Hi OzBargainer's,
I am in need of a new pair of shoes (preferably black) for work. There are no specific OHSW requirements. I would like them to last longer than 12 months, so they need to be fairly well constructed, reasonably priced, comfortable and possibly have steel caps. I know Dr. Marten's shoes wear well, but these are not really appropriate (particularly the boots) for work. Any advice you are able to give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
There are no specific OHSW requirements. I would like them to last longer than 12 months, so they need to be fairly well constructed, reasonably priced, comfortable
how much are you willing to spend? i had a pair of cat that cost me a fortune and lasted 9 hard years. they were replaced when the sole turned into powder. a cheap pair from a friend lasted 2.5 years until the sole also turned into powder. just got new pair last weeks. same cheap one.
possibly have steel caps.
do you need this?
the cheap ones cost about 5 times the cat.
I'd be willing to spend upto $100, but I'd want them to last at least 2 years. I have had a look at KMart, Target, Big W, Spend-Less-Shoes and I know that you can get pairs of shoes for around $40, but they look really poorly made and I doubt that they would last any more than 3 months. Steel caps are only required if people try to tread on my toes :-P
I'd be willing to spend upto $100, but I'd want them to last at least 2 years.
I know that you can get pairs of shoes for around $40, but they look really poorly made and I doubt that they would last any more than 3 months.
a $40 pair will be good for more than two years.
Not if you wear them 5 days a week. A couple of years back I bought a pair of Betts AirFlex. After exchanging them after 2 months for a new pair, found the same thing happened 2 months later, I ended up getting my money back. They just did not last.
you must then be walking a lot more than me. i only do >15k steps a day or >85k steps per week.
@savemore:
Same, I do less than 10k steps a day in work shoes 5 days a week. The target / kmart shoes around that $20-40 price last between 3 to 6 months. I went more expensive once and they didn't last. Worked out cheaper to just buy new shoes every few months.
They all seem to have the same problem, between the heel and toes the sole / rubber splits and opens up. Usually not a problem until it starts raining and you end up with water seeping in.
Steel Blue might be worth a look at
Target.
Not even joking.
Have a look at sketchers. They are quite known for comfort. The $83 and $85 pairs look pretty good! Depending on how formal, perhaps a semi-casual one like this $55 pair looks really comfortable. I don't have experience with these in particular, but own sketchers, and love them. I also cannot comment on how long they will last - perhaps read the reviews attached to the shoes.
Edit: Apologies, I have linked to the US site with US prices. Not sure about delivery costs. They have stores in Aus. Can't find these on sketchers.com.au, but still worth a check at the local sketchers store.
Can vouch for skechers - I've had a pair very similar to this but a slightly cheaper version that doesn't have memory foam/removable insoles. I've been wearing them almost everyday since January, and my work involves standing all day, and can definitely say that they are super comfy and no real signs of wear yet. Definitely check it out in a skechers store if you can. Their sizes are a bit different to normal though, I'm usually a size 5 but these shoes I ended up in a 6.5!
I understand how hard it is to find good work shoes. Being female doesnt help
I have worn Rockport, Planet shoes, Merrell, Skechers, various European makes (Gino Ventori, etc.).
Now, I have a pair of black lace-up KUMFS. Orthopedic sole. My favourite pair ever.
florsheim
+1 on Florsheim. They often have half price sales. The comforttech range are da bomb http://www.florsheim.com.au/shop/styles/shoeMens/mensComfort…
hush puppies
Depending on price range my experience is as follows,
50-100 pair lasts 6-12 month of hard use IF LOOKED after.
100-200 leather boots 1-2 years
300 up you can find nice leather ones designed to be repaired instead of replaced, these seem to last alot longer Nd repair is cheaper than replace.
That said I had a pair Oliver at boots that cost 150 Nd lasted 6-7 year, when I went to replace was told "they dont make em like that anymore expect 12 months" rofl.
Like anything experience will vary. Im currently looking to find a os shoe maker that will custom make some shoes for my size 14 4e feet lol.
totally agree with the sentiment
consider how many hours you actually get out of the shoes(ie how many hours a day)
- then divide cost by said hours, to get a real value/hr
ie one off dress hoes 6hr 400 dollars
or daily beater 10hrx300 for 500 dollars
might like to try on some suede slip-ons with steel cap. Had a pair from Olivers for 6yrs.
Still as comfy as, though wearing a bit. Bit costly tho at $180 plus.
And they look good
Sketchers, don't think they do steel capped though
Rockport world touring shoes (look for specials). I get 5+ years. Have had one pair resoled. They are stiff when brand new, but mold to your feet after a little bit.
When you consider how important the health of your feet are, I would definitely recommend spending a bit extra and getting a quality recommended brand.
I was in Harris Scarf 2 weekends ago and all of their mens shoes were 50% off the marked price. Picked up 2 pairs of Julius Marlow boots for around $80. Not sure how long they will last but for about $80 total for 2 sets that I was able to try on first (ie not internet), I'll be keeping an eye out for their next sale as well.
I have a pair of Blundstone 780's and love them - think it has been about 6months now and all good.
Bit pricey by Steel Toed
http://www.totallyworkwear.com.au/brands/blundstone/blundsto…
Sure you could shop around and find them cheaper.
cheers
Rockport when on sale. $99
Super comfy.