Shoes

Create a Post
M

Magnolia Framing

True Grumbler
Joined
Mar 22, 2003
Posts
59
Loc
Gautier, MS
I've got a question for all you men out there. What shoes do you find most comfortable?

I spent the first 28 years of my career working behind a desk at a local shipyard. When I decided to shift careers and work for myself, one of the obstacles I did not anticipate was the difficulty of spending the day on my feet.

I've been having a hard time finding a pair of shoes that keep me comfortable all day long. How many of you have had the same problems and what did you do about it?
 
I'm not a man, but I have had similar trouble. I have found the brand "Eastland" to be the most comfortable, not the prettiest - think Eddie Bauer outdoor look, but my feet don't hurt any more
thumbsup.gif


I have found them in JC Penney, Bass Pro Shop and some of the mega discount shoe stores at the outlet malls

Hope this helps, they sure helped my feet

Elaine
 
In addition to shoes, there are such things as fatigue mats for work areas. There are many types and many qualities. All my counters and work tables, other work stations we have these mats and sometimes 2 mats (one on top of another) to help with aches and pains. They will help not only the feet, but the knees, hips and back. They can be cheap foam interlocking squares from warehouse clubs to anti static clean room, chemical proof, FDA approved, puncture resistant, etc.

Dermot is now our resident expert in this matter and is selling all types of industrial floor pads in Ireland.
thumbsup.gif


OK Dermot, time for your commercial.........
shutup.gif
 
I'm actually having trouble with the opposite transition: from standing all day to sitting.

I always found it useful to have three pairs of comfortable shoes and rotate through them during the week. I didn't pay much attention to the brands - I'd just try on a bunch until I found ones that felt right, so I'd go to places like DSW where I could do that without sending some clerk running to the storeroom for each pair.

Twice I went to work with mismatched shoes, so you have to be alert. That kind of fashion statement doesn't give your customers a lot of confidence in your design skills.

I'd probably look into some custom insoles today but a comfortable chair has become my new priority.
 
The best shoes for me for work clogs. I think it has something to do with my feet not being enclosed in the shoe. Took years of struggling with sneakers and "old lady shoes" before I discovered them. I like the Dexter brand for work.


Not very masculine, though. One man I worked with wore clogs because he found them as comfortable as I did.
 
The "only" style of shoe acceptable in a work environment such as a frame shop is a fully enclosed toe / heal shoe. There is just too much potential for injury with.........glass, tools, heavy opjects etc.

And this comment has nothing to do with OSHA. They would also agree.
 
I’ve taught framers color and design classes for years and would ask people to introduce themselves and tell what they did before becoming a framer. One of my favorite was a gentleman who had been a pharmacist and became a framer because he was tired of standing on his feet 8 hours a day. Everyone in the class laughed, I told him he got to do it now but for a lot less money!
 
If you like an "athletic" look, try Brooks.

They are designed more for the straight up and down support that is required of standing [Refs]. Because of my non-arch, I also use an insert.

Throw all "athletic" (blown rubber) shoes away after 6 months of constant use. 3 months for cheaper ones.

Shoes $110, inserts $20. No more shin splints, priceless.

Now for the truth:

I haven't worn my Brooks for 3 months and it's looking a lot like 4-7 months longer.

No disrespect to Jerome... but my foot wear these days is a THICK flip-flop on the right foot, and a $587 boot on the left. Fractured in four places, three torn tendons (including achillies and arch saddle). Still looking for a surgeon. May have to be two...1 bone 1 soft tissue.

All are talking about getting measured for a miniture Christmas wreath for the boot.

The wife has been calling me Thumper.
fire.gif
 
The best thing I have found are "Crocs".

The are sold in sporting goods store and they are clogs made of rubber like the Fatique mats material. They come in all kinds of colors and they are reasonably priced. Between $30 and $80.


Very ugly but comfortable!
thumbsup.gif

Jennifer
 
SAS (San Antonio Shoes) and Ecco shoes for work, and Allen-Edmonds & Johnston-Murphy for dress.

I suggest you visit a professional orthopedic show store or even a foot doctor, and learn all about your particular feet -- your family doctor can also help or give you a referral. If that visit saves you the pain and expense of plantar faciatis or some other foot problem, it would be well worth the cost.

Many of us have foot issues that we must deal with. For Jack it's a wide foot. For me it's high arches. Whatever shoes you choose, most important is that they fit properly and support your whole foot.
 
I can vouch for the foot specialist. The last time I came off a ladder I landed on my left foot funny. Picture legs vertical and the sole of the left foot doing a 90 degree turn and facing the right foot, kind of an L l. Yup, it hurt, and I was off my feet and work for a couple of months (thanks Workers Compensation!).

After physio and all that routine I still had sore arches. My doctor suggested I go and get custom footbeds made. What a difference! Last summer I hiked the West Coast Trail and those foot beds took every step with me!

James
 
I agree with Jim about the SAS shoes, they're all I wear anymore. They cost about $200 a pair but seem to hold up better than any others I've tried. Running shoes never worked for me...I don't run. Switching shoes midday can really help too. I do that when doing those 18 hour marathon installation days (I'll no longer do those 24hr workdays; too old, too tired, too smart).
 
Doc Martens.... They're not just for punk rockers anymore. I wore a pair every day at work for 5 years + and they are fantastic. Leather uppers and Goodyear rubber soles. They are virtually indestructable. I have another pair I've had for 13 years and they're still going. The soles mold to your feet and they are roomy in the toe area.
 
Another vote for Doc Martens. They're not great for walking more than a mile or two, but nothing beats them for standing. They are extremely durable (I've had a few pair for 20 years and they're still in service...) and stylish and reasonably priced. Even at full price they're at most $120.00 although I usually find them at discount stores or on close-out for half that.

In the summer, I like Naot. I have them as soft clogs and sandals and they have a firm but cushioning cork insole that can be replaced.

I find that the anti-fatigue mats are very helpful, as well.

And frequent grumble breaks help!

edie the looksfirstcomfortsecond goddess
 
Lands End makes some great "work type" shoes. Sears sells them, or you can take a look at their website. I would also agree with Jennifer --- CROCS are awesome shoes. Can't even tell you have shoes on when you wear them.
 
Create a Post
Back
Top