I love wearing sandals, but now that I’ve started my externship as an MRI tech, I need a pair of shoes to wear at work for 10 hours.
Any recommendation for extraordinarily comfortable shoes for men?
First off, male or female work shoes? Flats? Heels? Wide width?
New Balance. New Balance. New Balance.
Every size you might need, GREAT construction, excellent prices.
New Balance.
Julia Child wore them, and she was on her feet like 30 hours a day. Plus she weighed 600 pounds and had bad ankles. And no neck (just wattle). And she LOVED her New Balance shoes.
I haven’t worn them myself, but I’ve heard good things about Danskos.
I’ve worn out one pair of Merrell Jungle Mocs and didn’t hesitate to buy another. They’re very comfortable. Great for travelling, too; just slip them off and on at the security checkpoint.
Female chiming in. I had a couple of years of heel pain that I got around by using store-bought inserts that never really worked great but kept me from having to go to the doctor.
I’ve been working 8-10 hour days all on my feet for about 4.5 years.
I’ve heard great things about Dansko from other heel-pain sufferers, including those actually diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. I could never commit to the price.
Last fall I bought some Vasque trail runners from Sierra Trading Post, they were $95 shoes that were discounted to $35. No more heel pain and no more inserts. I think you really have to try different brands until you find one that truly fits your feet. I have 3 pair of Vasque now and haven’t had any foot discomfort in more than 9 months. Happy Happy feet.
I only wear Keen shoes. Wide at the toe and easy on the feet. Link: http://www.keenfootwear.com/wall/shoes/men
Z-Coils
The most comfortable shoes I’ve got are a pair of black no-name sneakers I got at Wally*World that I use for EMT duty when my faux combat boots aren’t appropriate. They cost me about $15, too.
A close second is a pair of Thom McAn leather sneakers I wear to the office, but I don’t spend my day standing in them.
I suggest you look at walking sneakers, if there is no dress code prohibiting them. I could get away with the black sneakers when I did my ER rotation precisely because they were black.
Keen shoes rock. When not working or running, I wear Keen Venice H2s (or my Kino’s sandals, but the OP doesn’t want more sandals). Love them. they fit my 15EEE feet just fine, and are solidly constructed. I have one pair that is 5 years old and they still look nearly new. Also, Keen will replace the bungee laces for free for the life of the shoes.
I got nothin’…
Male. Not sure about width.
My husband is a postal worker and loves his New Balance shoes. He walks his route and needs good, comfy footwear, so every couple months or so when he wears a pair out from all the walking, we go get him another pair.
You seem to find shoes uncomfortable. If you find this true in general (to the point where you avoid shoes as a category and go with wearing sandals even when not at the beach, which is an Abomination in civilized society), as opposed to just not liking a particular make/model of shoe, then you’re probably not fitted right.
What size shoe do you wear, and what width? Where do you usually get shoes?
Most shoes sold have a default width of D, you may need a wider or narrower width than that. Go to a good shoe store where there’s actually someone with a foot measurer and stock shoes in all different widths and find out what your size REALLY is. Your foot size changes with age.
If you find shoes too tight (pinching the bridge of your foot) then guess what, you should wear wider shoes. If you’re getting arch pain because you’re sliding your feet around inside your shoes, you need narrower shoes. If your toes are cramped up and your big toe bangs against the front of the shoe even while you’re just sitting in a chair, you need a larger shoe size.
I only buy Keens. I have a bunch of different styles and they are by far the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn.
My dad and brother both swear by Birkenstocks. Bryan started wearing them during his internship, and wears them daily in his medical practice. Dad thought they looked idiotic, until he finally gave in and bought a pair. That was three or four years ago, and I don’t think Dad has worn another type of shoe since then!
WTH? 
If anything, Crocs are an abomination on civilized society. Leave my Chaco’s out of this! :mad:
I second the Dansko and Keen recommendations. Both are well-constructed shoes that offer a great deal of support. Dansko Professional Clogs have been a go-to shoe for many in the medical and food service professions because they are sturdy, long-lasting shoes that have the best arch support. I’ve owned two pair and they are my favorite full upper shoe for being on your feet all day. The only thing I’ve found comparable in support are my Chaco sandals.
I have Morton’s Toe and over-pronate. I wear rigid orthotics in shoes that don’t offer much built-in support (my athletic shoes).
Truly, you should find a shoe that fits your foot well (everyone has different feet, different foot “issues”, and all shoes are constructed differently) and offers you the support that you specifically need for the gait type you have. The advice of going into a good store that offers fittings and getting fitted is the best advice in the thread.
Personally, I choose to spend more money on my shoes and save on clothing because nothing else you wear can affect your posture to the extent that it can cause you pain and long-term disfunction as the wrong shoes. Be good to your feet and they will be good to you.
Disclaimer: I sell shoes at REI. I speak from my own opinions and do not represent here any views of REI.
Skechers. Probably the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned.
Sneakers: New Balance.
Office wear: Weejuns
Just one other note. **Keens **helped me get over a years-long (and painful) bout with plantar fasciitis. I tried every shoe I thought might help, including Merrills and other higher priced shoes. Orthotics didn’t work, custom orthotics didn’t work, nothing worked. Keen shoes worked. I’ve been wearing them for several years now and won’t buy anything else.