Years ago I had foot pain, switched to New Balance 623s. Been ordering the same pair from Amazon about every 6 months. But the last 3 pair have started falling apart after 3 months.

What I'm looking for is plain black cross trainer type sneakers. Walking or running shoes may be fine also. I do walk a bit for exercise. But the main goal here is they are good on the feet, and they can be worn with jeans and a polo shirt at work without being obvious. All black sneakers fit the bill for this. No fancy color stripes etc.

I suppose I could spring for more expensive NB USA made but damn they are pricey.

New Balance. The 608 cross trainers wear like iron and are available in black. Some of the 706 models that they made for USPS letter carriers may still be in inventory here and there.

I like Saucony and Brooks, but I'm a runner. I can attest to the longevity of both those brands...good for hundreds of miles.

I normally wear NB 623's also. But since COVID I've had a hard time finding those or anything else in my size (12 Wide). And I need to try on at least the first pair before I can order online.

The US made New Balance are pricey, but they go out of style before I can wear them out.

Adidas Men's Response Super Running Shoe. I don’t jog anymore, just walk now, plantar fasciitis comes and goes. These shoes last as long as the ASICS I was buying, and you can usually find them 40-50 bucks cheaper on Amazon.

quote:

Originally posted by bdylan:
I like Saucony and Brooks, but I'm a runner. I can attest to the longevity of both those brands...good for hundreds of miles.

I concur that Brooks offers really high quality running/walking shoes. Leagues beyond New Balance in quality and comfort.

Brooks specifically offers several models that are fantastic options if you have overpronation issues, and/or have extra wide feet. I have both (12.5 4E with a flat arch). Their Brooks Beast running shoes are the only running shoes I've found that allow me to run for miles without foot and leg pain. They're miraculous. And they last a long time, even with getting constantly pounded into the ground by my fat ass.

While many of their offerings trend towards the flashy/colorful, they also offer many of their shoes in solid black, or subdued color combos like black/white or black/gray. And Brooks offers at least one model in black (p)leather - the Addiction Walker - which is built like a running/walking shoe but looks a bit more like a casual work shoe. That might fit the bill here.

https://www.brooksrunning.com/...ing-shoe/110318.html

I've been using Saucany for a number of years. Flashy colors, but still available in plain black or white.

I like them because the fit well and very comfortable, with wide sizes available, and they are very light weight and carry APMA Certification. I've got a pair I've been wearing to the gym 4-5 times a week for three years or so and they are still in great shape. I'm thinking about replacing them, only because I'm getting tired of the color (I have dark blue). I previously had Nike's and I find the Saucany's much better for my needs.

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
Years ago...switched to New Balance 623s. Been ordering the same pair from Amazon about every 6 months. But the last 3 pair have started falling apart after 3 months.

I had a pair of NB759s. Wore them for <5 months, about 60-70 miles on them. Yesterday both the toe box and heel box separated from the shoe sole on the right shoe while I was walking. So much for quality. Made in Indonesia. Never again.

I've liked NB USA. I've had them in black when I had foot problems and couldn't wear dress shoes. Good shoes. I think NB also makes Dunham which is their boot / dress shoe line (I think). These were also comfortable.

These days, I'm partial to Ecco, Merrell and Salomon for fit and function. I believe they have black offerings but haven't tried them.

Hoka Bondi 7.

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:
The US made New Balance are pricey, but they go out of style before I can wear them out.

+1 on the USA MADE New Balance running shoe.

I have two pairs of the 990 v.4 running shoes, one still in the box. My other pair has been worn daily for almost two years and they're still in good shape. Almost $200 a pair, but worth it.

For exercise, I like Brooks Dyad shoes. For walking, hiking, or work, I like Solomon.

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:
The US made New Balance are pricey, but they go out of style before I can wear them out.

This. There is a New Balance store near me, I've been buying the American made ones for about 3 years now. They're expensive, the last pair I bought was $180 during Christmas week.

I've been wearing New Balance for years and had been buying the so called regular ones (foreign made) and was quite satisfied with them. One day the clerk talked me into "just try these on" , I did and they felt amazing. Turned out they were the American made. I was shocked when he gave me the price, but they felt so good I didn't want to take them off.
.

I have also been wearing HOKA's recently and they seem to be holding up well for my use. A little trendy right now but in their defense I see many hospital personnel that are on their feet all day wearing them. Nothing worse than a cranky nurse because she has sore feet. I have a very wide foot and have been able to find a good fit with the HOKAs.

I have been using Brooks for years.

What I like is that the consistency of size and model doesn’t change. Each year I buy the Brooks Mens Adrenaline GTS and they always fit the same.

I just looked back and my first pair was a GTS 11, so 10 years! They issue a new GTS each year.

Another vote for HOKA

Same story w me on the NB...

Ive been buying the NB 410 series and the last pair (NB 410 v7 running shoe) seem super weak

I have all the "worn out" pairs that were v5 or earlier for use for yard work and they are in better shape than the new ones...

ASICS for me. I'm due for a new pair, but rarely wear them much anymore. More often in Ariat boots or a pair of Sanuk sandals.

I’ve found that high quality replacement insoles are where it’s at for comfort. I don’t even think about wearing the shoes with that foam pressboard crap they come with.

Drop an extra $40 odd bucks same day. It’s worth putting them in the new shoes at try on time.