I work in a museum which is more athletic a profession than one might suspect. I’m on my feet all day long sometimes, especially when we’re installing new exhibits.
Hubby had bought a pair of Merrells when we were in Washington, D.C. and he raved about them. I hate spending money on clothes and shoes-- my last pair were a Sears markdown. (I always think in terms of how many books that money could buy.) I figured shoes were shoes. If they felt comfortable when I tried them on, I bought them.
Nevertheless, my feet hurt while we were walking in the mall so I broke down and bought myself a pair of Merrell Mocs from the Walking Company store. I was a bit startled by how it felt when I walked in them, unused to the feeling of support. It actually felt like there was something stuck to the bottom of my shoe until I got used to it.
They cost about four books ($64) but, man, was it worth it. My feet don’t ache as much as they used to after a long day.
Now that I have entered the kingdom of Good Shoes, I’m wondering if there are other brands known for comfort and support. Any recommendations?
Merrell’s are damn fine shoes. I have two pairs and a pair of Merrell sandals. I still miss, however, the pair of perfectly worn Land Rover branded boots mrs.gnu made me toss out when I got the Merrell’s.
I just want to plug my crocs. I work in a bookstore, so there’s lots of walking around carrying heavy things, and damn, they’re comfy. Not very professional-looking, but comfy. And washable. And cheap. About the cost of two regular trade paperbacks.
If you need something more “professional” looking, ECCO makes great comfortable shoes. I do a lot of trade shows which require standing all day on thin carpet over concrete, and they are great.
If one indulges in no other “luxuries”, one should indulge in a well-made pair of shoes, particularly if you’re on your feet all day. I can think of no money better spent, unless it’s on a well-made, supportive mattress. Both items can make an enormous different to your feeling of health and well-being!
Me, I like Mephistos best. You can get them way cheaper in France, so I indulged in a couple of pair when we were there recently. They were very comfortable and supportive right from the get-go, and I walked out of the store with a happy spring in my step.
Merrells. I have (all Merrells) a pair of hiking boots that have been through hell and high water, a pair of sneaker type things, a pair of Jungle Mocs (most comfortable shoes ever) and a pair of Gardena thongs/flip flops. I love them. My feet never get sore in my Merrells. I even walk in my Gardenas (like go for walks) and while other flip flop type shoes are uncomfortable if you are walking any sort of distance in them, the Gardenas are great.
If my feet hurt, my whole body suffers, including my mental outlook. I have a pair of Merrells, a pair of Eccos, and a pair of NorSport. All fit well, but the Merrells really stand out in the comfort category.