Submitted by CanadianAviator94 t3_zuij46 in BuyItForLife

Hey everyone! I'm looking for a pair of dress shoes that are super durable, I wear them for work every day I need them to be comfortable and durable. So far I've had no luck finding anything that will last.

Update: Thank you everyone for your replies! I'll head to the shoe store to check out the brands you guys suggested, cheers!

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Comments

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Junior_B t1_j1jgkm2 wrote

It’s better to rotate dress shoes (don’t wear them two days in a row). What’s your job like (desk, stand, etc.) and what’s your budget?

I love my Allen Edmonds Park Avenues.

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Then-Adeptness7873 t1_j1jsyqm wrote

If flats or low heels are your thing, French Soles hold up well. But they are expensive unless you can find them on sale.

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Scary-Ad5147 t1_j1jzhsk wrote

don’t wear any leather dress shoe every day. the leather needs time to shrink back. it leads to stretched shoes that are uncomfortable and fall apart. if you get 3 pair of the same quality shoes and rotate every 3 days they’ll last far longer than 3 pairs back to back.

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K0elkast t1_j1k1wtb wrote

Try r/goodyearwelt. They'll echo what others have said about cycling, so expect to buy at least two pairs if the intention is daily use

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Junior_Ad2955 t1_j1k6jaz wrote

Oak Street Bootmakers have been awesome. They too quite a bit to break them in because they are true leather shoes but I love them and I have 2 pairs now and they’re the only brand I buy. I will be buying a pair each year

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mts2snd t1_j1k6kz4 wrote

I have a pair of ecco that are great. Another plus is no steel shank, but composite, so I can clear the mags at work wo removing my shoes.

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BZLA t1_j1ksv1v wrote

I’ve had great luck with Trickers from the UK and Paraboot from France for a casual dress/formal daily wear.

Both are resoleable.

FWIW I’m 240lbs and walk a lot so I’m hard on my shoes

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thecaitlynaffair t1_j1l8c07 wrote

Expensive, but I have had a pair of Gucci Jordaan loafers for 5 years and they still look new. I’ve pounded the pavement with them. For a couple of years they were my daily workhorse.

No need to break in, fit and comfort was perfect right away. Gucci has a repair service and they’ll send and assess for free. They also have a bespoke service if you really want to splurge and get something custom to you. Don’t see myself needing another loafer for at least the next 10 years but I suspect a lifetime.

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coveredinbreakfast t1_j1la5b2 wrote

I've had my Doc Marten 1461 shoes for 25 years. They require a good polish every now and then but are otherwise dependable.

When I bought them, I worked a 40hr/wk office job, was attending Uni, and worked a 20hr/week retail job. They are still the most comfortable shoes ever.

They're also great all weather shoes.

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hagcel t1_j1lenfd wrote

I asked in /r/mensfashion and got turned into Allen Edmonds. My oldest pair is going on 11 years with two resoles and still look great. They are spendy, but compared to going through dress shoes every six months, I've probably saved a grand or more by now.

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coveredinbreakfast t1_j1m3h03 wrote

On the all weather front, when o bought mine, I did some type of scotchguard treatment on them but never have since so you might ask about that.

I have friends that have had their Docs so long they had the soles redone but the upper is still good to go. One guy is on the spectrum and bounds when he walks so had uneven wear.

There are very few things I consider BIFL and Docs are #1 or #2 on that list. The other contender is the 1970s Tupperware colander my mother had that I still use regularly.

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mts2snd t1_j1m4vlb wrote

They are comfortable, but also a removable insole, so I use Sole brand inserts bc I have 1 collapsed arch. The trick I found to ensure there is no metal in the shoe is to bring a decent magnet with you shoe shopping. If you have any old speakers layering around, just dismantle one and salvage the magnet.

Good luck, and Happy Holidays.

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ukengram t1_j1mve9a wrote

Try Allbirds shoes. They are made of wool and sustainable materials in the sole and insert. You can get a variety of colors and they are really comfortable. You would think the wool would not be durable enough, but I've had one pair I've worn almost every day for months now, and no holes yet. Wool is sustainable and doesn't require killing a bunch of animals to make leather.

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jimmyinwisconsin t1_j1n8mkj wrote

Allen Edmonds, made right here in wisconsin. Buy a couple of pairs to rotate, use the trees religiously. I have been resolving a pair for about 20 years of use.

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youjoe t1_j1na40t wrote

Cole Haan shoes are comfortable and last years

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jubanj t1_j1tkrz1 wrote

Give Alden a look.. the are made in the US

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