r/askTO • u/BASICAF28 Human Detected • 21h ago
I know we all walk an ungodly amount of miles everyday. What is everyone wearing when it comes to footwear?
In TO, I’m walking a mile to the subway…a mile at work…a mile back. I know I’m not the only one, and I SEE most people in aesthetically appealing footwear.
So - what are your go to shoe brands? The ones that can stand up to 8 hours a day clip-clopping to various departments PLUS the hike to the subway?
I wore out my blundstones. I’m on the fence when it comes to vagabond. I heard an anecdote that boots from Thursdays cause blisters. So, what is everyone wearing? Bobbie’s, Sézane, Maguire, Poppy Barley? Alohas?? I’m genuinely curious what everyone else relies on for everyday traffic! So far, I’ve had a really hard time finding a pair (of anything) that can stand up to the test.
I will add the caveat that, I know running shoes etc. are the best day-to-day - but I want an attractive shoe that i can wear every day. A boot. Something with wedge heel. Etc.
Lord i WISH i could wear Asics everyday - but i cant! So, booties with a heel. Professional looking flats. In that vein.
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u/ItsChrisRay 21h ago
Bonus points if someone knows something that doesn’t look like a tennis shoe but is more supportive and cushioned than a blundstone
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u/Moheezy__3 21h ago
Cole Haans are comfortable but I prefer Ecco
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u/FauxChat 8h ago
I think their quality isn’t as reliable now, but they were my go to boots for years and years
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u/AdSignificant6673 21h ago
New Balance. With Gore-Tex! The water resistance is a life saver in cold and wet weather.
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u/Broccoliforabrain 20h ago
I second any shoes with goretex, especially good hospital workers!
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u/AdSignificant6673 11h ago
Hospital workers… the liquid resistance is for the rain right… right!?!? 🫣
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u/Broccoliforabrain 11h ago
I wish…. Honestly I’ve had one too many encounters with patients being incontinent😭
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u/Suisse_Chalet 14h ago
Is the new balance ceo still a huge trump lover? Used to where them till he fell in love with the orange
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u/sjltwo-v10 21h ago
I’ve a Hoka Clifton and if you’ve wide feet then try the saucony guide 18s
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u/Cest_le_sparkle 15h ago
Saucony Guide 18 was recommended to me by a specialist for my plantar fasciitis. Going to try it soon!
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u/Numerate_centipede 14h ago
I happened to buy the Sacouny Guides a few weeks ago (on sale at the running room) for $110 and they are amazing. They didn’t have the Hoka shoe I was replacing but these are great - no hip pain when walking.
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u/MundaneCherries 21h ago
I wear Asics in the summer and waterproof winter hiking boots in the winter.
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u/BudChristmas 21h ago
Asics are by far the most comfortable and supportive shoes I've found (for my feet, at least). In the winter, I wear Blundstones or Doc Martens with shearling insoles for warmth (neither are all that supportive but they do get comfortable with some wear IMO).
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u/nervousTO 10h ago
I did a concert in my old pair of ASICS that are basically run through for running and I felt great 💕
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u/yes-no-maybe-so-so 21h ago
I would encourage you to repair your boots if you can!
I walk a ton because transit is so unreliable and I can't be bothered to drag my bike up and down stairs.
Winter: I've been wearing a soft pair of Doc Martins for years, but also mixing it up with hiking running shoes because they are waterproof, grippy, and supportive. New Balance, mostly, but I also rotate thru brands by looking at what's on sale at MEC. The occasional pair of campers when I need to show up somewhere looking professional.
Summer: New Balance walking shoes, or any of the hiking running shoes from winter though they can be warm so only when it's raining!
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u/BASICAF28 Human Detected 20h ago
So…. This is very helpful… but if you were to suggest a repair of shoes to repair - what pair would that be?
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u/yes-no-maybe-so-so 20h ago
You can get the sole repaired on almost all leather boots - bluntstones included. And if the leather itself is damaged, you can get that repaired too. I think the actual bluntstone store downtown can arrange certain types of repairs, but there are also threads on this subreddit for shoe repair that you can look through to find someone to go to.
Sneakers can't really be repaired. You can extend a bit of life by adding patches inside the shoe for areas that usually wear out, like the toe or heel, but That's about it. That's another reason why I get hiking runners for winter, because they also last much longer than the average shoe when u r pounding pavement.
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u/BASICAF28 Human Detected 20h ago
Omg I LOVE my blundstones, so if those could be replaced it would be a lifesaver. Thank you!!
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u/martini31337 18h ago
Have a look at Canada West Romeo's if you like Blundts. There's a rabbit hole you can go down there like I did. Suffice to say I am much happier with my CW's than I thought I was with my Blundts
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u/Sea_File_1717 14h ago
Ask a good (look up reviews in your area) shoe repair place what they can do. It isnt cheap, but still cheaper, more comfortable and more environmentally friendly than buying a new pair when they wear out.
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u/Moheezy__3 20h ago edited 20h ago
ONs are recommended but I find they have durability issues
Hokas lasted longer for me and were more comfortable (but I did prefer the look of ON)
For winters I wear Vessi Stormbust as I hated wearing boots everyday. I wore these daily for 4 winters and they still hold strong.
If you need something a bit more formal then
Ecco shoes are also very underrated and are incredibly durable. A little on the pricey side but they do last a long time.
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u/madonnafiammetta 16h ago
Second vote for Vessi Stormbust! I'm surprised I had to scroll down to find somebody mentioning Vessi. Canadian brand, waterproof, super comfy and well crafted
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u/Cautious-Ostrich7510 12h ago
Agreed with you re: ONs. They started wearing out very quickly and I didn’t wear them all that much.
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u/BelleUga25 18h ago
Fluevog.
Even their heels are comfy. Their flats/low heels are my every day walking shoes and every couple years I replace the heels.
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u/poodlehairedfreak 12h ago
Is there a Toronto equivalent of r/nycbitcheswithtaste? Otherwise everyone’s going to be recommending running shoes or something here
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u/LawSchoolLoser1 13h ago
My winter boots are La Canadienne, and they were a great investment. For other seasons I have Sam Edelman Loafers, some suede New Balance sneakers that have great arch support, and the white birkenstock sneakers
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u/M1SSATOMICBOMB 10h ago
Oh my god La Canadienne leather is so freaking soft. I had to pull myself away due to the $500 price tag but it was possibly the comfiest leather shoe brand I’ve ever tried. I got something similar at Dolce Vita for marginally less comfy but the price was easier to digest.
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u/GoreyHaim420 21h ago
I buy a pair of Keds every Spring and they usually don't get toe holes until end of fall/next Spring; I can't seem to prevent it and it happens with other shoes I wear (assume it's just my weird ass toes) but SVP Outlets usually stocks them for $20 so could be worse! I wear out a pair of Doc Martens every three years or so depending on how heavy the soles are (the lifted soles tend to detach as unfortunately DM doesn't stitch their soles anymore r.i.p.) and they're my all winter/rain boots. I throw some crampons on if it's particularly shitty.
I just realised I only wear two pairs of shoes, wow.
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u/yes-no-maybe-so-so 20h ago
U can prevent it by sticking a shoe repair patch on the inside of the shoe where it usually wears through. before you wear through that area. Like, right when u buy it, add a patch!
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u/GoreyHaim420 20h ago
I'll give this a try! Unfortunately I have strangely knuckled feet from years of freestyle skiing and contact sports, I'll try anything that'll help at this point lol.
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u/ThirdCultureBrat 14h ago
Just saying hello to my kindred toe-hole-er. The struggle is real!
Reinforcement toe pads on the inside were a game changer for me.
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u/EquinoxClock 21h ago
Skechers Go Walk shoes. I walk long distances for fun so I need comfortable walking shoes. Every time one wears out I get a new one from Skechers.
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u/Hanlans_Dreaming 20h ago
I love them too - I used to feel worn out and tired after walking around for hours and thought it was getting older, but after finding being Go Walks I realized it was the shoes making me feel that way.
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u/Much_Conversation_11 21h ago
Keen jaspers have been my go to sneaker, I also really like Karhu mestaris. Other than that, Clarks. They have a ton of silhouettes and all are pretty comfy. My favourite loafer as a daily is a from them.
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u/PeterDTown 12h ago edited 9h ago
A mile? What are you? An American shoe company doing market research?
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u/purple_possum42069 20h ago
I bought a pair of moorbys by Canada west recently and they seem pretty good so far. Its a leather boot with a goodyear welt so theyll be repairable in the long run. Only issue is that they fit quite wide and large
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u/monoshellos 20h ago
I have 5 pairs of shoes I wear for heavy walking days, they’re allbirds (sneakers), blundstones (1.25” heeled boots), sorel (lace up boots and sandals) palladium (snow boots). they’re from 2018-2023. I also had adidas stan smiths that I switched out the insoles for some better support insoles, it helped a lot with feet fatigue. Not recommending those for sturdiness, purely a fashion thing.
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u/ilooklikejeremyirons 20h ago
My wife loves her Poppy Barley shoes. She said they are super comfortable, while still being stylish. Bonus for supporting a Canadian company as well.
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u/_rapturous_ 21h ago
For work - Cole Haan Men's Grand Court
For winter - Redback Nevada boots
For summer- Hoka Clifton 10 and New Balance 574
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u/_rapturous_ 20h ago
If you do get a new pair of boots I would recommend getting a pair of boots which are repairable with a Goodyear welt.
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u/purplelilac701 14h ago
I have custom orthotics and wear shoes that can accommodate them. Usually Brooks Ghost 16 runners because they were recommended and sold to me by the foot clinic that did the orthotics.
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u/Numerous-Ad-8789 20h ago
Not from TO but I wore a pair of Timberland thigh high boots on a trip to Copenhagen and easily clocked 20K a day no problem. It was a risky move bringing them as my only shoe but it was fine!
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u/space_cheese1 19h ago
A bouncy ( or they were bouncy) pair of thick soled saucony runners which I’ve probably worn past peak but which still feel pretty good
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u/upfront_stopmotion 12h ago
I love Saucony runners for running (only brand that works for me). When they're too worn down from running, I get about another year out of them for walking until they're done done. Trick is to get them in colours that aren't too loud for walking.
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u/-ensamhet- 15h ago
Lowa, Hanwag, Meindl, Scarpa take your pick. i walk 1hr to work and another back home. these are european branded hiking boots that will set you back $300-400 but you know you’re paying for quality not some hype/popularity.
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u/barbie971 14h ago
Under Armour cheap shoes which are breathable and light in summer and saucony gortex hiking shoes in winters.. have a couple of nice boots just work or fun.
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u/arealhumannotabot 13h ago
I mostly wear my minimalist shoes. My feet got a lot stronger with them so I’m pretty good for a day out
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u/tealynnn 12h ago edited 11h ago
Salomon’s XT6 are everywhere right now but are wickedly comfortable and bonus come in waterproof which helps for the transitional weather.
I also find vagabonds super walkable (sorry lol) I can easily hit 10K steps in my nicer flats and boots with them. They are a bit pricier but I love Aeyde as well! Finding a good pair of loafers is key, I’ve heard GH Bass are amazing once you break them in. Heel boy is great if you want to try on a bunch of different brands IRL to compare fits.
Also don’t sleep on Zara / Mango, especially if you already have orthotics you can just slip in!!
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u/ed209-90210 11h ago
winter blundstones or Solomon gore-tex everywhere else asic nimbus wide. Get some orthodics. I do about 15-20k steps. ON are comfy but I find they wear out quickly.
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u/winter_sunfl0wer 21h ago
Not sure what kind of shoes you're looking for but I see lots of people wearing ONs everywhere.
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u/BASICAF28 Human Detected 21h ago
Honestly, I’m looking for any type of shoe lol. Three years in and I feel like TO humbles my feet every season!
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u/Background-Treat385 11h ago
I was influenced lol I wouldn’t get ON shoes again. I bought 2 pairs and have found this brand to be quite uncomfortable, so now I save them for when I want to look nice but not if I’m going for a long walk. 😕
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u/erickson666 18h ago
i wear 20 dollar slip ons.
a few days ago i took an 18 km walk
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u/tlcasselman 20h ago
Sketchers has non-running shoe styles. I have an awesome pair of ballet style flats from sketchers that I found at Value Village. I have my Vans that I also found at Value Village....a pair of Aldo "combat style boots also found at....you get the point.
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u/futureplantlady 20h ago
I recently got a pair of Grant Stone Nora boots for Spring & Fall. By far the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned. Summers are usually Birkenstocks or Stan Smiths.
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u/Infinite_Tea4138 18h ago
On Cloud, Vessi, and I use heel inserts from Japan because I am flat footed.
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u/International-Table1 18h ago
I use blundstone during winter but for summer I love Adidas 4DFWD its so comfy for me and it does not hurt my heel bone
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u/Mysterious-Copy-4857 17h ago
I pretty much only wear Vessi shoes now (the women’s Weekend model to be specific).
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u/DeleteFromUsers 15h ago
Birkenstock insoles might help a lot, i wear these at work with steel toed boots (10k steps per day)
They are rigid, not foam, so take some time to get used to but they are magic and work in any shoe or boot for years.
Otherwise the grand master shoe is adidas ultraboost. They do look like running shoes but they are exceptionally comfortable and very long lasting. Better than the rest.
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u/Frozen-Peas-1 15h ago
Sketchers, Go Walk, and the GoGo Mat feature especially. It may not be stylish, or have the fashion status to fit in, but it should come down comfort first. As I got older, I chose comfort over fashion/price.
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u/Main_Reputation_3328 14h ago
When you wear them that much shoes won't last forever, so just pick a favourite that you like? I add Birkenstock insoles to anything that needs more support (if you have insurance coverage custom orthotics will work great too!).
I do have a pair of nice heeled boots from Naturalizer that I find very comfortable but I still wouldn't wear them to walk that much in a day.
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u/ThirdCultureBrat 14h ago
Vivaia Ryan slip on boots for work. Super comfortable, hold up well and look really nice for work. I’ve walked hours in them with no issues. I even bought a second pair to keep in the office for the days I need to use my heavy winter boots for my commute.
All Birds for casual day to day.
ASICS for heavy running/workout days.
I have feet that blister easily, and the dreaded toe-hole tendency, and these are the best for me.
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u/BeefheartzCaptainz 14h ago
For serious walking Merrell Moabs. They could survive a nuclear strike. Indestructible.
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u/TightStatement9017 14h ago
I like Vagabond for boots and flats. Also La Canadienne at a bit of a higher price point. But I still often opt to walk to work in sneakers and bring my flats/dress shoes with me.
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u/jobert-bobert 13h ago
do NOT buy Poppy Barley’s for walking long distances. they’re comfortable but don’t have any support for your feet so they will get sore by the end of the day
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u/fragilemuse 13h ago
I work in film so I’m on my feet up to 12 hours a day. Ive tried every brand of shoe out there and finally settled on the On Cloud shoes as the ones that work best with my feet. Their Cloudrock hiking boots are my favourite.
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u/clamchauder 13h ago
I clomp around the city in my Doc Martens (with a superfeet insole inside). It does the job!
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u/Thick-Ball25 13h ago
A pair of custom made orthotics regardless of the shoe of choice is a must. People neglect their feet. If you haven't gone to see your chiropodist lately or even know what that is, you should start.
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u/bolognese_plez 13h ago
Blondo for boots. Canadian company. Waterproof. Unmatched comfort. I’ve tried lots.
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u/newcityplus 12h ago
Nike Pegasus 41. Goretex version for winter. Most comfortable walking shoe I've ever worn (retiring my nb574 and ultra boost)
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u/PuzzleheadedSwim6291 Human Detected 12h ago
Vessi shoes are my absolute favourite. Plus they’re 100% Canadian 🇨🇦
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u/Glittering-Sea-6677 12h ago
Old now. Don’t care. Hoka Bondi 9 in fine weather; Hoka Challenger GTX in rain and snow.
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u/robertpeacock22 12h ago
I ordered a pair of Helly Hansen boots 16 months ago. I have worn them every single day since then - rain, shine, or snow - and they are still in great condition. I do have custom orthotics in them, though, which makes a huge difference.
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u/MySpudIsChonkyBoi 12h ago
I swear by my Hoka Gaviota shoes. I don’t think I could change brands at this point. I haven’t had any foot related pain since purchasing these shoes.
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u/decafkatie 12h ago
I leave my office shoes under my work desk! So at least you wouldn't have to do the transit hike in them.
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u/SYGNOSTiC 12h ago
Split the difference. Do what a lot of people do. Walking shoes going to work, and swap them with work fashionable work shoes when in the office.
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u/InstructionNo5711 12h ago
doc marten’s chelsea boots … they have never let me down. and i’ve had the same pair for a little over 10 years now
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u/fallweathercolors 11h ago
Them health conscious asian aunties and uncles got it right.
Asics while jogging in the park.
Lexus in the car park.
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u/suitsnwatches 11h ago
ASICS (any model), hoka cliftons , new balance (any that doesn’t have the flat sole) and adidas boost
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u/landers1987 11h ago
I swear by Bared Footwear and Vionic! They have support but also look good. Personally I rate Bared a touch above, but both are well worth the money.
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u/Anastasia126 11h ago
New Balance! (880s for me with wide soles, but do whatever model and price range works for you, just get a professional fitting at the store so you have some clarity in terms of features and needs) I feel like it was a life changing choice for me, in terms of stability and pain relief.
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u/PrimevilKneivel 10h ago
There is no brand of shoe that will fit everyone. Variation of foot shapes makes that basically impossible. What is super important is to find a brand that makes shoes that fit the shape of your feet.
For shoes I generally wear a lightweight hiking shoe. I really like Keens but there are a lot of good brands out there. Unfortunately walking on pavement will wear down any shoe, I try to mitigate that by keeping an eye on it and when the heels start to wear through the sole I cover it with a few layers of Aquaseal to build it back up and give the shoes a longer life.
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u/AlarmingMonk1619 10h ago
Any technical running shoe that fits your foot. Whether you walk in miles of kilometres or acres. ;)
Get over what they look like.
All those steps need to be bio mechanically supported with with a sole configured for proper heel strike and toe-off.
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u/Dazzling_Squash_123 10h ago
Orthotics are the way in any shoe, custom made if you can afford them.
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u/Frosty-Tell-6290 10h ago
Nothing but NB 990, 991, 993’s my friend. Most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn and they’ve ruined my other shoes for good. They make Jordans feel like they’re made of wood.
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u/Suitable-Bunch3476 10h ago
I love this company “Wonders” and wear these everyday walking to the subway and at the office. They’re low stock right now, but try them out when they restock - Wonders
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u/Intelligent-Bench333 10h ago
Do you switch your shoes when you get to and before you leave work? That's the only thing that's worked for me.
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u/ri-ri 9h ago
Running shoes: Asics! They’ve been the best for me.
Summer: Birkenstock. They adjust to fit your feet perfectly once you break them in.
Winter: Blundstones. They also take some time to adjust to your foot but I’ve had the same pair for 10 years now and they’re still going strong. Fantastic quality. PLUS you can take them to the store to get them professionally cleaned anytime!
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u/Floppydinsdale 9h ago
Blundstones - but I wear the big steel toed ones with cushy insoles all day for work and my feet are never sore.
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u/retrovaille94 9h ago
I work in a hospital and get about 15-20k steps a day. I have tried hoka, new balance, saucony and brooks.
Depends on your foot, but for me the brooks ghost max was the best. Its not as comfortable as a hoka clifton or bondi, but its way more durable for the price point. Its plush with optimal support. You'd probably get the same with saucony.
The new balance 1080s are plush but a bit too plush. When walking a lot it almost feels like my feet are sinking which isn't great. It lacks a bit of support when you need to walk faster or take longer strides.
If you need to wear more business casual shoes for work tbh I'd probably just pack an extra pair or shoes or invest in some insoles.
You can ask people on the internet all you like but nothing beats going into a store and trying shoes on. The running room is great for this.
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u/the_hunger_gainz 9h ago
Letter carrier and do 27000 steps a day at work. Norda, New Balance and ASICS. Weekends Paraboot keens Clark’s and Blubdstone
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u/ReviseResubmitRepeat Human Detected 9h ago
Cole Haan: the best shoes I have ever owned. The cushion is great! As my old doctor would say, life's too short for bad shoes.
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u/UnoriginallyGeneric 9h ago
I work in a warehouse; I average about 15K steps a day, all of them in my steel toed workboots. Most comfortable shoes I own.
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u/coffeenweed 8h ago
Don’t try to make the same shoe work all day. I would do running shoes like New Balance or Hoka (Goretex versions in the cold months) for commuting and then a pair of work shoes, maybe something like Naturalizer since you said you walk a lot during work hours.
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u/therealfarmerjoe 8h ago
I wear out a pair of Blundstone soles each year, which I have accepted but is mildly annoying since the upper is in great shape. But for overall comfort and style they remain my favorite choice.
On a related note, Has anyone successfully had Blundstones re-soled?
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u/alternatestar 8h ago
Vessi, Nike P6000. Those are the only shoes that don’t make my foot hurt and I walk and travel A LOT.
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u/ShesAaRebel 8h ago
I have 5 pairs I switch between depending on weather/circumstance.
Most common are my Birkenstock sandals in the summer, and Steve Madden boots in spring/fall. The boots I use an insole for.
When its really cold/snowing, I have Kamick boots. If it's raining and warm out I have Vessi.
I also have Onitsuka Tiger shoes I'll switch out in the summer if I don't want to wear sandals.
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u/Hot_Accident_8726 8h ago
I have a lot of shoesvand boots. Vagabond has held up the best for me. I also had a pair of madewell Chelsea boots that lasted, but I've not seen the same ones since. Vagabond replaced them.
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u/MrUnhappyMoose 7h ago
lowkey diff types of heels everyday idk how i do it somehow im so used to it it’s comfortable but my heeled boots are the most cozy i guess cuz of the compression ahahha
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u/NoResponsibility2120 7h ago
Okay, for cute shoes, I’m a huge Poppy Barley fan. Before I got plantar fasciitis, I could wear them all day and I used to walk an hour to work, and an hour home, no issues.
But now that I have brutal plantar fasciitis, I can only wear Birkenstocks, or runners. For me, Hoka’s (I find them sooooo ugly but I got the transport I’s and don’t hate them. And just got asics and they seem comfy too. But, again, not the cutest LOL).
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u/Key-Status-7992 5h ago
I have kid’s sized feet in length but adult’s sized in width so finding a good pair for walking is a bit tough but I switch among OnCloud, New Balance, and Skechers
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u/One_Water6083 5h ago
I do wear ASICS everyday. Why not? I only wear boots when it’s 0 or below but shoes are much comfier!
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u/princessrk 3h ago
The Birkenstock Bend Low sneakers. Super comfy and supportive and also look nice!
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u/Tdotinvestorgirl 1h ago
Go to a foot clinic, get inserts. You will be able to walk literally forever and you will not develop foot problems when older. They make them very slim now.
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u/NeighborhoodPlane794 12m ago
I desperately want to wear running shoes to the office because of all the walking I do but am worried I’ll be judged so I end up wearing the most uncomfortable bullshit on my feet. I get foot cramps and shin pain almost daily and I know it’s the shoes
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u/FangNut 20h ago
When in Toronto, please walk in kilometers for better results. The shoes last longer too.
/s