Advice on good shoes

[Buff]

I'm having some knee problems. I know it is because of my shoes. The problems slowly go away whenever I put on better shoes. I bought a pair of Merrell's several years ago and they were ok for me, but I found a cheaper pair at pay less or something similar and thats when the problems began. I've always known that I need better quality shoes, but for a few years I just bought from the cheapo shoe store and it caused me to have knee problems because I wasn't getting proper support from my shoes.

Here is the current version of the Merrell Shoes that I bought. Unfortunately it wore out quickly and I once again got knee problems. I'm wearing some hiking shoes right now, but I am looking for some high quality casual shoes for work. I'm on my tush all day but with summer coming will be walking to Subway for lunch a couple days per week.

Does anybody have any suggestions on a good shoe, or shoe brand that is known for good quality? I've already looked into Birkenstock but want to hear about more brands before I hit the stores this weekend.

[habernac]

Rockports FTW!

[octothorp]

Not many places carry them, but consider Børn shoes. I used to have a pair and they were easily the most comfortable I've ever owned.

[dissentowner]

I had to have hip surgery after a bad car wreck in 99 and was advised to go with New Balance. Great shoe made for runners and super comfy.

Can't you just get whatever shoes you want and get orthopedic inserts for them? Then you can transfer them from shoe to shoe and not have to buy a whole new "shoe wardrobe"...

[FurnaceFace]

Gone to physio? They'll tell you what you need to do to get fixed up and can probably recommend a store that will match shoes with your condition instead of just asking for your size.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Puxlut

Can't you just get whatever shoes you want and get orthopedic inserts for them? Then you can transfer them from shoe to shoe and not have to buy a whole new "shoe wardrobe"...

Shoe wardrobe? Whats that? I'm a guy, I've got shoes for sports, and shoes for work/everyday.

Originally Posted by FurnaceFace

Gone to physio? They'll tell you what you need to do to get fixed up and can probably recommend a store that will match shoes with your condition instead of just asking for your size.

My wife is a physio. She told me to buy good shoes and told me of a couple stores here in Lethbridge to go to. So that's what I'm doing in the next couple of days, I'm just doing some homework before I go.

[FLAMESRULE]

Ecco...that is all...easily the best shoes I've ever had. Actually turned me into a bit of a shoe snob. And GREAT customer service, had some blisters from a pair of hiking shoes after about 6 months of wear, they replaced them no questions.

[jtfrogger]

When picking up casual shoes, I only buy ones that are really comfortable. Given how big of a difference it makes, it is worth the premium.

My favourite brand is Clarks. They fit me consistently well, are decent quality, look good and almost always very comfy. Other brands that I like: Steve Madden, Merrell, Cole Haan, & Joseph Seibel.

I've tried on Ecco & Born a few times, but for whatever reason never bought any. I know they are in the same caliber as the other brands I mentioned, but they probably didn't fit me well or there was some other minor reason for me not to buy them.

For dress shoes, I love Canali. They are amazingly comfortable considering that they are made out of little more than wood and leather. However, they are bloody expensive. (They are not as comfortable as the other brands above, but it is a completely different category of shoe.)

[Wookie]

Yup, worn Rockport and Ecco, and I think I have a pair of hushpuppies that I wear. All very compfortable .

[vanisleflamesfan]

Yeah Rockports for sure. Best, most comfortable shoes I have ever owned.

[cSpooge]

speaking of this... i need to find a nice pair of dress shoes that my orthodics will fit in. Having a half inch lift in them makes finding dress shoes blows.

[blankall]

I had knee problems for years. The best shoes I found were nikes. More specifically the dunk SBs.

Different brands help people with different problems though.

[prarieboy]

I have a pair of Rocsports made by Rockport and they are comfortable and are lasting a really long time. Not cheap but probably the best shoes I've ever had.

[OBCT]

Yup, Rockport is a good brand. +1 from me.

I recently bought my first pair of Fitzwell shoes, and they seem pretty good so far... we'll see how they last.

---

Oh and btw -- for those living in the United States of America only -- www.6pm.com is a great site to do discount shoe shopping. I lucked out the first time I bought shoes there, as I found the style/colour/size/width shoe I thought I wanted at an amazing price and just impulsively pulled the trigger. Amazingly, they were a perfect fit, sight unseen. Since then I've done my homework before making online shoe purchases (lightning doesn't strike twice!), and I have yet to use their return policy.

Just as an example of what they carry .... they've got more than 200 styles of Rockport shoes (in varying sizes) in stock right now. All @ 40-60% off retail. Flat rate $6.95 per order (not item) on shipping. No sales tax, either, unless shipped to Nevada, Kentucky or New York.

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by Puxlut

Can't you just get whatever shoes you want and get orthopedic inserts for them? Then you can transfer them from shoe to shoe and not have to buy a whole new "shoe wardrobe"...

are you jellin? cause I am totally jellin!

all kidding aside, Rockports are great but I have always had success with Merrells.

[habernac]

Originally Posted by prarieboy

I have a pair of Rocsports made by Rockport and they are comfortable and are lasting a really long time. Not cheap but probably the best shoes I've ever had.

mine are finally due to be replaced after almost 4 years of pretty much every day wear. Excellent, excellent shoes ($150)

[schteve_d]

I wear nothing but Merrells and Columbia. I have very high arches and find only those two brands keep my feet, shins and back comfy for any length of time.

I haven't worn any other brand for over four years now and haven't had a problem since.

[flamesfever]

Dacks are my favourite. They are somewhat pricey but look great and last for a long time.

[macker]

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ but not in public

http://www.newbalance.com/ Walking

http://www.mizunousa.com/running Running