A loosely moderated place to ask open-ended questions
If your post meets the following criteria, it's welcome here!
Looking for support?
Looking for a community?
~Icon~ ~by~ ~@Double_[email protected]~
This is gonna sound really old fashioned but legit try and find a cobbler or shoe maker in your area. I'm not sure if you're talking about trying to repair your shoes yourself but I wouldn't really recommend that. Bad shoes can literally mess up the whole rest of your body so always good to get things done by a professional.
Also look up Sam Vimes' Boots Theory of Economics
Do you need sneakers, or would boots be an option? If so, that opens the door to Goodyear welted boots whose soles can be replaced when they’re worn out by a cobbler. They’re also generally comfortable (especially after being broken in). You can go from premade boots (e.g., redwing) to custom boots; costs escalate quickly the more bespoke they are, obviously.
There are some Goodyear welted sneakers, but boots are probably easier to find.
I know it’s probably not the most popular suggestion, but the goodyearwelt subreddit is a great place to look for recommendations and reviews and post questions.
Do you know of any boots that come in a size 16? I've resorted to buying Keen hiking boots and shoes that, while comfortable, don't really last and are not at all repairable.
I’m sure the more bespoke options can be made that way. I just checked the red wing site and it looks like their heritage collection come in at a max of size 14. That said, they generally run big (1-2 sizes) so it might be worth visiting a store and trying something on if you can.
If repairability is your #1 priority while being versatile enough for hiking and urban wear, you’ll probably have to go with boots. I unfortunately don’t have a specific recommendation, but some boots have come a long way and are now built for comfort and style as well. Boots are rugged but also easier to repair compared to a proprietary material used in a sneaker that is usually glued on.
Sense of Motion / SOM shoes might interest you. It is a zero drop sole barefoot type of repairable shoe made in Colorado, US.