Hello......I am chuckling because it is one of those questions that seems like it would be easy.
Anyways........I started working about a month ago.
I am up on my feet and moving around at a pretty constant pace when I am doing the physical portions of my job.
I need shoes that will help for support while standing without moving, yet are also a quality and feel of say a walking/ running shoe.
Shoes that are out by process of elimination......Any style Dansko, My lighter weight Puma running shoes, Jack Parcell(converse's one step up style wise..but deep down they are a converse at heart)
Anyways my mom is buying me new work shoes for my Birthday. I am not opposed to things like Steel Toed boots, Combat boots.....(if you think they would be supportive.....our service members dont seem to complain......and they do alot of walking in the.........odd I know, it is a style thing for me, at this point).........my point being I am willing to try anything to keep my feet comfortable.
Thanks in advance!! I appreciate it very much!! I love my job. I just need my feet to last me well into my 70's.
Libby
Added: Yes they can be Tennis Shoes. Sneakers. I even saw one Co-worker wearing Cloud Nine Mocks.
I have heard that people swear by New Balance. I will try a few pairs on when we go out this weekend.
Holy cow thank you for all the recommendations.
I work the production side at Value Village(second hand not for profit thrift store)...So sometimes Steel toes are a must. You tend to catch toes on everything)
Alright...time to do some research.
i paid through the nose for a pair of SAS shoes in which to waitress a few years ago. they were worth every penny. last month my dh needed a new pair of work shoes. i dragged him there and made him buy a good pair too. the man works like a galley slave and should have good quality stuff. he loves them.
khairete
S.
My foot doctor recommended Birkenstocks. I found them in black leather. They are ugly and heavy. I wear them around the house...sometimes. I never really got used to them.
Clarks are pretty supportive, but not as supportive as a birkenstock.
Working in a vet hospital, where we have to be on our feet all day long too, but I want to look a bit more professional and "cleaned up", I usually wear clogs - I have Dankso, Crocs (not the typical Crocs you see everywhere, but a more stylish type leather clog), Sketchers. The Sketcher sneakers and New Balance are good too. I also really love anything by Born - it is a European brand and has the O in the name with the diagonal line through it (which I can't type on my computer) and they make clog-style shoes, flats, sandals, etc. You could also consider Birkenstocks, SAS, Ecco, Clarks.
Avoid steel toes unless you need the safety. Necessity does not imply comfort. I live in my periodically and they are blasted heavy and uncomfortable unless you spend a fortune. I think for the money (or cheaper), you find better support shoes. Good luck.
ADD - I read your SWH. They make ceramic "steel" toes. :) The old guys around the office love them because they are safe but so much lighter (read easier on the tired joints).
I have a pair of shoes from Stonefly Shoes that are the most supportive and comfortable-all-day-long shoes I've ever owned. They are leather shoes, not athletic shoes. They are pricey, but they work. I bought them before going on a work trip where I would have to be on my feet walking all day for several days in a row.
http://www.shoeblog.com/blog/focus-on-the-brand-stonefly/
I also have a pair of Riker ankle boots with a slight heel when I need to teach an all day class. They look nice and I can stand for 6 hours+ in them.
http://www.walkingonacloud.com/Brands/55-Rieker-Shoes.asp...
I am a runner, but I don't think that running shoes, or athletic shoes are the best for all day standing. I think a leather shoe or boot would be more supportive and last longer for you.
Clarks and Merrells are good brands, also. I would go to a store that sells all these brands and try them all on. I did that, and luckily had a very patient sales person, until I found the one that worked the best for me.
My mom is a chef, and she swears by the Dansko clogs. If you're opposed to that brand (if they just don't fit your arch correctly or something), there are other similar brands (I think even Timberland and Avia make chef shoes?). Chefs have to stand on their feet all day in hot, fairly miserable conditions, so you might start with those types of shoes.
There is a store called "The Walking Company" that I just love. I have switched 90% of my closet to these shoes. They will help you find the best fit for your foot. They are expensive but worth it to me.
You might try a Uniform shop where they sell for nurses or medical people, they have several types that are supportive. SAS stores have good supportive shoes, but not especially "stylish", but some would consider "old lady like". I have had many over the years working in hospitals and now wear them in my job much of the time in home care. I have also had good luck with "Sketchers" they are very supportive and some are very light weight.
Like others say, New Balance, I also think that Avia and Saucony are good brands.
Finding comfortable supportive shoes has always been difficult for me.
Naot. Expensive but last forever. I have terrible feet and those I can wear all day and my feet are happy feet. Won't wear anything else.
Best pair of steel toes I ever owned were Doc Martins. They're a little pricey - over $100 ten years ago - but they hold up great and were really comfortable. They're heavy but you don't notice it. I wore them when I worked for a lab in a small factory and was on my feet most of the day. Now I just use them when doing home improvement projects.
Might like the Sketchers Go-Walks. They are about $45 and are light as a feather :) I think they are very cute. They are slip ons and I wear mine with those little foot liner socks that you cannot see when the shoes are on. My SIL wears hers for work, she is on her feet all day.
I have a pair of Skechers running shoes that I bought on a whim when Costco got them because I loved the black with electric pink and was getting sick of none of my shoes being comfortable.
I love them! I can wear them for a full day of walking and standing at Disneyland or the Zoo and feel great still at the end of the day.
The ones I have are really lightweight and have a sort of mesh upper so they are great even when it's hot.
It looks like they're discontinued but I'm sure they have new styles just like it http://www.skechers.com/style/11635/stride/bkhp
Clarks, Clarks, Clarks. Also, I have a few pairs of the Born (see DVMMOM's description) and they are great too. Both brands come in numerous work appropriate styles (unless you need dressy pumps).
Can the be tennies? If so, New Balance!
Can they be funky? If so, Doc Martens!
Do they have to be typically office-appropriate? Look into a cute Clark's or dressier Merrell style. Very comfy!
FitFlops has a variety of styles, and I love the support. I am a shoe therapist and do not believe in sacrificing looks for comfort.
Chefs always wear clogs. I had a pair of Clark brand that I loved and were so comfortable. I killed those shoes.
I love my new balance, but if you need steel toed shoes.. I would do an ankle boot.
When I was pregnant, I bought some Sketchers Bikers. Some of them looked enough like ballet flats that many women in the office wore them (business casual) and nobody cared. Much easier on my feet than heels. I still wear them. I also have a pair of De'lites or whatever they're called. Nothing fancy, but I discovered years ago that Sketchers fit my wide, flat feet well.
What about New Balance? They make some with 'Stability Web'. What are they supposed to look like?
Clark's walking shoes are the best! Better than any sneaker IMO.
In the summer I wear 'Fit Flops'. Make sure you get the brand name. They have arch support and are very comfortable too.
