Work shoe that doesn't look stupid with shorts?

[Josh Kinzey]

I don't do much welding or fab work, but I do work in a shop with a concrete floor that I stand on all day.

Most of the guys in the shop (myself included) just wear some kind of tennis shoe. Nike, Under Armor, etc... Something that is comfortable to stand in for 8-10 hours at a stretch.

Unfortunately, in the shop environment the shoes don't last very long. I considered switching to boots to increase the longevity, but in the summer time it's hot here in NC, and giant boots not only look awful with shorts, they are hot.

I've been searching for a work shoe, and really the only thing I was able to find were some Blue Tongue shoes from Redback. I bought a set, and when they arrived, right on the tongue it says, "Made in China" I've worn them for a few weeks, and they pretty much ****.

Anyone have a good source for a work shoe?

 

[owenst7]

I had a couple pairs of Merrells similar to these

when I was a shingler. They held up to that abuse pretty well and were comfortable. The arch support wasn't fantastic though, but that wasn't really an issue because I was rarely standing and it was usually on plywood. I'd really like find a shoe that's comfortable for working on concrete, as I do quite a bit of that these days and I've had issues with plantar fasciitis since I was a teenager.

 

[A_Pmech]

You might look at Redwing #105 oxfords. They're Made in USA and meet your requirements. I have some and I think they make good shop shoes.

Personally, I prefer an 8" lace-up (Redwing 2233) for work, but that's probably due in part to the fact that I've worn boots my whole life. Tennis shoes hurt my feet, I refuse to wear them.

 

[Boyd]

I bought these about 6 months ago. They've held up well and I've received several compliments on them.

 

[ratdoggy]

Get a good pair of boots. I swear by Redwings. They are not cheap but they wear like iron and are comfy. I don't personally care how they look with shorts.....Remember you are working, function trumps fluff.

 

[Josh Kinzey]

-sigh- Can always count on GJ to steer off topic...

Thanks for the tips guys.

 

[A_Pmech]

-sigh- Can always count on GJ to steer off topic...

Fixt!



Edit: You should start a thread on your TA.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Before you ante up for a new pair of shoes, have you tried or considered a decent set of insoles ?

 

[Josh Kinzey]

Get a good pair of boots. I swear by Redwings. They are not cheap but they wear like iron and are comfy. I don't personally care how they look with shorts.....Remember you are working, function trumps fluff.

I've done the boot thing, I worked for a residnetial construction company for several years. They are comfortable, but they are heavy and they are hot. The shop that I work at specializes in horse power generation on late model vehicles (www.rpmmotorsportsnc.com) and, I need to be able to present myself to the occasional client in a professional manner. In my opinion, this precludes the dorky boots with shorts look.

The lighter sports style shoe works great in the environment that I'm in, they just don't last very long. I was hoping for a work shoe styled like an athletic shoe.

Insoles won't help with the longevity issue on the shoes, but it might allow me to buy cheaper athletic shoes and still be comfortable. Any recommendations there are appreciated.

 

[plow]

Bates Service Boots.

 

[mustanginky]

I also had a pair of merrells that i wore almost daily for 3 years. Same as the ones posted above. They were great.

 

[bullnerd]

Redwing makes one that looks just like an athletic shoe but with a safety toe. The guy next to me at work wears them. I call him Sporty Spice.

 

[Helipilot]

I wear the Redwing 8662. It is a Chukka style shoe in a mid brown color and all it needs is a slip in arch support. These are very comfortable and long wearing. You will not be disappointed. I wear them daily in the aircraft hangar and shop. They look good with shorts or jeans and in Arkansas I go into shorts early in the year and wear them all summer long except when welding. Good luck in your search.

 

[cork]

How about something from Mechanix Wear? They have some pit/crew shoes which may suit your needs.

 

[Josh Kinzey]

I like the Redwing 6640.

I just saw that they are made in China... Ugh, I hate buying stuff from there.

The Mechanix wear pit shoes look like they will fit the bill as well.

Thanks!

 

[rodm1]

Just change your shoe when needed. The owner of my company must change his clothing about 4 times a day.

 

[crewchief888]

Bates Service Boots.

How about something from Mechanix Wear? They have some pit/crew shoes which may suit your needs.

most of the "duty type" boots i've tried are very comfortable, and seem to hold up to daily wear.
last pair i purchased at sears, diehard brand.

 

[JoeFin]

Here is what I use

Probably a little more then what your looking for - but for me it is about the most comfortable work boot I've found. It has what they call a "Dual Density Polyurethane Outsole" which is the first 1/4" a hard non-slip sole and then another 1/2" of nice cushie soft poly material.

http://www.carolinashoe.com/Product?stockNo=1309

Really makes standing/working on your feet all day long a lot nicer

Me - I won't touch Chinese made boots anymore after I had a bad pair of offshore Redwings. Some thing wasn't cut right in the boot and between that and walking on extruded metal all day my knee swelled up like a pumpkin

After a trip to the doctor, a trip to ER - finally I ditched those boots and never had a problem since

 

[Tim Fitzgerald]

If stee loes are not a factor, I would strongly consider or at least look at the new balance trail series (ankle height). I have worn them all to include the latest the army had before I retired....merrill I would place below new balance. The sympatex waterproof lining in new balance has NEVER failed, unlike gortex etx... Comfort..., second to none!

 

[santagary]

I wear MBT (Massai barefoot technology) dress and shoes in the garage and around the ranch and no more plantar fasciatus or heel pain....I think I have 5 pairs...buy them on Amazon or Zappos.

 

[jshillin]

Merrell's are some of my favorite shoes... I wear more of the business casual/leather slip-ons, but I've had several different pair and have really liked them all.

 

[dawgee]

if you need steel toes skechers makes a comfy steel toe sneaker ive had mine for about 4 to 5 years they hold up very well. I also change my shoes when i get to and leave work.

 

[fgl123]

I also like my sketchers. non steel toe but all leather. My feet bother me from standing on concrete all day and so far these have helped a lot. But i have noticed that i had to move up a 1/2 size.

 

[The J]

How about Dr Martens? Their Oxfords and low-cut shoes would look okay with shorts. They are comfortable and durable, but a bit pricey. But when I compare $100 DM with $60 Sketchers, the DMs are much better quality. They only come in full sizes which may be an issue.

You can check their website for styles that may suit your needs. I think they're all made in China and England depending on model.


edit:
I bought a pair of Sketchers safety dress shoes for $60 this year. They're okay. Footbed is comfortable, but they heavy, and the toebox is very uncomfortable. Some heel pads have improved their fit and made them tolerable. Of course shoes are very 'foot-dependent' so what works for one person won't work for another. I only need them 15-20 days a year so I'm dealing with it.

 

[Hornman]

I wear MBT (Massai barefoot technology) dress and shoes in the garage and around the ranch and no more plantar fasciatus or heel pain....I think I have 5 pairs...buy them on Amazon or Zappos.

MBT is no more. Sketchers copies at one fifth the price did them in.

 

[bazzateer]

Grizz has the answer:

 

[tshetter]

Keen makes some steel toe sneakers/tennis shoes. I have a few pair of them that I have used for both work and casual dress.

Not the cheapest but that have done me well.

 

[Xporter]

Another vote for Merrell's. Most comfortable boot type shoe I've ever had and they wear great. I've had a pair I've worn daily for over two years and they hold up great.