It’s that time where my shoes are starting to wear out and it’s time to start searching for a new pair. I always get Rockports. And, I have been pretty happy with them. They’re not terrible looking, they’re comfortable, and they last forever. I’ve had the same pair of shoes last 5 years with little wear or tear after many miles of walking. I went to the Rockport store thinking I would get the same style, and found out it was discontinued. In passing, I also read someone on the SDMB make the claim that Rockports no longer live up to their brand name. These two facts combined with the desire to reach out and find out about new things caused me to start this thread. Is Rockport truly overrated? If not, what is their best style? People who do a lot of walking. What kind of shoes do you like best? Comfort, quality, value, style? What are your favorites?
I like my Merrells quite a bit. They remind me a lot of the old Rockports. I also like Doc Martens which are incredibly comfortable, although I do find at least the ones I have to be a little heavier than the norm, probably because they’re made to last.
ETA: One weird thing about my Merrells, the shoe laces come untied far more often than normal. That’s easy enough to replace but just be aware that is a possibility.
The answer is going to depend a lot on what shoe fits your foot the best. I have very high arches, and wear custom orthotics - the best brands for me vary quite a lot by style. I like Merrell, Nike, Mephisto, Dansko, and LL Bean hiking boots a lot.
I agree that the shoe for you depends on your feet. I wear Reeboks and Adidas because they fit my feet damned near perfectly; my last pair of work walkers (good for walking, but also good-enough looking to wear in the office) were black Propét shoes similar to these. They’re not the most expensive shoes out there, but I’ve found them to be very comfortable and good for long walks as well as all day in the office.
I swear by Merrell. I got my first pair, this model, for the start of nursing school clinicals, and they’re just fantastic. I’m just now looking to replace them 4 years later, not because they’ve worn out, but because I wear them outside as well as in, and they’re not nursey white anymore. I suppose I could clean them up and find some white polish, but it’s probably not going to happen.
Another thumbs-up for Merrell here. I had never heard of them before. I always go through shoes very quickly, but after a year I’d consider my Merrells just about broken in.
I’ve become a big fan of Ecco. I blanched at the idea of paying $200 for a pair of shoes, but that was six years ago. I’ve walked all over a dozen European and American cities, worn them nearly every day since, and forget to take them off when I get home.
Well, this is depressing news. I’ve been wearing Rockports at work for years. I have two pairs on the go so I can let one pair rest (wish I could do the same!) on alternate days.
May have to look at the Merrells. Fingers crossed they make those ones Why Not recommended in black as well as white.
I’d recommend Thorogood shoes. You can buy them at a store that sells to the police and letter carrier trades. I’m a retired letter carrier and tried other brands but always came back to these. They’re comfortable, long lasting and American made, if that matters to you.
I would typically get close to 2000 miles on a pair at 8 to 12 miles a day. If you’re not walking ‘professionally’ that will be years of wear.
I like SAS–(San Antonio Shoes). Mostly, I wear the less-clunky sandals–sandal season is very long in Texas. There are styles for both genders.
There’s a huge range of sizes. I was going to complain about the scarcity of outlets until I noted they are sold in Mexico, Australia, Korea & Kuwait…
I bought a pair of these in a color that wasn’t too flashy around Christmas to start running in, but they are so comfortable I wear them pretty much all the time. Now wearing “normal” shoes feels heavy and clunky and my feet always stay cool.
This one’s pretty much the same, only in suede.
But I think thisis my next splurge!
I used to wear Rockport shoes, back when I was still young enough that wearing “old man’s shoes” was ironic. I’ve been wearing Doc Martens for the last 10 years or so, and swear by them. They’re comfortable, durable and add almost 2 inches to my height. Ba-BAM! Most importantly, I can be on my feet for a long time and not suffer unduely, as the Docs have REALLY great support, etc. Very good for walking (but, as noted upthread, kind of heavy if you’re not used to them).
I also got a pair of Merrells for XMas last year, and I like them but they’re pretty casual, so I can’t really wear them every day. I may treat myself to a new pair of Rockports.
Another vote for the Merrell mocs. No, they aren’t the most stylish shoe, but boy howdy are they comfortable. And they are built to last. It takes me 3-4 years to wear out a pair.
The 4-hole Kurt Lasso Dr. Martens (with added insoles–I do this to every pair of shoes I own), were well-worn by the time I took them with me as my sole pair of footwear to Europe for 4 weeks of backpacking, and they never let me down. Unbelievably comfortable and light.
They also come without laces, but they’re as close to a running shoe as you can get without looking like it. I bought another 3 pairs to make them last longer.
Is it true about Rockports? Merrells and Clarks don’t fit as I am 4E. Been thinking about a pair or two… What say the teeming millions?
Another vote for SAS here. I have wide feet and high arches and these are the best! Made in USA too!
Can’t wear suede, unfortunately. Well, I could but I wouldn’t fancy washing off blood, vomitus etc.
I do like the look of the last pair, though. Bet you anything, they’re not available in Oz. I know people buy shoes online but I think that’d only work if you’d already bought the same shoe previously.
I got mine online; lots of online shoe sellers have free return shipping for just that reason.
And yes, I totally understand the blood/vomitus issue. 
For those who are hard to fit, you might considerGokey custom shoes or boots. They are made to order in the USA; you mail in tracings of your feet.
Note that these are not high-tech, padded, fancy arch-support modern shoes … they are comfortable because they really fit. They are pricey, but they are pretty much lifetime shoes; I’ve had mine for over 15 years.