Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

slartibartf4st t1_iuydd5b wrote

Try the “Pro” model vans from a skateboard shop if that’s not what you’re already getting.

43

butteredfields t1_iv13quz wrote

Agreed. The pro models are built for actual skateboarding and are built with durability in mind, especially around the toe.

14

bad-monkey t1_ivkrwq4 wrote

the pro models are excellent.

i've got a pair of almost daily worn custom pro slipons and they're still going strong after 3 years. in fact, if you are looking for extra longevity, the perforated leather lasts a long time with proper care. Longer than the canvas, IMO.

4

Melouski t1_iuyg4nv wrote

Adidas sambas

15

Muncie4 t1_iuypzvk wrote

These are kinda BIFL naturally methinks. Just naturally damn hardy.

6

Sterling-Marksman t1_iuzvu9j wrote

Adidas Buzenitz have lasted me 3 years everyday wear with longboarding as part of the commute in warm months.

4

Cold-Ad432 t1_iuywkeb wrote

Or gazelles, as long as you aren’t too hard on the soles.

2

Fruitndveg t1_iuyspa0 wrote

On the subject of Adidas, if you can find a pair of Franz Beckenbauer trainers. I highly recommend. They’re not cheap but the build quality is amazing and they’re surprisingly rugged.

1

bdrwr t1_iuy9eao wrote

I feel this so hard. I got myself a pair of vans a few months ago, thinking I was treating myself (I'm usually a cheapskate who buys shoes at Walmart or Payless). Literally less than a month I was already starting to see cracks and splits in the rubber. I was so disappointed and mad. I've had $20 Walmart shoes more durable than that.

12

TheGrogsMachine t1_ive0b3m wrote

After three months my vans had a massive tear right across the top where the shoe flexes from walking. Ultrarange too which ive seen recommended on here.

1

Houseplantkiller123 t1_iuylv0r wrote

I quite like my Ecco shoes.

9

SweetMeOnIce t1_iuzvwg6 wrote

I’ve had multiple pairs of shoes from Ecco in different styles. Every single pair so far has only lasted only one or two seasons. They get holes or the seam rips.

3

sbash1 t1_iuytayf wrote

the white sole edges of the Eccos cannot be cleaned back to white.

1

ActualCartoonist3 t1_iv0he4k wrote

Yeah why is that? I've got some very comfortable Eccos but I just realized that no amount of cleaning the soles is helping!

1

QMDi t1_iw285ua wrote

Does a Magic Eraser work on it? Those spongy eraser things sometimes can clean better than soaps.

1

governorslice t1_iuzjkv1 wrote

A friend said their Ecco shoes were not BIFL. A few years back though

1

sambrotherofnephi t1_iv07dri wrote

I have a pair going on 5+ years with plenty of wear left and another at a year and a half that still looks almost new.

I like them, but as another said the white doesn't stay white and is difficult to keep clean.

1

jinxintheworld t1_iuytiir wrote

my boyfriend has large feet, and his Vans and Adias were dying in six months. He got some redwings (the shoes) and he likes them so far. If you have a wide foot they might be a good way to go, as (I think) offer different widths in their shoes, unlike most brands these days.

9

PlushKaram t1_iuyxidk wrote

Converse one star skate pro's. Full suede, they'll only die when you wear through the sole. They don't separate where your toes bend like most cons.

5

NoImprovement3231 t1_iuydg5z wrote

Depends on what you want them for. I did some skating and wore nearly every major skate brand and I have some disappointing news. Big brands do it better.

If you still can, buy yourself a pair of Janoskis ans you'll be fine. If Janoskis are not possible, their direct successor is Nike SB Shane (O'Neill).

New Balance numeric are decent too, Jamie Foy's model that is, at least for wearing.

I'm surprised that Vans are this bad but maybe you're buying canvas non-skate sneakers and not skate ones. I used to wear a ton of TNTs and they were solid. Gilbert Crockett too.

After that, it's all the same to me. Any DC Shoe utilizing their 'super suede' tech would interest me too but I don't like their design.

4

cheeseroller45 t1_iuz2nv9 wrote

Try the Norris sneaker from 5.11. Same general look but much more durable

3

seshaway t1_iuzcdnl wrote

I've beat my common projects up for 7 years now, they hold together amazing and super easy to clean. Pricy, but quality is super worth it (even buying used.) Concerts, Festivals, Gym, bmx, Work etc. Great simple everyday shoes.

3

AllThankful t1_iuzmjcc wrote

This is 100% not the shoe that OP is looking for BUT… before I start raving I need to state that every pair I ever owned was purchased at a major discount because I worked at a place that sold them. However, Mr. Porter does have HUGE season-end sales, and you can often get these NEW for 40% off. One of my favorite pairs (blue suede w/white sole) was from one of these sales.

Anyway, I hate to second a $400 sneaker, but I’ve had a pair of Common Projects for almost 10 years that legitimately only keep getting more comfortable. They genuinely break in like a high-end pair of handmade oxfords. Almost every time I wear them, someone asks what they are, or where they can get a pair. Their signature model is the “Achilles”. I ended up getting three more pairs over the years (in other colors) simply because of how comfortable, durable, and versatile they are.

You will see them worn in product photos by everyone from Dior to Old Navy (yes, I’ve seen them worn in both Old Navy and Gap ads because of their inconspicuous look… neither mentioned the $400 price tag, but the fast-fashion industry has been doing that since always).

Only issue (other than the insane price) is that they don’t use the same type of leather for all colors (because not all colors can be vegetable tanned into leather).

The versions that have the color painted on will start to peel over time (I have a pair of “nude” colored ones that this happened to, but I’ve actually started to love the look). The darker colors don’t usually have this eventual problem, which is funny because the ones that get hyped-up the most are typically white. They DO also make them in suede depending on the season, and those are AMAZING (my blue suedes are second only to my 10-year oxblood pair.)

There are people who will criticize them for one thing or another, but typically they haven’t actually worn them for years. Unusually a YouTuber posting something because they need content every other day. From my personal experience, they’re a truly special sneaker quality wise. They can be worn causally or even with a suit. If I’m traveling (and know that I won’t be running a 5k or hiking the Grand Canyon) a pair of Common Projects can nail almost any wardrobe pairing.

They’re absolutely out of most people’s realistic price-range (mine included without a BIG discount), but so are a lot of other things on this sub. Just sharing my experience.

4

gunmetal5 t1_ivpfu8k wrote

I appreciate your detailed response. I’ve been looking at Common project shows for a while, but cannot get past the price. Can you share when does Mr Porter have their year end sale?

1

AllThankful t1_ivq705r wrote

Not sure. I think they do it twice a year. Best way is to signup for emails if you don’t mind deleting them. Typically they do sell out quickly (as soon as the sale starts, 1-2 days) so getting in on it as soon as you can is highly recommended.

1

Zebbusan t1_iuy8py6 wrote

My Paladium is a survivor.

2

charwhee t1_iuyhioh wrote

Try some Greats Royale leather. They're expensive but they will last. I cannot get these things to die and they still look damn good. Ooo, looks like they're on sale now too!

2

Muncie4 t1_iuypus5 wrote

Go to what's known as the interwebs. Type the following in the googles: Margom tennis shoes

These are the biggies in the world of recraftable tennis shoes. Most cobblers can resole these like fine goodyear welt dress shoes. Is there a canvas version, version you like or version you can afford? Hell if I know. Play with the keywords and visit some website and see what trips your trigger.

2

sleddingfarmer t1_iv0m3qg wrote

Check out Thursday boots.... Not their boots, but they make a genuine leather 'sneaker' shoe. Since it is genuine leather upper, you can clean it with something like saddle soap, and use some leather conditioner, possibly even some wax product to help with waterproofing. The sky is the limit.

I do not own a pair but found them while looking at their boots. I'll eventually buy a pair though. I like that I can clean and condition them like boots. Theoretically they should last a very very long time.

2

mets2016 t1_iv76mfk wrote

Beckett Simonon is similar, but you unfortunately have to wait for a few months

1

F4Tpie t1_iv0ngiw wrote

My girlfriend bought me some Adidas Stan Smith Skateboarding (suede with rubber toe cap).

After 6.5 years of LOTS of use they’ve finally started to break. The sole is separating from the shoe.

I can’t speak for the normal or recycled Stan smiths but the Skateboarding ones have been brilliant! They also came with the best insoles that I’ve regularly swapped into other shoes when wearing smarter or less comfortable shoes for longer periods (though those insoles are a bit sticky and take some getting used to).

2

minchells t1_iv1o1n2 wrote

Check out SOM Footwear. Hamdmade in USA and fantastic build quality

2

cryptohick t1_iuyx6oc wrote

Uggs makes some awesome mens Vans-style shoes that are super, super comfy and have lasted me three years so far

1

areaegg t1_iuz3acj wrote

Are you skating in them or using them as normal shoes?

1

art_fanatic t1_iv0714c wrote

I like leather Nike Stefan Janoski

1

gunmetal5 t1_ivpfnlv wrote

I like the look but feel like the sole is pretty thin and unsupportive. What has been your experience with these?

1

art_fanatic t1_ivqd4xh wrote

It has an air max module in the heel so it is more comfortable than vans. However, it’s more like vans with low ankle support and flat sole. I sometimes wear insoles in mine if I will be wearing them for a long time.

1

mazda_motherfucker t1_iv7yfl0 wrote

I like anything suede, you can re dye it surprisingly easy

1

ibarmy t1_iuylita wrote

Keds? Converse? Adidas has a sale going on ? New balance has nifty offerings under lifestyle

0

[deleted] t1_iuzl1vv wrote

Skip the skate shoes and get you a nice pair of cowboy boots. BIFL and the most comfortable footwear you’ll ever own if you buy the right ones

−2

ClarkAlmighty OP t1_iuzu5sn wrote

I think the types of people who wear skate shoes are very different from the types of people who wear cowboy boots

16

[deleted] t1_iv0i4cx wrote

🤷‍♂️ be a little more open minded. I grew up skating and bmx’ing, still have skate shoes (I like my waterproof vessi’s but they’re not BIFL), but my cowboy boots are easily the best footwear I own. The part that makes them look like a cowboy boot (the part that goes up to your shin) is always tucked under the pants anyways so nobody sees that part. They look like work boots/normal shoes almost when wearing pants over them. But they’re comfy af & super practical and durable

−4

livinlikeadog t1_iuzugxw wrote

I have heard this many times. I’ve owned and worn many different high end brands. Ariat’s are the only boots that are “all day, all week” comfortable, and they are not as comfortable as quality sneakers (just my experience). I’ve had Lama, Nocona, Lucheese, frye, Chippewa… got any recs? What am I missing?

1

[deleted] t1_iv0i7y9 wrote

Try tecova and make sure you try on tons of pairs, get help getting properly fitted too

1