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ultraclyde (Forum Supporter)
ultraclyde (Forum Supporter) UltimaDork
5/11/20 7:02 a.m.

I've got a pair of classic Converse All-Star low tops. I love the look - faded black canvas, white soles, but they really are horrible shoes to wear for actual walking. No support, hard as a rock while still being floppy, and the rubber toe cap rubs my toes. I'm looking for recommendations on other shoes that have a similar aesthetic but are actually comfortable. Classic low top sneaks, skate shoes, something that's low key enough to wear with jeans and shorts but still has a little style. Absolutely not looking for running shoes, hiking boots, or loafers. I have 2/3 of those.

For reference, I usually wear a 12.5 or 13, feet are a little wide but not enough to buy 'wide width' shoes. Normal arches. some arch support would be great, but I spend a LOT of time in Sperry boat shoes and find them comfortable - so obviously not a huge requirement. I'm a big guy at 6'1" and 250lbs, so some support and cushion would be nice.

Classic Adidas? Vans? 510s? What do you guys like?

Streetwiseguy
Streetwiseguy MegaDork
5/11/20 7:32 a.m.

I found these by accident.  They don't really match your look desires, but they are the best shoes I've ever worn.  I was an Adidas Stan Smith guy for decades.  They might be something for you to look at, too. Color selection is getting weird now, though.

 

https://www.sportchek.ca/categories/shoes/mens-athletic-shoes-cleats/training-shoes/product/nike-mens-air-monarch-iv-4e-extra-wide-width-shoes-black-332189194.html#332189194%5Bcolor%5D=332189194_99

pres589 (djronnebaum)
pres589 (djronnebaum) PowerDork
5/11/20 7:48 a.m.

Addidas Classics or Sambas are my jam.  Don't be afraid to cut down the tongue on a pair of Sambas if you like them otherwise.

Toyman01 (Forum Supporter)
Toyman01 (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
5/11/20 8:06 a.m.

Not classic style in any way, but I made the switch from sneakers to a casual style shoe. They are super comfortable and provide enough support to walk in all day. 

I usually buy Keens or Merrells. Something like this. 

 

rob_lewis
rob_lewis UltraDork
5/11/20 8:06 a.m.

Not Converse style, and they have lots of "old man" versions, but Skechers have been the most comfortable sneakers for me.  The memory foam makes a huge difference.  They also come in wide widths. 

-Rob

Patrick (Forum Supporter)
Patrick (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
5/11/20 8:09 a.m.

Vans 6 days a week and converse on sundays.

Toyman01 (Forum Supporter)
Toyman01 (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
5/11/20 8:09 a.m.
rob_lewis said:

Not Converse style, and they have lots of "old man" versions, but Skechers have been the most comfortable sneakers for me.  The memory foam makes a huge difference.  They also come in wide widths. 

-Rob

Plus 1 to rob. The only pair of sneakers I have are Skechers. They are pretty comfortable as well. 

ProDarwin
ProDarwin UltimaDork
5/11/20 8:12 a.m.

Adidas Campus (or some variant... the names change all the time).  I wear these until I wear through the bottom.  As a bonus, when they are old/worn they become my lifting shoes too.

 

AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter)
AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
5/11/20 8:31 a.m.

i Have nothing to add for classic-look shoes, but my New Balance 880's make my feet very happy.

slowride
slowride Dork
5/11/20 8:46 a.m.

I have found the Vans "Old Skool" models seem to be wider than the others. They're still not super padded though. I haven't tried any with the new "ComfyCush", those might be better.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
5/11/20 8:46 a.m.

I'm comfy in Vans Old Skool and Sk-8 Hi. I find that they offer more support than the Era and Authentic. I haven't tried any of their newer models. 

Shadeux (Forum Supporter)
Shadeux (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand Dork
5/11/20 8:54 a.m.

I live in Converse because I can't stand shoes with "support." It feels like something is in my shoe.

Which reminds me - I need to order more.  I use the custom - ordering option. I've created some likely unique color combos with that!

 

yupididit
yupididit UberDork
5/11/20 9:00 a.m.

Onitsuka Tiger

They're comfy especially the Serrano and Ultimate 81 models. 

 

I have a bunch of them. 

Scotty Con Queso
Scotty Con Queso Dork
5/11/20 9:13 a.m.

I've simplified my life to one pair of shoes. Well, two actually. I have "last years" pair of these Sperrys as well as a new pair I keep clean. Slip on and off but can be tied. Wear with jeans and socks. Wear without socks and shorts. Nice enough to wear anywhere and matches everything. 

mtn (Forum Supporter)
mtn (Forum Supporter) MegaDork
5/11/20 9:18 a.m.
Scotty Con Queso said:

I've simplified my life to one pair of shoes. Well, two actually. I have "last years" pair of these Sperrys as well as a new pair I keep clean. Slip on and off but can be tied. Wear with jeans and socks. Wear without socks and shorts. Nice enough to wear anywhere and matches everything. 

 

I have way too many shoes, but the boat shoes are the best option. Dress shoes and casual. Beach to boat to country club. I even golf in them on occassion. 

EvanB (Forum Supporter)
EvanB (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
5/11/20 9:19 a.m.

I recently got a pair of Vans Era with the Comfy Cush. I haven't worn them enough to see a difference but they are comfortable. They seem a bit narrower than the pair of Authentic I had before but maybe they just need to break in a bit. My feet are wide enough that I usually but a wide size if it is available. 

chandler
chandler PowerDork
5/11/20 9:42 a.m.
yupididit said:

Onitsuka Tiger

They're comfy especially the Serrano and Ultimate 81 models. 

 

I have a bunch of them. 

You ever read Phil Knight's book about when he started out selling them? Said they would fall apart after one track meet but people where waiting to buy some wherever he pulled up. 
 

personally, I wear whatever air max 97 is on sale. 

Fueled by Caffeine
Fueled by Caffeine MegaDork
5/11/20 10:05 a.m.

 

air force one is pretty comfortable.  I like DC or Etnies..

Mndsm
Mndsm MegaDork
5/11/20 11:00 a.m.

Vans old skool pros. Same old skool look, ultracush soles. Plush as you can get in a shoe like that. 

j_tso
j_tso Reader
5/11/20 12:00 p.m.

Another vote for Adidas, particularly the Samba.

Tony Sestito
Tony Sestito PowerDork
5/11/20 12:48 p.m.

New Balance 574's (or anything from the Classics line) might work.


 

I've been wearing these for years. They make them in a ton of different colors and materials (canvas, suede, leather, etc) and they are very comfortable. They are my go-to classic shoes.

logdog (Forum Supporter)
logdog (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand UberDork
5/11/20 1:43 p.m.

I recently learned Simple has come back to market.  They may have the look you are going for.

 

https://simpleshoes.com/

 

The0retical (Forum Supporter)
The0retical (Forum Supporter) UberDork
5/11/20 2:14 p.m.

Merrell is my default choice anymore because my feet are also weirdly sized. In my case I'm also not quite wide width but most sneakers try to strangle my feet around the ball.

Merrell Gridway seems to fit your bill.

 

ultraclyde (Forum Supporter)
ultraclyde (Forum Supporter) UltimaDork
5/11/20 2:17 p.m.

Thanks for all the input guys.

I like the look of those Simple OS. The classic NBs aren't bad either...I might add apair of those down the road. I also have dug up the Converse Chuck-70. Looks like the All-Stars of the 70s instead of the 50s, and has arch support and more cushion. So it kind of sounds like my initial post - looks like a Chuck but more substantial / comfortable sole...

I think It's going to come down to a choice between the C70 and the Simple OS, they're about the same price.

Stefan (Forum Supporter)
Stefan (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
5/11/20 2:21 p.m.
AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) said:

i Have nothing to add for classic-look shoes, but my New Balance 880's make my feet very happy.

I suspect you may have some polos and jorts in your collection as well....

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