General Purpose Footwear - Opinions Wanted

[DWTim]

Hi! This doesn't necessarily pertain to hunting footwear, but it's a general purpose footwear question. I figure we've got a lot of walkers here, so you'll have some insight.

My issue is this: I'm hard on my shoes. They typically last six months before they're embarassingly tattered. The cost of footwear being what it is, I stretch 'em out as long as I can. I've destroyed just about every popular brand of sub-$100 walking shoe out there. So I thought I'd get smart and get an expensive pair of New Balance walkers. As I type this, there are two huge tears in both shoes. Obviously, the extra money got me nothing.

So my mission is to find a comfortable shoe that will last at least a year before falling apart. I only wear dressy shoes during certain days of the year at work. I do a lot of walking, so I try to find comfortable shoes. I'm looking at Knapps, specifically those made for postal workers. Is there anything you guys might recommend, even if it's a half-way decent looking hiking shoe? Thanks!

[victorcharlie]

How about a Redwing?

[DWTim]

These?

http://www.redwingshoe.com/ProductResults.aspx?Query=&SubType=Athletic/Hiker

[victorcharlie]

Yup.....

[alsatian]

I think you need to provide us with more information.  WHY are your shoes wearing out and what do you mean when you say "I am hard on shoes."  I haven't kept track of mileage, but my shoes last a long time, and they don't rip out.  And this does not seem to depend on what brand of shoe I use.  I get roughly the same kind of mileage out of New Balance, Nike, and Reebok running shoes.  Are you tying laces too tight?  Are you pushing your shoes through thorn bushes on hikes?  Are you climbing trees with your shoes and shoving them down into forks of trees?  What is the rough treatment you are giving your shoes?  What tends to wear out on your shoes -- the soles or the sides of the shoe?  What is your body weight?  How far are you walking?

[DWTim]

To be honest, I don't know how far I am walking. Generally how it works out is that I walk for 75% of my work day, mostly on waxed floors. I also walk for exercise, but nowhere near as often as I used to. The primary problem is that the soles of my shoes split near the front, near the point where my toes bend. Then the material over top rips open, or tears away from the sole. I scuff the toes on my shoes because I bump them into racks of computer equipment. I also wear soles down flat in 6 - 8 months. With lesser brands, I used to wear holes in the soles.

Yes, I do tie 'em tight, because I can't afford to trip and fall over while carrying 70 lbs worth of equipment that may cost as much as my car.

Oh, I weigh 190 on average.

[rockymtn eagle]

If you want footwear that lasts, go with a Vibrum sole, new tech rubber supposed to last a whole lot longer.

[willysjeep134]

I have good luck with Chippewa boots. They have a low, unlined chukka type work boot called the 6" Freedom Eagle. I got a steel toe pair from Sportsmans Guide for $60.00. The only problem is the insole is terrible. It has a lip around it that makes a 12 fit like an 11. Removing the insole and replacing it with one without a goofy lip on it helped me a lot. They have soft gumlite soles and low tops. They are pretty light for a work shoe, and have a heel cup so you have plenty of ankle support. They may not be a good atheletic type walking shoe, but I have hiked a lot with them. Even with steel toes they're a lot lighter than some of these ultra padded super-hikers I see everywhere.

[bobelk99]

Have you considered custom made shoes from Russell Moccasin Co? They are cheapest in the long run. Most mile per dollars. I wear Russells for work and hunt,  and Redwing 595 chukka for walk and sport.