Comfortable Work Shoes

Impavidus

Pigeon
Any of you have suggestions for work shoes that come with maximum comfort? They would typically be paired with clothing like chinos and an oxford shirt so something that leans slightly towards dressy. I'm on my feet a lot outdoors so I'm looking for arch support, maximum cushion, etc., but not something that I wouldn't want to dirty. Summer driver loafers come to mind but they don't have the arch support to maintain healthy feet.
 

wingtip

Chicken
This is something I've been looking into for a while as my situation is similar. My best solution so far is Clarks Desert Boots, they're comfortable, but may not be smart enough? If it's a wingtip/brogue/derby shape you need, I'm still looking myself. Obviously the main thing will be making sure the sole is rubber as opposed to leather -
Grenson Dylan shoe with a rubber sole is one I am looking at.
 

LionHound

Robin
http://www.kurufootwear.com/

Suffer from having no arch (flat floot), Kuru's are by far the most comfortable shoe I've found. After a couple hours of being on my feet in regular shoes my feet are dead. I can go for 6 hours+ with these before I start to have discomfort.

They are a bit pricy but if it's supreme comfort you're after these are it. They also carry a funny looking chukka boot that I personally wouldn't get caught dead in haha...

I have a pair of these
[attachment=36423]
and these
[attachment=36424]
 

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sonoran_

Kingfisher
Gold Member
Buy superfeet insoles. Ive used 1 pair for over 4 years now in all my various shoes and boots and they will delay how soon your feet will start to hurt.
 

weambulance

Hummingbird
Gold Member
sonoran_ said:
Buy superfeet insoles. Ive used 1 pair for over 4 years now in all my various shoes and boots and they will delay how soon your feet will start to hurt.

That's what I used to do.

Now I wear White's boots. White's semi-dress boots work well for dressy shoes, though they're above the ankle. They're also waterproof if you keep them treated with oil and grease, which is nice.

They're expensive ($400-500), but they last a lot longer than normal shoes or boots. They'll last your whole life, if you get them rebuilt every decade or so. I have three pairs and they're in excellent shape after 6 1/2 years, during which they saw some pretty harsh use.

White's + Darn Tough full cushion socks = the most comfortable my feet have ever been wearing shoes.

If anyone buys some White's hit me up about how to break them in. It's not as simple as just wearing them, unless you want to shred your feet for a couple weeks.
 

Surreyman

Kingfisher
Gold Member
weambulance said:
sonoran_ said:
Buy superfeet insoles. Ive used 1 pair for over 4 years now in all my various shoes and boots and they will delay how soon your feet will start to hurt.

That's what I used to do.

Now I wear White's boots. White's semi-dress boots work well for dressy shoes, though they're above the ankle. They're also waterproof if you keep them treated with oil and grease, which is nice.

They're expensive ($400-500), but they last a lot longer than normal shoes or boots. They'll last your whole life, if you get them rebuilt every decade or so. I have three pairs and they're in excellent shape after 6 1/2 years, during which they saw some pretty harsh use.

White's + Darn Tough full cushion socks = the most comfortable my feet have ever been wearing shoes.

If anyone buys some White's hit me up about how to break them in. It's not as simple as just wearing them, unless you want to shred your feet for a couple weeks.

This is good advice. I don't own Whites, but I've always favoured old-school welted-sole footwear for all kinds of purposes. From smart wingtips in the office, heavy boots for construction work, or anything in between for the weekend. Socks and insoles are pretty much the no1 key to comfort.
 

churros

 
Banned
weambulance said:
sonoran_ said:
Buy superfeet insoles. Ive used 1 pair for over 4 years now in all my various shoes and boots and they will delay how soon your feet will start to hurt.

That's what I used to do.

Now I wear White's boots. White's semi-dress boots work well for dressy shoes, though they're above the ankle. They're also waterproof if you keep them treated with oil and grease, which is nice.

They're expensive ($400-500), but they last a lot longer than normal shoes or boots. They'll last your whole life, if you get them rebuilt every decade or so. I have three pairs and they're in excellent shape after 6 1/2 years, during which they saw some pretty harsh use.

White's + Darn Tough full cushion socks = the most comfortable my feet have ever been wearing shoes.

If anyone buys some White's hit me up about how to break them in. It's not as simple as just wearing them, unless you want to shred your feet for a couple weeks.

Something like this what you have in mind? They look sweet.
 

weambulance

Hummingbird
Gold Member
Yeah. You can get them in a bunch of different leather styles, with different sole options.

Your best bet is tracing your feet while wearing a sock and sending that directly to White's so they can determine the correct size.

http://www.whitesboots.com/how-to-measure.php

I normally wear 10.5 D boots and sneakers but my most comfortable White's are 9.5 C. The 9.5 D pairs I got first are good but the snugger fit of the C feels great.

Usually they just fill the order from normal sizes but if you need a custom last, they'll make it for extra and (I believe) keep it on hand for future orders and rebuilds.
 

gimes68912

Chicken
Trad Catholic
Comfortable work shoes are an important part of keeping your feet comfortable throughout the workday. Most people will spend roughly a third of their day on their feet which can lead to soreness and pain if not wearing the right shoes. Exercise like running or walking isn't the only reason to look for comfortable shoes. If you are active around the office or even if you sit behind a desk all day, it's important to make sure your feet don't become fatigued because of your footwear.

The first of the 3 topics we'll discuss today is one that everyone has to deal with at one point or another. Your feet are probably killing you right now just thinking about it. Yes, we're talking about comfortable shoes. A lot of people don't realize how important it is to have a pair of good work shoes until they get a job that requires them to stand on their feet all day. Having the proper shoes can make your job an enjoyable experience instead of a punishing one. Below are some tips to keep in mind when you're shopping for your first pair of work footwear:
 

MartyMcFly

Pelican
Other Christian
Paying more for quality is definitely worth it for work boots. I had a cheap pair of Wrangler boots that were very uncomfortable after 3 months. You can go cheap on some things, but I learned a painful lesson not to go cheap on boots or shoes. A co-worker suggested Red Wing boots and said it is worth paying the extra price and he was right. They were a lot more comfortable to wear and the quality of the material was better. Having comfortable boots will improve your productivity and your mood.

You might be able to find a barely used secondhand pair of boots/shoes at a good discount as well.

 

canuckj

Woodpecker
Other Christian
I have the same problem. I need to dress nice for work but can't tolerate uncomfortable shoes. Try something like ECCO shoes. They have models that are pretty dressy. They are pricey (ballpark $200 here in Canada) but unbelievably comfortable. Also, don't buy any shoes that are not 100% comfortable when you try them on in the stores.
 

Tom Slick

Kingfisher
Orthodox
ECCO's are comfy, partly because of the soles, which have a major weakness: if you get most types of detergent cleanser, ie. "soap", on the soles, they will disintegrate. It's happened to me with two pairs of them and takes a day or two after exposure to see they're falling apart.


 

MKE-Ed

Woodpecker
Catholic
I would give Clark’s a try. I have to wear dress shoes for work and they are comfortable and last. I have tried Rockports and Ecco and noticed the heels wear down quickly. Rockport use to be very good quality shoes at one time. Today, they’re very cheap.
 

canuckj

Woodpecker
Other Christian
ECCO's are comfy, partly because of the soles, which have a major weakness: if you get most types of detergent cleanser, ie. "soap", on the soles, they will disintegrate. It's happened to me with two pairs of them and takes a day or two after exposure to see they're falling apart.



Thanks for this. You probably saved me $250 I can't afford.
 

Oompoppamowmow

Sparrow
Catholic
What about safety shoes? Not necessarily work boots, but “steel toe” variety that are lightweight and comfortable. Something that requires one to be on their feet 8-10 hours a day?
 
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