MENS Shoes???

[IBLarsen]

Trying to prepare for our upcoming trip in October and I ordered my favorite Crocs that are on their last leg. However, my DH said he wants some other shoes for the parks, as his feet seem to hurt no matter what he wears. Generally tennis shoes or crocs.
I know there are often threads about which shoes women have found to work the best for them. I would love to hear from some men about which shoes they have found work the best? Which Brand/Style?

Thanks!

 

[DarthMole]

I just went through this trying to find the right shoes for my trip. Twice I thought I had a good pair in the store only to realize a week or two later that they made my feet worse after a couple days of wearing them in a row (pre trip). One pair was almost identical to the ones I bought and wore on our trip two years ago without issue. I ended up finding a couple different pair that worked. The first was a pair of Rebok Flex running shoes. I'm wearing them right now. They are very light and do not offer much lateral support. For me that's a plus since my pain seems to originate on the outer side of my foot, not the bottom. If I were doing something more active than walking/running, the lack of lateral support can be an issue.

The other pair I found that worked pretty well ended up being a pair of Teva Churn water shoes. I just tried them on a whim after going through about 20 other shoes one day and they offered that lightweight non-binding feeling that I needed. On our trip I alternated between the two each day and after the first day didn't even give my feet another thought. I did wear socks with the Tevas to prevent any potential blisters but even with socks it was really nice to have them on Spalsh and GRR. They were so airy my feet dried in no time.

Everybody is different so what works for me will probably not work for your husband but if he deals with foot pain he shouldn't wait to get out there and find a comfortable pair before your trip. You'll be walking many miles each day. One word of advice I learned is to never go trying on shoes if your feet are currently in pain. I did that a few times and it always ended in total frustration.

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

I think cross trainers, like Addidas or New Balance maybe, would be pretty good. Have a good mix of cushion, light weight, ventilation.

My personal preference is Nike Free as they are super light - basically super flexible sole with mesh attached to the top. The problem with these is that they are designed to immitate walking barefoot, and some people find it hard on their feet if they aren't used to it. Supposed to be good for the muscles in your feet

Our last trip I took 3 pairs - Nike Frees, Nike dunks, and flip flops. The Nike dunks are flat and feel a little harder as a result, as well as the flip flops. But the reason I bought three was so I could rotate them. Each of them fit and feel different so pressure doesn't build on your feet on the same points every day of your trip. Even comfy shoes can get uncomfortable if the pressure is applied to same points continuously

 

[blackjackdelta]

I just purcahed a pair of Teva sandels, lighter that air, covers my feet and we will see how they fair in the park. A firend of mine recommends Merrills(sp). Your feet are most important for maintaining foot, leg and back health.

Jack

 

[mouseymommy]

My husband has some athletic type shoe and a pair of Ecco's. The Ecco's are expensive, but they are really comfy, and the have lasted about 3 years now. I think they were about $150. Good luck finding some comfy shoes!

 

[Butterfly123]

My husband wears his New Balance running shoes, or Keen Newport sandals (sometimes even with socks ).

 

[lk2500]

You could try a pair of running shoes. Check out a web site like Runner's World to see what foot type you have (curved/straight/etc). A fairly popular shoe that is not too expensive and not too cheap is the Asics GT-2160, try to find them on sale. And make sure to break them in a bit to make sure they are comfortable.

 

[Malcon10t]

Everyone is different. What works for one, doesn't work for another. I did the New Balance, and just thought "I have PF, I have to deal with this..." Then my daughter made me try Van's skate shoes, and WHAT A DIFFERENCE. My PF healed and my feet are great! But, it has to be the right pair for me...

 

[CalvaryMike]

I've never had feet problem, but I was sold on a pair of abeo (The Walking Company). They have built in Orthotics. Orthotics? For me? What? But, guess what? I love them. I can walk forever in them. If you have a Walking Company store near you, go try them out.

 

[KateDrake]

My husband is wildly devoted to his Keen Newport H2 sandals, and I have to say I find my pair pretty comfortable as well. I wear them for hiking instead of hiking boots. My husband wears his around the parks pretty much every day, and changes into flip flops at the pool and every now and then his Sanuk boat-shoe type things.

I prefer Tom's shoes in the parks, because I do better with a minimalist shoe. They do make men's shoes as well, and I've heard they are comfortable, but they don't seem to be as popular with guys.

 

[kylie71]

Teve sandal's, or Merrells..
I LOVE, LOVE, my Teva sandals, and my Merrell, netted shoe's they mold to your foot.
Go check out REI.com

Lori

 

[rowan1813]

Both DB and DF swear by their Asics runners when at DLR. DB is a manager of a sporting goods store that sells a variety of athletic shoes and he says that Asics, although expensive, are the best running and cross-training shoes out there. But as with anyone, its what you are used to on a daily basis. YMMV of course.

 

[SeattleRedBear]

Because YMMV I'd suggest going to a athletic shoe story that has knowledgeable staff and having them work with your husband to find the best shoe for him. Don't know about Texas, but here in Seattle I've gotten really good service/advice from the staff at Fleet Feet.

 

[dcraytho]

Echo's have been the best for my DH. He has loved them. Easy Spirit Shoes also carry men's shoes and they are wonderful.

 

[nikkislaght]

Teva's or Merrils... got my at REI so can be painful on your hip pocket. but considering they will save you a crap load of pain in your feet, hips and back I would buy them any day..

 

[Argento]

I'm a bigger guy (5'11", 250) and chew through shoes pretty good on a normal basis so my choice of shoe for the parks has always been an area I've paid special attention. So far, the single best shoe I've ever worn are these: Columbia Men’s Talus Ridge OutDry (or the equivalent back when I bought mine).

Full days in the parks, for entire weeks and my feet never bothered me a bit.

 

[Pacific Northwest]

When the weather is warm, I wear Keens. Had them for about 6 years and always wear them in the summer for Disney or other family outings. Love them.

 

[T0rrent]

I tried sports sandals for the first time in June, and while it was nice and comfy, I wound up developing a nasty case of tendonitis in my foot the first night to where the rest of the trip I was miserable. I got by on tennis shoes but wound up missing a day of work after my vacation due to it. What worked best for me on previous trips were high top tennis shoes with a new pair of Dr Scholl's in them. The shoes I have now are about 18 months old and probably need to be replaced

 

[Girlfriday17]

Mephisto sandals for both or to be a bit more dressy I like shoes from a company called Sofft and my husband loves his Cole Haan Jasper Oxfords with Nike Air. He too has plantar fasciitis.

 

[Mindy71]

Keens!!!!!