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Airport and Foot Friendly Trade Show Shoes?
Milo_Mindbender asks: "Where the heck can you find shoes that let you handle the ten or more hours a day of continuous walking computer trade shows require and won't set off the airport metal detectors? I used to go for hiking boots, but can't find a pair that don't buzz, even after I've stripped off every other particle of metal. I'm getting tired of trial and error (and blisters/sore feet when I go to CES, SIGGRAPH...etc). Does anyone have any suggestions?"
Running shoes were ment to be put a lot of stress under and skating shoes are really fluffy I recomend Vans.
This is the stupid ask slashdot I've ever seen. Have you tried shoe stores? Do you want me to try shoes on for you? Come on Cliff... this is useless.
I used to do corporate training and could spend the entire day on my feet. $15 pair a black shoes that didn't look like high-end business shoes, but were certainly acceptable. Very high arch support and I never had any trouble. I switched to them after asking another trainer because of the problems I was having with my much more expensive business shoes.
Also, if you're on your feet so much, you might want to look into an expensive pair of specialty shoes from a shoe cobbler (yep, they still exist!) This way, if you take the rubber off of a shoe but the shoe's still good, they can re-sole the shoe for much cheaper than a new pair. Good luck!
Condemnant quod non intellegunt.
http://www.wildlifeonline.com/cgi-bin/ss000002.pl? SN=2&PAGE=SEARCH&S_Brand1_0=Merrell&S_Category1_1= Mens+Footwear&GB=A&ACTION=search
Like walking shoes - only light - very comfortable, I'm on about my fifth pair in as many years.
(of wearing every day)
Alex
However in an attempt to be somewhat helpful, try some skate shoes, I wear Adio and I like them, or spend some more serious money and get a pair of Rockfords or Echos...
Cloud City Digital: DVD Production at its cheapest/finest
I've worn them for years and they are the only thing that works. The soles wear out in about 2 years so when your feet start hurting again, get new ones. I usually buy 2 pairs at a time as they can be hard to find.
"Eve of Destruction", it's not just for old hippies anymore...
Try them. I have been very happy with mine. The hardest part is convincing the airport security monkeys, that no, there is in fact no metal in my shoes. Not sure if all of their shoes are sans metal, but mine definitely are. Very comfortable as well.
Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
- I'm tired of getting wet when it rains. Are there any lightweight, collapsible devices available to keep the rain off?
- My car has run out of petrol/gas. Where can I buy more?
- My cat is hungry. What food is available for cats? How much is it?
- My clothes smell. Wouldn't it be great if there was somewhere I could take them where washing machines could be used for a small fee?
Stay tuned folks...
Get some very comfy slip-on shoes like these or these.
:)
They don't have laces, so you can slip them off to pass them through security and have them back on in seconds. They also make it easier to run out the door when you're late.
These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. With all the previous shoes I've owned (Reebok, Nike, Avia, New Balance, Sketcher, Eco) my forefoot would always get sore after 3 or 4 miles. With these, I walked 11 miles today and my feet feel fine. I use the lace-up ones but I doubt they'd set off any metal detectors.
I used to work in a hospital, and most of the nurses and all of the PT department wote Rockports, with the Walker being very popular. A good "light" boot with custom insoles would work too.
Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos
There's this service provided by airlines called "baggage handling". What you do is, you put your comfy show-room-floor shoes (that may or may not contain metal) in your baggage, and... check them in!
You can then safely wear your shoes that don't set things off to the airport. Then (*gasp*) take them out of your baggage when you get to wherever you're going.
WWJD? JWRTFM!!!
Don't you have to take off your shoes in airport security now anyway? :)
This space intentionally left blank.
... I have been throw a few airport detectors in my Berghaus hiking boots and they are the first I have ever had that have not set them off.
Bob.
Ecco shoes are extremely comfortable, and also airport-friendly. I wear a pair of their suede dress/casual shoes throughout the day, and feel fine! I'm not 100% sure that they're all metal free, but the two pairs I have are. YMMV, so ask someone in the shoe department to be sure.
Michael C. Hollinger
Food industry and I take my shoes seriously. A post said Rockports and they are good, abit expensive. I buy at a discount shoe store and the namebrands vary. I am now wearing SAFETRAX,($40) "slip resistance" and they are great. Find a restaurant supply websight and check them out.
I eat my grapes at room temperature, cuz the cold ones hurt my teeth
Very similar to Hush Puppies last about a year. Very very confortable even if you have to spend 10 hours on a concrete floor.
As an added plus, very dressy uppers are available with these soles.
If you can't handle 10 hours at a trade show in any old pair of shoes, I suspect your proplem is in your mouth, not on your feet. Step away from the twinkies.
Hiking boots? Hiking boots are made to be warm, waterproof, rock proof, grippy, and prevent ankle sprains. 'Comfortable' is way down on the list of features.
God, I can just see you, this big fat guy wearing hiking boots at a trade show. Now I know why this is news for nerds.
I've always been fond of Echo shoes, sure they might set you back a few quid but your feet will thank you for it, I've had 3 pair and never had a problem with them blowing out at the seams or setting off the airports i've been through. As for being good to the feet, i'd give my right hand for another pair.
Just my 2 bits
Casey
I'm going to burn the karma on this one...
(And potentially get tagged by the FBI...)
You shouldn't be asking about how to galliantly pass yourself through airport security. Instead you should be asking yourself why they submit people like yourself to tests that only catch innocent people.
I moved out of our country about half a year ago because I think that the U.S. has become more about lip service than our constitution. As soon as there're people willing to fight for what I believe in [The U.S.!], then I'll move back and join the army/air force/navy, etc., whatever it takes to keep our dreams alive. Until then, the U.S. is a civil war waiting to happen..)
Personally I find the whole search thing a pointless and intrusive waste of time anyway, but while we must bear it: Wear one pair for the travel, and a different one for the tradeshow. You put the latter in your luggage.
You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
Make you put your shoes through the scanners anyway, so... go for the metal.
That's what you need. A big old pair of hooves.
how about sneakers? People not only walk trade show floors in them, but do things like run marathons and play sports in them.
Need a professional look? Go with a pair of sketchers. I used to work as a waiter and had to be on my feet sometimes 13 hours a day, and never got a blister with the pair of sketchers I wore. Break them in for a few days first though.
(Im sorry but this has to be the worst story ever).
i have a pair of Rockports that i got for a retail job (they go with khakis) in 1999 this job was on my feet from 9 to 5. it is now almost time to retire them!
the best part is: i've got big feet. it's hard to find ANY shoes that'll fit me, let alone nice ones!
i also have a pair of Reboks that i ware when I'm not dressing up (they were the only pair of shoes in the store that fit me!) and those work good for on my feet all day as well. i spent all week at macworld, and split it between these 2 pairs of shoes, i think the Reboks were more conformable. (they aren't ready to retire either)
ironies of ironies: Rebok owns Rockport (or at least they did when i got these shoes)
Don't call me back. Give me a call back. Bye. So yeah. But bye our, well, but alright we are on a shirt this chill.
I just wear my New Balance running shoes to those sort of shows. In fact, NB makes a black leather running shoe that I wear for daily work attire, except for the most formal of occasions.
--
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Concealed Handgun License Courses in Plano, Texas
Other than this being the least interesting news for nerds story I've EVER seen, here are some serious suggestions (in my personal order of preference).
1) Tatami * (all the anatomically correct goodness of a Birkenstock in a dressy shoe).
2) Birkenstock (they do make shoes too you know).
3) Rockports.
Numbers (1) and (2) have basically been the only things on my feet other than specialty sportswear for the last 15 year. They are awesome. The Tatami's don't even raise suspicion. There are variants that look just like a fine dress shoe. (Because they are -- leather soles and all).
Your feet with thank you, over and over and over. Your wallet? It might not talk to you for a week.
* Tatami is made by Birkenstock.
- There is a cock up my ass. Does that make me gay?
These days I don't buy anything but Hi-Tec hikers. They are super-comfortable and have no metal that I know of in them. They current manufacture a lot of boots for swat teams around the country and the military. They are sometimes hard to find in stores, but they are out there. Their biggest claims to fame are comfort and weight. They are the lightest boots you can buy, yet they seem to last pretty long, even when you're on your feet all day. The only downside is that if you find a pair you really like, buy 2 pairs; they never manufacture a certain style more than once. Also, nowadays, shoes do *not* need to broken in, generally (at least from the comfort point of view). If a shoe is not immediately comfortable, it never will be. I've found Hi-Tec's to be this way.
If Congress stares another airline bailout in the face, security will get more lenient.
New Balance 574's.
They sell these shoes at Wal-Mart under the brand Earth Shoe. There is a style of shoe called earth shoes, and these aren't they. These are laceless black shoes with no frills or anything. They're incredibly simple and comfortable, throw some gel insoles in there and you're set. They contain no metal because they're essentially tennis slippers. They also last damn near forever. I'm on my third pair, which I just got a few weeks ago. The pair before it lasted five years before falling apart, and the first pair lasted six (this is while working retail and restaurant jobs where I was on my feet a lot, also a two-story high school). They also only cost twenty bucks... and they sell them at Wal-Mart.
/. all the time. There are Ask Slashdot questions that get posted because it's a question with a broad answer. A great many of those geeks, and maybe even some of those goobers, might have something interesting to add to the discussion, and the question gets answered thoroughly.
...a right triangle with legs 300 and 400 megalightyears long! wait... that's a long hypotenuse, my bad...
Let me sincerely apologize for the long tangent that follows.
Now that I got my response out of the way, lemme say... fuck this guy
What? (Score:0, Flamebait)
by ditto999999999999999 (546129) on 06:25 PM -- Sunday January 11 2004 (#7947563)
This is the stupid ask slashdot I've ever seen. Have you tried shoe stores? Do you want me to try shoes on for you? Come on Cliff... this is useless.
I know it's a fake name and this whole flame is pointless, but you gotta understand that there are three points to Ask Slashdot (as far as I can ascertain).
We all know there's a zillion geeks and goobers that read
The second kind of Ask Slashdot questions are ones which are obscure and abstruse which are thrown into the masses, blindly hoping someone knows the perfect answer.
The last and most confused kind of questions are those that seem completely fucking pointless. A case in point is today's Shoe Issue. Consider those zillions of geeks out there who don't have the time, free brain cycles, or social confidence to figure out many of life's little dillemas that plague us all, such as Is There A Perfect Shoe? This shoe would be comfortable, durable, easily accessible away from home "in case shit", and preferably cheap. Yea, such a shoe doth exist, and it is good. Rejoice smart masses, for the system works.
i'm really sorry about the flames, guys
.cig - what you do after winning a good flame war
You're supposed to wear shoes to these things?
GBX sneaks, or Timberland deck shoes.
I got a pair of Timberland / Mountain Athletics hiking sandals at REI about a year and a half ago. I've never had them set off the metal detector in an airport (although the fascists at SFO made me take them off once). They've held up very well and this past semester I've walked at least 7 miles a week in them. I can't find them on the REI site and I haven't been to one of the stores in quite a while. If you want more info or a pic just post a reply.
Everytime you look at porn a devil gets their horns.
Wear Birkenstocks. I've worn nothing but for about 10 years, and my feet are very happy. You can trivially remove them at airports, but they're great for long periods of standing and walking.
I have 13B feet: very long and very thin. Consequently, finding shoes that fit well is a nightmare. Before I started wearing Birks my little toes were turning under my other ones; they were both nearly sideways. Since wearing Birks all the time (seriously: over 350 days/year here in Portland) my little toes have straightened out. Weird, but true.
I can't recommend them enough. They're not the prettiest shoes ever made, but I'll take comfort over vanity anyday, especially for something as important as my feet.
This isn't as much "normalization" as it is "don't take so many drugs when you're designing tables."
If you want an excellent shoe that is incredibly comfortable, check out Catskill Mountain Moccasins. My girlfriend and I both ahve a pair and they are incredibly nice. They take a cast of your feet and build moccasins specific to your needs. (Naturally, they're not the only shops that do this.) They are lined with sheepskin and are suple yet supportive enough that your ankles don't get tired. Plus they last forever. An average pair of shoes can run from $350-$400, but once you wear them, you'll realize they're worth every penny. The only downside is they have a lot of orders and they are a bit back-logged, so it'll take you a few months to get your new footwear.
(No, I don't work for them. :)
Join Tor today!
Buy a pair of ASIC cross trainers, or running shoes. More than one podiatrist has recomended them to me, they were one of the first to get "gel" right, and really have a good way to soften the impact on your foot. Many long distance runners swear by the shoes. No metal for the detector, and once you get used to the spring in your step (literally) you'll never buy another brand again!
Your shoes might be fine, but the insoles need to be replaced for $30 with a superior piece. Your insoles could even be better than average, but worn out from months of use.
Superfeet makes foam-over-plastic insoles that work like orthotics. The company also makes custom orthotics for doctors and realized they could make something that fits 80-90 percent of the population far better than the cheap foam in most shoes. The key is supporting the arch and heel with plastic. When the arch is supported properly, feet don't stretch out causing pain and fatigue. By supporting the arch properly weight is distributed all along the foot from heel to the ball of the foot, not just on those two points.
Superfeet makes many styles of insoles including "green" ones that replace the foam already in a pair of shoes. There is a style "blue" with slightly lower arch support for those whose arches aren't so high. If your pair of Rockports or Born shoes has the insole glued down or sown in, the "black" ones are low profile and sit on top.
Mine last for 9 to 12 months of constant use.
If you can find any left over Dr Marten's that were made in Britain (they only manufacture them in China now) then I would say that's your best bet. It takes a while to break them in but once you do you'll be shocked by how comfortable they are. My feet used to ache at the end of the day but they've been good since I got my docs.
OK, now days, this is a common enough problem. Look for "Patrol Boots" that have carbon fibre shanks instead of steel. Pick your favorite brand. Right now, I'm finding my pair of inexpensive "Magnum Technology" boots are OK, but the ones I have are steel shank.
I hear VERY good things about the Adias GSG-9s, but don't know how metal detector friendly they are, and they are hellishly expensive and hard to get - I've head some good reviews of a few other brands, but darned if I can find them right now
-- 73 de KG2V For the Children - RKBA! "You are what you do when it counts" - the Masso
Seriously, if I wanted to cause a disturbance on a plane using a sharp object, i'd take in a nice glass or plastic sharp object.
If I wanted to cause a disturbance otherwise, I'd learn to be a pilot, and get hired, and then knock out the copilot, and laugh at people trying to get through the locked from the inside cockpit door.
Wearing metal shoes makes a statement: 'wow, these metal detectors sure are making a lot of people take their shoes off, and maybe confiscating some peoples scissors and swiss army knives, but they can take their lighters through, and we'll even give them some flamible materials on the plane for $3'
I'm waiting for the CDC to recommend against taking your shoes off in the airport because of [communicable disease here].
Need a Catering Connection
We are geeks not shoe salesman...go ask Al Bundy!
Last time I traveled they made everyone take off the shoes before going thru the metal detector so that shouldn't make any difference or matter when picking shoes.
I put absolutely everything I have with me except for one credit card, $50.00 in cash, and my drivers license, and my ticket home in my carry on bag. My keys, my wallet, my change. My leatherman tool (yes, they have let me get that on a plane, if it's in my bag when they do the scan).
I took my shoes off, and put them on the belt too after my first experience with being wanded down. I just asked in the Atlanta airport, and they said that was a great idea to avoid the slow down.
Then, I watch for everything that happens to my bag to ensure nobody takes off with it (common thief trick is to have you put your bag on while someone else is making the scanner go off, so your bag can be walked off with while they take five minutes at the security check point). I think that has stopped now that making the security check point go off gets you wanded down, rather then trying to re-check everyone.
I've only done it a handful of times, but it always worked for me. I'm not thrilled about being barefoot, but it worked for my trip to pickup my bag, and saved me about 10-15 minutes even with untying and re-tying my boots.
Kirby
and those $500 Itilian leather shoes and get yourself a pair of sneekers for less than $40.00 (Nike, Reebok, Sketchers, etc...). If you want to blow your money on shoes, give the companys their 300% profit and get one of the $150 or more pair. You'll be helping a little Tie/Korean/wherever the hell they have their sweat shops these days kid make his .02 for that day...
Most airports are requiring you to take off your shoes these days, so it doesn't really matter what you wear. More important is the ease of removal.
Try some Birkenstocks; they're like heaven once you get them broken in.
my sig's at the bottom of the page.
Geez, I'm surprised this isn't in the Your Rights Online section. I mean, God forbid airports make you actually take off your shoes when there are known plans for terrorists to put bombs in their shoes. That would violate your Constitutional right to fly in airplanes without taking off your shoes first, or something.
I recommend running shoes. No, not the kind you'd buy at target, but real running shoes. The kind that the salesperson will ask "how many miles a week do you run" when he fits you.
Hiking boots really don't come anywhere close to running shoes in comfort and probably have lots of metal.
OK, I know this is something of a departure from everyone else's running/skate shoe answers, but buy a big heavy pair of Dr Martens 8-hole boots.
Amazingly comfortable, great support, and the air-filled soles make it feel like you're walking around on cushions all day.
I wear my boots to work, casually, I've even flown 20-hr flights in them. And when the soles wear out, but the leather is all softened and molded to your feet, you can send them back to the factory to get re-soled. Dr Martens, I never wear anything else.
My experience is that the best place to get comfortable walking shoes is a serious running-shoe store, such as Marathon Sports in the Boston area. Such places generally take a close look at your stride, your feet, and your previous shoes before making recommendations. Some allow you to test-walk the shoes outside, which tells you a lot more than a few paces in the shop. You'll pay somewhat more, but I find a well-fitted and properly-designed shoe makes a HUGE difference. As a side benefit, white running shoes seem to pass even the most strident TSA muster, and they're easy to take off if you get pulled for seconday screening.
One other thing: GOOD SOCKS! Something synthetic and designed for walking. I wear Thorlos and love 'em.
Maybe it's me, but in the thirty-some-odd international flights and untold-domestic flights I took last year, I never had my shoes set off the alarm. That would be because I took them off before going through the detector.
...or perhaps flip-flops for the airport -- there are a lot of brands built for comfort sans metal inserts.
... and dude, relax.
I don't like it - It's not right. But I do it because I have other battles to fight besides arguing about taking my damn shoes off.
Also, keep in mind that quite a few sneakers keep a metal bridge in the sole for comfort, so even if the metal is not obvious (like the steel toes in your boots?) it may still be there.
But if I had to make a suggestion -- how about looking at specialty sport shoes? e.g. car racing shoes?
good luck!
Stop whining like a little bastard and try to comprehend how lucky you are to even have the opportunity to go to big fun fancy tradeshows.. Heck, you should be lucky you have feet.
"Wah wha wha my wittle piggies huuurt"
Pansy...
I am a prosthetist/orthotist. (I'm now studying EE to get my Masters in Biomed, but thats beside the point)
:)
When I am looking for a good shoe there a few things to test.
I look for a reasonable sized toe box. This is the part where your toes are and is the front part of the shoe. This gives my toes plenty of space and does not constrict or deform the toes.
I also then check that the upper actually grips on to my foot when done up. A lot of problems can actually occur because this is not done up correctly and the foot slips forward to allow the toes to slam into the end of the shoe.
I then make sure that there is reasonable heel control in the heel cup. This will help the shoe grip around you foot and assist with stability.
And probably the other main checkpoint is that the toe break is in the right spot. This can be hard to pick if you don't have any training, but some sales assistant may be able to help you if they have been trained. Lucky I know how after spending time at uni
There are a few other things to look for when buying shoes, but these are the main ones that I tell patients.
Personally I also check the sole, and the heel composition to make sure that they will blend into my personal biomechanical requirements, but this is another thing that is hard to explain in a few short lines of text.
I also like to wear insoles that are adapted to my feet and help smooth out the foot/shoe interface. Though there is nothing wrong with my feet, a good insole is very very comfortable.
And to help you get the right assistance, see a prosthetist/orthotist for further information.
(There, I supplied a plug for my colleagues, yay!)
Dr Martens
But I wear jungle boots almost all the time. My bro gave me a pair the day he got out of bootcamp, and other than sneakers for when I'm wearing shorts (the looks I receieved when wearing jungle boots, shorts, a Bad Religion t-shirt and my shaved head were not pleasant:), I don't wear anything else.
I also have a tendency to wear BDUs everywhere that other people are not, but that's besides the point.
Now these are Vietnam Jungle Boots. Cost ya half as much, last you twice as long, and they're great for stomping queers! Of course, when you're done you've got to clean out the waffle with a stick, but what the hell, you can't have everything, right? Am I right or wrong? - Nick in Falling Down
"Why do you consent to live in ignorance and fear?" - Bad Religion
Try Conker Boots, or your nearest local equivalent.
:-)
http://www.conkershoes.com/
These feel like you're wearing only socks, and walking everywhere on a thick carpet.
My favourite are the Ankle Boots with crepe soles. The soles wear out after about a year. After that, you can get them resoled for less than the price of a new pair. There's no other way to make comfortable shoes except having a soft sole that therefore wears out.
Plus, they go through metal detectors with no problems.
Environmentalism is the new Victorianism. Everyone ties on a green corset and pretends we're virtuous.
I used to dress like a schlub all the time (shorts & t-shirts at work, etc.) I had to wear suits occasionally, though, and found that, if you have to wear a monkey suit all day, you might as well make it comfortable. When you see people in Brioni suits, there's a reason for it--they are comfortable. Rule of thumb for a good suit is that you should be able to wear it all day, and not feel confined.
The same goes for shoes--I can't recommend any particular brands, since every foot is different (ask Dr. Shoe! 555-SHOE) but spending some dough for a really high-end pair of suit shoes makes a world of difference. They're lighter than combat or hiking boots, they look good (even with jeans) and your feet won't smell nearly as much after 10-15 hours in them (because you'll also wear some light socks, and because your feet can breathe.)
Look around some high-end shoe stores. Remember, trying shoes on is free and will give you an idea what you're looking for. Also don't hesitate to look around some conservative mens' fashion rags (GQ, Esquire and the likes) to get ideas for what makes good shoes. They have most of their features archived on their websites, and were of unbelievable use to me when I was buying my first suits (knowing what to look for in materials and make, and what questions to ask the sales guys.)
Lastly and please please please trust me on this, a good pair of shoes makes a huge difference in the impression you make. If you're hanging out with the type of insecure idiot geek (a geek is someone who bites the heads off chickens at a carnival, I fail to understand how it's used in a positive sense here) who won't give you the time of day because you're wearing a tie (hence, salesman), you're probably not around someone whom you should consider good enough in his(technical) field to be really competent.
The really good people won't give a shit what you're wearing, but will listen to you instead--in fact, very few of the really awesome engineers, with some notable exceptions, have fit the steretype of unshaven, unwashed, t-shirt-clade slob--most look and dress like your average joe.
As for the other 99% of the population, a good suit/good shoes automagically puts them more at ease with you (not to mention speeding you through airport security.) Try it sometime, you'll understand immediately what I mean.
Looks may not matter, but like it or not, it does make a difference if you're dressed well. What precious few people in the technical community realize is that suits and business shoes can be more comfortable than a track suit and a pair of Nikes too.
Cole's Law: Thinly sliced cabbage
That nothing beats a nice pair of Dr. Martins!
The only problem is that the first pair may be a little painful to ware in however once you have done that they are all good, no probs with metal detectors.
Hope this helps, take care - RL
walk bear foot. (:
My sister is an archaeologist, and when performing feats of geophysics she uses machines far more sensitive to the presence of metallic objects than airport metal detectors. The kinds of places these feats take place require fairly rugged footwear, too. Saloman manufacture a range of hiking boots/cross shoes and a few of the styles have no metal in them whatsoever.
Games Workshop Petition
I just can't believe it.
The US goverment is forcing foreign-based fligths to be cancelled. In those flights I have seen people having to leave nail files or clippers behind.
In the mean time in the US you can take this kind of tools on the cabin.
Now, were not all the flights on 911 internal flights? The US goverment knows were the weak points are (or should know) but seems to be commiting the same basic mistakes while pretending to be though...
IANAL but write like a drunk one.
Try these guys - sex appeal included!
Unable to read configuration file '/bigassraid/htdig//conf/14229.conf'
Geocrawler error message.
I can understand where you are coming from. I work in a federal building and have had many shoes that set it off when I go through. I would suggest running shoes for the trade shoes. They are build well and good shock absorption, and shouldn't have any metal in them. If you are having problems with other types of shoes, but boots seem to fit well, the problem could be you have a wide foot. Go to a real running store and explain the problem with one of the associates and they should be able to help you. I personally wear a 10 1/2 DD shoe. If the shoe is not extra wide DD or wider I get blisters and corns.
I've got a GREAT idea, lets create an online training shoe store and then instead of targetting sporty people with our ads, use a bunch of nerds dressed up in trackies to advertise them. No-one will want to look like the guys in the ad so no-one will come to buy anything. But all the venture capital money will be in the bank and we can sell the idea before it goes down the pan! What? 2004 you say... I've been in a coma for how long?
btw - for comfy footwear I'd also recommend Birkenstock but only if you don't mind looking like a total and utter geekboy.
Black (Cowboy) Boots made of Ostrich Skin. The most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, from the minute I put them on. The ostrich skin is one of the strongest that boots can be made of (second only to elephant, and sharkskin, IIRC) and at the same time softest of all boot materials (envision the softness and flexibility that goes into a good pair of car-racing gloves) making an unbeatable combination for long term footwear. Black goes with just about anything, and they are fairly attractive. Well lets just say that they are at least as attractive as anything the average geek wears.
They all come with 1" to 1.5" heels, and everybody welcomes an extra inch to inch and a half.
Very very comfy, about like moccasins with more support and pretty much socially accepted everywhere off the reservation (unlike moccasins.) Hold up for years with little maintenance. Look fairly respectable - and the inch and a half height boost is nice.
Get a good pair (Dan Post or Lucchese) for between $250 and $500, will last you for years.
As for the airport, take em off, walk through, put em on - but in the airport and the entire flight they are going to be comfortable as you can possibly imagine. Given that most airports have people taking off sneakers, at least you don't have to jack with shoelaces to get them on and off.
Glonoinha the MebiByte Slayer
Excuse me, I ONLY wear hiking boots in the summer, and hunting boots in the winter. They are all of the things you mention, plus they are extremely comfortable. Comfort is extremely important when you are hiking for weeks in the wilderness with a 100lb backpack. Hiking boots are essentially ruggedized high-top sneakers, and hunting boots just a bit moreso.
-73, de n1ywb
www.n1ywb.com
Better known as SAS. Popular with medical personnel and other folks who stay on their feet for hours and hours. I've worn them for years.
A bit difficult to find, but worth it.
Generic advice: Regardless of brand, if your feet hurt you've got the wrong shoes. Don't buy cheaps shoes in a big-box store. Go to a real shoe store with staff that know how to fit shoes. Expect to pay two or three times what you'd pay at the cheap joint. If the shoes aren't comfortable in the shop, don't buy them thinking you can break them in.
-- Slashdot: When Public Access TV Says "No"
I think as the Slashdot editors get lives, it gets more difficult for them to talk about computers.
BTW, Ecco makes good shoes without much break-in. I wear sneakers or even thick socks and sandals on aircraft. I don't do 1-2 day trips, so I don't worry about wearing a suit on an aircraft.
Birkenstock make shoes, as well as sandals.
You'll probably think they can't possibly be comfortable when you first try them. I mean, where's the soft padding and the foam insole? But give it a try and you'll be converted.
GCHQ Quantum Insert installed. If only our tongues were made of glass, how much more careful we would be when we speak
Merrell makes the most comfortable shoe I have ever owned. They are designed for hiking, so they are extremely light weight. The Chameleon series is what I use, and there is no metal in them. I also travel a lot, so I make sure I'm wearing these when it is time for the airport metal detector. The rest of my collection I have to take off. They run about $100 - $150 but well worth the investment.
Most (but not all) "casual" Rockports lack any type of metal reinforcement in the sole, and use plastic for the lace holes. I wear those the most when I go on day-trips with no luggage.
... just ask those Okinawian farmers who turned common tools into what we consider traditional martial arts weapons after the Japanese occupied the island and took away their swords.
In three years of US & international travel, those shoes have never set off a metal detector (even the wand-type detector). My dress shoes have set off several detectors, since they have metal lace holes & a metal arch support built into the sole. I have had to run through Boston's Logan Airport in my socks, making the choice to put my shoes back on or miss the plane.
I have been tempted to go through security in my slippers (the ones with cigar-smoking bulldogs on the end), just to emphasize the absurdity of our "airline security" process. We'd all be better off if the TSA spent more time looking for terrorists instead of potential weapons. Being unarmed is a state of mind
any intelligent suggestions, at least at my level 4 filtering. So I might ask why that is:
1)Is it because slashdotters are more interested in being clever than helpful? Most probably.
2)No one goes to trade shows or they go barefoot?
3)It didn't offer the proper rant opportunity. Who can rant about shoes or a shoe monopoly or hopelessly misguided cobblers?
I vote for number 1. My immediate response to the question before reading any replies was: what an interesting question. This really is a way to get some real world suggestions. But as I said all I've seen was "clever/funny" responses. I know it's easy to poke fun at such mundane questions but I hope that as the day wears on someone will actually offer some "informative" suggestions.
All I all I wonder if this doesn't say more about slashdotters than it does about shoes?
I can't recommend Naots highly enough. The style I bought, a basic shoe dressy enough for biz but casual enough for everyday use, runs about $125-150. They have cork beds in them as insoles that, over time, mold to your feet. The beds can be replaced as needed and are supremely comfortable.
My legs are slightly different in length and it was causing back issues for me, so I got some prescription orthotic inserts. I simply took the cork beds out and replaced them with the inserts and the match is one made in heaven. I try to find clothes that work with the Naots so I can wear them as much as possible. I will be getting a brown pair as soon as possible. The pair I have is black and I bought them at The Walking Co, a store in a local mall.
So long, michael. Don't let the door hit you...
It takes a while to break them in but once you do you'll be shocked by how comfortable they are.
Tell me about it.
On the other hand, there's nothing quite like having a pair of steel-toed Doc Marten Oxford-style dress shoes. At work, there's a large machine shop, so CSA/ANSI-rated steel-toed shoes are essential for us office folk who venture out back to hang around with the guys and brake their lathes.
They're comfortable, they look great with anything from jeans to a tuxedo, they last forever AND they set off airport metal detectors. What more could you want?
Fire and Meat. Yummy.
Think about it - they are designed to be worn by people working in hard conditions, carrying heavy weights, for long periods of time. Once they're broken in they're incredibly comfortable.
Get yourself a pair of el-cheapo steelies from your friendly neighbourhood engineering supplies store now!
I find it a horrific chore to take off my shoes for 30secs while walking through an airport metal detector. Please solve this for me as I feel it is Somebody Else's Problem and not simply a matter of my ridiculous laziness.
With all that said some errata:
- Rockports used to have a metal shim embedded in them to control their mechanical qualities and yes, this set off metal detectors. However soon after 9-11 and resultant increased security measures that piece of metal was replaced with a hard plastic component for the same purpose. I assume by now anything you buy in the channel will be TSA-friendly, my new ones for the past year or so have been.
- Rockports aren't cheap. They're not terribly expensive but if you're coming from the world of $25 shoes these run $50 and up. But as I said they're good quality. FWIW my foot doctors approve of 'em (I've fallen arches, deformed legs putting on foot stress, now diabetes) and shoe quality is vital to me. The way I look at it I've only got one pair of feet, use 'em a lot, plan to keep on doing so, treating 'em right is well worth the shoe investment.
- Rockports go on sale about twice a year. Check their corporate website for sale coupons you can print out for some real savings. Also they do have their own Reebok/Rockport stores and a few (former factory) outlets where prices are good with discounted prices and a running 3-for-2 deal (comes out quite well!) The one I'm familiar is in Marlborough Mass. and worth the trip from within state.
- As I said, Rockports are attractive enough. They're not very trendy, aren't gonna get commented on, in the words of a Queer-Eye-for-the-Queer-Guy (a buddy to me): "Your shoes are always kinda... plain." Works for me.
Me? I've got an array of Rockport wingtips for dress-up, "ProWalkers" for the rest of the time, and a pair of surprisingly good Rockport sandals (I can light-hike in 'em!) Oh, and I bought a coupla packs of socks on closeout last time I was there that are now easily my favorites; black athletic socks with what appears to be a white Nat'l Semiconductor logo on 'em (this is News for Nerds).I don't read ACs: If a post isn't worth so much as a nom de plume to its author then I wont bother either.
Cole Haan.
Those in the know, know.
---anactofgod---
---anactofgod---
"Equal opportunity swindling - *that* is the true test of a sustainable democracy."
I have freakishly wide feet, so finding comfortable shoes is pretty difficult for me. I have found that New Balance consistently makes most of their models up to 4E wide. Most have little if any metal in them and I am on my feet all day most days and never suffer from foot-ache. They certainly aren't very "professional" looking, but if you are using hiking boots as your benchmark, these will fit the bill nicely and be metal free, lighter, and worlds more comfortable
Different types of running shoes will treat you very differently...
There are three main categories:
Cushioning
Stability
Motion Control
I am 205 lbs and about ready to do my 3rd marathon, I use the motion control shoes, they are the most durable and most supportive (very important for most big people). I use brand new running shoes exclusively for running until they have about 500 miles on them, then I wear them for every day use, and have little difficulty standing for hour at a time.
If you are going to be on your feet for hours at a time, I would stay away from the cushioning shoes unless you are a bean pole, the foam gives up all of it's cushion quickly by comparison to heavier stability and motion control shoes, and the support goes to hell.
The stability shoes are very, middle of the road...
My personal needs dictate that I wear Mizunos and Nikes (the Wave Renegade and Air Durham respectively), because I have narrow heals and a more normal width over the rest of the foot. But for people with different shapes, New Balance, Soucany, Reebok, and many others make good running shoes.
Most importantly try on the shoes, and walk around in them, any running store worth buying from will let you take the shoes around the block before you buy them. And remember, soft is not what is going to keep you comfortable for hours, you are looking for support.
"I'll have a Guinness, no wait, make that a Coors Light" -Grad student I work with, who shall remain anonymous...
I am on my feet all day long as a desktop tech, and i wear Rockports. i even wear them on the weekends
No, really - Dansko clogs. Chefs wear 'em, so do nurses. They're the most comfortable shoes I have. And if you do wind up having to take them off at the airport, they're easy-off, easy-on.
I just wish I could wear them to the office.
You should perhaps try an expensive pair of sneakers or try to loose a little weight. Chances are you are a bit pudgy if you enjoy walking around trade shows that long.
Lest you forget, the human foot worked fine for millenia without shoes.
If you start anywhere other than there when proposing a solution, I'd suspect strongly you have a motive to sell something.
What you need are a good pair of walking shoes. I've had good luck with any standard Rockport or even Nike shoes. I walk for 8+ hours a day at work with these.
Dr Scholls shoes are comfortable too and can be had for cheap at wal mart. The insides will start to rip apart in a a few months though.
Don't get running shoes.. Even if you are walking fast around airport or trade show floors. There is a big difference in point of impact between walking fast and running.
Good Suggestion!
Foot pain is a sign of Diabetes.
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They Are Vermin Feeding On Each Other's Feces.
I Hate \.
You have got to check out John Fluevog!
http://www.fluevog.com
Similar (not doing justice) to Doc Martins, but far superior construction and comfort - not to mention vastly more stylish. Definately check out the "Angels" or "Angel Soles" models. Solid natural rubber (thick), takes 1 day to get used to, but super comfortable. No metal shank (i.e. airport safe). I wear the Derby Swirl boot on an almost daily basis, has kept my feet alive through many a 12-16 hour day. Worn them through seruious traveling, as well as all day/night city explorations. I also wear the wingtip model for when I have to wear a tie and look professional. Can't say enough about 'em. Another bonus is that you can order replacement soles (~$15) and take them to a cobbler - can't do that with Doc's.
One last thing - check out the "Open Source Footwear" section. Submit designs, have them built, copyright/patent free!
These shoes are expensive and TSA friendly. They have really thin soles which contain no metal and since the soles are so thin there is no place to hide stuff which makes the TSA people happy. They are very comfortable and since they are designed for sailing if they get wet it's no big deal. These are my airport shoes and since they are designed for use while wet slipping and falling on spilled liquids is not a problem.
They also have the preppy chic look and look really good with khakis and an oxford shirt (cotton of course) so when not travelling in a suit you can still dress up!.
Thorlo socks are among the best, but Smartwool *are* the best. They don't itch, and they keep your feet dry better than any sock I've tried. They are most known for hiking-style socks, but they have a dress sock (called "casual") that you might have to look around for. And they feel good.
At the 96 Olympics in Atlanta, I had a pair of Teva sandals set off a metal detector. They have absolutely no metal in them. I think the carbon in some grades of black rubber is conductive enough to disrupt the field of the metal detector (or something). I wonder if "non-marking" soles don't and "marking" soles do?
I have been the MC for numerous trade-shows and I can tell you that I know what you are asking about.
The answer is surprisingly simple. Wear two pairs of socks. I generally go for a thin sock with a thicker one over the top. What it does is cushions your feet and allows you to enjoy the show...
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No way am I letting anyone wearing cowboy boots, string ties, a "got root?" t-shirt, a floppy-brimmed hat or a big black duster coat anywhere *near* my boxes...