Help me find new shoes

January 10, 2007 12:11 PM

ShoeFilter: I am looking for a new casual work shoe. I currently have Simple Barney and love them to death but want something new.

I am looking for a similar style shoe or boot. Pref black or brown, something comfy but nice looking. Oh and if it is under $80 even better. Thanks for any suggestions

posted by ShawnString to clothing, beauty, & fashion (16 comments total)

I hesitated before buying, as it definitely doesn't match your desired price point, but my current work shoes are a pair of Ecco shoes. They're the single best work shoes I've ever owned; I got them a little over six months ago, put an average of 4 miles on them each workday (that's not counting walking-around time at the office; my bus stops aren't the most convenient you see), and they're still absolutely solid and comfortable.
posted by Drastic at 12:26 PM on January 10, 2007

Take a look at Clarks. They tend to be as funky as the Simple Barneys linked above, and not quite as conventional as Eccos. Although they are usually more expensive than $80 (I've typically paid $90-$120 for a pair), they last forever.

I have never owned a pair of shoes as well made as my clarks. I wore my first pair for two years, then packed them when I moved. A year or two later, I unpacked them and started wearing them again. I think I have about 4-5 years of wear on that pair. They look well worn, but have aged very nicely. My current pair is nearly two yeas old, and looks brand new.

You can probably find Clarks at the $80 price point, but they are still an exceptional value at $120 at the clarks store.
posted by b1tr0t at 12:33 PM on January 10, 2007

I've got a pair of Rockports that I love. They are comfortable, waterproof and not outrageously overpriced (I think I paid $60 or $70 for them). I got them at Macy's and this is my second pair so that might tell you something.

I tried to find them on the Rockport site but their site is all flash and incredibly annoying to try and navigate.
posted by fenriq at 12:44 PM on January 10, 2007

Seconding Clarks. I stumbled onto a pair at a garage sale. Glad I didn't have to pay retail, but *dang* these are some quality shoes!
posted by Wild_Eep at 12:49 PM on January 10, 2007

Clarks are also incredibly comfortable - not something you would normally expect from a long-lasting shoe.
posted by b1tr0t at 12:56 PM on January 10, 2007

I was going to come in here and reccommend the Clark's Wallabees. It looks like I didn't have to, but I think that all these strangers telling you that these are amazing shoes probably speaks volumes.
posted by tjenks at 1:34 PM on January 10, 2007

looks like I am going to go check out some Clarks now. thanks guys.
posted by ShawnString at 1:45 PM on January 10, 2007

I've owned Ecco's, I've owned Clarks, but the shoes I love the best are the classic Bass Weejun mocassin -- preferably in the Leavitt style.

I've got a friend coming over from the US soon. I'd better ask her to bring me a couple of pairs as my current ones are dying.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 2:34 PM on January 10, 2007

Keen shoes, which I have only ever seen in the Pacific Northwest are hands-down the most comfy, cool-looking shoes I own.
posted by Invoke at 3:04 PM on January 10, 2007

fifthing clark's wallabees- they're awesome. my dad wore them when i was a kid- tres retro cool. they come in lots of colours, too. recently, i saw a kicksass pair in a subtle tweedy brown plaid- the kind of pattern you'd wear in a pair of funky-old-man dress pants. i complimented their wearer and he said it was the sixth compliment he'd gotten on them that afternoon.
posted by twistofrhyme at 3:18 PM on January 10, 2007

Blackspot V2
posted by Sara Anne at 5:04 PM on January 10, 2007

Both my bf and I have found Camper shoes to be comfy, well-made, long-lasting, and quite cool looking.

They're not for everyone, style-wise, but worth a look.
posted by jasperella at 7:33 PM on January 10, 2007

My husband wears the Keen Portsmouth to work.
posted by candyland at 7:44 PM on January 10, 2007

Seconding Clarks. Great shoes.
posted by YoBananaBoy at 9:45 PM on January 10, 2007

I like Born shoes, personally.
posted by electroboy at 9:40 AM on January 11, 2007

Clarks, for real. I hiked, walked and generally tried to destroy mine without any luck.
posted by fieldtrip at 9:35 PM on January 11, 2007