What’s The Best Shoe?

Okay what do you think is objectively the best shoe?

Taking into account comfort, price, fashionability, etc.

What’s the shoe you would or do buy a pair of every 6-12 months as your daily drivers?

What’s the Camry of shoes?

Comments

    • +2

      I tried a bunch of different RMs yesterday and they just didn't impress me. They weren't super comfortable, the quality was good but not amazing, and they never fit right. Was expecting a lot more for the price, didn't end up buying

      • +4

        You need to wear them in. The first 2-3 weeks are pretty average but after that they're great.

        • Thanks, I might commit then and give them a go. The sales guy didn't really say much about wearing them in (though it's something I expected)

          • +1

            @DreadPirateRoberts: Thanks everyone. Managed to get a pair. They were better than other boots I tried (think I was just grumpy when I went to the store) and looking forward to wearing them

      • +2

        Unfortunately, that's the issue with genuine leather shoes. But, they're definitely worth a buy :)

      • Same experience.

    • We've only recently gotten into RM Williams. After trying their shoes on for the first time, I now finally understand the price tag. They are definitely a quality boot and the price is acceptable on sale.

  • +2

    Best shoes ever are AJ1's but wouldn't use them as daily drivers.

  • +1

    I'm a fan of buying shoes from hiking shops. Usually super durable and super comfy.
    eg https://www.kathmandu.com.au/mens/footwear/trail-shoes.html?…
    or https://www.mountaindesigns.com/mens-clothing/mens-footwear/…

    • Similarly, I'm wearing a pair of Keen Austins which are one of the only shoes I can recall buying which had no wear in time, and didn't need the insole replaced to a more supportive one. They're not the best looking shoe, but they're pretty plain and understated. I bought them a few months ago but they seem like they should last a number of years (Keens normally do).

  • Merrell Jungle Mocs

    On my 4th pair

    • +2

      Hardly the "Camry" of shoes then if you're on your 4th pair

      • over a 6 year period with international and domestic travelling…

  • +1

    Adidas Alphabounce

  • Xiaomi sneakers. Affordable, comfy, and they go with semi casual outfits. Also fine for exercise

    • Yes and long wearing too. Mine came with a chip that counts steps and connects to the phone, etc. A bit of a gimmick, but was fun for couple of days.

      • POV, thinking this was a Xiaomi joke.

    • Biggest is size 10 :(

  • I get target leather office shoes for $40, very comfortable. Too early to tell about longevity (only about 6 months in). Sneakers Xiaomi and Adidas, although Adidas don't last that long.

    $7 KMart office shoes for my partner. According to her comfy and long lasting. Rare work shoe that does not need wearing in.

  • Boots: Red Wing Iron Rangers
    Sneakers: Ecco

    Very happy with both of them.

    To get longer out of your shoes, never wear them two days in a row. Rest them for a day between wears and use cedar shoe trees. Daily wear means your shoes never get a chance to properly dry out.

    • +1

      This only goes for leather shoes right?

      • Yep. I probably should have said that. Resting shoes is a good idea for all types of shoes but shoe trees are only really needed for leather shoes.

        I use plastic shoe trees for all my non-leather shoes to keep their shape though.

        • Thanks for the info, you’ve convinced me to get a set of shoe trees for the RM Williams I recently bought

  • Ultraboost 4.0, the newer ones with the socklike fit arent as good as they arent as easy to 'slip on' for casual use.

  • Adidas Yeezy boost 350's

  • +1

    I go to Repco for my Camry (brake) shoes

  • blundstones

  • Volleys

  • Boosts and NMDs. I found one particular Boost sole snapped after 8 months which didn't impress me but the other boosts no issues yet.

  • +1

    I have never found a good pair of shoes for my flat feet :/

    • +1

      Get custom made inserts, I got a pair of Foot Levellers made and any shoe feels great to stand and run in every day. https://www.footlevelers.com.au/ Costs about $500.

      • Yeah I tried custom made inserts they were alright (I lost the pair after 6 months or so ). I am looking for a cheaper option as these are quite expensive. Thank you though!

    • +1

      Have U tried Xero, barefoot shoes.

      • Never heard of them but I'll check their website. Thank you!

        • +1

          I'm flat footed so mostly wear barefoot shoes for work and play. Best decision ever. No more injuries due to heavily padded shoes 😆

    • What happens if you wear neutral shoes?

      • Pain in the middle of the foot that doesn't allow me walk long distances or do some of chores. Specially when I sit down like this https://ibb.co/dKx29Qq to so something ugh the pain. A proper shoes will support the arc of the foot and that should minimise the stress.

    • Sketchers

    • +1

      I highly recommend Neat Feet workforce insoles for an off the shelf solution. I used to stand for 10 hours a day in them. The arch support will feel odd at first, but you should get used to it.

      They are quite thick, I bought shoes a size larger specifically to fit the insoles.

      https://neatfeat.com/product/workforce-insole/

      • +1

        Thanks for the recommendation I will give them a try!

  • The ones you didn't have to pay for..

  • +2

    Flip flops.
    Timeless, cost effective, stylish.
    Can wear them to work (WFH FTW)
    Can wear them in the shower
    Can wear them at the beach

    • sounds like a Quaintslander - we mostly grew up wearing thongs

      flip flops ? I thought US terms - to distinguish from their thongs worn over the privacy patch

      last century genuine rubber thongs were comfy, but these daze cheap plastic foam can be dangerous on wet surfaces and result in slip'n'fall injuries as well as sprained tendons from the unexpected stretch

      but in the dry, over 23C, shibby rite mite - no wucking furries !

  • +2

    Vans Pro Skate - used to be a skeptic but they can take a beating.
    Come with memory foam soles so reasonably comfortable to wear once you break them in.

    • +1 for vans pro

      Dont confuse them with the canvas ones….the suede ones are so good, and… They look good with pretty much anything short of a shirt and tie.

      I have two pairs of RMs but…they only get use explicitly when a blazer comes on…6 year old pair has aged really well and is the most comfortable leather shoe I've ever worn. 2 year old pair has probably had about a week of wear cumulatively..and I just go back to the old one every time.

  • Hush Puppies Transit for work. On my feet all day.

  • Reebok Classic Leathers.
    They get a little sweaty in summer but overall great in all weather conditions. They're tough and completely leather so can be re painted.

  • Nike Defy All Day Mens Walking Shoes.

    Just got another two pairs during the Black Friday sales at Rebel.

    Most comfortable shoe I've worn.

  • I was wearing Onitsuka Tiger Mexico's for a long time but have recently swapped back to Vans (they seem to last longer than the Tigers).

    Their comfycush range are pretty damn good!

  • Under armour bandit 3. Not the best looking but pretty comfy

  • Skechers Summit are probably the most comfortable I have ever worn and the all black colour looks quite decent. I don't think they make them anymore though

  • +1

    The correct answer is R.M. Williams

  • +1

    My daily driver is the Saloman XT-6 black.

    Super comfy, wear with anything, can walk, run and hit some nature with them. They look good and are built well.

    The no lacing first seemed a gimmick, but is actually useful.

    Water resistant and easy to clean.

    Otherwise, RMs

    • Salomon’s are great. They will last years. I’m currently transition to my second pair and the first have lasted over 8 years. And you’re spot on, super comfortable, can wear them all day long. Great for travel as you can wear them to a restaurant but also most hiking trails. Also easy to loosen the quick release laces for foot swelling on a long flight.

  • Adidas ultraboost all day everyday if I get to choose. Got my first pair a month ago and honestly it is the most comfortable (and stylish) shoes that I have ever owned!

  • +1

    Kayanos and Merrell. Bought a pair of $250 Airmax and so uncomfortable compared to Kayanos

    • +1 for kayanos

  • Actually found the Lacoste Straightset B1 to be very comfortable out of the box. Don't need to break them in or anything. Just really comfortable materials.

  • +1

    Geox/Ecco?

  • Gucci loafers

    • +2

      yeah if you're a complete wank.er / tosser

  • Reebok Forever Floatride Energy 2. Has a midsole similar to UltraBoost but firmer for better performance.

    Best running shoes I have ever owned. Under $50, thanks OzBargain code.

  • +1

    It depends on what fits your foot well. I have mid wide and pretty flat feet, so Keens fit me really well. They're an outdoors brand so they are long lasting and have features like a sole that wraps up all the way to the top of the toe. Most of their shoes are pretty "outdoors" looking, but they do have some more subdued styles.

    Similarly, I have a pair of Timberlands which were worn to work every day for 2 years (I ride a motorcycle so want sturdy shoes). They need a polish, but otherwise they're still in great condition, the only reason I'm not wearing them now is that I haven't been to the office since early last year.

    Before that I had Hush Puppies which also lasted really well but failed in the typical way - the zip on the side died after about three or four years.

  • Red wing boots. Been weearing one pair for 4 years and only now do they need new heels

  • +1

    Tn's /s

    Actual answer:
    - Margiela GAT's cause they go with everything
    - Most Salomon's (especially Xt-6/Xt-4) cause quick lace, comfort and flexibility
    - John Lobb for sheer quality dress shoes

  • +3

    Any pair of shoes will last more than twice as long if you rotate it with another pair.

    Eg:
    1 quality pair worn every day - lasts maybe 1.5 years
    2 quality pairs worn every second day lasts approximately 4 years or more each.

    The rest period to dry out is quite beneficial

  • Used to be Timberlands, but the quality dropped a bit.

  • If you're looking for expendable daily shoes, Aldi.

    What also makes it or breaks it is where you find the most wear in your shoes after 6 months. Mine wear out towards the start of my arch and the backs of the heel so, I pick shoes that target those areas.

  • RM's comfort craftsmans

    Get the right fit and they'll last years and can be resoled and rwpaired etc.

  • It's not the type of shoe on the man that matters; it's the type of man in the shoe.

  • Merrell. Full (real) leather.

  • campers beetle gore tex

  • Objectively, the best shoes are ones that will be the healthiest shoes for your feet.

    For me, that means minimalist shoes. Flat, thin, flexible and wide toe box is the criteria. Vivobarefoot and similar is what I wear 80% of the time.

    I have a big collection of high-end, goodyear welted footwear (RM Williams, Aldens, Viberg, Crown Northampton, etc), but those only make up 20% of my wear these days.

  • Converse Chuck Taylors

  • Trusty havaianas. I wear them more than any other shoes, through many holidays/ countries. 10 years+ and still going strong.

  • New Balance 624 black, IMO, is the Camry of shoes.

    Comfortable but boring.

    I have worn them to work for at least 10 years.

    They often go on special, and have a range of sizes including widths.

    I get about 2 years out of a pair.

    (I used to have to replace the inner sole to get more life out of them but NB seems to have fixed that and now they usually fall apart at the heal or outer sole).

  • Back in the day, Elisabeth

  • Work - RM Williams boots. I will never wear another shoe to work, extremely comfortable, look good, handle the elements. Not a law or accounting firm partner so boots pass the muster.
    Around home - Crocs
    Casual - Crocs mostly, sneakers if required
    Smart casual - RM Williams boots

    Why wear Crocs so much? Prefer not to wear socks and I can love to be able to slide them on while standing. Crocs definitely better quality that any other synthetic clog I have tried. Only buy them on sale.

  • +1

    NIKE TN'S BRAH

  • Crocs - beach, camping
    Adidas - casual
    Salomon - walking
    Tracerlite - work
    Zamberland - hiking

  • Nmd R1 - great all round shoe, wear it in the gym because they are relatively flat and is decent for weightlifting. I also do low intensity cardio in them and it's fine. Also a very good looking shoe for going out and they feel like a sock, super comfy and super light, wrap perfectly around my feet.

    Nike flex experience run - very very comfy shoes for quick trips to the shops and medium to high int cardio. Amazing foot support that feel like your walking on a cloud.

    I exercise 6 days a week so I would pick the Nmds, they are good for the gym, going out, shopping and even around the house (not that I do). They come if a lot of colourways and models like the XR1 are also a good cheaper option.

  • So you're saying the objectively best car is a Camry?

  • I own a couple of flat sole sneakers, ranging from Adidas Superstar, Stan Smith, Continental 80, Puma, Converse… and Superstar is the best among them.

  • I have a pair of Clae plain black leather high-tops that are my go-to shoe. I've replaced the laces with elastic so I can slip them on and off and they always fit perfectly. They're nice enough that you can wear them in an office environment without it looking completely out of place (not a full suit, but chinos and a nice shirt), but still casual enough to be worn as sneakers. Waterproof enough that you don't have to worry about getting them wet, and solid enough that you can do day hikes in them without any issues. The places they stumble is they look a bit odd with shorts, and you wouldn't want to do any serious sport in them. They're the shoes I know I'll be packing when I go on holiday and I've worn them enough that they feel like a second skin – molded to my feet. I'm dreading when this pair finally bites the dust because I don't think they make them in this colour anymore.

  • +1

    New Balance is the Camry of shoes.

  • Elizabeth

  • Labourer boots or military, no one stated pre-requirements.

    But cute white Nike shoes, or Adidas x1/x2/X3 for family

  • Hush Puppies and Toms are my favourite.

  • I bought shoes without brand, wearing them 2 days in a week and still in good condition after 7 years.

  • Gum boots win hands down
    No laces
    Waterproof
    Almost one size fits all

  • Camper Beetle classic version.

    https://www.camper.com/en_AU/men/shoes/beetle/camper-beetle-…

    Never gets old, pretty lightweight and comfy.

  • +1

    I work in sports Med and give footwear advise to people regularly- there is no single answer to your question- it just depends on your foot type and biomechanics as to what footwear would be the most beneficial for you. Also what you intend to use it for and how active you are etc will play into it. If you're asking for an all-around type walking shoes- Asics, New balance and Addidas have some amazing footwear, but they also have not-so-great ones. Some may be great for one person but not to another depending on their gait. moral of the story - there is no one size fits all, see a physio or a sports podiatrist to figure out your foot type first.

  • Christian Louboutin high heel pointy stilettos boots

    https://www.ssense.com/en-au/women/product/christian-loubout…

  • +1

    Kmart Anko $5

    • Bang for buck this is the best option

  • Nike with their 2 year warranty if you buy from Nike.com can't be matched

  • 100% leather. Upper, lining, sole. A shoe that feels like you are not wearing it.

  • What type of shoes are you after? It depends on your style.

  • Birkenstocks Arizona!! I wear them everywhere. Suits many occasions and they mould to your foot and become the comfiest show ever. Didn’t understand the hype until I got a pair.

  • There are basically two schools of thought. :)

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