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Hi all! I’m a big fan of comfortable shoes and I’ve been wearing eccos for years now. However I’ve recently come to realise that they cannot be repaired (something to do with the material they’re made from).
I’m on the hunt for a new pair of sneakers that are equally comfortable and also repairable.
For context, I spend a lot of time outdoors in a cool temperate climate so the shoes must be waterproof (i.e. leather or equivalent) as well as able to withstand hours of being walked in. I’m also in an urban environment so style is a consideration. I’m not looking for anything with bright colours or fancy designs, but moreso something simple and versatile that I can wear to work, on my bike and to the pub.
If anyone has any suggestions I’m all ears! I’ve recently been looking at some ON trail running shoes but I’ve been reading mixed things about their ability to withstand heavy use. Plus I’ve no idea how they compare to ecco in terms of how comfy they are so if anyone has any experience with both I’d love to hear it.
Thanks in advance!
This is gonna sound really old fashioned but legit try and find a cobbler or shoe maker in your area. I’m not sure if you’re talking about trying to repair your shoes yourself but I wouldn’t really recommend that. Bad shoes can literally mess up the whole rest of your body so always good to get things done by a professional.
Also look up Sam Vimes’ Boots Theory of Economics
Do you need sneakers, or would boots be an option? If so, that opens the door to Goodyear welted boots whose soles can be replaced when they’re worn out by a cobbler. They’re also generally comfortable (especially after being broken in). You can go from premade boots (e.g., redwing) to custom boots; costs escalate quickly the more bespoke they are, obviously.
There are some Goodyear welted sneakers, but boots are probably easier to find.
I know it’s probably not the most popular suggestion, but the goodyearwelt subreddit is a great place to look for recommendations and reviews and post questions.
Do you know of any boots that come in a size 16? I’ve resorted to buying Keen hiking boots and shoes that, while comfortable, don’t really last and are not at all repairable.
I’m sure the more bespoke options can be made that way. I just checked the red wing site and it looks like their heritage collection come in at a max of size 14. That said, they generally run big (1-2 sizes) so it might be worth visiting a store and trying something on if you can.
If repairability is your #1 priority while being versatile enough for hiking and urban wear, you’ll probably have to go with boots. I unfortunately don’t have a specific recommendation, but some boots have come a long way and are now built for comfort and style as well. Boots are rugged but also easier to repair compared to a proprietary material used in a sneaker that is usually glued on.
Sense of Motion / SOM shoes might interest you. It is a zero drop sole barefoot type of repairable shoe made in Colorado, US.
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