hello i am looking for versatile shoes that i can wear during any season that will last me a long time. i really like unique shoes and am trying to find a balance of actually good and still funky. currently i am wearing the converse i included a picture of but they last me 6 months before getting holes in the heel (and also i hate converse). it feels like no matter what i get they never last. my docs only lasted 2 years before i got massive holes on the back heel. i like the look of new rocks but am hesitant to spend almost $300 on shoes that i dont think are worth that. i also recently got some palladiums that i ended up hating the look of on my foot. so basically my requirements are: slight platform, chunky looking (i hate a narrow toe), will last me 5 years at least, and im willing to spend up to $200-250 on shoes like this. anyone have any recs bc im starting to lose hope that anything good quality even exists anymore.
A shoe like this will not last and actually looks quite uncomfortable. Do not recommend.
Funky is fine but if you are looking for longevity, you’ll likely find it in more “boring” shoe styles. Look at it like this - a $70 funky shoe will have multiple cost areas that do not benefit the structure of the shoe. Funky designs cost money to develop, and in order to maintain a competitive price point, lower quality materials will be used in manufacturing. A $70 “dad sneaker” has virtually no design cost - everything is going to the best materials possible. Some easy things to look for - you want a welted sole, or vulcanized rubber. Multiple layers to the body that are both fused with glue and have stitching reinforcement in key areas (heel, inner midsole, toebox). Of course, a comfortable insole is always of benefit too.
For material, fabric generally does not last long term. It stains easily, scuffs and tears easily, and takes more effort and care to wear in wet weather. There is a reason leather has been used for footwear for hundreds, if not thousands of years. It’s the best. There are lots of different leathers with different pros and cons, I am not going to get into that detail here. You can research that yourself. All leather still requires care, but you can get away with a lot less.
As the other commenter said, the less you wear your shoes, the longer they last. Try not to get the insides wet, and let them dry fully before wearing them. Cedar shoe trees do wonders for that. You may consider getting two of the same shoe and rotating between them. One pair full time may last 2-3 years, two pairs rotated can easily push 10. Just take care of them!
And finally… DO NOT KICK YOUR SHOES OFF, DO NOT SHOVE THEM ON YOUR FEET! That is the fastest way to destroy them! Use the laces, untie and loosen to take off, and use a shoehorn to put them back on. Take care not to crush the heel, because once that goes it’s all over.
I own the white pair. I wear them to work often because they are so comfortable and I work as a barista so I’m on my feet. It got dirty quickly, and they aren’t non slip but they are comfortable and have held up wonderfully as I would expect for the price.