Casual sneaker needed

[deano]

I have had it up to here with Vans Classic canvas sneakers. They played the role of canvas boat shoes or Sperry's in my wardrobe. But these classic, functional, unobtrusive-looking, versatile shoes are cheap pieces of garbage that I can't get to last more than three or so months without utterly destroying them, and yes I wear other shoes than just these. What they do preserve is my laid back vibe, but I can't believe I have bought so many pairs over the years.

So, I need a casual sneaker - the kind that can dress up ok with khakis and a blue Oxford for work (I have real shoes and clothes for actual work work, don't worry), and the kind that can walk the dog and go to barbecues and ride a bike to the coffee shop just fine.

I am thinking Adidas Sambas (I am not wild about black, though) or basic gray New Balance 997s.

Looking for classic, unobtrusive, versatile, and it turns out now, durable. what do you like?

[Matthew Strongin]

I don't have any issues with my Vans, though they do get rotated around frequently since I have more than a couple handfuls of them.

Sambas are great except mine squeak due to how the tongue rubs the backside of the collar. I've tried everything and the squeak always comes back. So they're best worn with headphones.

I used to love the NB 574, but my last couple pairs were so poorly constructed that I could feel lumps on the inside and the tongue would always fold over creating a pressure spot.

I've had some classic Adidas runners, I forget the model, and they were great and served a similar purpose as the NB, but they're not as easy to dress up for casual office days.

Maybe Chuck Taylors?

If it was me, I'd just stick with Vans. What model are you wearing and how are they falling apart?

[theflashunc]

Adidas Stan Smiths. The sneaker to end all sneakers.

[72gmc]

^^^ I'll say Rod Lavers, because they fit me better than Stans and I like the ventilation.

adidas skate shoes also work well and hold up well for me. Adi ease, campus, lucas, budenitz. I always like the look of a gum sole.

[David Tollefson]

^^^ I'll say Rod Lavers...

Back in the mid 80's I worked in a shoe store. Sold a lot of these. I was actually going to recommend them, but wasn't sure they were still made.

[dgaddis]

I agree that the classic canvas Vans suck. But, some of the tougher pro skater models are much better with a very similar style. I'm currently wearing these, but previously had a pair of, I think, Chukka Low's that lasted ~2 years and they're the shoes I wore pretty much every day.

[rmplum]

^^^ I'll say Rod Lavers, because they fit me better than Stans and I like the ventilation.

adidas skate shoes also work well and hold up well for me. Adi ease, campus, lucas, budenitz. I always like the look of a gum sole.

I have a pair of the Budenitz and they have been bombproof.

[robin3mj]

I have a pair of Rod Lavers that I baby to keep looking nice and they’re my favorite.
Stick with leather vs canvas to last longer.

Sambas come in different colors nowadays. I just got a pair in white with grayish suede bits and olive green stripes. Gumwall soles obviously. And they look amazing.

Puma Clydes are also good.

I could talk sneakers (or Clark’s, Sperry, Blundstone, LL Bean) all day. My wife makes fun.

[Rich Beaudoin]

Any skate shop will have many options
I bought some ‘Emerica’ Reynolds model shoes in spring. They are similar to Vans but seem much higher quality and look/fit great. And my wife likes them.

[Todd Amunrud]

A second for Scarpa’s mountain approach shoes. Mojitos are my go to. Tried the Crux, but it’s really bulky through the heal.

Scarpa Mojito | Zappos.com

[Hank Scorpio]

Poor Dennis Busenitz gets no respect!

Vans just launched a new Anthony Van Engelen shoe that looks like it could take a punch. Also look at the Chima pro2. It has a toe cap that might help them hold up. I agree that the new Vans are low quality but the ones designed for skating with vulcanized soles might hold up a bit longer. If you like the basic look that is what is hot in skating right now so you have your choice from all the manus. Adidas match courts, DC Evan Smith Hi zero or low zero, Huf Cromers or if you are a real pimp the Dylan Rieders (RIP Dylan), maybe some of the Mark Gonzales mid top match courts because F'ing Gonz!!!!

What size are you? I have some Vans chukka lows that I didn't get on with in black in an 11 you can have for shipping or if you are a fancy man some Joel Tudor slip ons in 11. Same deal or you can have both.

[j44ke]

I'm wearing a lot of these just now. Like about 5 different pairs. Super comfortable. This is their casual shoe.

Liking some of the wacky Camper models too. Like these ones.

[gt6267a]

I'm wearing a lot of these just now. Like about 5 different pairs. Super comfortable. This is their casual shoe.

Liking some of the wacky Camper models too. Like these ones.

slip on and go ... currently wearing these and liking them.

[72gmc]

Poor Dennis Busenitz gets no respect!

Dang it. Sorry.