high mileage shoes?

[adriang]

In an attempt to manage middle age spread, I've taken to walking to and from the railway station everyday. I guess 4-5 k each day round trip.

I work in an office, so wear shoes, and I'm getting though them a bit, wearing through the soles. A pair of Kenneth Cole shoes and slip on boots have bitten the dust in a year.

I need black shoes, and need to be good with business casual (Dockers), or a suit.

At the moment I'm wearing a black pair of Doc Martin shoes (the for life ones), but I'm looking for something else. Not good to wear the same shoes day in, day out.

I need something that will wear well, look reasonably smart, and they have to have reasonable grip on the soles (it can get a touch icy here in Amsterdam in the winter).

I travel the world a lot, so I can buy in Europe (including UK), US or OZ. So looking for suggestions.

I reckon budget is up to about $200.

 

[drawonme]

It is very important to rotate your shoes. They last much longer when allowed to dry completely, at least 24 hours between wearings. Leather soles don't grip as well as rubber but can be easily re-soled when worn out. I had a pair of New England made Alden shell cordovan wing tips that I wore more than 25 years. I had them re-soled at least 10 times with new heels about twice a year.

Congratulations on the walking!

Marty

 

[Doc4]

For that much walking, you are looking at getting rubber-soled footwear. I'd suggest you look at "dress boots", or else Redwing "gentleman travellers" if you are in a somewhat more "casual dress" office.

For traction on ice, you can't beat Vibram "Gumlite" soles. Other rubber (or rubber-like substance) soles are too hard, and when they get cold lose a lot of traction.

 

[dsmdylan]

Why not carry your dress shoes in a gym bag or backpack and wear walking/running shoes to and from the office? Your body will thank you.

 

[alaskamcghee]

I just started back in the office after being in the field for a few years. Now with winter here I can't really break out my dress shoes without breaking my neck. So my Blundstone boots have saved me. Leather uppers. Great rubber soles. Look and feel great.
My two cents worth.
Johnny

 

[Teppanyaki]

I normally wear Eccos (seawalker or one of the Track shoes), but I am experimenting with some Clarks' Feldars (waterproof, comfortable as clogs but too big so I'm getting 1 size down). I always replace the insoles with Sorbothane (Isolate IT! is their latest version of a thin, dress sole replacement as best I can tell), which I find improves shock absorption and overall walking comfort dramatically.

Truth in advertising - I have healed 2 collapsed arches with Sorbothane graphite arch insoles, and I routinely put Sorbothane in all of my shoes (running, walking, hiking) except for my Birkenstocks. I should probably buy stock in the company . . .

 

[Eeyore]

I'd buy walking shoes for the trip to and back, and carry the office shoes with you (or leave two pairs in the office).

 

[Tim_McD]

I'd buy walking shoes for the trip to and back, and carry the office shoes with you (or leave two pairs in the office).

+1

The real solution is to get some "commuter shoes" that are water/snow/slush tolerant and keep a couple pairs of dress shoes in your desk at work or carry along the shoes-of-the-day.

I did the walk to the commuter rail and downtown sidewalk trudge for years - it only took one unexpected early season snowstorm to change my commuter footwear habit for life