OT: Shoe recommendations?

Submitted by FrankMurphy on May 10th, 2021 at 10:53 PM

My wife is insisting that I get a new pair of sneakers to replace my tattered 10 year-old Pumas. Does anyone have any recs? What are the kids wearing these days? Who is this Jordan fella I keep hearing so much about? What's a "swoosh", exactly? How many spaces are in the word "A     I     R"? Where on the map of Mexico is "Hurache"?

Budget is around $150. Thanks in advance.

USMC 1371

May 11th, 2021 at 12:19 AM ^

I went to a store recommended by a triathlete. Find one in your area. They will properly measure your feet and get you the best shoes for your feet. Best $125 I’ve spent 

chatster

May 11th, 2021 at 12:20 AM ^

Love the New Balance 990s. They’re a bit pricey, but they offer great support and comfort, especially for those of us with wider feet. Long-time New Balance wearer; somewhat biased because of their corporate presence in the city where I spent many years as a Red Sox fan, living in the shadows of Fenway Park; appreciate that they still manufacture in the United States.

mi93

May 11th, 2021 at 1:32 AM ^

For what purpose?

Roaming coliseum floors? (shell toe)

Snappy casual date night? (Allbirds)

Marathon prep / walking the dog? (I like Asics and New Balance but go to a good store and get fitted proper)

Yard work? (keep the Pumas)

Grampy

May 11th, 2021 at 7:30 AM ^

When you're young, or at least when I was young, you could wear just about anything on your feet and as long at you didn't blister up, you were fine.  When you become our age, your feet become a lot more sensitive to the quality of the fit, specifically, does it support your old bones and joints properly.  Boomers have good ideas about shoes, mate.  For myself, after a bout of plantar fasciitis, I discovered the joy of getting weakening arches wide support with Brooks Beast and Addiction shoes.

Sam1863

May 11th, 2021 at 9:27 AM ^

^^^ This. Same thing when I was younger - I could wear a $2.99 Blue Light Special from Kmart and it wouldn't bother me. (MY mother's rationale was: large family + fixed income = I'm not gonna buy you a pair of Converse All Stars when your puppy feet will outgrow them in a week, mister!)

But now, in the days of plantar and sciatica and "Damn, my feet hurt!", I've got to be so careful with what I buy. Just one more fun part of getting elderly.

And just wait - it'll happen to you too, children.

BlueWolverine02

May 11th, 2021 at 4:23 AM ^

Depending on what I'm doing, I rotate between a pair of Brooks, Inov8s and Sperrys.  All three combined were probably a little over your $150 budget.  Though I cheat and can get Brooks half off.

Jon06

May 11th, 2021 at 6:03 AM ^

You are a married adult. Go to a shoe store. Try on the cheapest shoe that looks ok to you. If it fits well, buy it. If not, try the next one up. Repeat until you are done, and buy the cheapest ok-looking one that fit. If you get bored first, give up and try another store in a week or two. 

blueheron

May 11th, 2021 at 8:08 AM ^

Here's a vote for KEEN. If (like me) you have wide feet and need clown shoes, they're just the thing. Several other brands would also work.

sharks

May 11th, 2021 at 8:10 AM ^

I bought a leather pair of Hugo Boss sneakers new on eBay for like $100.  They look great, but are heavy-ish and not meant for running or playing basketball or whatever- so more for looks/comfort than action. 

The trick is that I bought them 3 years ago and they absolutely will not wear out.  I've never had a pair of daily use shoes last this long, and unless something happens, they've got another 3 years in them easy.  I got these Weiman leather wipes and I just give them a quick once over when they get muddy.

SecretAgentMayne

May 11th, 2021 at 8:20 AM ^

Do yourself a favor and get Adidas, they have a several very good, comfortable shoe lines.

yeah, I know Adidas was shit on quite a bit when they were Michigan’s outfitter, but I REALLY like their shoes. The last two pairs of sneakers I’ve had were Adidas and I loved them. I’m like you, on the verge of getting yet another new pair now that my current ones are getting old and worn out. I’ll probably stick with Adidas.

If you’re feeling really dad-ish though, the white Nike Air Monarchs are always a safe bet. I hear they’re ridiculously comfortable. 

 

JamesBondHerpesMeds

May 11th, 2021 at 9:06 AM ^

I assume you’re talking about casual sneakers, not running ones?

One misconception is that running shoes make great walking shoes. The design of both would suggest otherwise, and I’d advise you make sure to focus your energy on one or the other.
 

for runners in your price point, check out the Nike Pegasus, New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon, or the Brooks Ghost. All excellent, durable, long lasting.

for walking, I’ve been told the New Balance 990, while expensive, lasts forever and has an iconic style.

Eat Your Wheatlies

May 11th, 2021 at 9:30 AM ^

I'll use this to plug my buddy's product...sneakerasers! Essentially a magic eraser for shoes. Check them out if you're hoping to keep your shoes looking sharp.

He's from a small town in NWO, and just appeared on Shark Tank this last week. Even made a deal with Lori and A-rod.

Gulogulo37

May 11th, 2021 at 9:51 AM ^

I can't really recommend any without actually buying them first, but I'm looking at getting some minimalist shoes with a wide toe box. My feet and legs have felt better since I've started using some toe spacers and massaging out the bottoms of my feet. My converse don't crush my toes thankfully, but I was going to try something new like that. Low heel.

543Church

May 11th, 2021 at 9:57 AM ^

Check out the New Balance Minimus line.  They offer low-drop shoes with a wide toebox in both a training model as well as trail running model.  Years ago they offered a road version with a 4mm drop.  I ran the Detroit Marathon in them.  Felt great.

I do not work for New Balance.

 

kehnonymous

May 11th, 2021 at 10:06 AM ^

For you and OP, I might point out the Lems minimalist shoes I have:

They're really comfortable, light, and fit my feet really well - in fact, I think they're easily the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.  I don't have super-wide feet but they're slightly flared at the front so they should accommodate people with a wider toe base. They're just a bit north of $100, which should still be in your budget.

That said, minimalist shoes certainly aren't for everyone and I would strongly suggest trying them on in person which might be hard to do since Lems isn't a super huge brand.  Also, full disclosure, part of the reason I even checked this thread is that I'm also looking for new shoes myself as my Lems need to be replaced (holes in the sole), but they're almost 6 years old (with the disclaimer I rarely wore them between November-March) so I would probably get them again if I don't find anything better.

 

543Church

May 11th, 2021 at 9:52 AM ^

I run about 50 miles/week and go through about 5-6 pairs of shoes/year.  I also have wide feet so I've found New Balance makes the best shoes for those of us that are so endowed.  I rotate between NB models and if I find one I like I stock up when I see it on sale.  Currently alternating between the NB Beacon and 890.

I'm sure you all find this fascinating.

 

 

njvictor

May 11th, 2021 at 9:54 AM ^

If you're budget is around $150, I'd take a look at some Adidas UltraBoosts. Genuinely the most comfortable shoes on the market right now. It's like walking on clouds. However, if you do need more support under your foot, then maybe look elsewhere

bacon1431

May 11th, 2021 at 10:22 AM ^

For exercising, I use Asics. And I'm over 230 pounds, but they hold up pretty well. For work, I just wear black New Balances. Pretty comfy. 

4godkingandwol…

May 11th, 2021 at 10:28 AM ^

I’ve been a Brooks man for about 6 years now. I got into them when I was running more —30-35 miles per week — and they really were a game changer. They run slightly wider in the toe box and also provide extra stability for those that are a little flat footed. 
 

Ive found that shoes really are incredibly diverse and you really need to shop around. What changed it for me was going to a podiatrist for some toe issues I was having. He helped me understand what type of foot I had and recommended a few options. From there I went to a good shoe store, the kind run by runners that let you run around the block a few times with the shoes on, and tried several options. Brooks man ever since. 
 

MGoStrength

May 11th, 2021 at 11:05 AM ^

I have lots of sneakers because I am a PE teacher and am on my feet all day.  Everyone's foot and gait are a bit different and will be more or less comfortable with different styles of shoes.  I own Nike's, Addidas, New Balance, and Reebok all right now and wear them all regularly.  My most comfortable shoes are my Nike Pegasus 37s.  A side benefit is you can custom create your own colors and you can also get a UM pair.

Sllepy81

May 11th, 2021 at 2:36 PM ^

Brooks ghosts, best shoes I've ever owned. Wife made me get a pair for walking, normally an expensive nike guy but I said sure why not.

b618

May 11th, 2021 at 8:00 PM ^

I like black New Balance for everyday/work.

A while back, my feet got ruined by wearing shoes with no cushioning.  Now I need a comfortable, cushiony shoe all the time.

mickblue

May 12th, 2021 at 3:18 PM ^

I highly recommend Sketcher light weight walking shoes. Cost about $80. I bought a pair and went for a 3 mile walk. Then immediately returned to store and bought two back up pairs. Afraid they would stop making them. Great arch support and for me that matters for my older dogs. Light as a feather.