Hope me find some shoes

October 26, 2016 7:09 AM

I need some new, casual everyday shoes. A flurry of snowflakes follows inside...

I'm in need of a pair of good, comfortable casual kicks, and it's driving me nuts finding something meeting my needs/desires. Please hope me!

I love the look of some of the better, more fashionable versions of Jack Purcells. The trouble with them is the same problem I have with all Converse shoes...tway oo narrow and an interior footbed that's flat as a board. My current casuals are my ancient Asics GT-3000 runners, and I've always loved the fit...roomy (especially in the toebox), wonderful cushion and fantastic arch support. I'd get another pair like them but I want to move away from the runner look.

I suppose my ideal would be those Purcells, but made by Asics, with that great Asics fit I've come to love. The cushion, arch support and roomy toe room are musts. Converse (and Nikes, in general) fit my toes and feet like vices, so even adding orthotics (even if you could remove the glued-in footbed) won't work in the Purcells. I've tried the new Chuck Taylor 2's and, while a slight improvement in cushion and arch support, they feel like they fit even narrower.

I'd prefer to keep the cost below $100, if possible, too. That's not a deal-breaker, though.

Does anything like that even exist? It's so hard to shop where I live because, well, the selections are pretty limited.

posted by Thorzdad to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (12 answers total)

How do you feel about Adidas Stan Smiths? They're under $100 (and you can also get them on eBay from close-out retailers for even less). They have more support and padding than Converse and Purcells.

Supergas would also be a possibility - they're a bit more like Converse in construction but IMO the fit is wider. You can get them from Zappos if ease of return is important.

I have wide and tall feet, and both these fit me okay. I am about a wide 8.25 (if such a thing existed - anyway, my feet are fractionally too long and significantly too wide for 8s) length-wise but usually take a standard 8.5.
posted by Frowner at 7:17 AM on October 26, 2016 [1 favorite]

I found something by Asics called the Asics Onitsuka Tiger Tokuten.
It has a similar casual vibe, but has the Asics stripe on the side; not sure if that's a deal breaker or not.
posted by Major Matt Mason Dixon at 8:24 AM on October 26, 2016

Would you describe your foot as disproportionately wide at the front? I have duck feet - wide front/narrow heel which makes shoe shopping a challenge. (As a woman, I usually buy sling backs to deal with that.). Until I could explain exactly how my foot is shaped I kept buying wide shoes which slipped at the heel. Hello blisters.

If you're a duck foot, I'd call Nordstrom and ask what they suggest at your price point. Even if you are remote they can give you advice on the phone. They always give me good suggestions about shoes.
posted by 26.2 at 8:44 AM on October 26, 2016

Vaguely similar
posted by jon1270 at 8:51 AM on October 26, 2016

I used to live in Converse, but after a bad ankle injury, I found that I needed something better for longer wear.

I bought a pair of Vans slip-ons, and I'm in love. They can accommodate my orthotic inserts if needed, but they are also super comfortable without it. I've worn them for long days of airline travel and major shopping trips - both of which involve tons of walking and have given me trouble in the past - and they've been amazing on my feet and my crappy ankle.

Plus they look pretty awesome and aren't expensive.
posted by tryniti at 9:33 AM on October 26, 2016

Best answer: Simple is back, and I've had good luck with their shoes. I like a wide toe box and find most of their styles are good for me. Not sure about the current versions, but they have some nice, low-key sneaks.
posted by that's candlepin at 9:34 AM on October 26, 2016 [1 favorite]

New Balance 577, all black.
posted by JimN2TAW at 9:45 AM on October 26, 2016

When you mentioned Asics I also thought of Onitsuka Tigers - they are much more "street style" with the various colourways and some of the hightops are pretty sweet (although they are more rare to find).
posted by like_neon at 9:54 AM on October 26, 2016 [1 favorite]

Stopped in to also recommend the Onitsuka Tigers. I've used a thin orthotic insert with them before.
posted by checkitnice at 10:18 AM on October 26, 2016

Asics Appian?

Those Mexico 66's are sure sweet! Or maybe Black on Black.
posted by at at 10:44 AM on October 26, 2016 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Would you describe your foot as disproportionately wide at the front?

No, not really. Back in the days when all shoes came in widths, I was always a D. I just feel better having wiggle room in the toe area. Back when I ran, I tended to spread and grip with my toes, so a more open toebox just feels more comfortable, thus my love of Asics.
posted by Thorzdad at 10:56 AM on October 26, 2016

I'm assuming you're a man. Onitsuka Tigers run notoriously narrow. I would guess that most of their line won't fit you. Most of them are flat inside as well.

Some folks like PF Flyers, but I couldn't tell you if they run any wider than Converse. These Teva Sterlings have slightly more cushioning than Converse, and are decently wide if you replace the insole. Cole Haan does well at having a little more cushioning in this style shoe, but you probably won't find those under $100 new.
posted by cnc at 12:59 PM on October 26, 2016