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Airport and Foot Friendly Trade Show Shoes? 178

Posted by Cliff from the I'm-so-tempted-to-use-the-foot-icon dept.
Milo_Mindbender asks: "Where the heck can you find shoes that let you handle the ten or more hours a day of continuous walking computer trade shows require and won't set off the airport metal detectors? I used to go for hiking boots, but can't find a pair that don't buzz, even after I've stripped off every other particle of metal. I'm getting tired of trial and error (and blisters/sore feet when I go to CES, SIGGRAPH...etc). Does anyone have any suggestions?"
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Airport and Foot Friendly Trade Show Shoes? More

Airport and Foot Friendly Trade Show Shoes?

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  • Running shoes were ment to be put a lot of stress under and skating shoes are really fluffy I recomend Vans.

    • Re:Running Shoes or "Skateboard" Shoes (Score:5, Informative)

      by almaon ( 252555 ) on Sunday January 11, 2004 @08:45PM (#7948139)
      Skateboarding for 22 years and two knee replacements later, I agree with czion3. Very comfortable, durrable and mostly made out of synthetics so no beep beep beeping Ellen Fliess style. But which brand of skate shoes?

      Vans are known to be a bit narrower than other brands, they also have sizes and half sizes all the way up to 18 1/2. Far as their classic shoes, like the 86 lo-cuts, you can have them taylored of any color, pattern and material that you like (for an additional cost)

      Emerica/Etnies are a bit more customizable for the foot, you can pull out the insole and remove a blue foam wedge to deduct the ammount of arch support if you have fallen arches. Their solid sole shoes are the most durable, but their foam soled ones are the most shock absorbing.

      DC shoes are the british knights of footwear, not very business attire friendly. But you can jump off the roof of your home onto concrete all day.

      DuFFs are a good all around performer.

      Nike's new skate shoes are a contender as well...

      By far this is one very dull post, go barefoot. Those cross country runners that go barefoot seem to be more comfortable than I do running 100 feet in my shoes.

      Spelling never got anyone laid...

    • Different types of running shoes will treat you very differently...

      There are three main categories:
      Cushioning
      Stability
      Motion Control

      I am 205 lbs and about ready to do my 3rd marathon, I use the motion control shoes, they are the most durable and most supportive (very important for most big people). I use brand new running shoes exclusively for running until they have about 500 miles on them, then I wear them for every day use, and have little difficulty standing for hour at a time.

      If you are going to be
  • I used to do corporate training and could spend the entire day on my feet. $15 pair a black shoes that didn't look like high-end business shoes, but were certainly acceptable. Very high arch support and I never had any trouble. I switched to them after asking another trainer because of the problems I was having with my much more expensive business shoes.
    • Black (Cowboy) Boots made of Ostrich Skin. The most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, from the minute I put them on. The ostrich skin is one of the strongest that boots can be made of (second only to elephant, and sharkskin, IIRC) and at the same time softest of all boot materials (envision the softness and flexibility that goes into a good pair of car-racing gloves) making an unbeatable combination for long term footwear. Black goes with just about anything, and they are fairly attractive. Well lets

  • Well, since the story's here... (Score:5, Informative)

    by Txiasaeia ( 581598 ) on Sunday January 11, 2004 @07:27PM (#7947582)
    ...I would heartily recommend insoles. Even the cheap ones from Dr. Scholls help a *lot* with uncomfortable shoes, although they tend to only last for 1-2 months (normal wear).

    Also, if you're on your feet so much, you might want to look into an expensive pair of specialty shoes from a shoe cobbler (yep, they still exist!) This way, if you take the rubber off of a shoe but the shoe's still good, they can re-sole the shoe for much cheaper than a new pair. Good luck!

  • Merrell trainers, (Score:5, Informative)

    by Alex ( 342 ) on Sunday January 11, 2004 @07:30PM (#7947599)
    http://www.wildlifeonline.com/cgi-bin/ss000002.pl? SN=2&PAGE=SEARCH&S_Brand1_0=Merrell&S_Category1_1= Mens+Footwear&GB=A&ACTION=search

    Like walking shoes - only light - very comfortable, I'm on about my fifth pair in as many years.

    (of wearing every day)

    Alex
    • I whole heartedly agree. Merrell shoes rock, and for the budget concious, you can pick up last years models at famous footwear for pennies on the dollar. I bought 5 pair last year for less than $12 each!!!

      -MS2k
      • Another vote for Merrell. I've got several pair of Merrell slip ons for travel; then don't beep, and if you have to take them off anyway they come off easily but go right back on. But they're still comfortable for a full day presentation, which is (believe it or not) worse than walking all day.
  • However in an attempt to be somewhat helpful, try some skate shoes, I wear Adio and I like them, or spend some more serious money and get a pair of Rockfords or Echos...
    • I only ever wear steel-toecap boots (except when I'm playing tennis or fencing). Even my jodhpur boots are steelies, but this just means that if a horse stands on your foot it hurts somewhere else.


      Think about it - they are designed to be worn by people working in hard conditions, carrying heavy weights, for long periods of time. Once they're broken in they're incredibly comfortable.


      Get yourself a pair of el-cheapo steelies from your friendly neighbourhood engineering supplies store now!

  • Hushpuppies.

    I've worn them for years and they are the only thing that works. The soles wear out in about 2 years so when your feet start hurting again, get new ones. I usually buy 2 pairs at a time as they can be hard to find.

  • Try them. I have been very happy with mine. The hardest part is convincing the airport security monkeys, that no, there is in fact no metal in my shoes. Not sure if all of their shoes are sans metal, but mine definitely are. Very comfortable as well.

  • Coming soon on Ask Slashdot... (Score:5, Funny)

    by thrills33ker ( 740062 ) on Sunday January 11, 2004 @07:36PM (#7947645) Homepage
    - I'm tired of getting wet when it rains. Are there any lightweight, collapsible devices available to keep the rain off?
    - My car has run out of petrol/gas. Where can I buy more?
    - My cat is hungry. What food is available for cats? How much is it?
    - My clothes smell. Wouldn't it be great if there was somewhere I could take them where washing machines could be used for a small fee?

    Stay tuned folks...
    • Hell, I have been trying to get an ask slashdot posted about which 802.xx/WiFi cards work best with Linux but it keeps getting rejected. But a fscking article about SHOES gets posted?

      WTF?

      • Re:Coming soon on Ask Slashdot... (Score:4, Insightful)

        by Jellybob ( 597204 ) on Sunday January 11, 2004 @11:10PM (#7949013) Journal
        That's because to find out which WiFi cards work best, you can use Google, or a hardware compatibility list, or several other resources... since you seem to desperate, I use a Prism2 based Netgear card in my laptop, and under Fedora Core, all I had to do was put it in the PCMCIA slot.

        However if you try Googling for "shoes for trade shows" or the variations on them, you will get a selection of articles telling you to wear comfortable ones. Personally I wouldn't trust a shoe shop staff member to reccomend shoes to me, because most of them know squat about the different shoes, and may work on commision.

        There is a resource out there which just so happens to have many people who not only would be interested in which shoes are best for trade shows, but may also be able to give advice on said subject.

        Now go back to your cave.

        *** CONGRATULATIONS! You won the prize for me being in a shitty mood... ***
      • Which denture adhesive works best?
      • What should I do about my grandchild's music?
      • Remember when the Internet was on computers?
      • What will you do with your cheque from SCO?
      • Microsoft's reverse mortgage? Any good?

      I think as the Slashdot editors get lives, it gets more difficult for them to talk about computers.

      BTW, Ecco makes good shoes without much break-in. I wear sneakers or even thick socks and sandals on aircraft. I don't do 1-2 day trips, so I don't worry about wearing a suit on an aircraft.

  • Get some very comfy slip-on shoes like these [landsend.com] or these [ems.com].

    They don't have laces, so you can slip them off to pass them through security and have them back on in seconds. They also make it easier to run out the door when you're late. :)

  • Merrell shoes (Score:2, Informative)

    by superchkn ( 632774 )
    These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. With all the previous shoes I've owned (Reebok, Nike, Avia, New Balance, Sketcher, Eco) my forefoot would always get sore after 3 or 4 miles. With these, I walked 11 miles today and my feet feel fine. I use the lace-up ones but I doubt they'd set off any metal detectors.
  • I used to work in a hospital, and most of the nurses and all of the PT department wote Rockports, with the Walker being very popular. A good "light" boot with custom insoles would work too.
    • ummm have you worn them through a metal detector? they've got enough in there to set off a detector, especially when the terror alert is one of the scary colors. Not that i agree with the poster about the importance of not setting off metal detectors, but if you're going to try to answer the question, you might as well answer it.
      • I've worked tradeshows. For the mileage you put on during an 18 hour tradeshow day, I haven't found anything that ever beat any flavor of Rockport shoes. Network+Interop, Comdex Vegas, Siebold, Networks, Java Expo, whatever. You can't beat a pair of Rockports. Finding a pair without metal is easy enough. Even so, finding a pair that's cut low enough and carries a classic rockport sole, you could easily slip them on and off should security require it.
      • WTF are you talking about? I've worn my RockWalkers through metal detectors with no problems, they never set off any alarms. These aren't metal-toe boots, they're leather walking shoes with rubber soles.
        • Ok, the two pair of rockport shoes I've had made the machines go crazy. And one of the people working the machines recognized my shoes and suggested I take them off. They must sell with and without metal.

          Sorry for being an ass when it wasn't warranted.
        • My Rockport leather walking shoes with rubber soles set off metal detectors at airports every time. As a matter of fact, when I read the question I thought "they want Rockports minus the metal detector problem."

          Having said that, the Rockports are easy to take on and off and put through the scanner (I take them right off any more, even if they don't ask) and are by far the best shoes I've ever worn on a daily basis...

  • Well... (Score:5, Insightful)

    by Ranger Rick ( 197 ) <slashdot@raccoonfi[ ]com ['nk.' in gap]> on Sunday January 11, 2004 @07:41PM (#7947686) Homepage

    There's this service provided by airlines called "baggage handling". What you do is, you put your comfy show-room-floor shoes (that may or may not contain metal) in your baggage, and... check them in!

    You can then safely wear your shoes that don't set things off to the airport. Then (*gasp*) take them out of your baggage when you get to wherever you're going.

    • There's this service provided by airlines called "baggage handling". What you do is, you put your comfy show-room-floor shoes (that may or may not contain metal) in your baggage, and... check them in!

      If at all possible, it is really nice not to have to check luggage. My suit fits into a funky tri-fold bag that meets the airline's carry-on requirements. I can show up at the very last moment, route around delayed flights, not have someone misplace it, and usually be among the first hitting the taxi after
  • Don't you have to take off your shoes in airport security now anyway? :)
  • ... I have been throw a few airport detectors in my Berghaus hiking boots and they are the first I have ever had that have not set them off.

    Bob.
  • Ecco [ecco.com] shoes are extremely comfortable, and also airport-friendly. I wear a pair of their suede dress/casual shoes throughout the day, and feel fine! I'm not 100% sure that they're all metal free, but the two pairs I have are. YMMV, so ask someone in the shoe department to be sure.

    • Re:Ecco-brand shoes (Score:5, Interesting)

      by KyleCordes ( 10679 ) on Monday January 12, 2004 @12:40AM (#7949637) Homepage
      I second the Ecco recomendation. They're a little pricey, but quite comfortable (much more so than the lesser shoes that I replaced) and they don't set of metal detectors. In fact the last time I went through the security check, I took them off, and the guy said "ah, Ecco. These don't set off the detector, don't bother to take them off in the future".
    • Yup - I wear Ecco shoes day-in, day-out and they are extremely comfortable with no metal parts whatsoever.

  • I work in the.. (Score:2, Interesting)

    by annisette ( 682090 ) *
    Food industry and I take my shoes seriously. A post said Rockports and they are good, abit expensive. I buy at a discount shoe store and the namebrands vary. I am now wearing SAFETRAX,($40) "slip resistance" and they are great. Find a restaurant supply websight and check them out.

  • Lose weight. (Score:5, Funny)

    by utahjazz ( 177190 ) on Sunday January 11, 2004 @08:00PM (#7947837)
    If you can't handle 10 hours at a trade show in any old pair of shoes, I suspect your proplem is in your mouth, not on your feet. Step away from the twinkies.

    Hiking boots? Hiking boots are made to be warm, waterproof, rock proof, grippy, and prevent ankle sprains. 'Comfortable' is way down on the list of features.

    God, I can just see you, this big fat guy wearing hiking boots at a trade show. Now I know why this is news for nerds.
    • Excuse me, I ONLY wear hiking boots in the summer, and hunting boots in the winter. They are all of the things you mention, plus they are extremely comfortable. Comfort is extremely important when you are hiking for weeks in the wilderness with a 100lb backpack. Hiking boots are essentially ruggedized high-top sneakers, and hunting boots just a bit moreso.
      • > I ONLY wear hiking boots in the summer

        Try wearing walking/running shoes.

        As you say, hiking boots are heavier and made for support to carry big loads on rough and unstable surfaces. Comfort comes because they can handle those situations.

        Try a good pair of running/walking shoes. They are lighter and can focus solely on comfort/breathability.

        Being light adds alot to how you feel overall.

        1 lb of weight on your feet is similar to carrying 5 lb of weight on your back. That goes a long way for confort
  • That's what you need. A big old pair of hooves.
  • i have a pair of Rockports that i got for a retail job (they go with khakis) in 1999 this job was on my feet from 9 to 5. it is now almost time to retire them!

    the best part is: i've got big feet. it's hard to find ANY shoes that'll fit me, let alone nice ones!

    i also have a pair of Reboks that i ware when I'm not dressing up (they were the only pair of shoes in the store that fit me!) and those work good for on my feet all day as well. i spent all week at macworld, and split it between these 2 pairs of sho
    • I like rockports, they are my standard walking around town shoe. And have been on and off for years. I have two pair but one needs to be taken to to have new soles put on it.

      As far as I can recall they have never set off the metal detectors at the central bus station or airport (or any of the other ones I walk threw every day). I probably deal with metal detectors more often than most people.
  • I just wear my New Balance running shoes to those sort of shows. In fact, NB makes a black leather running shoe that I wear for daily work attire, except for the most formal of occasions.
    --
    Insurance for H1-Bs: http://www.H1Bins.com
    Healthcare for the uninsurable: http://www.AFFHC.com
    Medigap insurance information: http://medigap.supremesite.net

  • Some suggestions. (Score:3, Insightful)

    by muonzoo ( 106581 ) on Sunday January 11, 2004 @08:55PM (#7948200)
    Other than this being the least interesting news for nerds story I've EVER seen, here are some serious suggestions (in my personal order of preference).

    1) Tatami * (all the anatomically correct goodness of a Birkenstock in a dressy shoe).

    2) Birkenstock (they do make shoes too you know).

    3) Rockports.

    Numbers (1) and (2) have basically been the only things on my feet other than specialty sportswear for the last 15 year. They are awesome. The Tatami's don't even raise suspicion. There are variants that look just like a fine dress shoe. (Because they are -- leather soles and all).
    Your feet with thank you, over and over and over. Your wallet? It might not talk to you for a week.

    * Tatami is made by Birkenstock.

  • These days I don't buy anything but Hi-Tec hikers. They are super-comfortable and have no metal that I know of in them. They current manufacture a lot of boots for swat teams around the country and the military. They are sometimes hard to find in stores, but they are out there. Their biggest claims to fame are comfort and weight. They are the lightest boots you can buy, yet they seem to last pretty long, even when you're on your feet all day. The only downside is that if you find a pair you really li

  • Shoes and (Score:4, Interesting)

    by spudwiser ( 124577 ) <spudwiser@noSpAM.hotmail.com> on Sunday January 11, 2004 @09:26PM (#7948407) Journal
    They sell these shoes at Wal-Mart under the brand Earth Shoe. There is a style of shoe called earth shoes, and these aren't they. These are laceless black shoes with no frills or anything. They're incredibly simple and comfortable, throw some gel insoles in there and you're set. They contain no metal because they're essentially tennis slippers. They also last damn near forever. I'm on my third pair, which I just got a few weeks ago. The pair before it lasted five years before falling apart, and the first pair lasted six (this is while working retail and restaurant jobs where I was on my feet a lot, also a two-story high school). They also only cost twenty bucks... and they sell them at Wal-Mart.

    Let me sincerely apologize for the long tangent that follows.

    Now that I got my response out of the way, lemme say... fuck this guy

    What? (Score:0, Flamebait)
    by ditto999999999999999 (546129) on 06:25 PM -- Sunday January 11 2004 (#7947563)
    This is the stupid ask slashdot I've ever seen. Have you tried shoe stores? Do you want me to try shoes on for you? Come on Cliff... this is useless.
    I know it's a fake name and this whole flame is pointless, but you gotta understand that there are three points to Ask Slashdot (as far as I can ascertain).

    We all know there's a zillion geeks and goobers that read /. all the time. There are Ask Slashdot questions that get posted because it's a question with a broad answer. A great many of those geeks, and maybe even some of those goobers, might have something interesting to add to the discussion, and the question gets answered thoroughly.

    The second kind of Ask Slashdot questions are ones which are obscure and abstruse which are thrown into the masses, blindly hoping someone knows the perfect answer.

    The last and most confused kind of questions are those that seem completely fucking pointless. A case in point is today's Shoe Issue. Consider those zillions of geeks out there who don't have the time, free brain cycles, or social confidence to figure out many of life's little dillemas that plague us all, such as Is There A Perfect Shoe? This shoe would be comfortable, durable, easily accessible away from home "in case shit", and preferably cheap. Yea, such a shoe doth exist, and it is good. Rejoice smart masses, for the system works.

    i'm really sorry about the flames, guys

    ...a right triangle with legs 300 and 400 megalightyears long! wait... that's a long hypotenuse, my bad...
    • The last and most confused kind of questions are those that seem completely fucking pointless. A case in point is today's Shoe Issue.

      No, no, no. This "Ask Slashdot" isn't pointless.

      You missed the point: Milo_Mindbender wants us -- all of us who read Slashdot -- to know that he gets to go to lots and lots of conferences. So many, in fact, that he needs to get special shoes to wear to all those conferences.

      And Milo goes in style too: lots of plane flights, lots of frequent flyer miles, and -- oh dear me f
      • yeah, but the powers that be decided to post it for SOME damn reason.

        and if milo moneybags slipped through with some devious plan, i hope he enjoys his new wal-mart shoes.
  • GBX sneaks, or Timberland deck shoes.
    • I've got a pair of Timberland SMART loafers, it's the most comfortable pair of shoes I've ever owned (and they look good), around $90 at your favorite dept. store.

  • REI Sandals (Score:3, Interesting)

    by Jebediah21 ( 145272 ) on Sunday January 11, 2004 @09:53PM (#7948581) Homepage Journal
    I got a pair of Timberland / Mountain Athletics hiking sandals at REI about a year and a half ago. I've never had them set off the metal detector in an airport (although the fascists at SFO made me take them off once). They've held up very well and this past semester I've walked at least 7 miles a week in them. I can't find them on the REI site and I haven't been to one of the stores in quite a while. If you want more info or a pic just post a reply.

  • Birks (Score:3, Interesting)

    by legLess ( 127550 ) on Sunday January 11, 2004 @09:54PM (#7948586) Journal
    Wear Birkenstocks [footprints.com]. I've worn nothing but for about 10 years, and my feet are very happy. You can trivially remove them at airports, but they're great for long periods of standing and walking.

    I have 13B feet: very long and very thin. Consequently, finding shoes that fit well is a nightmare. Before I started wearing Birks my little toes were turning under my other ones; they were both nearly sideways. Since wearing Birks all the time (seriously: over 350 days/year here in Portland) my little toes have straightened out. Weird, but true.

    I can't recommend them enough. They're not the prettiest shoes ever made, but I'll take comfort over vanity anyday, especially for something as important as my feet.

    • Re:Birks (Score:5, Funny)

      by abh ( 22332 ) <ahockley@gmail.com> on Monday January 12, 2004 @02:59PM (#7954642) Homepage
      I'd be wary of shoe advice from a guy whose username is legless...
    • I have something similar to say; I wear Tevas [teva.com] year-round. Some of them actually have some arch to them, and they make shoes of many descriptions, but when I bought them they just made sandals with straps of assorted types. My favorites to date have been the TerraFis, because they breathed the best and had the best upper surface for wet traction. (I am 6'7" and have size 16 feet. My feet simply do not get cold in any above-freezing weather unless it is both very windy and very wet, and I am not moving very r

  • Catskill Mountain Leather Moccasins (Score:3, Informative)

    by Jerk City Troll ( 661616 ) on Sunday January 11, 2004 @10:04PM (#7948656) Homepage

    If you want an excellent shoe that is incredibly comfortable, check out Catskill Mountain Moccasins [catskill-moc.com]. My girlfriend and I both ahve a pair and they are incredibly nice. They take a cast of your feet and build moccasins specific to your needs. (Naturally, they're not the only shops that do this.) They are lined with sheepskin and are suple yet supportive enough that your ankles don't get tired. Plus they last forever. An average pair of shoes can run from $350-$400, but once you wear them, you'll realize they're worth every penny. The only downside is they have a lot of orders and they are a bit back-logged, so it'll take you a few months to get your new footwear.

    (No, I don't work for them. :)

  • Buy a pair of ASIC cross trainers, or running shoes. More than one podiatrist has recomended them to me, they were one of the first to get "gel" right, and really have a good way to soften the impact on your foot. Many long distance runners swear by the shoes. No metal for the detector, and once you get used to the spring in your step (literally) you'll never buy another brand again!
  • Your shoes might be fine, but the insoles need to be replaced for $30 with a superior piece. Your insoles could even be better than average, but worn out from months of use.

    Superfeet makes foam-over-plastic insoles that work like orthotics. The company also makes custom orthotics for doctors and realized they could make something that fits 80-90 percent of the population far better than the cheap foam in most shoes. The key is supporting the arch and heel with plastic. When the arch is supported proper
    • I have to agree with this post.

      Recently I bought a cheap pair of arch support insoles and it made a big difference when walking.

      This weekend I didn't wear them and I could feel the difference.

      Before you buy a new pair of shoes, try an insole.
  • OK, now days, this is a common enough problem. Look for "Patrol Boots" that have carbon fibre shanks instead of steel. Pick your favorite brand. Right now, I'm finding my pair of inexpensive "Magnum Technology" boots are OK, but the ones I have are steel shank.

    I hear VERY good things about the Adias GSG-9s, but don't know how metal detector friendly they are, and they are hellishly expensive and hard to get - I've head some good reviews of a few other brands, but darned if I can find them right now

  • Who cares about the metal detector? (Score:3, Interesting)

    by toast0 ( 63707 ) <slashdotinducedspam@enslaves.us> on Sunday January 11, 2004 @10:47PM (#7948891)
    Seriously, if I wanted to cause a disturbance on a plane using a sharp object, i'd take in a nice glass or plastic sharp object.

    If I wanted to cause a disturbance otherwise, I'd learn to be a pilot, and get hired, and then knock out the copilot, and laugh at people trying to get through the locked from the inside cockpit door.

    Wearing metal shoes makes a statement: 'wow, these metal detectors sure are making a lot of people take their shoes off, and maybe confiscating some peoples scissors and swiss army knives, but they can take their lighters through, and we'll even give them some flamible materials on the plane for $3'

    I'm waiting for the CDC to recommend against taking your shoes off in the airport because of [communicable disease here].
    • , and we'll even give them some flamible materials on the plane for $3'

      First, I agree with you -- all this "increaed security" is at best just a bunch of "calm the sheep" claptrap and at worst a police state infrastructure that will degenerate into an internal passport system for all modes of transporation, eventually including auto and foot.

      However, you won't be sold a flammable on the plane for $3. (Assuming you're talking about liquor). Liquor greater than 140 proof is prohibited on board U.S. aircraft

      • Awww, well there goes my plan. I guess I should have paid more attention.

        Thanks.
      • However, you won't be sold a flammable on the plane for $3. (Assuming you're talking about liquor). Liquor greater than 140 proof is prohibited on board U.S. aircraft.
        Actually 70 proof is enough, think of a christmas pudding or something else that burns after being soaked in brandy. The secret is that ethyl-alcohol has a low boiling point so once something is warm enough to vapourise part of the ethanol content, it will burn.

    • ...Raven uses glass knives. Sharp enough to go through bulletproof fabric, and they don't show up on millimeter radar.

      Paraphrased from Snow Crash, by Neil Stephenson.

  • Stay with the hiking boots (Score:4, Interesting)

    by ComputerSlicer23 ( 516509 ) on Sunday January 11, 2004 @11:56PM (#7949384)
    It's simple. Just take the boots off during the metal detector test. Put them thru the scanner like your carry on bags, just like you do with all other metal objects.

    I put absolutely everything I have with me except for one credit card, $50.00 in cash, and my drivers license, and my ticket home in my carry on bag. My keys, my wallet, my change. My leatherman tool (yes, they have let me get that on a plane, if it's in my bag when they do the scan).

    I took my shoes off, and put them on the belt too after my first experience with being wanded down. I just asked in the Atlanta airport, and they said that was a great idea to avoid the slow down.

    Then, I watch for everything that happens to my bag to ensure nobody takes off with it (common thief trick is to have you put your bag on while someone else is making the scanner go off, so your bag can be walked off with while they take five minutes at the security check point). I think that has stopped now that making the security check point go off gets you wanded down, rather then trying to re-check everyone.

    I've only done it a handful of times, but it always worked for me. I'm not thrilled about being barefoot, but it worked for my trip to pickup my bag, and saved me about 10-15 minutes even with untying and re-tying my boots.

    Kirby

    • I just can't believe it.

      The US goverment is forcing foreign-based fligths to be cancelled. In those flights I have seen people having to leave nail files or clippers behind.

      In the mean time in the US you can take this kind of tools on the cabin.

      Now, were not all the flights on 911 internal flights? The US goverment knows were the weak points are (or should know) but seems to be commiting the same basic mistakes while pretending to be though...
    • Does anybody else find a bit disgusting to have to walk barefoot or with socks where other people walk with shoes? Not mention having to place my laptop/jacket into those trays where other people have put their shoes.
  • Most airports are requiring you to take off your shoes these days, so it doesn't really matter what you wear. More important is the ease of removal.

    Try some Birkenstocks; they're like heaven once you get them broken in.

    • Mod flamebait:

      Most airports in the US, or with flights going to the US. The rest of the civilized world smirks/scoffs at that sort of shit as the FAA idiocy it is. Thank god, I don't want to smell the average tourist's feet.
  • Geez, I'm surprised this isn't in the Your Rights Online section. I mean, God forbid airports make you actually take off your shoes when there are known plans for terrorists to put bombs in their shoes. That would violate your Constitutional right to fly in airplanes without taking off your shoes first, or something.
  • I recommend running shoes. No, not the kind you'd buy at target, but real running shoes. The kind that the salesperson will ask "how many miles a week do you run" when he fits you.

    Hiking boots really don't come anywhere close to running shoes in comfort and probably have lots of metal.
    • Good idea, but you don't need real running shoes, there are some quite nice looking sneakers that you can even get away with under a suit (black lace-up and not too bad looking). The thing is to look for good sole with cushioning and support.

      A $150 pair of Nikes is overkill for a trade show.

  • Dr Martens. (Score:2, Interesting)

    by smacktits ( 737334 )
    OK, I know this is something of a departure from everyone else's running/skate shoe answers, but buy a big heavy pair of Dr Martens 8-hole boots.

    Amazingly comfortable, great support, and the air-filled soles make it feel like you're walking around on cushions all day.

    I wear my boots to work, casually, I've even flown 20-hr flights in them. And when the soles wear out, but the leather is all softened and molded to your feet, you can send them back to the factory to get re-soled. Dr Martens, I never wear
    • Unlike hiking boots which have a metal stiffner in the sole (helps going up hill), 'Docs' only have the normal amount of metal in (eyes for shoe laces) and should go through security without problems.
  • Stop whining like a little bastard and try to comprehend how lucky you are to even have the opportunity to go to big fun fancy tradeshows.. Heck, you should be lucky you have feet.

    "Wah wha wha my wittle piggies huuurt"

    Pansy...

  • Shoe selection (Score:5, Informative)

    by not-quite-rite ( 232445 ) on Monday January 12, 2004 @03:58AM (#7950473) Homepage Journal
    I am a prosthetist/orthotist. (I'm now studying EE to get my Masters in Biomed, but thats beside the point)

    When I am looking for a good shoe there a few things to test.

    I look for a reasonable sized toe box. This is the part where your toes are and is the front part of the shoe. This gives my toes plenty of space and does not constrict or deform the toes.

    I also then check that the upper actually grips on to my foot when done up. A lot of problems can actually occur because this is not done up correctly and the foot slips forward to allow the toes to slam into the end of the shoe.

    I then make sure that there is reasonable heel control in the heel cup. This will help the shoe grip around you foot and assist with stability.

    And probably the other main checkpoint is that the toe break is in the right spot. This can be hard to pick if you don't have any training, but some sales assistant may be able to help you if they have been trained. Lucky I know how after spending time at uni :)

    There are a few other things to look for when buying shoes, but these are the main ones that I tell patients.

    Personally I also check the sole, and the heel composition to make sure that they will blend into my personal biomechanical requirements, but this is another thing that is hard to explain in a few short lines of text.

    I also like to wear insoles that are adapted to my feet and help smooth out the foot/shoe interface. Though there is nothing wrong with my feet, a good insole is very very comfortable.

    And to help you get the right assistance, see a prosthetist/orthotist for further information.

    (There, I supplied a plug for my colleagues, yay!)
  • But I wear jungle boots almost all the time. My bro gave me a pair the day he got out of bootcamp, and other than sneakers for when I'm wearing shorts (the looks I receieved when wearing jungle boots, shorts, a Bad Religion t-shirt and my shaved head were not pleasant:), I don't wear anything else.

    I also have a tendency to wear BDUs everywhere that other people are not, but that's besides the point.

    Now these are Vietnam Jungle Boots. Cost ya half as much, last you twice as long, and they're great for s

  • Conker Boots (Score:2, Interesting)

    by permaculture ( 567540 )
    Try Conker Boots, or your nearest local equivalent.

    http://www.conkershoes.com/

    These feel like you're wearing only socks, and walking everywhere on a thick carpet.

    My favourite are the Ankle Boots with crepe soles. The soles wear out after about a year. After that, you can get them resoled for less than the price of a new pair. There's no other way to make comfortable shoes except having a soft sole that therefore wears out.

    Plus, they go through metal detectors with no problems. :-)

  • This will Probably get me Crucified... (Score:5, Insightful)

    by fuzzybunny ( 112938 ) on Monday January 12, 2004 @04:56AM (#7950651) Homepage Journal
    ...by the slashdot contingent, but invest in some _good_ brogues or wingtips or something. I don't mean Tod's or anything--there is a good reason why really excellent shoes cost $300 upwards (if you're hanging around airports and trade shows, I assume you're not a starving student, with at least _some_ disposable income.)

    I used to dress like a schlub all the time (shorts & t-shirts at work, etc.) I had to wear suits occasionally, though, and found that, if you have to wear a monkey suit all day, you might as well make it comfortable. When you see people in Brioni suits, there's a reason for it--they are comfortable. Rule of thumb for a good suit is that you should be able to wear it all day, and not feel confined.

    The same goes for shoes--I can't recommend any particular brands, since every foot is different (ask Dr. Shoe! 555-SHOE) but spending some dough for a really high-end pair of suit shoes makes a world of difference. They're lighter than combat or hiking boots, they look good (even with jeans) and your feet won't smell nearly as much after 10-15 hours in them (because you'll also wear some light socks, and because your feet can breathe.)

    Look around some high-end shoe stores. Remember, trying shoes on is free and will give you an idea what you're looking for. Also don't hesitate to look around some conservative mens' fashion rags (GQ, Esquire and the likes) to get ideas for what makes good shoes. They have most of their features archived on their websites, and were of unbelievable use to me when I was buying my first suits (knowing what to look for in materials and make, and what questions to ask the sales guys.)

    Lastly and please please please trust me on this, a good pair of shoes makes a huge difference in the impression you make. If you're hanging out with the type of insecure idiot geek (a geek is someone who bites the heads off chickens at a carnival, I fail to understand how it's used in a positive sense here) who won't give you the time of day because you're wearing a tie (hence, salesman), you're probably not around someone whom you should consider good enough in his(technical) field to be really competent.
    The really good people won't give a shit what you're wearing, but will listen to you instead--in fact, very few of the really awesome engineers, with some notable exceptions, have fit the steretype of unshaven, unwashed, t-shirt-clade slob--most look and dress like your average joe.

    As for the other 99% of the population, a good suit/good shoes automagically puts them more at ease with you (not to mention speeding you through airport security.) Try it sometime, you'll understand immediately what I mean.

    Looks may not matter, but like it or not, it does make a difference if you're dressed well. What precious few people in the technical community realize is that suits and business shoes can be more comfortable than a track suit and a pair of Nikes too.
    • Amen brother.

      When will so many of these poor slobs learn that how you dress is the social engineering part of the business.

      Funny, a lot of these guys can understand the finer points of ee, compsci, physics, etc, but they don't understand the psychology of appearance.

      Oh well, it just lets the more adept at social engineering move to the top of the pile and wrangle the nerds ;)

      My attitude may be harsh, but there is too much resentment from the other nerds who don't know how to play the game. If only we c
      • Seriously. Just walk in some public place in a suit and it's weird how much more respectyou get. I noticed it when I was in my job search and out and about in my interview suit.

        And my friend (who's now a commercial developer) saw the same thing, so now he's been out getting the $400 shoes and god-knows-how-expensive suits.

        That said, I've never understood the engineer's distaste for suits. I mean for our xmas party we went to an ultra-fancy french place and one of the guys here just flat-out refused to

  • I have found (Score:3, Informative)

    by Admiral Lazzurs ( 96382 ) <<rob> <at> <lazzurs.ie>> on Monday January 12, 2004 @05:45AM (#7950793) Homepage
    That nothing beats a nice pair of Dr. Martins!

    The only problem is that the first pair may be a little painful to ware in however once you have done that they are all good, no probs with metal detectors.

    Hope this helps, take care - RL

  • Saloman (Score:3, Informative)

    by Atrahasis ( 556602 ) on Monday January 12, 2004 @07:31AM (#7951115) Homepage
    My sister is an archaeologist, and when performing feats of geophysics she uses machines far more sensitive to the presence of metallic objects than airport metal detectors. The kinds of places these feats take place require fairly rugged footwear, too. Saloman [salomonsports.com] manufacture a range of hiking boots/cross shoes and a few of the styles have no metal in them whatsoever.
  • Try these guys [extremetoysforboys.com] - sex appeal included!
  • I've got a GREAT idea, lets create an online training shoe store and then instead of targetting sporty people with our ads, use a bunch of nerds dressed up in trackies to advertise them. No-one will want to look like the guys in the ad so no-one will come to buy anything. But all the venture capital money will be in the bank and we can sell the idea before it goes down the pan! What? 2004 you say... I've been in a coma for how long?

    btw - for comfy footwear I'd also recommend Birkenstock [birkenstock.com] but only if y

  • Try San Antonio Shoes (Score:3, Informative)

    by reallocate ( 142797 ) on Monday January 12, 2004 @11:14AM (#7952205)
    Better known as SAS. Popular with medical personnel and other folks who stay on their feet for hours and hours. I've worn them for years.

    A bit difficult to find, but worth it.

    Generic advice: Regardless of brand, if your feet hurt you've got the wrong shoes. Don't buy cheaps shoes in a big-box store. Go to a real shoe store with staff that know how to fit shoes. Expect to pay two or three times what you'd pay at the cheap joint. If the shoes aren't comfortable in the shop, don't buy them thinking you can break them in.
  • I can't recommend Naots highly enough. The style I bought, a basic shoe dressy enough for biz but casual enough for everyday use, runs about $125-150. They have cork beds in them as insoles that, over time, mold to your feet. The beds can be replaced as needed and are supremely comfortable.

    My legs are slightly different in length and it was causing back issues for me, so I got some prescription orthotic inserts. I simply took the cork beds out and replaced them with the inserts and the match is one made in
  • I'll put in another vote for Rockport brand shoes. They're widely available, reasonably priced, attractive enough, come in lengths & widths, and are easily some of the most comfortable no-break-in shoes on the market.

    With all that said some errata:

    • Rockports used to have a metal shim embedded in them to control their mechanical qualities and yes, this set off metal detectors. However soon after 9-11 and resultant increased security measures that piece of metal was replaced with a hard plastic compone
  • Cole Haan.

    Those in the know, know.

    ---anactofgod---
  • I have been the MC for numerous trade-shows and I can tell you that I know what you are asking about.

    The answer is surprisingly simple. Wear two pairs of socks. I generally go for a thin sock with a thicker one over the top. What it does is cushions your feet and allows you to enjoy the show...

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