Let's talk comfortable shoes

[hensmum]

Hello ladies,

C is in need of a comfy pair of shoes for commuting. She got a cheapo pair of sneakers, and of course, in no time, they have a hole in them. I'd like to find some I can pop on her wishlist for Xmas.

She'd really like something along the lines of a Merrel/Clarks Privo kind of look - but we need something much cheaper than those (I don't want to put a $100 pair of shoes on a wishlist that my parents are going to be browsing).

Who better to ask for advice in finding comfy shoes than my go-to gaggle of lady-lovin ladies, amiright??

So please share your fave sneakerish, comfy shoe brand.

Many thanks!

[ElsaVonM]

Aerosoles are generally very comfortable, and cheaper than Merrells/Clarks. They have a line at Kohl's too (A2). I like Madden Girl for dress shoes - the only comfortable heels I've ever found - and I bet if they can make heels comfortable, their other shoes are great too. But mostly I just find the better brands at a discount from DSW, outlet malls, etc. - not really an option for Christmas, but if you keep your eye out during the rest of the year you can score them for 50% off.

[rikkiandjulie]

What about Keens or Cushe? Also, Skechers has some that look similar to Keens that are much cheaper.


Rikki-iPhone

[2brides]

Well, I swear by my Crocs. I have the Neria Work style, which is cut similarly to Danskos - so not as clown shoe as most Crocs. They are super comfortable even with my killer plantar faciatis.

They also have sneaker styles, that are cute (look similar to Chucks, but have a rubber squisky in sole. I wanted a pair this summer, but the outlet was out of stock in my size.)

Go to ShoeBuy.com and register to be a member. It is free, buy you will get e-mails 1x a week with their sales. They often have Aeresoles, Merrell, etc on BIG sales (got a pair of Merrell's for 50% of this summer.) And Shoebuy.com has a lot of 20% off sales, which help. I 've had Klogs and Ariats that that are super comfy, but $$$ and was able to save a good bit. If they don't fit, you can return for free. I've ordered a lot of shoes from them with no issues.

Good luck!

[joyseattle]

I don't have suggestions, but I'm needing a new pair of shoes so I'm interested in the responses.

[ssg73]

I swear by danskos. I only wear them at work. Ever since I broke my foot I can't wear anything else at work or I am miserable. I have three pairs and while expensive they last forever. I am currently coveting another two pairs. I have black, brown and a funky blue pair. Seriously there is a reason every doctor, nurse and teacher wear them. If you are on your feet all day there is nothing better. They wear really well. my brown ones are about 4 years old and still going strong (although they are a bit scuffed now). I even converted S to wearing them while she was working at the hospital. They have some less cloggy ones although I am partial to the clog. I know they are not cheap but it is much better to have them for years and not have to repurchase.

[2brides]

I have tried a bunch of styles and sizes of Danskos and they all are tight across the top of my foot. And they feel so heavy.

There is a Shoebuy.com 20% off coupon that just came to my inbox. PM me if you want me to forward it on.

[rikkiandjulie]

I LOVE my Danskos. I wear them to work EVERY day, and on days I dont wear them my back is killing me


Rikki-iPhone

[rikkiandjulie]

2Brides the top stretches as you break them in. And they feel heavy the first few times then you get used to it.


Rikki-iPhone

[ElsaVonM]

A (perhaps unnecessary) word of caution - I have a pediatrician friend who wears Danskos daily at the hospital, and loves them for all the standing and running around between rooms and floors/units. But when she wore them to visit me in DC, she found that she hated walking long distances in them. So if these shoes are meant to be comfortable during a long walk to/from work or public transportation, I don't know if Danskos are the answer. Maybe others have different experiences though.

[hensmum]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I get shoebuy emails, I just never pay attention to them haha. I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for the Merrel/Privo/Keen sales. I know DSW has all these often, but it's rare to find DW's size (10.5).

Dansko's out. This is for trekking to and from the train (through a rough gravel parking lot in the morning, city blocks in the afternoon). She changes her shoes to business casual ones when she gets to work, where she sits most of the day.

I always want a bargain, but I know deep down that with shoes, you get what you pay for. Sigh.