[Closed] Walking shoes that don't look like walking shoes...

Depends partly on your foot shape - different brands fit different people - and what you think looks good. I like [url= http://www.haglofs.com/gb/en/Footwear/HAGLÖFS-VERTIGO-II-GT-MEN/p/492060.2F5 ]Haglofs Vertigo[/url] shoes as a solid, durable option, I basically live in them, but they may fall into your 'free beard, compass and walking poles' category.

Merrell do a massive range of stuff if you like their styling and fit. Ditto KEEN, though they look, erm, 'distinctive'. [url= http://www.adidas.co.uk/outdoor-shoes ]Adidas Outdoor[/url] do some okay stuff, they also own Five.Ten. Oh, and Five.Ten themselves. But it's really subjective, I'd go and check out a decent outdoors shop and see what they have that you like and fits you.

Ecco do some nice comfy old man shoes. Some look like walking shoes. Some don't.
They are really comfy though.

I have had some nice skate shoe like Teva's and Patagonia's - both super comfy.

Meindl?
Melbourne GTX for outdoors lite, or Cambridge GTX for a conventional looking walking shoe.

Used these for a 3 day hike in the lakes in March, were most excellent

[img] [/img]

Brooks Cascadia.

Brooks Cascadia.

Trying to stay away from out and out running shoes. As looking for something relatively [i]normal[/i] looking...otherwise I would just walk round in my Inov8 Trailrocs or Salomon Fellraisers 😉

Those 5-10s look kinda of what I am after, what model are they, Footflaps? The Haglofs BWD linked, look a bit too focused. I should add the compass/beard comment is not meant to be a disparaging one. More a comment on my own personal hangups about what is cool or not.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

As a delusional male nearing 40 myself I'm intrigued and confused.

Get some timberland boots.

Or Adidas do some. I have a set that are super comfey when on your feet all day.

Or Adidas do some. I have a set that are super comfey when on your feet all day.

Model?

Although me and Adidas have an odd relationship when it comes to sizing. 9 are always a bit too tight, but 9.5 seem to be too loose/long.

But willing to give anything a crack.

I'm with BadlyWiredDog. Haglof Vertigos. They are my normal everyday footwear. Expensive but very well made and tough. They will stand resoling when the time comes.

I should add the compass/beard comment is not meant to be a disparaging one. More a comment on my own personal hangups about what is cool or not.

That's the thing, everyone's idea of what's cool varies, though I don't think the Vertigo is very different from the Five.Ten shoe you like - I think it's a Camp 4 btw 🙂

THose 5 tens are hideous; you could never wear those with jeans/shorts and be taken seriously.

Merrell Annex would probably work, providing you get them in a plain colour such as brown or black, rather than the multi coloured options them come in.

Adidas Terrex are possibly another option; again, choose your colours wisely.

Another vote for adidas terrex. More trainer than shoe but gore tex and super comfy perfect urban to rural all day shoe

Salamon gtx 3D Pro (come in black as well as hideous neon colours). Look like pub trainers but I did the WHW in mine and have always used them for day to day wear too.

Adidas terex here too, second pair worn daily, just about get 12months out of the soles.

Salamon gtx 3D Pro

Yes. In black they're just about acceptable but send subtle signals to others that you're very probably an outdoorsy type and not to be messed with lightly.

I've got some Salomon gtx Speedcross. They're basically trail running shoes but they're dead comfy for walking and they look like trainers not walking boots.

I wouldn't wear them casually (eg to the pub) but then I wouldn't wear any shoes of this ilk. In fact I dislike anyone who wears hikey shoes in non outdoors environments. But that's just me.

I have some of these Merrells:
[img] [/img]
Very comfy, light, and gore-tex lined so good for wet days, and don't need to be worn with red socks.

Adidas Terrex are possibly another option; again, choose your colours wisely.

[url= http://www.adidas.co.uk/men-terrex-shoes ]There's about 20 types[/url]....any ones in particular?

Edit: Actually these ones don't look too bad. Bit overkill on the tread, tho.

Thanks for all the suggestions/sartorial advice so far.

[img] [/img]

I wouldn't wear them casually (eg to the pub) but then I wouldn't wear any shoes of this ilk. In fact I dislike anyone who wears hikey shoes in non outdoors environments. But that's just me.

You actively dislike them? Tough crowd 🙁

I am kind of at the point where the health of my feet is more important than looking superfly.

....the kids still say superfly, right?

In fact I dislike anyone who wears hikey shoes in non outdoors environments. But that's just me.

I have to walk through two fields and a wood to get to my local...

Err flat feet peeps like hikey boots because of the arch support 🙂

I've got a pair of Haglofs Rocker GT. Super comfortable, gortex and good for walking. I really like the look of them, definitely not too "walkies"

[img] [/img]

The Adidas Terrex Swift R in black/red look fairly subtle, and a decent price here (although I don't know about the site/company) :

http://www.clan-designs.co.uk/adidas-outdoor-mens-terrex-swift-r-goretex-trail-running-shoe-blackred-p-345.html

[img] [/img]

In fact I dislike anyone who wears hikey shoes in non outdoors environments. But that's just me.

I tried some Clarks goretex things that looked like normal shoes (whichis pretty difficult for Clarks stuff) but ended up with loaded of knee/leg pain as they didn't have any support. Back to my geeky looking Merrells and everything was OK again.

I'm currently on a pair of Mountain Warehouse something or other, maybe Lockton. Fairly nondescript chunky brown/grey shoe, a bit heavy for running (my original aim was a running shoe I could wear everyday) but pretty good for walking at that (very modest) price point.

Northwave do similar if you want to spend more, I used to have a pair of hedgehogs (which were ok for running) but they were a bit more garish when it was time to re-buy.

Those 5-10s look kinda of what I am after, what model are they, Footflaps?

Maybe have a look at the Scarpa approach shoes, but as said you need to try on. As some are wide and some are narrow. Scarpa have a massive range tho to suit all tastes and styles. Some of them may not be suitable for hiking tho and may just be a pure crag approach trainer

Black Salomon XA Pros here too. Subtle enough not to upset the delicate flowers that might judge you based on your choice of footwear. I basically live in XA Pros, in a range of colours. Strangely enough I find them a bit lacking in tread and stiffness for actual hillwalking though.

Haglöfs getting a lot of love then. Apparently owned by Asics. Going to pop down my local GoOutoors later and see what they have. So far, just looking on net. It's looking like approach shoes type things are what I am looking for.

Subtle enough not to upset the delicate flowers that might judge you based on your choice of footwear.

I am my own harshest critic.

and a decent price here (although I don't know about the site/company) :

http://www.clan-designs.co.uk/adidas-outdoor-mens-terrex-swift-r-goretex-trail-running-shoe-blackred-p-345.html

ProTip: Never order anything from that website.

[img] [/img]

Go outdoors have a good range, I think they have haglofs, scarpa, 5:10 etc.

Those Patagonia look like they're from the Alan partridge collection

I wouldn't wear them casually (eg to the pub) but then I wouldn't wear any shoes of this ilk. In fact I dislike anyone who wears hikey shoes in non outdoors environments. But that's just me.

At least you have the right username 🙂

I've been wearing 'approach' shoes pretty much all the time for well over a decade. I got to a point where I couldn't be bothered sacrificing comfort for appearance, and I've never had any funny looks around here.

Quick Q for the Haglofs fans. Are they true to size?

FWIW I am 9 in Inov8 Trailroc and X-Talon, 9.5 in Salomon Speedcross, 9 in casual Nikes, 9 in Berghaus etc.

That's because you live in Skipton, not Notting Hill.

Lowa make walking shoes that look like normal shoes that your dad wears. I have a pair and they are super comfy which are still why I continue to wear them even though I have not got a matching Cardigan.

BTW. Can you wear approach shoes for leaving somewhere or do you need a different pair for that?

BTW. Can you wear approach shoes for leaving somewhere or do you need a different pair for that?

You can never get to your destination, just approach it.

Sisyphus wore approach shoes apparently.

Quick Q for the Haglofs fans. Are they true to size?

Sisyphus wore these ones:

http://www.millets.co.uk/mens/100931-boulder-x-approach-shoe.html/853818/?istCompanyId=b238823a-59fd-4816-9c36-7dd47877f2a8&istItemId=mplpxlmtq&istBid=tztx&gclid=CjwKEAjwsYW6BRCTzvu5y8DPhi0SJABnGLlHVmT4-1svjoO0h9v3AoIhubqpUk0Mtr8IHndMIxJWCBoCoyPw_wcB

I wouldn't wear them casually (eg to the pub) but then I wouldn't wear any shoes of this ilk. In fact I dislike anyone who wears [s]hikey shoes[/s] trail running shoes in [s]non outdoors[/s] non trail running environments. But that's just me.

http://www.millets.co.uk/mens/100931-boulder-x-approach-shoe.html/853818/?istCompanyId=b238823a-59fd-4816-9c36-7dd47877f2a8&istItemId=mplpxlmtq&istBid=tztx&gclid=CjwKEAjwsYW6BRCTzvu5y8DPhi0SJABnGLlHVmT4-1svjoO0h9v3AoIhubqpUk0Mtr8IHndMIxJWCBoCoyPw_wcB

You had me on the url... 😀

Cough clarks or they just too middle aged?

[url= http://www.clarks.co.uk/p/26102841 ]

What the hecks going on with the heel on those Clarks? Bizarre

Cough clarks or they just too middle aged?

If by middle age you mean [s]orthopedic[/s] awful, then yes 🙂

The reviews on those adidas suggest that they are not too well built.

These?

[img] [/img]

I fear I am not high roller enough for those.

martinhutch - Member
Sisyphus wore these ones:

LA SPORTIVA
Boulder X Approach Shoe

WAS [s]£100.00[/s] [b]£55.00
[/b]

That is a very good price if you can get the size. They are good quality as I checked them at my local outdoor shop recently.

My wife has this problem too - with me.

I won't wear any shoes that aren't comfortable and that I can't just head off up the hill on, ie I expect the shoes I put on in the morning or wear up town to also be able to go squelching through a bog, scrambling up some rocks, or ride my mtb. Hence I wear walking boots or Keen sandals most of the time.

She'd like me to wear leather shoes. The problem is that anything that looks reasonable (to her eyes) is far too tight. Maybe I spent too long running around barefoot when I was a kid, but I have flat wide feet and prefer to have them unconstrained.

Hmm:
[img] [/img]

Quick Q for the Haglofs fans. Are they true to size?

I reckon so. I'm a 43 in most brands and a 43 in Haglofs. They also come with half decent insole/footbeds fwiw. Used to be Sole ones, but are now own-brand, but still pretty good.

Just back from GoOutdoors and they had sod all in my size. Looks like it's internet order ahoy.

Got a nice pair of shorts tho....

I wouldn't wear them casually (eg to the pub) but then I wouldn't wear any shoes of this ilk. In fact I dislike anyone who wears [s]hikey shoes [/s]trail running shoes in [s]non outdoors[/s] non trail running environments. But that's just me.

Touché.

I seem to have hit a nerve. I just mean that pretty much all shoes designed for walking look a bit dorky when you're not doing that activity. For the same reason, I don't wear my red roadie SPD shoes when I'm out and about. Well, that and they're basically impossible to walk in.

I've got Salomon OrthoLite shoes, comfiest I've ever had, great for walking. Dont look like walking shoes, but they still do look horrible. I dont care, they are soooo comfy.

Actually, the latest versions of them dont look bad.
http://www.salomon.com/uk/product/xa-chill-2-canvas.html?article=379896

I just mean that pretty much all shoes designed for walking look a bit dorky when you're not doing that activity.

I am on a mission to find a relatively non-dorky pair.

So far I have been mildly unsuccessful, I guess the market for those seeking sensible footwear that looks like an Adidas Busenitz is quite small.

[quote=bongohoohaa ] I just mean that pretty much all shoes designed for walking look a bit dorky when you're not doing that activity. Most of my shoes are designed for walking, even the cycling ones are a compromise. I guess there must be a (very small?) market for shoes designed to be put on a desk, or only for sitting down but it must be a pain swapping them on and off every time you want to go somewhere.

Not sure it was me who originally said that quote, scotroutes.

😆

Most of my shoes are designed for walking, even the cycling ones are a compromise. I guess there must be a (very small?) market for shoes designed to be put on a desk, or only for sitting down but it must be a pain swapping them on and off every time you want to go somewhere.

Well, since we're deliberately misunderstanding: Amongst the myriad of non walking shoe options we have ice skates, ballet shoes, snowboarding boots, tap dancing shoes, roller skates, ski boots, driving shoes, golf shoes, pressure ulcer prevention boots. Some shoes are even, apparently, designed with the only real function of looking non-dorky. That's probably not even an exhaustive list, but let's not* turn this into a thread about different shoe genres.

I think you know what I meant.

* 😉

Just a 'I'm stuck on hold on the phone bored so thought I would update this thread' post.

Tried the Haglof Rocker GTs - High instep didn't suit

Tried the Haglof Vertigos - Really wanted to like them as super comfy, but rubbed a bit when walking, even tho size was right. Still tempted to pick them up anyway, and hope they break in, but at £126, it's a bit of a risk

Tried assorted Merrels, but not a fan really.

Tried some Adidas Terrex Swift R....just confirmed I do not have Adidas feet. 9 too tight across forefoot, 9.5 oddly too 'loose'.

Got some Salomon XA Pros being delivered in a bit from Amazon, so will see how I get on with those.

I hate buying shoes. I will be happier when we can all get our feet swapped for ISO approved sizes so all footwear fits ok. I also think I am on the verge of being banned from Gooutdoors after being in there for an hour last night....I know how to have fun.

I'm just shocked at the apparent confusion on this thread between Sisyphus and Zeno.

just confirmed I do not have Adidas feet. 9 too tight across forefoot, 9.5 oddly too 'loose'.

seen that comment elsewhere as well

I'm just shocked at the apparent confusion on this thread between Sisyphus and Zeno.

Go on...

The other great thing about Salomon trainers is the speedfit lacing system - just shuffle yer feet in and yer done. I only ever pull the laces tight if the going gets a bit iffy.

Good choice, can't fault the Salomon XA Pro, on my 3rd pair , always pick up when reasonably cheap, never paid over £60. Wear for just about everything.

Go on...

I'm getting to it.

The North Face Litewave GTX fit the bill for me. Bloody marvelous, use them for everything. I have no fashion sense though so for all I know I could be embarrassing myself further (If gave a hoot):

[img] [/img]

Used to work in a Cotswold. Salomons were comfortable. Tend to be narrow at the heel and come up small. But be quite wide around the toes. So always went half a size bigger on those.

Meindl Respond GTX was quite nice, quite stiff. Looks like a trainer, Quite a lot of support around the heel and arch. Medium width all round.

NorthFace Litewave/Hedgehog GTX- lacking any sort of arch, inner sole comfort. But the actual shoes were very good. Had to buy some other inner soles to fit in these.

Agree. I have a pair of Fellraisers, and the lacing, as well as being able to tuck it all in the tongue pocket, is very handy.

I just they did a more subdued design.

Edit: Although they do a[url= http://www.salomon.com/uk/product/x-ultra-ltr-gtx.html?article=369024&intcmp=shphiking_mtng_pdt_xultraltrgtx_SS16_uk ] leather version of the Ultra 2s apparently[/url]...

[img] [/img]
[img] [/img]

The other great thing about Salomon trainers is the speedfit lacing system

I've only had one pair of Salomon, and the thing I most hated about them was the stupid speedfit lacing. Much prefer proper laces - you can change the lacing pattern, for starters.

Of course, not everyone likes the lacing system....like this guy ^^^^ 😀

Of course, not everyone likes the lacing system....like this guy ^^^

😀

I'm getting to it.

You're so close...almost there!

You're so close...almost there!

Twice as close now as I was before, but still...

Hmmm. This thread is quite the paradox.

always pick up when reasonably cheap, never paid over £60.

I managed to get some of the GTX ones from Amazon for £75. Probably don't need goretext, but seemed a good price. Here's hoping they fit ok. Gone .5 size up as seems to be the common wisdom with Salomon.

Tried the Haglof Vertigos - Really wanted to like them as super comfy, but rubbed a bit when walking, even tho size was right. Still tempted to pick them up anyway, and hope they break in, but at £126, it's a bit of a risk

I've been through about four pairs of these now. They feel a little solid when new, but break in nicely with use.

Is it fair to point out that these shoes all actually look like walking shoes?

Totally fair. Also totally fine to point in the direction of what appears to be a mythical shoe that is good for walking that doesn't look like a walking shoe.

Personally, I have accepted defeat, and growing a beard as we speak, to accompany my new footwear.

I've also given up, on punctuating; correctly it seems.