Good-for-now work shoes
July 15, 2015 10:18 AM Subscribe
Asking for my husband: what's the best moderately-priced shoes for occasionally standing for 12+ hours/day?
His work occasionally requires long days standing with some walking and maybe a little trotting, 12-16 hours, and it hurts his feet in all of his cheap old shoes. This is generally on locations for video productions, so there's no dress code*, his athletic skills are rarely called upon, no climbing, standing surfaces are generally cement or asphalt, and we really only need them to last a year or two and then he can invest in whatever is top-of-the-line.
I think probably the only work requirement is that he should be able to walk quietly in them when necessary, so nothing that clomps or clanks or jingles or squeaks uncontrollably.
His feet don't have any special requirements, but he hates shoes with laces.
*Or, at least, dress code ranges from "some clothes" to "blend in on the street", so loafer-y would probably be preferable to sneaker-y or boot-y (heh). I don't think he has any significant safety requirements or needs like ankle coverage or steel toes.
His work occasionally requires long days standing with some walking and maybe a little trotting, 12-16 hours, and it hurts his feet in all of his cheap old shoes. This is generally on locations for video productions, so there's no dress code*, his athletic skills are rarely called upon, no climbing, standing surfaces are generally cement or asphalt, and we really only need them to last a year or two and then he can invest in whatever is top-of-the-line.
I think probably the only work requirement is that he should be able to walk quietly in them when necessary, so nothing that clomps or clanks or jingles or squeaks uncontrollably.
His feet don't have any special requirements, but he hates shoes with laces.
*Or, at least, dress code ranges from "some clothes" to "blend in on the street", so loafer-y would probably be preferable to sneaker-y or boot-y (heh). I don't think he has any significant safety requirements or needs like ankle coverage or steel toes.
How does he feel about clogs? Librarians all swear by Danskos generally. They have a few loafer options that are reasonable. Maybe something like that and then go to Zappos to find ones that are slightly more decently priced. I'd basically be looking at dress sneakers and ... whatever nurses and librarians wear. I know people hate Crocs but man they are like standing on pillows.
posted by jessamyn at 10:27 AM on July 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by jessamyn at 10:27 AM on July 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Crocs. Come in a lot of styles that aren't the clogs everyone thinks of and are very work appropriate and like walking on clouds all day. Prices are very reasonable.
posted by wwax at 10:41 AM on July 15, 2015
posted by wwax at 10:41 AM on July 15, 2015
Response by poster: I should note that "good enough" budget is $80-100. Not bargain basement, but not $300+ work shoes either.
And he has to walk backwards a lot, so clogs might work but they'd have to be enclosed, not slides. I don't know that clogs qualify as "blend in on the sidewalk" though, even in Hollywood.
posted by Lyn Never at 10:58 AM on July 15, 2015
And he has to walk backwards a lot, so clogs might work but they'd have to be enclosed, not slides. I don't know that clogs qualify as "blend in on the sidewalk" though, even in Hollywood.
posted by Lyn Never at 10:58 AM on July 15, 2015
Danskos are indeed great. And although they retail for $100+, you can often find them on ebay for much, much less. I'm wearing some now that I think I got for $40.
posted by supercoollady at 11:08 AM on July 15, 2015
posted by supercoollady at 11:08 AM on July 15, 2015
I swear by doc martens #1461 (http://www.zappos.com/dr-martens-1461-3-eye-gibson-black-smooth). They are basic, can be worn dressy or casual, and I wear a pair for literally 7 years before I need a new pair. And I am a teacher walking the streets of new york city for a commute so I am on my feet 10+ hours a day with a lot of walking. I prefer black smooth as the leather is very sturdy. If you treat them with a leather conditioner occasionally, they are virtually indestructible, comfortable and about $100.
posted by archimago at 11:18 AM on July 15, 2015
posted by archimago at 11:18 AM on July 15, 2015
I worked security at Disneyland for over three years and that whole time, I wore a single pair of Red Wing oxfords. Which model they were now escapes me, but they were slip-resistant, no-mark, and comfy as hell.
They make slip-ons, too.
posted by ApathyGirl at 11:36 AM on July 15, 2015
They make slip-ons, too.
posted by ApathyGirl at 11:36 AM on July 15, 2015
Mr Jane teaches high school, delivering lectures on a concrete floor. He swears by his Cabelea's Rimrock Hikers.
posted by sarajane at 11:47 AM on July 15, 2015
posted by sarajane at 11:47 AM on July 15, 2015
I've worn Brooks Addiction Walkers for my 3-mile round-tip walk to work, and all day at the office, nearly every day for the last 10 years. Tennis shoes, yes, but black (or brown) leather, so they're good enough for my IT office, at least. $100, a multitude of sizes (even my 14 B).
posted by MrMoonPie at 11:50 AM on July 15, 2015
posted by MrMoonPie at 11:50 AM on July 15, 2015
I'm sure your town has a 'uniform shop' -- the kind of places nurses, chefs, police, firemen, etc get their outfits -- so they cater to people on their feet all day and will be able to help your husband find not only a good brand, but make sure the shoes fit him. Their business is about customer satisfaction, and they have the knowledge to help make the shoes work for him.
posted by AzraelBrown at 1:10 PM on July 15, 2015
posted by AzraelBrown at 1:10 PM on July 15, 2015
I'm sure your town has a 'uniform shop' -- the kind of places nurses, chefs, police, firemen, etc get their outfits -- so they cater to people on their feet all day and will be able to help your husband find not only a good brand, but make sure the shoes fit him.
The uniform shop near me has a lot of SAS and Danskos shoes (among others).
posted by bluefly at 5:58 PM on July 17, 2015
The uniform shop near me has a lot of SAS and Danskos shoes (among others).
posted by bluefly at 5:58 PM on July 17, 2015
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They have washable/replaceable sole inserts and really can last for several years, so despite a somewhat higher price you're getting good value.
posted by estelahe at 10:26 AM on July 15, 2015 [1 favorite]