Most comfortable pair of athletic shoes (1 Viewer)

[bclemms]

I'm on my feet almost all day, in the winter time I wear my muck boots, they are extremely comfortable, keep my feet warm and dry. In the summer time I have found some very comfortable cross training/running type shoes. Normally the best shoes have always been the ones on clearance because I tear them up so fast but I've spent $100+ before but the only noticeable difference for the most part is the name and logo. I have noticed that New Balance just kill my feet and back but for the most part Nike, Reebok, adidas, etc are all pretty similar with inconsistent feel from shoe to shoe. Last summer I stepped in a mud puddle early in the morning and didn't feel like walking around in wet shoes all day so I stopped by Wal Mart and picked up a pair of Starter Elite shoes for $21 and they are easily the least uncomfortable athletic shoe I've worn. These aren't the only cheapo's I frequent. Academy has some off brand for like $12 and I can't tell the difference between the name brands.

I know there are some higher end and less sylish shoes designed more for comfort but there has to be some better options out there. I have a very high arch and hate arch inserts since they never seem to work right. I'd kill to find some decent looking shoes that are very comfy and last.

What kind of shoes do you guys like? Anyone try orthodics and is it worth the money?

 

[workhorse]

my two favorites are Asics or Brooks. For high arch they each have several choices.

My personal favorite and what I am running in now are Asics gel Nimbus 14. Maybe the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. They were $140 a pair, but they are about to release new version, so you can probably get it cheaper soon . It has lots of cushioning, which I needed due to knee surgery. They are considered a neutral shoe.

I'd go to Amazon.com or RunningWarehouse.com and look at some of their clearance shoes.

You may want to look at Nike LunarGlides or LunarFlys. My daughter runs in the Lunar Flys and she has a slightly high arch, so they may work for you and they run cheaper than the top end Asics or Brooks.

What New Balance shoe did you wear? ARe you wanting a lot of cushioning or do you want a minimal feel?

 

[saintcool13]

+1 on the Asics Gel for high arches.

 

[cylinder]

I guess I don't have style but when I'm not in my timberland work boots, I probably have my crocs on. The boots are pretty Coffey there a little heavy but there
Pretty good quality. My wife got the camaflage crocs for me. There
Easy to slip on and off I haven't bought a pair of tennis shoes in years. That maybe why I'm outta shape

 

[Twags14]

ive always loved the brooks glycerin line of shoes. i use them to run, but are still very comfy for just being on your feet. i have high arches as well.

 

[BuffaloSaint]

I like Saucony for sneakers. I bought a pair of Timberland work boots and they pretty much came apart after about 6 months. Went and got a pair of Georgia boots and they've held together well but not as comfortable as the Timberlands were. Work is giving me $125 to get a new pair of steel toes so I may make a trip to Red Wing next week.

 

[St.Fury]

If you're in the NOLA or BR areas, pay a visit to varsity sports. It's not necessarily about a specific shoe brand, but moreso about how a certain shoe supports the shape of your foot, arch, and walking style. They are very good at diagnosing that and giving you a set of shoe styles that are more suited for your foot for you to choose from. Their sell most of your brand names; Brooks, Nike, New Balance, etc.

 

[Galbreath34]

Not athletic, but for my feet wearing Ecco Trac II's feels better than no shoes at all. They last years too. I've had 3 pair through at least two names, but Trac II is what they call them now.

 

[Dre]

I like Merrell.

 

[gaminerie]

Another vote for Saucony here. i am usually able to find them on discount at Marshalls or TJMaxx, at the very worst some online merchant is selling them at discount.

i have gone through four pair & am on my fifth pair - i think the model names i have used are Omni and Cohesion

Agree with New Balance...dunno what it is, sole is too hard or whatever...i can just only use them for bike or elliptical. No running, long walking or climbing.

 

[Saint77]

Ive been buying Asics Nimbus series for the last 4 years for my running shoes. Exccept for one year, 12, I think. They are great. Im like you, high arched. Hard to find an arch that fits in the right spot. Asics are like pillows on my feet. Also, consider some Thorlo sucks. They are expensive, but they are very comfortable, add a layer of padding, and long lasting.

We have a place up here called the Good Feet that sells a custom fit orthotic that's usually covered by insurance. Theres one in LA, if your interested. Foot Pain | Heel Pain | Back Pain | Plantar Fasciitis | Arch Supports | Good Feet

 

[bclemms]

Another vote for Saucony here. i am usually able to find them on discount at Marshalls or TJMaxx, at the very worst some online merchant is selling them at discount.

i have gone through four pair & am on my fifth pair - i think the model names i have used are Omni and Cohesion

Agree with New Balance...dunno what it is, sole is too hard or whatever...i can just only use them for bike or elliptical. No running, long walking or climbing.

Sounds like I need to give the Saucony and Asics a try. My complaint with New Balance are the same as yours, flat, rigid and very hard soles. My wife got me a pair of New Balance for Christmas last year (2011) and they've sat in my closet since. The last time I wore a pair of New Balance was in 2007. I bought a pair and wore them to the LSU/Alabama game in Tuscaloosa. We probably walked 10 miles before and after the game and they hurt me so bad that I took a couple days off work because my feet, knees and lower back hurt so bad I couldn't walk.

 

[City Champ]

I like Merrell.

This

 

[MLU]

I'm on my feet almost all day, in the winter time I wear my muck boots, they are extremely comfortable, keep my feet warm and dry. In the summer time I have found some very comfortable cross training/running type shoes. Normally the best shoes have always been the ones on clearance because I tear them up so fast but I've spent $100+ before but the only noticeable difference for the most part is the name and logo. I have noticed that New Balance just kill my feet and back but for the most part Nike, Reebok, adidas, etc are all pretty similar with inconsistent feel from shoe to shoe. Last summer I stepped in a mud puddle early in the morning and didn't feel like walking around in wet shoes all day so I stopped by Wal Mart and picked up a pair of Starter Elite shoes for $21 and they are easily the least uncomfortable athletic shoe I've worn. These aren't the only cheapo's I frequent. Academy has some off brand for like $12 and I can't tell the difference between the name brands.

I know there are some higher end and less sylish shoes designed more for comfort but there has to be some better options out there. I have a very high arch and hate arch inserts since they never seem to work right. I'd kill to find some decent looking shoes that are very comfy and last.

What kind of shoes do you guys like? Anyone try orthodics and is it worth the money?

I have wide, flat feet so it's been difficult for me. I stick with New Balance for the most part because of the large selection of wide sizes, but you can't go cheap on them. I finally found a pair of Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 15 with pretty good arch support and they come in wide sizes. That's what I wear when I'm not wearing a pair of Redwing composite-toe boots which also have very good arch support and come in wide sizes.

 

[Redfish]

Salomon, Montrail and Asics for the gym. I always look at Retailmenot for different sites promo codes and buy from the ones that offer free shipping both ways.