Sneakers?

[marcmagus]

Until a year or two ago, I used to regularly wear sneakers as my non-warm-weather general-use casual shoes (I did, and still do, wear sandals as such in sufficiently warm weather). For at least a decade, that meant quality running trainers (asics gel series), which had the added advantage that if I were running late for the bus or whatever, I could burst into a sprint without worrying about my knees.

There are three reasons I've stopped: I felt some obligation to wear brown leather shoes to work so I got into the habit of wearing those, my old sneakers soles delaminated, and I discovered I no longer find good quality running shoes comfortable for all-around wear.

So I now discover that I'm not wearing sneakers any longer, and the only real reason I have for that is that I find the one pair I own really uncomfortable (they're great for running in when I do so, I just don't like them for walking around or driving).

I thus find myself in the market for a new shoe. They should be comfortable, inexpensive, casual enough to wear with my usual jeans + T-shirt + flaid plannel, sturdy enough to wear every day without falling apart instantaneously, comfortable, have a good enough sole and tread I can go wandering on rocks or ice without worrying about them or my safety, and not totally kill me if I have to sprint a couple hundred yards on a hard sidewalk. Suggestions highly welcome; I haven't had to shop for sneakers (rather than buying the latest model of what I know I like) in a long time.

Comments

[soulchanger.livejournal.com]

I've been reading that thicker soles and more padding end up being bad for your knees. Pursuant to that I've been considering trying out something like the Nike Free or the Vibram Five Fingers, both of which I've heard good things about.

[jhadania.livejournal.com]

Not sure of your current definition of inexpensive, but you could give Dansko clogs a try. They run about $100ish, depending on which material you want. But they are THE shoe of choice around every hospital I've worked at (well, split decision with sneakers, with Crocs making a strong showing. Although Crocs are often banned because the holes make them a bio-risk, but anyway...). I give them high marks for sturdy, comfy, good non-slip sole and tread. Cons: because of the height of the sole I have turned my ankle in them, so they could be chancy for rock wandering. YMMV

Sneaker-wise, I've been living in New Balance for a while. They are my nursing shoes as well as my street shoes. Nice wide toe box without sloppy-wide heel.

btw: "flaid plannel" -- *eg*

[electrolite37.livejournal.com]

My husband adores the Frees, but for fencing (I can't tell you the last time he ran). They're pretty durable considering the amount of abuse he's put them through (many metal fencing strips are like cheese graters).