The perfect shoe? [Archive]

letsgorangers

Sep 18, 2007, 02:00 PM

Does it exist? What's your favorite?

I have high arches, I walk on my heels (which causes a lot of heel pain), I have bad knees, and just overall small finicky feet. I want something I can walk, run, exercise, do whatever in without foot/knee pain. I want something that is especially good on my heels. It doesn't have to be pretty, but it can't be bulky (because they look funny on my small frame). Lightweight would be good. No pink. Also, must be a brand that goes down to a size 5 or 5.5.

Anyone tried Nike Shox? They look like they'd better ok on my heels, but I don't want to blow my money if they suck.

So what shoe works best for you?

Oh yeah, edited to add: I try on shoes in the store and they are so comfortable and then after a week they make my feet hurt. So unfortunately, I can't just go to a store and see what feels good.

iGav

Sep 18, 2007, 02:09 PM

Does it exist?

It used too.

The mighty Chuggly by Vans. ;)

Closely followed by Adidas & A Bathing Apes Superstars. :D

Both now sadly Rest In Pieces. :(

bartelby

Sep 18, 2007, 02:11 PM

The first Rob Dyrdek DC shoe.

Jasonbot

Sep 18, 2007, 02:32 PM

Chuck Taylor Converse All Stars!!

jng

Sep 18, 2007, 02:42 PM

Yeah the Puma Romas are amazing. My favorites are however geox (http://www.geox.com/) shoes. They make really comfortable sneakers and dress shoes. The downside is that they're expensive and I've never encountered them in the states yet.

Leareth

Sep 18, 2007, 02:51 PM

We have the geox shoes here in vancouver.
nice shoes , really comfortable but not made for the rainy climate.

I personally like crocs. yeah they look like crap but are so light and comfortable you don't notice. I am keen to receive my Dansko shoes, they look like a cross between crocs and normal shoes but with the same comfort properties ( http://www.amazon.com/s/104-2430628-8122337?ie=UTF8&search-alias=apparel&field-brandtextbin=Dansko )

I have high arches and I love adidas running shoes. super comfort and not over priced.

jaydub

Sep 18, 2007, 02:56 PM

I have the opposite - flat feet and I walk on the balls of my feet. I will tell you I've got three pair of Shox, but they're best for aesthetics IMO. I have had excellent luck with my Air Max 180s and 360s, especially if I'm just walking long distances. I was in San Diego a few weeks ago and I walked the whole time I was there in my Air Max 360s with no fatigue.

One good thing about the Shox and Air Max shoes is that they don't use a foam-based midsole which can wear out and flatten quickly, especially if you walk heavy on your heels. They shox are very durable and cushioned, but my AM360s and AM180s have lasted just as well.

jaydub

Sep 18, 2007, 02:57 PM

tobefirst

Sep 18, 2007, 03:02 PM

You should look into getting after-market insoles. They make them for all types of feet, so you'll be able to find one with a high arch. They provide way more cushioning than the insoles that come with the shoes, and more of a custom fit. If you have real problems, orthotics would be your best bet. These are doctor prescribed, custom-fitted insoles. Not cheap, but could help out tremendously.

That said, the best pair of shoes I've ever owned were the the Nike Air Pegasus from about 5 years ago. That shoe has a wonderful balance of cushioning, weight, fit, and aesthetics.

Regarding the size 5-5.5, men's shoes really start at a 6.5 (although, you can find an occasional pair smaller), so you'd either be looking at boys' or women's shoes. If you have narrower feet, a women's shoe might work well for you. The difference between men's/boys' sizes and women's is 1-1.5 sizes. A 5.5 in boys would be a 6.5-7 in women's.

And, about the shox...I've found that they are no more or less cushioned than any of Nike's other shoes. You can find an Air cushioned shoe that is softer than a shox cushioned shoe, and vice versa. The shox are "tuned" to all different amounts of cushioning.

MacNut

Sep 18, 2007, 03:55 PM

I think the only way to get the perfect shoe is to have it custom made, a good feeling shoe for some might be horrible for others.

Mord

Sep 18, 2007, 04:10 PM

http://www.altberg.co.uk/

Custom made hogg high all weather, they set me back a pretty penny but are completely worth it.

Mitthrawnuruodo

Sep 18, 2007, 04:22 PM

Yeah the Puma Romas are amazing.

really? :eek: Everyone I've known who has bought Romas absolutely hated the way they felt, if only they didn't look so damn nice. :D

I couldn't wear mine, they were just brutal on my feet.
I love my suede Puma Romas, they've even survived a machine wash (60°C normal wash and 1200rpm spin cycle). Excellent shoes.

But there can be only one perfect shoe when it comes to comfort, I give you Dr. Martens:

85358

letsgorangers

Sep 18, 2007, 04:32 PM

I personally like crocs. yeah they look like crap but are so light and comfortable you don't notice.

I have high arches and I love adidas running shoes. super comfort and not over priced.

my crocs are really the only "shoes" i own that don't hurt my feet/heels. not very practical once the summer months are over though. i will look into adidas running shoes.

oh yea tobefirst, i am female. i guess i didn't make it clear. i couldn't wear a men's shoe if it were the last thing on earth (which is a shame, because 99% of the time i prefer men's styles/colors). i have bought children's shoes before but i always worry that they aren't made with the same issues in mind (foot/heel/knee pain) as the adult varieties are.

devilot

Sep 18, 2007, 04:33 PM

You should look into getting after-market insoles.Bingo.

The other thing is to go into a dedicated running store-- they should all be trained and able to observe how you walk and give you a proper shoe fitting.

Straight up, I <3 my Asics Gel GT-2100 series running shoes. Yes, a lotta people on these boards hate on the aesthetics of running shoes (ya know who ya are *dogeyes*) but they're soooo comfy!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/tc1425374/bought/50155577.jpg

Also find myself enjoying the Simple shoe brand. Especially as they've introduced a ton of environmentally (more) friendly shoes. :) The ones I have are older and called "Sneaky" and look like:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/tc1425374/bought/1f5b1f35.jpg

My fave shoes methinks... (at least comfort-wise :p)

mkrishnan

Sep 18, 2007, 04:36 PM

Those Simples are mad cute! :)

When you say "perfect shoe," are you talking about running, casual wear, for work, etc?

When I buy for running, I buy on fit and running comfort and orthopedic protection. That's about it. Whatever I can run most quickly and safely in.

But then otherwise, I'll wear most any shoe, bought on looks, that doesn't totally kill my feet at the end of the day. :p And I buy some shoes based on looks that will kill my feet at the end of the day anyways. :D

Lau

Sep 18, 2007, 04:49 PM

The other thing is to go into a dedicated running store-- they should all be trained and able to observe how you walk and give you a proper shoe fitting.

Good suggestion. I have some similar foot problems and know all too well the thing of buying shoes and them really effing hurting later. :( But my most comfy shoes evar are my running shoes, and they were properly fitted at a running shop and I can tell are really supportive and fit perfectly. Unfortunately I hate the look of them, so I only wear them for running. :o

Also find myself enjoying the Simple shoe brand...
My fave shoes methinks... (at least comfort-wise :p)

I remember you posting these shoes before and I love them. I've never bought any before, but I actually need new shoes and I couldn't find any, and now I am going to go and look at Simples. :D

letsgorangers, what about something like Merrells (http://www.merrellboot.com/Product/NZSZZZ/Womens-Active-Footwear/Hiking/Womens/Kangaroo-Boa-Grey/J82572/Chameleon-II-Stretch.aspx)? They should have more support than fashion shoes, but are a bit more stylish than some performance trainers.

devilot

Sep 18, 2007, 04:58 PM

I want something I can walk, run, exercise, do whatever in without foot/knee pain... but it can't be bulky (because they look funny on my small frame). Ah, I've got a relatively small frame, and long narrow feet-- believe me, most shoes make my feet look like clown feet. But for some reason, I dunno, I dig the way running shoes look. And the way they make me feel. Like I could take on the world-- one step at a time, you know? :o

Oh yeah, edited to add: I try on shoes in the store and they are so comfortable and then after a week they make my feet hurt. So unfortunately, I can't just go to a store and see what feels good.If you go to a legitimate running store, they'll usually have a 30-day guarantee or somesuch so that you can have a chance to really try the shoes for real. Obviously, you tend to pay a bit more upfront, but if you really wanna take care of your feet, knees, and back? It shouldn't make you blink twice. :)

Plus, you could always do what I did-- I bought a pair from the running store; support the great work they do, and local business (w00t!). But like most will tell ya, you can easily find yourself needing new running sneaks within 6months. In that case, depending on my financial situation, I either got a pair from the same store or found the same model for cheaper elsewhere.

furious

Sep 18, 2007, 05:12 PM

Nike Air Force 1 hands down the best everyday shoe ever. Damn comfortable for me as I am flat footed and walk on the balls of my feet.

Cybergypsy

Sep 18, 2007, 05:25 PM

New balance all the way!

ms.gio

Sep 18, 2007, 05:42 PM

If I had to pick I would totally go with my Converse low tops in black. I wore those shoes everyday but since wearing the canvas sole all the way through I had to put them down. Now, I have a pair of pink converse that I heart just as much.

skunk

Sep 18, 2007, 05:44 PM

The perfect shoe is no shoe.

MacNut

Sep 18, 2007, 05:55 PM

I like me some Skechers.:cool:

jialuolu

Sep 18, 2007, 06:01 PM

Birkenstocks. Although, I've noticed that my feet start to hurt if I have to stand for 5+ hours but they're still the most comfortable shoes I own

poopyhead

Sep 18, 2007, 06:06 PM

I'm a big fan of keen
possibly the most comfortable casual shoes I have ever had
http://www.zappos.com/n/br/b/427.html
similar to birkenstocks but shoes

mahashel

Sep 18, 2007, 06:31 PM

I've tried all kinds of tricks over the years to get the "perfect shoe".
From expensive athletic shoes, to Birks, to strange inserts, I've yet to find footwear nirvana.
I think if I had to share the one success story, it would be a pair of Nike Free's with some aftermarket high-support athletic gel running insoles installed.
Nike Free = super light & flexible. Feels like being barefoot (though the footbed is not cushiony at all)
Gel insole = squishy super-comfort with all the arch support the Free's lacked.
It turned out to be an exquisite match.

Though to be fair, I don't wear them very much due to a distaste I've acquired recently about how much gel insoles can cause ankle roll. The shoe seems unstable at times since it's so squishy. (though I'm a rather high-performance guy, so it'd probably be great for average wear around the home or office)

techlover828

Sep 18, 2007, 06:34 PM

haha, thats funny, I'm about to buy two more pairs of shoes tonight, get the Asics GEL-Kinsei (http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240009048&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001539). The best, most confertable shoe ever!! I love them!

peeaanuut

Sep 18, 2007, 06:57 PM

Lugz FMF Supersport

takao

Sep 18, 2007, 06:58 PM

i had one perfect pair of low cut olive/white green adidas sneakers which used until they broke apart .. too bad for me that i didn't wrote down the type of shoe because when i wanted to get a replacement i couldn't read the label inside anymore (it weren't superstar or campus ...)

since i'm up for new shoes the next time i'm gonna do some serious searching now ...

jayb2000

Sep 18, 2007, 06:59 PM

New balance all the way!

Yeah, I have high arches and I second this!
Plus they have way more widths than most manufacturers.

But, custom orthotics is probably what you need. And they are not very expensive. The most expensive part is the Dr. visit.

question fear

Sep 18, 2007, 07:28 PM

New balance all the way!

Agreed. One of my ankles is prone to spraining and hurting when I run, and I swear by my new balance. The only shoes that put ZERO strain on my ankle. (well, besides my rugby cleats but people look at me funny if I wander around in those full-time.)

As a close second, hi-top converse or doc marten boots. Basically if your heels are hurting anything that's going to "hug" your heel/ankle area might help since you won't have the shoe going one way and your heel going the other.

letsgorangers

Sep 18, 2007, 09:20 PM

The perfect shoe is no shoe.
No truer words have been spoken.

RE: The nike free, I own a pair. The seams inside rub my feet and give me awful blisters. I'm so glad I got those damn things on sale, because I hate them. Why would you make a shoe that is meant to be worn sockless and then put seams all in it?

Anyway, I went to my local running store (fleet feet sports) this afternoon and had my feet measured and gait analyzed. The girl helping me didn't push the most expensive model, nor did she push me to buy the exact shoe she was wearing (which I tried on). I ended up with the nike air pegasus. It's very cushy. It's also very pink, which I would not have picked, but I will live with the color for the comfort.

http://inside.nikerunning.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/pegasus1.jpg

ErikCLDR

Sep 18, 2007, 09:33 PM

Crocs!

They are probably the most comfortable shoes in the world. There are some drawbacks though.
1) Ugliest shoe in the world, maybe even "thing" in the world
2) They don't stay on your feet that well
3) If you've ever driven with them its likely that the gas pedal will get stuck down because the shoe is so fat (dangerous to drive with)
4) There was a thing on the news this morning about people, especially kids, getting stuck in escalators when wearing them.

My Favorite Shoes:
A nice pair of J. Crew Flip Flops.

question fear

Sep 18, 2007, 09:48 PM

Jasonbot

Sep 18, 2007, 11:42 PM

linked image (http://inside.nikerunning.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/pegasus1.jpg)

I got some of those, they are nice! Except mine are pinky red!

Jopling

Sep 19, 2007, 12:10 AM

My old pair of Birkenstocks are quite comfy, but ugly as sin.
I am really in love now with my Gucci driving mocasins.

tobefirst

Sep 19, 2007, 12:26 AM

I got some of those, they are nice! Except mine are pinky red!

Anyway, I went to my local running store (fleet feet sports) this afternoon and had my feet measured and gait analyzed. The girl helping me didn't push the most expensive model, nor did she push me to buy the exact shoe she was wearing (which I tried on). I ended up with the nike air pegasus. It's very cushy. It's also very pink, which I would not have picked, but I will live with the color for the comfort.

More Pegasus owners...that really is a great shoe.

jaydub

Sep 19, 2007, 01:56 AM

Once upon a time 10+ years ago, I worked for Nike and the Pegasus was one of those shoes we always sold out of. It had a very loyal following, and even with the Air Maxes and other stuff we had, the Pegasus was a popular shoe - and for good reason.

iJon

Sep 19, 2007, 02:21 AM

Best shoe I ever bought. Have to enjoy walking barefoot though to appreciate them. Go to your local outdoor store and ask to try them on.

http://vibramfivefingers.com/products/images/products/102//large.jpg

http://vibramfivefingers.com/

jon

mkrishnan

Sep 19, 2007, 09:29 AM

Best shoe I ever bought. Have to enjoy walking barefoot though to appreciate them. Go to your local outdoor store and ask to try them on.

Those look like fun. I wouldn't mind trying a pair on at some point. :)

ms.gio

Sep 19, 2007, 11:29 AM

Best shoe I ever bought. Have to enjoy walking barefoot though to appreciate them. Go to your local outdoor store and ask to try them on.

http://vibramfivefingers.com/

jon
One of my fraternity sisters has a pair of these shoes. I, personally, love walking barefoot so I'm thinking about getting a pair.

Jasonbot

Sep 19, 2007, 12:11 PM

More Pegasus owners...that really is a great shoe.

Lets start a facebook group :p

jng

Sep 19, 2007, 02:49 PM

really? :eek: Everyone I've known who has bought Romas absolutely hated the way they felt, if only they didn't look so damn nice. :D

I couldn't wear mine, they were just brutal on my feet.

I had the pigskin version and they were extremely comfortable, so much that I've had them for over 5 years now. Had to leave the in the states though when I came to Europe. I've been trying to find a pair. Stupid me. Should have known before hand that they'd be cheaper in the States even though Puma is German.

OwlsAndApples

Sep 19, 2007, 03:05 PM

I want some of these... but i can't find a place to get them apart from going back to Hungary :(

Tisza Shoes (http://www.tiszacipo.hu/cipo/)

I love these for running as well:

Asics Long-distance spikes (http://www.newitts.com/product/IT017354/Asics_Hyper_Long_Distance_Running_Spike.htm)

letsgorangers

Sep 19, 2007, 05:27 PM

Best shoe I ever bought. Have to enjoy walking barefoot though to appreciate them. Go to your local outdoor store and ask to try them on.

http://vibramfivefingers.com/

jon

ok i have to admit, these are a bit goofy looking but i do love being barefoot. maybe i will try them one day.

day 1 of nike air pegasus wear is over and my feet are not hurting!

shu82

Sep 19, 2007, 05:50 PM

Me! :d

rockthecasbah

Sep 19, 2007, 09:05 PM

Also, don't wear crocs on an escalator. There's been crazy reports of people (mostly kids) getting their feet caught in escalators while wearing crocs.

Don't wear them period! I don't care comfortable they are, Crocs make you look like just an utter fool.

The perfect shoe for me style wise would be a nice pair of black Adidas Sambas. Classic, clean, and comfortable, they're awesome shoes all around :)

letsgorangers

Sep 19, 2007, 09:20 PM

Don't wear them period! I don't care comfortable they are, Crocs make you look like just an utter fool.

:p

iRachel

Sep 19, 2007, 09:39 PM

Funny, I was just having this discussion with my physical therapist today. There's no perfect shoe - it all depends on the shape of your foot, arch, etc.
I love New Balance myself - mostly because they make shoes in varied widths, which is important if you have a really wide foot!

Vuzie

Sep 19, 2007, 11:57 PM

i agree with those who say to go to a running store. For any exercise (from light walking to running) you want a shoe that addresses the "problem" points of your feet. Running in the wrong shoe for your foot will give you serious joint and long term comfort issues. I currently run in either the Saucony Progrid Omni 6 and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS. LOVE 'em.

As for non-exercise shoes... Dansko Clogs in the winter or Birkenstocks in the summer. Both fugly as all get go, but cooommmmffy to walk in. If style/trendy is your thing, try replacing the manufacturer's insoles and replace with supersoles if it's support you are looking for.

hotsauce

Sep 20, 2007, 03:37 AM

Wirelessly posted (Apple Communication Device: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/1C28 Safari/419.3)

I'm surprised no one mentioned Ecco yet. I can wear those all day.

letsgorangers

Sep 20, 2007, 09:11 AM

I'm surprised no one mentioned Ecco yet. I can wear those all day.
the shoe i wore fairly consistently before getting the nikes a few days ago was the ecco reaction. it felt great at the store but then killed my feet. i have a really narrow foot but my toes spread out a lot when i bear weight, so i need a lot of toe room. the eccos squashed my toes and was too hard under my heel. love the nike air pegasus so far!

RoadieJodie

Sep 20, 2007, 04:51 PM

I wear alot of vans as they have many different styles/colors, in addition as being really comfortable.

Prison Issue:
http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85526&stc=1&d=1190321343

Vuzie

Sep 21, 2007, 12:31 AM

I'm surprised no one mentioned Ecco yet. I can wear those all day.

Ecco makes some awesome performance wear with something called receptor technology. They are very comfy, made comfier with my superfeet insoles...

letsgorangers

Sep 21, 2007, 09:39 AM

Ecco makes some awesome performance wear with something called receptor technology. They are very comfy, made comfier with my superfeet insoles...
own it. makes my feet hurt. it is a very nice looking shoe though. but, i would wear my new pink cupidy nikes over the eccos every day. i tried on the superfeet insoles in some of the shoes i tried on at the store and it just felt strange, not good or bad, just weird.

Counter

Sep 21, 2007, 10:13 AM

Anything but Nike is a good start.

Mr.Noisy

Sep 21, 2007, 10:43 AM

Caterpillar Progress, so Comfy for 12 hour shifts and ideal for fat paws :)

letsgorangers

Sep 22, 2007, 07:03 PM

Update: I've been wearing the shoe for a few days now with lots of walking. I took my first run in them today and I can't express how amazing it is to not have my feet or shins hurt! Now if only I hadn't gotten an exertion and heat induced headache! I will be wearing these shoes daily until they fall off my feet.