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James Baker SD
08-12-2012, 11:13 PM
Just wondering what people think are the best shoes for long periods of standing on a concrete floor in your shop? I have pretty narrow feet which limits my choices quite a bit. By the end of a long Saturday or Sunday out in the garage/shop (or in the garden if the same pair of shoes are appropriate) my feet are beyond tired, the bottom of the arches are downright sore and my legs up to the knee are pretty achy as well. Monday through Friday I sit at a desk :-( and the feet don't take much abuse.

James

David Weaver
08-12-2012, 11:18 PM
running shoes for me.

John Coloccia
08-12-2012, 11:35 PM
You need mats, James. Concrete floors are incredibly hard on your body, from your feet up to your back, and I've not found a shoe yet that gives proper support AND can properly cushion from the hard floor. The two requirements are almost at odds with each other. You need a good stiff shoe with proper support, and then you need something to remove the edge from the concrete. A shoe built like that wouldn't last 5 minutes in the real world, and I don't know of anything but custom orthotics that will give you what you want for a strictly footwear solution

Erik Loza
08-12-2012, 11:39 PM
I find it is not so much the shoe that matters as much as the insole. Both my wife and I have high arches and we swear by SOLE insoles...

http://www.yoursole.com/us

I have various models of theirs in my casual shoes, my running shoes, and also my cycling shoes. Also, they make an exellent flip-flop that we pretty much live in during the summer months.

Maybe this will help,

Erik Loza
Minimax USA

Rich Engelhardt
08-13-2012, 6:24 AM
Boots..
Nice heavy boots w/nice thick soles.
& socks - don't forget the socks.

I'm guilty as sin in that respect. Since I retired last August, I can count on one hand the number of times I've worn socks.....it's the old "hippie" in me..

This topic comes up so often it almost needs it's own forum,BTW.

James Baker SD
08-13-2012, 1:26 PM
Boots..
Nice heavy boots w/nice thick soles.
& socks - don't forget the socks.

I'm guilty as sin in that respect. Since I retired last August, I can count on one hand the number of times I've worn socks.....it's the old "hippie" in me..

This topic comes up so often it almost needs it's own forum,BTW.

Rich, you're right. I hadn't even noticed the current thread under workshops when I posted this last night.

James

Larry Whitlow
08-13-2012, 9:12 PM
Check out Red Wings if you have one nearby. They have a large selection of sizes and styles. They also can do the custom fit insoles. If I wear sneakers, I end the day with a sore back. My Red Wings took care of that.

Barry Richardson
08-14-2012, 12:56 AM
I work in a shop with a concrete floor all day everyday. Ive tried everything, including custom orthodics. I was at the point that I thought I was going to have to quit. I found that the shoes with the rocker bottom, like Skecher Shapeups work best for me. They take the pressure off the balls of my feet, which pain me the most, and are easier on my back. I get a new pair about every 6 months cause they eventually loose their cusion All I can say is they work for me. You can get them for around 70 bucks on Amazon..

Joe Angrisani
08-14-2012, 8:45 AM
I worked 20 years on concrete floors as a mechanic. I don't think I could have done it without top-quality boots and top-quality wool socks.

For shoes, I say "Doc Martins". Every pair I've owned felt broken-in right out of the box. Great support. Heavenly insoles.

Mac McQuinn
08-14-2012, 9:43 AM
After 34 years on concrete, I've come to love the Rockport World Tour Classic. Very light which I feel is a huge bonus when walking for 8 hours a day although very supportive. That's the ticket for me with an old ankle injury and a bum knee. Have (3) pairs in rotation, one old pair for working in the yard, one for general everyday use and one nice pair for dinner with the wife, events, etc. Buy one pair a year. Don't skimp on socks, amazing how good your feet will feel with good supportive ones.
Mac

John Lohmann
08-14-2012, 9:46 AM
Steel shanks work for me

Jerome Stanek
08-14-2012, 10:28 AM
I like Red wings steel toed as I do a lot of lifting heavy stuff. I get my Red wings from a dealer in Amish country they are a lot cheaper than the Red Wing store I pay about $120 for the same boot as the store sells for $185

Luke Pighetti
08-14-2012, 10:57 AM
This may seem like a cop out answer, but anything that you have broken in for a long time, and that you find comfortable!

I have a pair of Nike SB Dunk hightops. Yes, they were purchased for fashion, and are by no means a work shoe, but they keep my feet extremely happy after a day of working on concrete, that by the end of the day I forget to even take them off.

I also have a pair of fairly rugged LL Bean hiking shoes that do quite well.

Would be nice to have mats, though!

Sam Murdoch
08-15-2012, 12:06 AM
I have been wearing Keen shoes for the past 4 years - now into my second pair. They are sneaker type shoes that are too stiff for basketball or running but provide great comfort, support and stability for standing on my feet all day. I used to wear Merrells which are my favorite woods and/or hiking shoes but pretty inadequate in the shop. The Keens are great. I'm pretty sure they are this model though the description does not suggest that they would be good for standing they are better for standing than for hiking http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/product/fw12/shoes/men/trailhead/alamosa%20wp/dark%20shadow!picante

Larry Edgerton
08-15-2012, 7:32 AM
I used Red Wing Irish Setters, the American version for about 30 years until they reached $240 a pair. I tried a bunch and found one that is better than Wings. Belleville boot company makes boots for the army, and the hot weather desert boot is awesome. I use gell insoles and thin nylon/spandex support socks and my feet feel great. They have great ankle support, something I need. $115 a pair and the last as long as anything lasts for me.

Larry

Peter Elliott
08-15-2012, 9:33 AM
I wear crocs with good socks. It's like a slice of heaven.

Croc has a model (http://www.crocs.com/crocs-specialist/10073,default,pd.html?cid=001&cgid=work-men)that doesn't have holes on the top or sides. (even on sale)

I know plenty other woodworkers who use the same.

I like to use a good sport sock that has cushion but also wicks away moisture.

I will add that last month I "forgot" to change up my shoes while working in my shop for 10hrs. I was wearing a good pair of hiking shoe, good cushion, support, etc. mid cut type. The next day, my feet felt like they were going to crumble and my back, legs, etc. were hurting. Yesterday was 12hrs in the shop, not a problem with the crocs!

I would say the only drawback to the crocs is if you were in a professional setting, they might not go over well. They are also not steel toe but that is another good debate that I will stay out of.

Some say the looks are ugly or whatever. Id say, no different than seeing a man wear leather slippers around. Fact, I like the this model.

Oh, great fishing shoes too! when I am at my bass tourneys, I wear these too. 8hrs of standing on a plywood or metal deck with thin carpet is about the same torture as concrete.

Jim Matthews
08-15-2012, 10:20 AM
I bought some heavy rubber floor sheets from an Ice rink that was remodeling. I wear Crocs (http://www.shoes.com/en-US/Product/25177-5188233/Crocs/Ocean_Navy/Men%27s+Duet+Core+Plus+Clog.aspx) in the basement shop - they wait at the bottom of the stairs.
That also helps reduce tracked sawdust into the house proper. Crocs may not be appropriate formal wear, but they lengthen my workshop time considerably.

For me it's not my feet that wear out, it's what remains of my knee.

glenn bradley
08-15-2012, 4:00 PM
I wear whatever I am comfortable in. I have the interlocking 1/2" thick foam squares that Sam's Club often sells at the bench, tablesaw, bandsaw, etc. Treat the floor and your footwear options increase. Movable pads don't work for everyone. If shoes are the answer, each of us will have different answers based on their feet and experience. I like low-top work boots when I want that sort of foot protection.

Harry Hagan
08-16-2012, 2:11 PM
http://www.newbalance.com/New-Balance-706/885667248695,default,pd.html

I settled on this shoe after visiting my local Red Wing store and realized the salesman I’d dealt with over the years had been replaced by a total moron who had no clue about selling/fitting shoes or dealing with the public.

I have a foot injury that requires a comfortable shoe with good support and paid $80 for these at a local sporting shoe store. They were worth every penny—especially after pricing Red Wings.

They’re approved for postal workers. I’m assuming postal workers spend a lot of time on their feet.

Darcy Forman
08-16-2012, 11:57 PM
I have found there is nothing better than a pair of Corcs. The the ugliest things on the planet, but man are they nice on the concrete. I used to feel it in may back after a few hours on the hard floor. One problem is they are not steel toe, so if you drop a sharp chisel you better be prepaired to dance like someone is trying to shoot your feet off. I also think they would make awsome birth control devices!

James Baker SD
08-17-2012, 1:58 PM
http://www.newbalance.com/New-Balance-706/885667248695,default,pd.html

I settled on this shoe after visiting my local Red Wing store and realized the salesman I’d dealt with over the years had been replaced by a total moron who had no clue about selling/fitting shoes or dealing with the public.

I have a foot injury that requires a comfortable shoe with good support and paid $80 for these at a local sporting shoe store. They were worth every penny—especially after pricing Red Wings.

They’re approved for postal workers. I’m assuming postal workers spend a lot of time on their feet.

I bought a pair of those NB a few years ago (3, maybe 4) and for some reason never wore them (only one was even laced up). I decided it was a couple of weeks ago to give them a try after a day of standing on concrete. The soles had completely disintegrated just sitting in my closet. Left ugly black marks all over our carpet (still haven't gotten them all cleaned). Big chunks of the sole literally fell out and the remainder became so sticky I probably could have walked up the side of a wall. Debating now whether to toss the shoes or have the soles replaced at a shoe repair store. Never saw anything like that before.

James Baker SD
08-17-2012, 2:15 PM
I just looked at Crocs on an online shoe store. Many,many styles. Those of you who recommend the Crocs, which model do you wear? Thanks.

James

Bruce Volden
08-18-2012, 4:59 PM
I'm all about Crocs too. I am on my 2nd pair and just received the RX model ~ $50.00. Worth every penny. I only say this because in your OP you said YOUR shop, that is where I wear mine.

Bruce

Roy Turbett
08-22-2012, 11:07 PM
You need mats, James. Concrete floors are incredibly hard on your body, from your feet up to your back, and I've not found a shoe yet that gives proper support AND can properly cushion from the hard floor. The two requirements are almost at odds with each other. You need a good stiff shoe with proper support, and then you need something to remove the edge from the concrete. A shoe built like that wouldn't last 5 minutes in the real world, and I don't know of anything but custom orthotics that will give you what you want for a strictly footwear solution

+1 on the mats. I have some nice heavy duty rubber mats with holes in them that really work nice. The main problem with them is they collect sawdust. I solved this problem by adding an electric leaf blower to my tool inventory. Makes cleanup a snap.

Jim Matthews
08-23-2012, 8:17 AM
The soles of these are essentially uniform.

I wear the kind that fully encloses the front of the foot, and cut off the strap.
I don't kneel or squat much (due to a deteriorating knee) and they stay on fine.

I have had one drop off during strenuous sessions at my saw bench, but it's easy to slip back on.

These will offer no protection at all if you drop something on your foot.
Mine also have ventilation holes, so I shake out the occasional sawdust.

My recommendation would be to buy the cheapest pair you can find, that fits, and try them out for a week.

You'll likely know if they serve in a few minutes. (If you don't notice them, they'll do.)

Matt Marsh
08-23-2012, 7:13 PM
I like the Classics best.

http://www.crocs.com/crocs-classic-realtree-v2/12132,default,pd.html?cid=260&cgid=men-footwear-clogs

David Weaver
08-23-2012, 9:28 PM
Thanks to this thread, I got a pair. They're really expensive for what they are! Their feel and their stamp on the bottom "made in mexico" makes them feel like shoes that you could get at a flea market for $3, but if they are comfortable and last long, they'll redeem themselves.

Ed Looney
08-28-2012, 9:28 AM
I use 4'X6' horse stall mats around my work bench and love them. Not only do the save my feet but I knocked my LN #7 plane off the bench the other day and the 3/4 thick matt saved it from damage. When it went over the edge I instantly got that sick feeling as I was watching it fall, then it hit and bounced a little. I picked it up and inspected it, zero damage. The matts just paid for themselves.
Another benefit is that these mats are heavy so they will not slide around under your feet.
I bought my matts at Tractor Supply. If you want to look them up they are under horse stalls and accessories, equine.

Ed

Brian Kent
08-28-2012, 9:42 AM
I have a very frustrating time getting shoes that support my feet. Here are the shoes that fit me:

Red Wing boots - probably the 15th pair I tried on over a period of weeks. Finally found the exact right fit.

Dr. Scholl's walking shoes from Big 5 - I actually have 3 pairs because none of the others from any store I tried worked. $29.99 during sales.

Allen Edmonds dress shoes - ridiculously expensive but they last me 10 years and end up being cheaper than cheap shoes because they last so long. (My last pair was 8 years old and just fine when my dog decided they were delicious.)

John Coloccia
08-28-2012, 9:45 AM
I have a very frustrating time getting shoes that support my feet. Here are the shoes that fit me:

Red Wing boots - probably the 15th pair I tried on over a period of weeks. Finally found the exact tight fit.
Dr. Scholl's walking shoes from Big 5 - I actually have 3 pairs because none of the others from any store I tried worked.
Allen Edmonds dress shoes - ridiculously expensive but they last me 10 years and end up being cheaper than cheap shoes because they last so long. (My last pair was 8 years old and just fine when my dog decided they were delicious.)

I've been using Dr. Scholl's shoes and sneakers for years for my everyday, around the shop/office shoe. It's the only thing I can find that's comfortable and provides support. Let me guess....you have a very wide foot right at your toes, right? You should see what it's like trying t find a bicycle shoe that fits. I don't find the Dr. Scholls last long, but at $20 or $25 a pair, who cares?

I don't generally shop at walmart, but I bought a couple of pairs of boots there over 5 years ago. They're still going strong, and they're comfortable enough to wear all day. Check out their selection of boots, Brian. I think they're made in India. Wherever they're made they are (or were) a great deal and the wide was designed for an actual wide foot.

Brian Kent
08-28-2012, 9:47 AM
I used to get extreme foot pain after the holidays.
I finally found the culprit - my body doesn't like diet sodas. I always had several 12 packs left over when all the company leaves. I don't remember how I figured this out, but that pain is gone now.
Now with no diet soda and the right shoes, no foot pain. Go figure :rolleyes: !

Brian Kent
08-28-2012, 9:49 AM
I've been using Dr. Scholl's shoes and sneakers for years for my everyday, around the shop/office shoe. It's the only thing I can find that's comfortable and provides support. Let me guess....you have a very wide foot right at your toes, right? You should see what it's like trying t find a bicycle shoe that fits. I don't find the Dr. Scholls last long, but at $20 or $25 a pair, who cares?

I don't generally shop at walmart, but I bought a couple of pairs of boots there over 5 years ago. They're still going strong, and they're comfortable enough to wear all day. Check out their selection of boots, Brian. I think they're made in India. Wherever they're made they are (or were) a great deal and the wide was designed for an actual wide foot.

You got it John. When I fit an average shoe to my wide feet, it is too long and the bend in the shoe doesn't fit the bend in my foot.

Paul Douglass
08-28-2012, 9:49 AM
I work in a shop with a concrete floor all day everyday. Ive tried everything, including custom orthodics. I was at the point that I thought I was going to have to quit. I found that the shoes with the rocker bottom, like Skecher Shapeups work best for me. They take the pressure off the balls of my feet, which pain me the most, and are easier on my back. I get a new pair about every 6 months cause they eventually loose their cusion All I can say is they work for me. You can get them for around 70 bucks on Amazon..

+1 for the "Shapeups". I was plagued with sore heals. Limped around for a year in pain. Went to a foot doctor, had cordizone shot in my heal. Made casts of my feet and had special inserts made ($300) they killed my feet. Went to my GP for annual physical and he said try a pair of Shapeups. I did and problem solved! I wear them most the time now. Cons: my wife says I walk like a nerd! and they take a little getting use to. Pros: they worked to cure my "sore heal" and I lose weight when I wear them!!

Paul Saffold
08-28-2012, 5:35 PM
I also bought a pair of Crocs. The ones without holes in the front. But I still get sawdust and chips in them. $29 at the amazing woman. I love them. I wear them most of the time. They seem comfortable, but with neuropathy it's hard to tell. My legs feel better after spending several hours on the concrete.
Paul

Joe Mioux
08-28-2012, 9:36 PM
Danner boots.... with the orthotic insert.

Red wings are fine as are many other quality made boots, but Danner boots are my favorite.

Lee Koepke
08-29-2012, 9:09 PM
I mostly use some Crocs ... yes they were expensive, the LOML got them at a yard sale for just under $1.

They do have the holes, and they tend to fill up with my turning chips, but they are comfy, dont hurt my back. I also have some rubber mats in front of my table saw, lathe, and bandsaw.

James Baker SD
08-29-2012, 11:22 PM
I looked at the Crocs web page, and although they seem to imply that 3 widths are available, I was unable to find width sizing on any shoe. As I have an extremely narrow foot, I am afraid I might just walk out of these, especially since I was hoping to get slip-ons as my European wife really likes for me to remove my shoes every time I come into the house. I ended up getting a pair of SAS as they come in narrow and very narrow. I will report back on them after I have formed an opinion.

Thanks for all the ideas here. I am also going to try some mats.

Peter Hawser
09-04-2012, 9:32 PM
Check out Red Wings if you have one nearby. They have a large selection of sizes and styles. They also can do the custom fit insoles. If I wear sneakers, I end the day with a sore back. My Red Wings took care of that.

Plus they are the most winning hockey team in the past two decades! Go Wings!

Steve Griffin
09-04-2012, 9:53 PM
Crocs? I could hardly think of a worse shoe. They feel like a sweaty plastic bag which collects sawdust, and have no support and zero protection (drop a board or chisel and you are out of luck)

Light weight hiking shoes for me. I like small matts which can be thrown to areas you are standing for awhile.

One of the best things I've added to the shop is a lightweight aluminum/plastic stool. Why stand when you can sit.