Work shoes

[Reasley]

Originally Posted by amyFB

This was a good story to share! We humans do have a lot of variations from one to another, and we dont' always get the education needed to make good decisions about every single thing, and so it's great to run into someone who understands it in a particular context, like shoes.

Or, bras.

It reminds me very much of a similar FIT issue for women and bras. I'm not alone among women who never learned how to measure for a proper fitting bra, and on into my 40s I was always miserable about the deficiencies in fit but was resigned to it being a thing I'd have to suffer with.

One day I was dragged to Nordstrom's for a lingerie sale day that was advertising Free Bra Fitting Appointments. It was a real eye opener of an education, and, a truly rewarding visit that has benefited me ever since.
My friend and I were shocked at the new size suggestion from the sales clerk, and were sure the try-ons would prove her way off the wall. But, one look in the mirror reinforced the point that our 40 year old bodies were not meant to fit in the bra sized for our previous 16 year old bodies.

Of course since it was Nordstrom's, the bras were really really expensive, but, the lesson on how to size and select them was worth the cost of the one I bought that day.

I think it is generally a useful thing to talk to specialists in any area that touches you; you never know what you don't know.

Thank you both very much for your great stories. I'm posting on another thread about a member who wants to adjust their action and they have essentially no tools and probably less knowledge about the process. So I wrote up a thorough post on the tools and reference materials they needed to absolutely do the job right -- the only way, right?

And I am seeing subsequent posters say "I have no use for that tool," "I don't know why you need it," etc.

I LOVE your use of the phrase "you never know what you don't know." As a university professor, it is a part of one of my favorite phrases:

"Intelligence is the ability to discern that you don't know what you don't know."

And, closely related:

"I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you."

Somewhat related, but my favorite saying, and at a personal level:

"I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then."

Ain't it the truth?

[Reasley]

Originally Posted by Silurian

Take a look at Dr Martens.

Oh, yeah. What he said.

Ugly as all get out, but supremely comfortable.

I was going to suggest these, too, but there are HEAVY.

Note that I wear Dr. Martens everyday I teach, where I'm on my feet for over four hours and I take them to Europe and walk a LOT every year for a month.

But still, the Academy shoes that I list above are more comfortable than Dr. Martens. Not even close. But they are too casual in look to wear them in my profession. Unfortunately.

[bsman]

I'm pretty picky about my footwear, because after 20 years of playing and 25 years of refereeing soccer I learned that what I wear off the field has a huge impact on my foot health. Over the years, I've become rather enamored of Rockport Essential Details and Florsheim ndns (no drip, no slip) shoes and boots. Both feature waterproof construction and very durable non-slip soles along with extremely supportive yet light, well-cushioned and comfortable innersoles. They also wear like iron. The only potential downside is that the soles can be a bit noisy on linoleum floors.

Right now, I'm wearing a pair of the Rockports in a wingtip, but when I'm dressed down I wear a pair of ndns chukka boots. My feet are happy!

BTW - tennis shoes, trainers, whatever you want to call them are fine for casual wear, but REAL men wear adult shoes at work.

[fatt-dad]

We don't know whether you need any safety to your shoes. For work boots (non-steel) there are certainly Red Wing. Heck, I have my pair from 30 years ago - boots I wore as a field geologist and they pulled heavy duty!

My current, "Favorite" non-steel work boots are Chippeaw, which I bought through LL Bean. LLBean calls them, "Engineer's Boots" and they are great, made in USA.

Didn't really like the Frye work shoes or boots. I think a minimum detail is the steel shank.

I wear Wolverine boots too - 10,000 mile version, also made in USA. That leather is great! They are expensive though, but I got my two current pairs on discount for under $200 bucks. Check Jet.com.

In footwear, I also like Rockport - mostly for their footbed. My next shoe is likely to be the SAS Penny loafer. Again, made in USA, steel shank and my last pair lasted for many years. So happy they are back in production!

If you are on your feet and need work shoes, I'd certainly go out of your way for a steel shank. Any shoe that bends at the arch is asking for problems.

f-d

[Jeff56]

When I was on my feet for up to 8 hrs I used to get foot pain and found the only shoe to cure it was Ecco. Comfortable, sturdy and last forever.

[lionhead]

Merrel for light weight, Redwing for support.

[mr. beaumont]

Big +1 on clarks...high school teacher here, 10-14 hours a day in em...

[Golffishny]

I also liked the Rockports and Clarks for indoors. For outside I needed a boot with a safety toe and found Redwings with an approved synthetic toe lighter than steel toe and not as cold in the winter. They lasted 7 years climbing poles and a few years into retirement. The main thing to do is make sure you get a good fit. Good luck.

[Jim Owen]

Originally Posted by Danno

I'm moving all the time. I work in a conference center and do a lot of pulling/pushing, lifting, walking, carrying, setting up and tearing down equipment. I prefer a tennis shoe as it is lighter weight than a boot. I wore a pair of these shoes for a year.

https://www.amazon.com/Fila-Mens-Mem.../dp/B00BEEIM7O

They were okay but didn't last long. I then bought a pair of Nike's and have had a lot more of foot pain since the switch. Ibuprophen and ice have helped alleviate some of the pain, but I am ready to invest in a pair of quality shoes that will last a couple years.

I appreciate your replies everyone.

Hi Danno,

Some 40 years ago, I had that same job. I’m sure I walked miles every day, and some of the surface area was concrete slab.

I’ll second what Amy and others have said: I wear either Clark’s or Rockports now. Then, I wore running shoes and replaced them every six months.

I’ve learnt that quality shoes and socks make a big difference. And getting measured is important, too.

On the bright side, you’re in motion. I’ve seen what effects a sedentary life has on many folk. My current job (thank goodness) still forces me to move around a lot, but I do spend quite a bit of time at a desk staring at a couple of monitors. When I worked your job, I think I developed a lifelong pattern of keeping active.

Cheers
Jimmy

[fingerguy]

Originally Posted by PorkPieGuy

These right here have worked absolute wonders for my back. I can walk in them all day. I got the wide ones, so they slip on and off with ease. I may get myself another pair for Christmas just because. I wear them year-round, and they have a non-slip sole, so they have the traction of a real boot as opposed a slick-soled cowboy boot.

I've owned a LOT of shoes over the years, and these boots are by far the most comfortable thing I've ever had my foot in.

Just in case you want the exact model number:

Justin Boots: Men's WK4944 Two Tone Leather EH Cowboy Work Boots

Also try Rocky and Wolverine.

[Twelvefret]

Justin J Max are made in the US. I have these I use for working around the place. https://www.justinoriginalworkboots....ons/j-max/4457

[Pitar]

If a safety toed show is necessary find the composite type. They're lightweight and unlike steel they won't freeze your toes in the colder climes. I wear some safety-toed slip-ons made by Brazzos. I spend a long day in them and have no problems. Took a little breaking in but after that they're fine. I think I paid under $30.00 for them. But, I'm a light weight so my feet aren't bearing much.

[jemartin]

I am also in the printing industry, workin 8 - 12 hours a day without much of any time to sit down, running 2 - 5 - and 6 color presses all day...depending on the need. I have used Red Wings in the past but then switched to Belleville Boots which make boots and shoes for the US military and police depts. Their newest tactical boot for long wear on the street for police on the beat... and others... is the Fat Maxx. It comes in 6 and 8 inch versions. My boss and I tried them out about 4 months ago and we are extremely satisfied. I can work all day and my feet still feel good while walking on the incredibly cushioned sole. I have never worn a shoe like it before. At $125 - $145 dollars they are a super bargain. The sole also has a unique shape for walking and I had to go to a Wide version in my size to give plenty of room in the toe box... but are they comfortable!

https://vimeo.com/142173947

[H2O]

While not the lightest shoe out there, I am a big fan of Red Wing boots. I wear Foreman Chukkas around the office and Iron Rangers (6 In.) when working outdoors. My rangers have lasted 10 years so far and have not even been resoled yet.

Good luck in your search.