i am looking for lasting shoes

oh shoes... I wear Chacos, I dont remember what kind, I got them looong ago, they're the big heavy clunky ones but i love em, birks dont last too long and they're pricey, I used to wear my girlffriends birks around, didnt find them too comfy. go barefoot when I can. yup

 

I can give you information on what not to buy (if it's any help). Firstly with Dr. Martens i had my first pair for over 10 years, they never needed any repair and were incredibly comfortable (once worn in). Unfortunately in 2003 the Dr. Martens company ceased production in the UK and the boots and shoes are now produced in China and Thailand.....a consequence that i've been told is that the shoes are now apparently narrower or a poorer fit (thereby less 'comfortable'). Also, a cheaper design and manufacturing process means they won't last half as long (in my case less than a year before my new docs split at the sides of the widest part of the shoe).
I have also tried to go for the more 'conscientious' choice and bought a pair of hi tops from No-Sweat (who pride themselves on being 100% union made and sweatshop free) - the end result? The shoes were ripped and therefore completely fucked after 2 weeks.

maybe i'm destined to be a barefooter.....but i think that if i can do this much damage to shoes what would happen to my precious feet.

 

Anyone familiar with shoes, sandals, etc from Minnetonka? If so I'd love to hear your experience... all I know is that theyve been around a long time.

Im also on a search for some lasting,durable, supportive shoes too. So Im checking out all the recommendations Ive read here on this thread.

Ive been fortunate enough to come across some sandals and shoes (I forget the brands) at thrift stores or yard sales, that were practically new and usually under $3. Theyve usually lasted more than 2 years and I know Ive got a good deal ... ..... when any of my footwear starts looking funky I'll retire them to be my "yardwork" shoes ... I keep the better pairs for going out. I think I've always worn my shoes to death.

The bad thing is I have bunions (thanks to my moms side of the family :$) and since Ive not had the surgery, Im stuck trying to find shoes that dont cause me pain. They can be quite painful in the majority of any shoes Ive tried on in stores. Ive been lucky enough in the past to find high quality shoes in the thrift stores, that I would otherwise not be able to afford new. But now I think I've run out of luck. well no actually.. its just that I have small feet (fitting between 5.5 -6.5) and its just difficult to find smaller shoes anyway, even new. So Im like down to my last pair or so... and may have to resort to buying new ones. And if I have to, I want the longest lasting and best I can find.

 

Hey, I just found these on ebay. The guy handmakes them himself from hemp, read his story, Im sure its something we all agree with... anyways these are cool. I love the look of these things, sort of tribal-ish or something ... and the ones that tie up the legs are sexy. He can customize them with different bead colors, etc for you. Well, just wanted to share these here for everyone to go check them out!

http://cgi.ebay.com/100-HEMP-Sandal...754348124QQcategoryZ63889QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

one problem free2fly. city + walking/biking doesnt = good for those shoes... neat looking though for beach or something... not everyday thanks though

 

Yah I know... I just thought they were super cute and had to mention them here for everyone to take a look at. I think theyd be nice to wear going out to festivals and stuff.

 

i just wear birks on warmer days, and ll bean moccasins on cold days.