How Long Do Your Shoes Last? How Much Did They Cost?

Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 09:11

I'm getting fed up with buying shoes.
I've gotten New Balance shoes between $80 and $250, Brooks at $200+, Hush Puppies (At any price), and they all seem to last under a year.
Last year I splashed out and bought some more expensive work boots, a little over $300, and although not falling apart, they're tremendously uncomfortable.

There is a possibility it's just a me problem, but maybe I'm just missing the mark on my purchases.

How much do you spend on a pair of shoes/boots/joggers? How long does that pair last?
What do you think is a good value footwear that will actually last? Or should I go back to buying $20 shoes every few months?

Bonus points; If you have really wide feet (Width 4E), where do you buy shoes?

Fashion & Apparel Footwear

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 25/05/2022 - 09:15
    +16

    318km
    $18.99

    • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 09:33
      +10

      I used to walk 10km/day in $20 Lowes shoes, and they usually busted within a month, so this figure checks out.

  • DemocracyManifest on 25/05/2022 - 09:19
    +13

    RM Williams boots: great for walking around everyday in too and they last ages and have great repairability. I don’t believe there’s any runners that are built similarly to last…got the comfort craftsman for around $350, there’s periodic sales on them

    Airflex are just as garbage as the others you mentioned.

    I have a pair of Merrell walkers that have held up for a while too - got them for $100ish

    • xavster on 27/05/2022 - 10:50
      +3

      Second this!

      Have a couple of pairs of RMs.

      Latest pair was purchase in 2015, I added a front topy for $40 at a cobbler (this was a leather sole so needed a topy for grip). Worn every other day and on weekends. I average ~10,000 steps a day.

      The sole and topy is still in good condition but the heel rubber (not the stack) is almost worn out so it will need to be replaced soon.

      RMs will replace your sole and heel stack for $165 (used to be $150) so it's pretty good value. They usually fully recondition the leather and get it back to tip top condition too. So essentially for $165 you're almost getting a new pair.

      • DemocracyManifest on 27/05/2022 - 11:24
        +2

        Yeah I learnt the hard way but don’t get randoms to fix them, they will never be the same

    • sunnymel on 28/05/2022 - 19:41

      I have a pair for 5 years now. Only thing I don't like about them is the arch on the heel. Its too prominent and uncomfortable.

  • cupcake on 25/05/2022 - 09:23
    +4

    How long do you want your shoes to last?
    If you are wearing them every day, it won't last forever…

    • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 09:36
      +20

      I don't think it's totally unreasonable to expect a few years out of a couple of hundred dollar shoes, y'know? Or maybe it is and I'm way off. That's part of the point of the post I guess.
      But if I wear joggers for exercise (Walking, cycling, hiking) and work shoes at work, I'm burning $300+ worth of shoes in a year. It doesn't feel reasonable, and I have to assume there is a threshold that will make the value proposition worthwhile.

      • Porker on 25/05/2022 - 10:11
        +12

        Shoes like most other things would be 'horses for courses'. One can wear jeans hiking but will likely wear faster than wearing hiking pants.

        Maybe buy one good pair of shoes for each of your main uses and avoid unnecessary wear/tear by crossing over.

      • barcer on 27/05/2022 - 03:36
        +4

        I realise this is a bit of an old topic, but just came up in my daily email for some reason. I think you're absolutely expecting too much for running shoes to last a few years. I walk around 80 km/week, and I rotate through 4 pairs of shoes daily. Sometimes on the weekends, when I do a lot of walking (30km+) I will rotate during the day. I have 1 pair each of Brooks Beast 20, Brooks Addiction 14, ASICS Gel Kayano 28, and NB 860 v11. The Beasts are the oldest (May last year) and have a little over 1000 km on them and are still going pretty well, but I expect to replace them before year's end, because the cushioning/support is beginning to wear.

        They aren't falling apart as such, and I guess I could still wear them as casual wear or for mowing the lawn or whatever, but they'll probably reach the point that they won't be comfortable for 10km+ walks.

        Do keep in mind though that even within manufacturer ranges, quality can vary a lot. Beasts are pretty much the top of the range Brooks stability shoe (important if you overpronate like I do) and they're almost never on sale, expect to pay around $270 from Australian retailers. You can certainly get cheapr from overseas but my biggest problem with that is warranty (yes, sometimes shoes can be faulty). In a very un-OzBargain like manner, I tend to purchase from a particular store because of their excellent service, despite higher prices. I once bought a pair of NB 1060 where the rear sole start to fall off after about 70 km of use and they replaced them immediately without issue, and I also prefer to try shoes on before purchasing where they're something I haven't worn before. Even the replacement models are sometimes not great, e.g. I had a pair of ASICS GT-2000 9s, which I loved, but the replacement 10s were less suitable for me as a replacement (I found them too flexible/not enough support), so I was glad I tried them on and could walk around the store a bit before purchasing.

        My best advice is try not to wear the same shoes every day, and you'll probably get a lot more life from them.

        Edit: the big exception is if you're buying competition running shoes, which runners tend to wear only in races, not for training. They're usually really lightweight and built for speed, not to last. Expect < 200km from them.

      • [Deactivated] on 27/05/2022 - 21:11
        +2

        You aren't meant to wear any shoes daily, they need time to dry out. You need 2 sets on rotation (minimum)

      • Jaspa7 on 27/05/2022 - 23:12
        +1

        I've had my Asics (~$200 back then) for 5 years now.. I'm a large and active guy (120kg, 197cm), used them mostly for indoor sports but now they're my 'everything other than work' shoes. Granted, they're well and truly worn out now and I probably should've replaced them a year ago. I secretly enjoy my friends poking fun at them.
        Work shoes are hush puppies (~$90) - had them for 3 years now, but since it's office work, I think they'll outlive some boomers.

      • serpserpserp on 28/05/2022 - 19:07

        You need to ensure they fit properly and that you use them for the purpose intended. Otherwise they'll wear out in certain spots on the shoe very quickly.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2022 - 09:23
    +3

    I have a pair of ASICS that I’ve had since high school. I’ve never actually worn out a pair of shoes, I’ve just outgrown them when I was a kid. Brooks, ASICS, some 40 year old German army boots, they all last for me.

    • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 09:38

      Very interesting. What sort of mileage are you putting up?

      • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2022 - 10:30

        Not sure, it varies each day, but some of the shoes I have have been worn daily for 3 + years and are still holding up

    • Ramrunner on 27/05/2022 - 11:05

      Yeah Asics for me too.

      I tend to replace them after a year or so (wear them daily), but they could theoretically go longer not usually a lot wrong with them when I upgrade.

    • BookerDeWitt on 28/05/2022 - 21:19
      -1

      Same. I do about 3 - 4 km a day (with some running to the bus every second day). I've never worn through a shoe. I just choose to buy something that looks newer.

  • SnowDragon on 25/05/2022 - 09:27

    $55 - Will probably last me another couple of months or until another deal on shoes comes up.
    I've worn them basically every day for the past year, averaging 5km, and on some days they've done 15-20km.
    Quite happy with them as generally I go through sneakers every 6-9 months.

    I don't think I've ever spent over $100 on a pair of shoes. I think I'd prefer new shoes every year rather than an expensive pair that's indestructible.

    • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 09:40
      +1

      I used to get cheap shoes on a higher regularity, but people kept telling me if I spent more I'd get a longer lifespan from them. I've been trying this experiment for a handful of years now and still replacing them more often than I'd like.

      I'm living in hope of a pair of shoes that just lasts. $50 every 6 months or $350 for 5 years would be an increase in convenience and value for money.

      • cookie2 on 26/05/2022 - 21:14
        +1

        No i don't think you get longer. You might get better, as in more comfort or support etc, but I really don't think they last any longer as a general rule, though i do understand what you're saying re lifespan and expectation.

  • Contrice on 25/05/2022 - 09:32

    The shoe I got

    I bought them at $54. have been wearing them for almost a year, 5 days a week and it is still going strong. How is your day to day like? a lot of walking around?

    • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 09:44
      +1

      I'm effectively a retail peon, so I have a decent amount of walking. I bought 4 pairs of Hush Puppies' Cahill shoes ($150 each when not on sale) over a 3 year period and got fed up. 8 Months and they'd be uncomfortable. But that was in 10k+ steps a day times going between a shopfront and a warehouse.

      My current role is more laid back, I'm doing 3-5k steps on a more consistent flooring, so my joggers are falling apart from outside work use instead.

  • garetz on 25/05/2022 - 09:37
    +1

    I get brooks, they last me a good 2-3 years usually used daily.

    • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 09:47

      I've had my Brooks for a year and I've torn the back of the shoe open already :(

      • Nugs on 25/05/2022 - 10:26
        +10

        Maybe trim your claws?
        .

        • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 11:46
          +10

          Sounds like a ploy to reduce the efficiency in which I can consume chicken nuggets.

      • cookie2 on 26/05/2022 - 21:15

        Back of the shoe behind the ankle? Me too

  • whitelie on 25/05/2022 - 09:43

    Used to always get Hush Puppies for work and agree, wouldn't even last 12 months.
    Got a pair of RM Williams for my 40th this year and can easily see them lasting a very long time. Most comfortable shoe I've worn straight out of the box. When I went in to the store to get some leather conditioner, there was a guy there sending his in to get new soles. They checked the date inside them and were nearly 25 years old.

    Most of my runners wear the soles quite quickly and I don't run a great deal. Asics Kayano's seem to last longer but Nike Pegasus seem to have very soft wearing soles.

    • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 09:50
      +2

      My problem is that the only RM Williams that are listed in my width are just shy of $600, and given my history of destroying shoes through wearing them, I'm reluctant to shell that out in case they follow the same pattern. I'll have to try them on in person to see, really.

      • whitelie on 25/05/2022 - 09:54
        +1

        Yes, you have to try them on. Don't buy them online without trying them first as there's a whole range of different widths and what have you. Can even custom make them if you really wanted but I think they're about $1000! I never thought I'd spend $600 on a pair of boots but the Mrs twisted my arm for my birthday and it was definitely worth it.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2022 - 12:30
          -1

          You paid for your own birthday present?

          • whitelie on 25/05/2022 - 12:33
            +7

            @[Deactivated]: Technically my wife got them but it's all same same. She probably used my card on our joint account if you really wanted to get in to it lol

      • esosite on 25/05/2022 - 15:49

        My RMs are about 7-8 years old at this stage and still going strong. Get them on a discount which pop up occasionally for sub $500.

        I wear mine every day for work 8-10hrs, have had 1 resoul done and they look pretty good considering i neglect them (only rarely do the leather conditioner if im going to special events, eg 3-4 monthly)

        It’s true what everyone says, pay once and it lasts

      • Lastchancetosee on 26/05/2022 - 10:28
        +1

        Try the RM Williams seconds store at Harbour Town. They put a tiny hole near the pull-on tab to distinguish the seconds from the full price, but it's only visible if someone is at your feet. On sale they can come in at under $300.

      • The Wololo Wombat on 27/05/2022 - 02:35
        -1

        I wear my R&Ms every day…. Literally rain snow mud, work and weekends. It’s been four years and they are so legit.

        I had the same issue as you a few years back… bought RMs and never looked back

  • JimmyF on 25/05/2022 - 09:53

    I don't think it's totally unreasonable to expect a few years out of a couple of hundred dollar shoes

    How long a shoe lasts really comes down to how much you wear them and walk in them!

    Also if you drag your feet or using them for 'rough' things like sport or running etc.

    What part of your shoes is wearing out?

    I used to walk ~5-10kms a day, 5 days a week and my $200 NB shoes would last about 3 months. But in that time I walked around 400-500kms in them. So was pretty happy with that.

    While other shoes I wear rarely, have lasted 5+ years as they only come out every now and then.

    • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 10:03

      It varies. My New balances usually had the back tear wear away and/or the top split open. I've worn through the soles of Hush Puppies. And the Brooks are starting to tear at the back too.
      No rough things particularly. Work, walking, maybe light hiking.

      400-500km sounds about right for my experience with New Balance. Are regular runners replacing shoes monthly?

      • JimmyF on 25/05/2022 - 11:30

        Are regular runners replacing shoes monthly?

        Yes… if they do the kms. But normally they'll have a couple of pairs on the go to allow the shoes to dry out between running events.

        I've worn through the soles of Hush Puppies

        Are you dragging your feet though? As this will increase wear on any brand of shoe!

        • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 11:32

          I don't believe so?

  • geek001 on 25/05/2022 - 09:54

    I have wide feet, for me 4E is most comfortable, although I usually buy 2E because 4E to me looks ridiculously wide. Lol.

    I pretty much only buy Under Armour shoes with regular their sales stacked with upsized cashback, but I don't run, so I don't know how long their joggers last.

  • Bid Sniper on 25/05/2022 - 10:05

    oboz hiking shoes, last me a decade. Take them to work, walking, bushwalking, cycling etc…

    https://obozfootwear.com/en-au

    Tried all brand sport shoes and they all fall apart under a year. Only bought one pair of Nikes long ago and those cheap plastic POS barely lasted 7 months and they cost $200

  • Unorthodox on 25/05/2022 - 10:17
    +2

    Adidas UB - worn most days during University and during retail work have lasted 8~ years with the continental soles now worn down.

    Adidas NMD 1 - similar to above but still doing okay. They're not as comfortable for walking/light running anymore.

    Nike Pegasus - active shoes and worn most days still going strong after 3 years.

    RM Williams comfort craftsman - going strong after 4 years, 2 being Mon-Fri corporate. Minor scuffing

    CT Welted shoes - going well after 2+ years of daily corporate wear. Definitely not as comfortable as the Rams.

    I tend to scuff the heels as I do drag whilst walking so I know not to buy thin heeled shoes.

  • havabeer on 25/05/2022 - 10:23
    +1

    calculate cost per wear. Generally $300 shoes will hold up a lot better than $20 ones. The exception is runners which aren't made to last, trail runners are a lot better though.
    Really comes down to type of shoe.
    Dress shoes should last years if you buy a good pair. Same for boots.
    Sneakers should last but not as long.
    Runners are basically consumables.

  • iampoor on 25/05/2022 - 10:51

    Florsheim Imperial about $200+ on sale…from 2009!

    On it's last legs, worn for work an average of 3 days a week. Walked a fair bit, public transport and walking to and from the office plus lunch break walks.

    Last pair of runners were New Balance which lasted about 15 years, probably because I would have gone for less than 15 runs in that period of time :)

    • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 11:24

      I've not heard of them, but seems like a very good run for a pair of shoes at that price. Reckon the quality of the manufacturing is the same after 13 years?

      • iampoor on 25/05/2022 - 13:30

        Corporate wear shoes but Florsheim do more casual shoes as well. The quality should be the same if it is the Imperial range, having said that I can't recall seeing the Imperial range at the shops but haven't looked hard since I've still got this pair going….might eek out another 6-12 months from it.

      • honest-immortal on 27/05/2022 - 10:53

        I came to say the same thing as Erwark and iampoor. Just bought a new pair of Florsheim shoes, my last pair lasted around 4-years of 5-day/week usage, inside and out. Just need to look after them. (These are leather dress shoes, haven't tested casual shoes).

    • Erwark on 27/05/2022 - 10:22

      I have been super happy with my Florsheim shoes I wear at work (mostly indoor). 5 days most weeks, on my feet most of the day. They last me about 3 years per pair until they get tired looking/literally worn down soles and have been the comfiest thing I've worn.

    • dirtybigbjelke on 27/05/2022 - 15:12

      You should be able to re-heel and /or re-sole them. Don't leave it so long they are totally trashed.

      • LordM00 on 28/05/2022 - 11:56

        I think Florsheims are typically a little difficult to reheel due to how they are usually constructed (sole is glued on), but I'm not expert, so take this with a grain of salt.

        • dirtybigbjelke on 30/05/2022 - 13:57
          +1

          Check out Trenton and Heath on YouTube or Bedo's Leatherworks. They go into detail on the different boot/shoe constructions.

  • mskeggs on 25/05/2022 - 10:53
    +1

    Redback soft toe work boots last me 4+ years in an office with circa 5km daily walking.

  • kawinuyo on 25/05/2022 - 11:03
    +2

    Wear Nike runners all day everyday (luckily can wear sneakers for work). So very comfortable and basically I wear them till they have holes…3-5 years. Cost price no more than $120..if on sale can be like 80-90.

    Edit: I only walk though, don't go running

    • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 11:23

      I used to be able to wear joggers to work, so I chewed through NBs at that stage.

  • CrispyChrispy on 25/05/2022 - 11:16

    Got a pair of Ultraboost 20s on sale for $110 around December 2020, still holding up well with a bit of the colour chipping off the boost. Still intact though, lasted far longer than any pair of $60 Diadora sneakers. This is with daily usage, gym, etc. Will continue to use throughout the year probably.

  • payless69 on 25/05/2022 - 11:21
    +3

    Lowes or Rivers and a silicon gun to keep them in 1 piece.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 25/05/2022 - 11:37
    +2

    Normally get about 3 months out of $1.50 BigW Thongs
    https://www.bigw.com.au/product/wave-zone-men-s-classic-thon…

    • MickeyRules on 25/05/2022 - 13:33
      +1

      Can vouch for this, my husband buys 4 pairs at a time and only needs to shop once a year.

    • Nillionaire on 27/05/2022 - 15:09
      +3

      Are they really 50% better than the Kmart $1 ones?

  • Quantumcat on 25/05/2022 - 11:50
    +3

    I like doc martens, they tend to last 5-6 years of wearing every day. Even then I only replace them because the leather has cracked and lets in water, the soles are still have lots of thickness left. They would last longer if I conditioned the leather from time to time. I've never had the soles wear through on me before. My current pair is in year 4 and are still going strong and will probably last another 3 years but with the pandemic and working from home there are many days I didn't go out at all over the last 2 years.

    They cost $250 or so new with no discounts but I can usually get them for $100-$150 on sale.

    • LordM00 on 28/05/2022 - 11:57
      +1

      This is your reminder to condition the leather of your Doc Martens lmao

  • Pcosmic on 25/05/2022 - 12:09
    +3

    Maybe it's not the shoes, but your gait. You've been walking/running wrong your whole life

    • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 13:28
      +3

      It wouldn't be the only thing.

      (Edit: That I have been doing wrong my whole life)

  • apsilon on 25/05/2022 - 12:23

    I wore a pair of Ecco 4 days a week for 3 years and the soles are probably 50% worn, uppers are in good condition and they were a bargain at $220. Have a pair of Merrell shoes that are 6 years old (cost $100) that I wear just around casual to shops, friends, casual Fridays when the office used to be a thing etc, soles about 75% worn, uppers in good condition. Work boots I bought a new pair of Redbacks ($120) last year but they'll last me ages as I'm rarely on site anymore. I should wear them for mowing etc but just wear an old pair of runners I keep as yard shoes.

  • mbck on 25/05/2022 - 12:28

    Just like a kitchen sponge, the more you wear a shoe, the more it will wear out.

  • boomramada on 25/05/2022 - 13:25
    +3

    Hush Puppies is the winner for me, they are cheap ( on sale always on HS) , comfy , support duck size, usually lasted for year or more.

  • AdosHouse on 25/05/2022 - 14:05

    Work shoes are Oliver AT Boots, last about 3 years a pair. Everyday shoes, usually Merrill or Salomon trail shoes, a year a pair.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2022 - 14:24

    I have a pair of Decathlon MH100. Cost me $85 in a 15% off sale. I needed a pair of sturdy-ish shoes for some bushwalking in the Snowy Mountains in early 2021. I figured that if I got 10 decent walks out of them I could throw them away and it would be no regrets.

    I was blown away by how good they are.

    17 months later, and with at least 5,000km of walking done in them (I do a minimum of 10-15km per day), they are at around 15% remaining tread depth. Waterproof, outrageously comfortable, safe on slippery surfaces like wet pebblecrete and super easy to clean/maintain.

    • Sleeqb7 on 25/05/2022 - 15:26
      +1

      Side note: I bloody hate pebblecrete. There are some specific configurations of it which are slippery if anyone even thought about moisture near them.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2022 - 15:55

        It's as evil as some of the paving and metal grates in Sydney CBD. 10 drops of rain and the streets turn into hilly ice skating facilities.

  • Davo1111 on 25/05/2022 - 14:40

    with my asics, the price seems to be proportional to the amount of wear. (when comparing GT1000,GT2000,Kayano)

    Also, you cant compare work boots and joggers on price

  • peteru on 25/05/2022 - 14:54
    +2

    I find it challenging to find comfortable shoes / boots that last more than a year or two.

    Over the years, the longest lasting brands I had were Brahma (those lasted about 12 years), CAT/Caterpillar (about 6 years), Columbia (about 5 years), Dr. Martens (about 8 years), Raichle (about 6 years).

    Boots from Big W, Target, K-Mart tend to last anywhere from a few months to maybe a year, so they are not great value.

    The non-lasting category includes brands like Blundstone, Hush Puppies, Florsheim, KingGee, Rivers, RM Williams & Timberland.

    • Presence on 25/05/2022 - 15:28

      I'm keen to know what you do to destroy things like Blundstones so quickly?

      • peteru on 27/05/2022 - 02:54
        +2

        The Blundstones and RM Williams boots didn't fall apart, but they became uncomfortable as they aged. Faults, like a crease developing on the boot that ends up rubbing on the skin just under the ankle and any significant amount of walking painful.

        Usually shoes become more comfortable as you wear them in, but not always. 🤷❓

  • Mechz on 25/05/2022 - 18:52
    +1

    I have just stopped wearing (not really worn out in any way) some New Balance Fresh Foam which I started wearing in 2017.

    I wore them probably 50% of the days in that time just going to work and the shops etc.

    They're the flexible type that are basically a woven sock at the top glued to the sole. Never have to tie the laces when putting them on which is why I usually would wear them.

    Not sure if you don't tie your laces enough which causes your feet to move inside the shoes wearing them out more maybe?

  • ramshead on 26/05/2022 - 07:52

    Rockport world touring walking shoe worth a look. Expensive but should get at least 3 years.

  • bunkymag on 26/05/2022 - 08:15

    Sneakers and runners never last for me regardless of brand or price but my Red Wings and Wolverine 1000 Mile boots are each on year 5 at the moment and going great guns. Just occasionally condition the leather, and resole as required.

    • derrida derider on 27/05/2022 - 15:39

      Same for me - sneakers and runners always wear very quickly at the heel, regardless of price. Rapid resoling gets too expensive, so better to get cheapies. Trouble is I'm another person who needs a wide fit (2E mostly OK, some brands 4e) which debars the real cheapies.

      For the same reason boots and work shoes have to be reheelable type (far cheaper than resoling). If they can be reheeled they last for years.

  • greyeye on 26/05/2022 - 09:28
    +1

    Nike Pegasus 38, according to my Strava record I've run nearly 900km with it and it still looks ok, wearing it when I go to work now. (I bought it Aug 2021, at $130)
    Just bought another pair of Peg38 for $130, prob gonna last another 10-12 months I guess.

    so it all depends on the duration/length you wear?

    • Sleeqb7 on 26/05/2022 - 09:52

      Interestingly, the Pegasus 38 is available in a 4E and was mentioned by a couple of people, so that may be my next experiment for not-work shoes.

  • saltypete on 26/05/2022 - 09:49

    Keen Targhee walking shoes. Awesome comfort, breathe, waterproof, wash up well.
    Try them on and note the size, then just wait. I just paid $120 for a nice leather pair.
    My everyday are 5yrs old and have been on hard tracks. Still waterproof, still wash up OK.
    Best ever, particularly for wide feet.

  • djk on 26/05/2022 - 10:13

    I'm a 9 1/2 G, so usually wear men's size 8 sneakers. New Balance is one of few brands wide enough for comfort but don't last particularly well. I put up with wearing through a pair every 6-12 months and buy them at the warehouse outlet to save dollars. Took a pair to the local Repair Cafe and now I know why they don't last very long.

    Some people are harder on shoes and wear through them more quickly, I'm one of them. Also need the support to avoid back pain which is the trigger for me to buy a new pair.

    After hurt my back switched to Archie's arch support thongs. Ok value for summer, but worth being fitted for rather than buy online first if you can find a market where they have a stall and they usually have special deals at the markets.
    Good luck finding a comfortable, long wearing shoe.

  • dmbminaret on 26/05/2022 - 12:58

    Xiaomi shoes v2 for ~$40 are better than Adidas and have lasted 3 years of daily use. I actually still use them but they're a bit grubby now.

    I recently got some Adidas for work and got the Xiaomi Freetie insoles from AliExpress as they're more comfortable than cloudfoam.

  • dan2k on 26/05/2022 - 14:13
    +4

    I was always told to buy two pairs of work shoes, and alternate every day to allow them to dry out, so you get more than twice as long as wearing the same work shoes every day.

    • GloveM8 on 27/05/2022 - 13:45
      +1

      Yes, absolutely do this.

      I have two pairs of RM Williams for this reason (black and chestnut). They get rotated daily, and are left to air out with wooden (cedar) shoe trees.

      Wooden shoe trees are important because they absorb moisture from the lining and deodorise the leather - this prevents the leather uppers from falling apart due to rot.

      Add in regular conditioning and polishing, and making sure the heels are replaced once they wear down (cobbler ~$40), and they'll last forever.

      My 2 pairs of RMs have been going strong for 5 years and still look almost brand new!

      • Kangal on 28/05/2022 - 01:57
        +1

        I have three pairs.
        Each shoe gets worn twice a week (roughly). Keep them out of rain and mud. Let them dry out, and try to do a clean every once in a while for fungi control. Most of the wear is from me lifting things with the shoe, kicking, pushing, pulling etc etc. I don't have enough hands sometimes.

  • corollachick on 26/05/2022 - 15:45

    I've found my doc Martin's to be very long lasting. and asics for sneakers have lasted the longest.

    maybe see a Chiro or something to check your walk.. could be a you problem that could be fixed! (helped with uneven wearing on my shoes) :)

  • Bills22 on 26/05/2022 - 20:49
    +1

    RM Williams - good for work and has lasted 5 years+. Still going strong

    Any Nike Running or Adidas pair is fine….

  • AS2035 on 26/05/2022 - 21:05

    I've paid $350 for a pair of boots. Only wear them indoors. Fancy boots are not meant for talking.

    They are comfortable, doesn't feel as if I am wearing them.

  • vengeance88 on 26/05/2022 - 21:15
    +2

    YMMV.
    Literally!

    • ribze1 on 27/05/2022 - 13:02

      Yep, my walking seems to wear out the heel of my right shoe quicker than my left, but the sole of my left shoe before my right.

      • vengeance88 on 27/05/2022 - 13:43

        That just triggered all the podiatrists

  • AlanHB on 26/05/2022 - 21:16
    +1

    For office shoes I ended up forking out for some custom ones like 5 years ago. Cost about $500. Still wear them, get them resoled each year for about $50.

    So if you're thinking leather shoes, have a good think about getting some with Goodyear welt construction or the like. It costs a bit more upfront, but they last forever as you replace the soles.

    • curiousdog on 26/05/2022 - 22:19

      Could you share where you get yours resoled please? Looking at doing mine soon-ish

      • AlanHB on 27/05/2022 - 10:10
        +1

        I live in Canberra so my response might not be handy for you. I get mine resoled by a local cobbler - Civic Shoes. I'm sure there would be a similar store near where you live.

  • Wheatgrass on 26/05/2022 - 21:28

    I spent $85 on some very comfortable shoes for work, but the rubber heel started ripping after maybe nine months. I think they were worth the price for how much I wore them, but I want shoes that last longer.

  • mitt on 26/05/2022 - 21:38
    +1

    $10 to $25 depends on what is on special/available. I use each pair for about 6 months, kmart or big w generics.

    They feel the same as expensive shoes to me for the first 6 months. Then I just buy a new pair.

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