Airport and Foot Friendly Trade Show Shoes? 178
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?"
Running Shoes or "Skateboard" Shoes (Score:1)
Re:Running Shoes or "Skateboard" Shoes (Score:5, Informative)
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...
Re:Running Shoes or "Skateboard" Shoes (Score:2)
what the hell does that mean? british knights were a brand of shoes in like the 80s
Pick your running shoes carefully (Score:2)
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
Orthopedic nursing shoes (Score:1)
OP: Ostrich Skin Boots, Black (Score:3, Interesting)
everybody welcomes an extra inch and a half (Score:2)
No way am I letting anyone wearing cowboy boots, string ties, a "got root?" t-shirt, a floppy-brimmed hat or a big black duster coat anywhere *near* my boxes...
Well, since the story's here... (Score:5, Informative)
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!
Re:Well, since the story's here... (Score:5, Funny)
Worst. Dessert. Ever.
Re:Well, since the story's here... (Score:5, Informative)
If blisters are a problem, get a VERY thin inner sock. This should be about the thickness of a nylon stocking. This lets the outer sock rub against the inner sock instead of your skin. (If it's too thick your skin just rubs against two socks instead of one...)
Re:Well, since the story's here... (Score:2)
Merrell trainers, (Score:5, Informative)
Like walking shoes - only light - very comfortable, I'm on about my fifth pair in as many years.
(of wearing every day)
Alex
Re:Merrell trainers, (Score:2)
-MS2k
Re:Merrell trainers, (Score:2)
This is the worst story ever. (Score:1, Troll)
Steelies. (Score:2)
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!
One Word. (Score:2)
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.
Walking Shoe Company (Score:1)
Coming soon on Ask Slashdot... (Score:5, Funny)
- 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...
Re:Coming soon on Ask Slashdot... (Score:2)
WTF?
Re:Coming soon on Ask Slashdot... (Score:4, Insightful)
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... ***
Slashdot 2048 (Score:2)
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.
Try slip-on mocs (Score:1)
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)
Rockport Walkers (Score:2)
Re:Rockport Walkers (Score:2)
Re:Rockport Walkers (Score:2)
Re:Rockport Walkers (Score:2)
Re:Rockport Walkers (Score:2)
Sorry for being an ass when it wasn't warranted.
Re:Rockport Walkers (Score:2)
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)
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.
Re:Well... (Score:2)
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
Re:Well... (Score:5, Insightful)
I suppose we should rename this to "Morons ask slashdot", given the really basic nature of several of the last dozen or so.
Re:Well... (Score:2)
Agreed. I wear shoes with metal, and typicially a belt. Security has never stared at me oddly for taking my shoes and belt off before getting to the detector. Saves me the trouble of being pulled away and having to be searched.
Re:Well... (Score:2)
Then the money men loose money and force the US back to being a FREE country, again. Not the beginning of the forth...
As long as you help support anti-freedom movement by playing with by the rules... The more you are part of problem.
Security these days... (Score:2)
Re:Security these days... (Score:2)
Weird question but ... (Score:2)
Bob.
Ecco-brand shoes (Score:2)
Re:Ecco-brand shoes (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Ecco-brand shoes (Score:2)
I work in the.. (Score:2, Interesting)
Lose weight. (Score:5, Funny)
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.
Hiking boots rule (Score:2)
Re:Hiking boots rule (Score:2)
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
Hooves! (Score:2)
Rockports (Score:2)
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
Re:Rockports (Score:2)
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.
Comfy shoes (Score:2)
--
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)
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.
Hi-Tec brand footwear is a good bet (Score:2)
Shoes and (Score:4, Interesting)
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
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
Re:Shoes and (Score:2)
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
Re:Shoes and (Score:2)
and if milo moneybags slipped through with some devious plan, i hope he enjoys his new wal-mart shoes.
shoes (Score:2)
Re:shoes (Score:2)
REI Sandals (Score:3, Interesting)
Birks (Score:3, Interesting)
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)
Re:Birks (Score:2)
Catskill Mountain Leather Moccasins (Score:3, Informative)
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. :)
Re:Catskill Mountain Leather Moccasins (Score:2)
No, but you could easily get away with wearing a more finished looking pair [catskill-moc.com] rather than something as rustic as what you pointed out. You can also be sure to get smaller, less obvious buttons (they have styles from flat, black steel to deer antler). Besides, how often do people notice your shoes? (Didn't you ever watch The Shawshank Redemption? :) And at a conference, chances are you're going to be wearing pants anyway, so they'll be mostly covered. Their moccasins are pretty cool looking, but I for one
ASIC, The Shoes! (Score:2)
Get Superfeet insoles for $30 (Score:2)
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
Re:Get Superfeet insoles for $30 (Score:2)
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.
There are a bunch of solutions (Score:2)
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)
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].
Re:Who cares about the metal detector? (Score:2)
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
Re:Who cares about the metal detector? (Score:2)
Thanks.
Re:Who cares about the metal detector? (Score:2)
Re:Who cares about the metal detector? (Score:2)
...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)
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
leatherman tool (Score:2)
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...
Re:Stay with the hiking boots (Score:2)
Most Airports... (Score:2)
Try some Birkenstocks; they're like heaven once you get them broken in.
Re:Most Airports... (Score:2)
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.
Take off your shoes... (Score:2)
running shoes... (Score:2)
Hiking boots really don't come anywhere close to running shoes in comfort and probably have lots of metal.
Re:running shoes... (Score:2)
A $150 pair of Nikes is overkill for a trade show.
Dr Martens. (Score:2, Interesting)
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
Re:Dr Martens. (Score:2)
Here's a tip for you (Score:2, Flamebait)
"Wah wha wha my wittle piggies huuurt"
Pansy...
Shoe selection (Score:5, Informative)
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!)
Re:Barefoot is best (Score:3, Informative)
Lets also take into account that there are also other medical conditions that are becoming more prevalent that actually require a lot more attention given to protecting the foot. An example of this is diabetes. When the
I might just be a freak... (Score:2)
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)
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)
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.
Re:This will Probably get me Crucified... (Score:2)
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
Re:This will Probably get me Crucified... (Score:3, Insightful)
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)
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)
Boots (Score:2)
great dotCOM idea! (Score:2)
btw - for comfy footwear I'd also recommend Birkenstock [birkenstock.com] but only if y
Try San Antonio Shoes (Score:3, Informative)
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.
Naot shoes (Score:2)
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
Rockports (Score:2)
With all that said some errata:
I have two words for you... (Score:2)
Those in the know, know.
---anactofgod---
Wear more socks - really! (Score:2)
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...
Steel Toed Docs (Score:2)
It takes a while to break them in but once you do you'll be shocked by how comfortable they are.
Tell me about it.
On the other hand, there's nothing quite like having a pair of steel-toed Doc Marten Oxford-style dress shoes. At work, there's a large machine shop, so CSA/ANSI-rated steel-toed shoes are essential for us office folk who venture out back to hang around with the guys and brake their lathes.
They're comfortable, they look great with anything from jeans to a tuxedo, they last forever AND they se
Re:Lose some weight! (Score:2)
Foot pain is a sign of Diabetes.