them regularly.

newhamsterdam · 3 months

If you're looking for sneakers, I really like Onitsuka Tigers. They come in a pretty broad range of colors and were wonderfully comfortable, even when I was out on the street all day long as a canvasser.

kareltjeftw · 3 months

I just got my desert boots, end they were awesome! Look into them.

Eistean · 3 months

Well, I'm not sure what MFA thinks of them, but some Rockport Prowalkers make me think I'm walking on clouds. They aren't dress shoes by any extent, but they look professional enough for most jobs.

They felt great when I was walking around Europe. At the same time, my father has worn them in a law firm for the past 23 years as well.

I got mine for about $45 at an outlet, so price isn't bad either.

That being said, I've never worn Clarks, so I couldn't judge on those. It's entirely possible they are better.

its_sea-man · 3 months

clarks. just got some espaces and they're awesome.

kickstand · 3 months

Ecco Track II Low are not cheap, but they are excellent urban walkers.

DublinBen · 3 months

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