You get what you pay for.... Or do you?

[Tilar]

Ok, Serious question here and it has nothing to do with cars, Unless it makes a difference how hard you can mash on the gas pedal.

When my son was 14 or 15, about every 6 months it seemed like he needed a new pair of shoes, and he always wanted some of the shoes that were $150 a pair. At that time I'm not sure if they called them "sneakers, tennis shoes or shitkickers" to be honest. Anyway I always told him that anything more than $50 a pair, I would pay half of, which I always ended up paying roughly $75 a pair. 

Now he's 33 and about to get married, I'm semi retired and working a part time job where I can wear tennis shoes, but it's hard to get a pair of Sketchers, Dr. Shoals or any other $50 pair of tennis shoes that are even comfortable let alone last any time at all.

I only work a 4 hour a day job but it can sometimes be 12 hours a day. I work on concrete the whole time.  Does anyone have any suggestions for a good pair of tennis or running style shoes that are comfortable? I want a pair that when I put them on, I feel like I just had good sex! (well the best I remember what good sex was like) 

What do you wear? Any suggestions? At this point I would pay good money for a comfortable pair of shoes.

[kab69440]

You and me both, my friend. I got a pair of off-brand hi-tops at the beginning of 7th grade that were $12.00 for the pair at the local Big Wheel. They had so much foam, it was like walking on marshmallows. I'd kill somebody for another(or several) pair of those shoes. I wore them until they flat fell apart. Never had another pair anywhere near them. Wish I'd had the foresight to hoard a lifetime supply at that time.

[Johnny SixPack]

I'm sold on New Balance.

They were recommended by my podiatrist when he found out I have an extra bone in my right foot (no wonder I'm heavy on the go fast pedal  ).

He said they also help give a lift that eases plantar fasciitis, for those with it, and I can say they definitely help on the days where I'm on my feet for extended periods.

I've also got 4E wide feet (New Balance even makes a 6E!), coupled with a shorter toe length, and New Balance is one of the few companies that makes a shoes that fits.

They also offers multiple foot bed set ups for a myriad of foot shapes, not to mention many inserts and insoles.

As an added bonus, some of the models are still made here in the US of A, and they have lasted me a year so far (I've got the 1123 model).

They definitely aren't on the cheap side (many are $100+), but IMO you get what you pay for in this case.

[stripedelete]

I'm also on my feet all day.  Currently in my first pair of Keens.  Not cheap, but at 9 months they may be the first pair to go a year without crippling me.

Bought'em up the road from you at Fin, Feather and Fur (250 & 71).

[Chryco Psycho]

I have a couple pairs of Riddels , mostly though now I wear anything remotely wide enough

[MoparManJim]

I get my shoes at Wal-Mart, around $13.00 an they kinda last me at least 3 to maybe 4 months at a time before I get anew pair. I'm on my feet alot also. 

[bull]

Do they have to be tennis shoes? If not I would recommend Crocs. They look gayer than Richard Simmons to some people but I've never worn anything more comfortable in my life. The black ones are the least gay-looking, followed by dark blue.

Other than that I would agree with Johnny up there. My last pair of tenni-runners were black New Balance and they have been great since day one. No break-in time. They are close to three years old now and still going strong.

[PA Dodger]

 I have to agree with New Balance. I have worn 381's for a few years now and love them. 

[bobs66440]

New Balance. I have a lot of foot issues and they seem to be the best for me.

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

For standing on concrete, I prefer Redwing brand shoes

They make everything from a steel toed work boot to a dress/casual shoe

[BIGBLCK11]

Another vote for New Balance.  The 4E is also my reason.  Around $65 at Kohl's or even Meijer.  The most comfortable and durable without hitting $80-100.  My parents worked in a factory for years and swear by Red Wing shoes.

[440]

I've had New Balance in the past and they were nice, but Merrells shoes were by far the most comfortable shoe I've worn yet. I'm partial to the suede Jungle Moc's found at REI stores for $65. They fit like a glove and come in different colors, gunsmoke, dark earth, taupe, fudge and midnight. I haven't tried many other of their shoes since finding these but would bet the comfort would be second to none.  

[Old Moparz]

For standing on concrete, I prefer Redwing brand shoes

They make everything from a steel toed work boot to a dress/casual shoe

I'll 2nd the Red Wings, they've lasted many years for me & were very comfortable.    Not sure about where they are made now, but mine were made in the USA.

I went to a shoe store where the owner is also a foot specialist & he sold me a pair of Noats for $160 that were the most comfortable shoe I ever had. There was a problem with the sole splitting open, but he got the company to give me a 2nd pair as a free replacement, but they split also so I give up. Too bad, because they are fantastic for comfort & the rest of the shoe is great quality. The best part about having to finally make the plunge & spending at this store is that the owner is an expert on fitting & knows the products well.

http://www.shoe-fitter.com/

The shoes I have now are Dansko & very good. I held off buying them because they are like $135 & up, & the clog I got takes a little getting used to. (They have regular shoes too.) My wife has several pairs in several styles by this company, one of which she wore to work EVERYDAY for years in a school kitchen & they never wore out. They have to be well over 10 years old now & she still has them.

http://www.dansko.com/Mens/Footwear/Styles/Shoes/

One thing for sure, I have yet to find a decent shoe from China that actually fits my foot. I have had a few pair for around the house or yard, & they always fell apart. They appear better than they used to, but I still avoid them at all costs because walking on hot coals with c-clamps tightened to my feet would be an improvement over a Chinese shoe.

[green69rt]

I worked in the construction business for years.  I walked around construction sites that had a lot of concrete.  What I found is that the amount of cushion is only one part of the story.  The sole has to be fairly stiff to give support to your foot and the shoe has to be fairly light in weight to fight off foot and leg fatigue.  For years I wore Rockport shoes.  Never found a reason to change.  Better support, light weight and instead of a metal shank in the sole they use a hard plastic shank that reduces weight. Just my 

[derailed]

Red Wing, been very happy with them for a long time. Many of there lines are still made here. Pay a bit more but they last.

[Brock Lee]

As an added bonus, some of the models are still made here in the US of A, and they have lasted me a year so far (I've got the 1123 model).

Talk to a New Balance factory worker and you will learn the company treads a fine line on this claim. Much of the manufacture is still done overseas. The sub-assemblies are brought together in the US shop. By spreading the origins around of the sub assemblies, most work is technically done in the USA, so they are allowed to put that on the label.

[General_01]

My wife wears Red Wings. I wear tennis shoes to work, so I buy either Reebok or New Balance.

[Tilar]

Dad likes New Balance so I bought a pair years ago and didn't really like them. The last pair I bought were Dr. Shoals and you would think they would be a good wearing pair of shoes, but I got these about a month before Carlisle and wore them while I was there and thought I was going to be crippled by the time I got back to the room.

I have a pair of red wing boots that I wear in the winter time that are pretty comfortable, but in the summer they are plenty hot. The ones I wear to work now are Skechers which are fair but still not a comfortable shoe.

Do they have to be tennis shoes? If not I would recommend Crocs. They look gayer than Richard Simmons to some people but I've never worn anything more comfortable in my life. The black ones are the least gay-looking, followed by dark blue.

That's pretty gay but at this point in time I'd almost wear anything as long as they don't wear me out before 10 AM.

Oh, speaking of Richard Simmons     http://youtu.be/ltA_rXT-z08

[bobs66440]

Oh, speaking of Richard Simmons     http://youtu.be/ltA_rXT-z08

That freakin show is hilarious!

[1969chargerrtse]

I would wear sneaks 24/7 if I could.  I wear socks 24/7 except in the shower.  Whenever I see a good sneak deal I grab it.  The other day I noticed in my closet I had 4 new pairs waiting for me.  Time to stop for now.

[Hemidog]

Oh, speaking of Richard Simmons     http://youtu.be/ltA_rXT-z08

That freakin show is hilarious!

Love it!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-BfQ7hJ6Po

[bill440rt]

Every pair of Sketchers I have ever owned (very few of them), have been horrible. They are comfortable for about a week, then you might as well strap on ceramic tile directly to your feet. Worst shoes I've worn, ever.

I can't really wear sneakers for my job, although I have a plain white pair of Vans that are pretty comfy that I wear sometimes.
I picked up a pair of Rockport shoes several years ago, got them at the local Burlington Coat Factory store. They are the MOST comfy shoe I have ever worn. They are really worn out now, but I can't bring myself to throw them away they are that good.
I also found a pair of Dr. Scholl's shoes, they have those built-in gel pocket thingies in them. Nice, comfy shoe was well.

I just can't bring myself to check in my man card & wear a pair of those ridiculous Croc's. I've never seen the appeal in them.

[gtx6970]

Best casual shoe I've found to date is Asics running shoes

And I was always one of the ones who refused to pay more than $25 for gym shoes, but these sold me

[dstryr]

For standing on concrete, I prefer Redwing brand shoes

They make everything from a steel toed work boot to a dress/casual shoe

I wear a Carolina brand boot, but have had many pairs of Redwings over the last 30+ years.  On concrete, there is not a sneaker/tennis shoe that will hold up or support my feet like a work boot with a true heal.  None of the flat soled stuff has ever worked for me for that type of duty.  Either my feet hurt or my hips ache so bad I can hardly stand unless I'm in a boot or stiff type of shoe. 

But, that's just FWIW, I know what works for me doesn't work for everybody else.   

[Back N Black]

I like the New Balance also,i never wear shoes at work, its combat boots for the last 22 years.