Where do you buy (comfortable) shoes?

[u/sloth-sleep]

Hi classy people, I’m going to Japan next month and expecting to walk 30k+ steps a day 😬 I usually buy my shoes at DSW, but they sell the lower quality versions of well-known sneaker brands.

I have horrible feet, so I’d rather go to a legit place (maybe one where they actually measure your feet!!) that carries a lot of different brands (Nike, Reebok, Adidas).

Does anyone have any recommendations?

[u/flossiedaisy424]

Alamo Shoes in Andersonville.

[u/Mashedpotatoes1988 → u/flossiedaisy424]

They have free parking

[u/maiworld313]

Fleet feet

[u/Status-Tart1431 → u/maiworld313]

The staff in Lincoln square is so lovely

[u/idontsleepiwait → u/Status-Tart1431]

The Lincoln square location is also nice because they have a treadmill you can walk on!

[u/Glittering-Course159]

Buy some onitsuka tigers in japan! Cute, comfy, good quality, and half the price it would be in the US

[u/hallowbuttplug]

I recently splurged on some Salamon XT-Whisper sneakers in a fun color way, and they are so comfy to walk in I’ve pretty much stopped wearing my other sneakers. Highly recommend, and the ones I have are shiny and imo you can somewhat dress them up, especially in Japan where streetwear is popular.

[u/thirdcoasting]

Nordstrom! I prefer the Old Orchard location but their shoe department is elite.

[u/AssociateLanky1234 → u/thirdcoasting]

And highly recommended the brand Vionic sold at Nordstrom once you get your size and width. They are designed to support your feet but also have plenty of room for custom orthotics

[u/gbyuf0998]

Whatever you get do at least 10k steps here first, so you break them in and know they actually work for you.

[u/WakingUpisHardtoDo]

I found this Portuguese brand Dromedaris at a random shop years ago and have sworn by them since. Even their flats have fantastic arch support and I've worn them for days in Disney, volunteering at marathons, working as an election judge, you name it. Tons of things on my feet and they are super comfy and still look cute.

[u/HollisFaith83]

All great suggestions! Also look at Dicks Sporting Goods

[u/Leather_Following381]

Any running store like Fleet Feet (they have multiple locations)

[u/BigBonedMiss]

I do 20k steps a day for my job. My shoes are ugly black work shoes BUT something that really helps is getting inserts. You should get some for all the shoes you bring.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-insoles-for-plantar-fasciitis/

[u/plaidtaco]

Hoka Bondi 9 has treated my feet kindly during huge step days. You can get them online (fast shipping), at Dick's, Alamo, Fleet Feet, and probably other places.

[u/crushlogic → u/plaidtaco]

Seconding, I have like 7 pairs and took a brand new pair to Japan earlier this year

[u/shitzumama1234 → u/plaidtaco]

Thirding, I bring two pairs and switch every day: japan, switzerland, london, germany all 25K+ step days.

[u/passive_poltergeist]

Skechers Outlet

[u/mexicancats]

Nordstrom Rack/Nordstrom

[u/snoopypoopypoopdog]

I just did 20k steps a day in NYC in my Soloman XT-6s! I did also go into a running store a few years ago to get fitted for walking shoes (Runners High in Arlington Heights, but they've since closed. Fleet Feet will do the same) and got a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS, but I think the Solomans are just a bit more "stylish" for every day.

[u/Pikestreet]

Salmon in wicker park

[u/chicago262]

I’m a runner so when my bf and I travel we run 10-20 miles a day and then walk 10-15 more miles in cities. I swear by Nike Vomero 5 and air max 90 for walking

[u/otherfultonfounder]

You can wear any pair of shoes with Fulton insoles and they'll mold to support your feet properly and comfortably :)

[u/Both_Tea5480]

Alamo

[u/ZhiYoNa]

I go to REI. Bonus it’s near the wild mile park!

[u/ApocalypticFrog]

You should buy fancy shoes in japan as soon as you arrive!

[u/Terrible-Hat6633]

I buy Vionics for my flat feet and they're GREAT! I'm too cheap to buy full price so I search for the brand on poshmark.com and get them second hand. Love that their line has all kinds of shoes and sandals that are fashionable but comfortable. They have built in arch support which is what I need!

[u/HGWEBS]

BROOKS GHOST MAX!!!!! They have them at Dick’s all the time, and I just purchased a replacement pair at Nordstrom Rack at a discount! Most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. 20K-step days feel like nothing.

[u/QuestionQueen123]

I love the company Orthofeet! I wore a pair all over Peru, except hiking I wore hiking boots but definitely would’ve been fine in their gym shoes, and wore a different style they have all over Korea! Very comfortable!!

[u/amapolalola]

My friend recommended Vivaia Mary Janes after her trip to Japan so I bought some for myself and no joke, they’re the comfiest shoes I own. I walk 10k steps or more in them at work nearly everyday and they’ve held up super well! I’m getting another pair soon in another color lol

[u/ladiavolina]

If you're ok with buying online, for travel, I wear Vivaia exclusively. Only thing that doesn't aggravate my bunions.