Is it worth buying $100+ sneakers over $50 ones?

[MrHT]

For example, would there be a big difference in terms comfort if I were to buy THIS $50 sneaker vs. THIS $100 sneaker?

The reason I ask is because I tend to buy $50 ones and they do last a good 4-5 years, which is fine by me since I like to replace my shoes often as they get dirty and filthy. But I do have issues with comfort, especially in the summer when I do lots of walking and my feet swells from the heat. No matter how well I try them on at the store and they feel comfy enough, I will experience some sort of discomfort in them when I walk for an extended amount of time. I notice pinching in certain areas that I never noticed when trying them on at the store. And of course, it's too late to return by then.

In short, I have a lot of issues when it comes to finding a good pair of comfortable shoes. New Balance tends to be the best for me in terms of comfort, but I do find them very clunky and heavy that they tire my legs faster. I like the light weight of Nike and Asics shoes.

Anyways, for those that have bought $100+ sneakers, are they really worth the extra cost? I only use sneakers for walking. I don't run marathons or anything like that. But I do walk a lot in the summer when the weather is nice and was wondering if upping my budget will lead to better comfort when walking a lot.

[Al_The_Strange]

I support spending more for comfort and keeping your feet healthy. Cheaping out on walking or running shoes could damage something.

But that being said, are these your only two options? Have you gone to a shoe store recently and tried something on sale or any off-brand stuff?

EDIT:
Looking at the two links, I didn't realize these were both Asics and they both appear to be the same style and material. I wouldn't know what the difference is. Why not get the cheaper one with more 5-star reviews?

[Batman1980]

I use inexpensive pairs for training and expensive pairs for actual races

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I support spending more for comfort and keeping your feet healthy. Cheaping out on walking or running shoes could damage something.

But that being said, are these your only two options? Have you gone to a shoe store recently and tried something on sale or any off-brand stuff?

But are the more expensive ones more comfortable? More expensive may not necessarily equal more comfort. Not saying it doesn't; I actually don't know which is why I started this thread.

And no, those are just two examples. I'm open to more options. And it is often very very difficult shopping at shoe stores as most of them have a very limited selection of wide shoes. My feet are wide; at least, I think they're wide as I find size D shoes to be too tight. It's far more easier finding wide sizes online, so I normally have to order them online. If they fit, I keep; if not, I return. It's annoying but stores don't carry a lot of wide shoes because apparently, I'm the only person in the world with wide feet.

[Al_The_Strange]

Maybe I should put it this way: spend on the brand you know and trust (like Asics), but research and find the style, model, size that will work for you.

Asics don't work for me personally, so given the choice I'd probably pick Nikes, even if they are more expensive. I've tried out cheaper brands before only to find shoes fall apart or become uncomfortable faster.

But if you do find a cheaper pair that lasts and is more comfortable, then sure go with those. It'll be hard to quantify just looking online though. Surprising to hear your shoe store selections are so sparse, it sounds like you'll need to narrow your online search to wide shoes from brands you trust.

[sk33tr]

for athletic shoes, i wear new balance.

currently, i wear the 510. i got them 'cause at the time it's all i could afford. they're comfortable (never worn a pair of new balance that weren't), but they're not as comfortable as the 990. and i've had about 10 pairs of the 990 so i'm very familiar with them.

and trust me, when i get the money again, i'm gonna have another pair of the 990s. they're not cheap, but they're well worth it, in my opinion.


so to me, yes. it is worth spending more.

[TripleHBK]

There can be a HUGE difference in performance, comfort, and durability in a $50 pair of shoes vs a $100+ pair of shoes. I've preferred to wear basketball shoes most of my life (for casual wear) and the quality/craftsmanship differences are vast between the 2 price points you've provided. The most I've ever spent on a pair of shoes as $150. That was one time. For years while in school I regularly spent around $100 though. These days I'm not quite as concerned with high end shoes but typically spend around $75 for quality shoes that are worn regularly.

If you plan to do anything in the shoes outside of just wearing them around, going for the high priced pair is almost always recommended. Personally, I can't stand asics, new balance, or any of those brands however and have never worn a pair. I've always stuck with Nike, Jordan's, Reebok, And1 (back before they became a discount brand) and the occasional Addidas, Luggs, Fila, etc.

Shoes (and clothing in general) typically are one of those solid examples where you trully get what you pay for. Cheaper shoes will be functional, but they will also likely wear out faster, leave your feet sore, smell, and in general just not look as nice as a more expensive pair.

[MrHT]

The problem I am having with shoes is that they get narrower as you go up to the toe area. My feet get wider in the toe area. It's really ridiculous that they design shoes the opposite of the way my feet are shaped.

I may have to look at more New Balances shoes, but like I said, I do find them to be the clunkiest and heaviest shoes I wear and I, personally, don't find the arch support all that great. My legs literally get tired of walking or standing after a few hours. But with Asics, I can walk & stand all day and not get tired because they're just soooo light and the arch support is top notch. It's just my feet get a bit discomforted after a while in them due to their narrower shape and design. And honestly, New Balance does make the ugliest shoes I've ever seen. But that's beside the point.

Maybe I might hit one of the Asics stores in the city one day and see if they have a better size selection. The thing is, those stores tend to be overpriced. Never been to Foot Locker though as I find them overpriced as well.

[Scarriere]

Just like in almost everything else, you gotta pay for quality.
I've learned long ago that cheaping out means disappointment.

[master_8ball]

If you are getting 4-5 years out of a pair of $50 shoes why wouldn't you stay with that and maybe get a half size bigger? I'm happy if I get a year out of mine and I'm typically spending $69.99-$120 CDN on shoes. Personally I think the shoes linked to are hideous.

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Asics don't work for me personally, so given the choice I'd probably pick Nikes, even if they are more expensive. I've tried out cheaper brands before only to find shoes fall apart or become uncomfortable faster.

Originally Posted by TripleHBK

Personally, I can't stand asics, new balance, or any of those brands however and have never worn a pair.

Originally Posted by master_8ball

Personally I think the shoes linked to are hideous.

Just out of curiosity, what don't you guys like about Asics? Maybe I might need to try other shoe brands then as 90% of my shoes are Asics. They seemed to be the most comfortable ones I try on at the store, especially since my feet are wide, but I can try other brands if it will get rid of the discomfort that I experience with some of my Asics. Nike shoes look comfy, but their wide selection is extremely limited. But I may try one of their wide shoes and see if I can get better comfort out of them.

Good thing I'm not going on place like Disney World anytime soon. I'd be so screwed since none of my shoes are comfortable enough to walk in for that long. I really need to find a good pair that I can walk in non-stop...

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by MrHT

Just out of curiosity, what don't you guys like about Asics? Maybe I might need to try other shoe brands then as 90% of my shoes are Asics. They seemed to be the most comfortable ones I try on at the store, especially since my feet are wide, but I can try other brands if it will get rid of the discomfort that I experience with some of my Asics. Nike shoes look comfy, but their wide selection is extremely limited. But I may try one of their wide shoes and see if I can get better comfort out of them.

Good thing I'm not going on place like Disney World anytime soon. I'd be so screwed since none of my shoes are comfortable enough to walk in for that long. I really need to find a good pair that I can walk in non-stop...

Running with Asics running shoes makes my feet tingly and painful, and eventually numb. I think they cut off the circulation. They always feel tight over the top of my foot and on the sides. The squeeze is a little much for me.

For non-stop walking, I'd recommend some kind of hiking shoe or boot. I've been using a Cabela's brand for the longest time--very good for rugged trails and outdoors walking. They seem to last a long time too. Seems like day-to-day work activity puts strain on my feet when I wear those though--I switched to these old Clarks' pair, which feel decent, but are falling apart. The only other brand I know of that work for me are Skechers and Vans.

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Running with Asics running shoes makes my feet tingly and painful, and eventually numb. I think they cut off the circulation. They always feel tight over the top of my foot and on the sides. The squeeze is a little much for me.

Ah, yes! That's exactly what happens to me when I wear Asics. They feel great at first and are great in terms of shock absorption and support, but I do feel that as my feet expand during the day (especially during the heat), they eventually get a little numb and it starts squeezing my toes the wrong way.

I do find Nike's worse as I find them much more narrower than Asics, but like I said, they do have some wide selections. The Nike Downshifter 7 looks nice and soft and comes in wide. I'll look into that and see...

[AnimalChin]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by MrHT

The problem I am having with shoes is that they get narrower as you go up to the toe area. My feet get wider in the toe area. It's really ridiculous that they design shoes the opposite of the way my feet are shaped.

I may have to look at more New Balances shoes, but like I said, I do find them to be the clunkiest and heaviest shoes I wear and I, personally, don't find the arch support all that great. My legs literally get tired of walking or standing after a few hours. But with Asics, I can walk & stand all day and not get tired because they're just soooo light and the arch support is top notch. It's just my feet get a bit discomforted after a while in them due to their narrower shape and design. And honestly, New Balance does make the ugliest shoes I've ever seen. But that's beside the point.

Maybe I might hit one of the Asics stores in the city one day and see if they have a better size selection. The thing is, those stores tend to be overpriced. Never been to Foot Locker though as I find them overpriced as well.

Asics makes wide and extra wide widths, maybe try one of those.

[master_8ball]

Originally Posted by MrHT

Just out of curiosity, what don't you guys like about Asics? Maybe I might need to try other shoe brands then as 90% of my shoes are Asics. They seemed to be the most comfortable ones I try on at the store, especially since my feet are wide, but I can try other brands if it will get rid of the discomfort that I experience with some of my Asics. Nike shoes look comfy, but their wide selection is extremely limited. But I may try one of their wide shoes and see if I can get better comfort out of them.

Good thing I'm not going on place like Disney World anytime soon. I'd be so screwed since none of my shoes are comfortable enough to walk in for that long. I really need to find a good pair that I can walk in non-stop...

They just aren't the style of shoe I would wear, I have one pair of running shoes that I use to work out in but that's it.

All my walking is in casual or skate shoes. I have worn skate shoes for the last 20 years and love them, they fit loose and can walk all day in them. If I had to run I could but I wouldn't want to do a marathon in them or anything.

You should look at some skate shoes as they typically are wider; I like DC, Etnies and Adidas for skate shoes. My newest shoes are New Balance skate shoes which look amazing but have been bugging my big toe, I think it has to do with too much arch in the shoe.

For casual shoes Dr. Martens which I am wearing right now are super comfortable in the soles but can be on the heavier side depending on the model. I have owned a number of Clarkes too; both Dr. Martin and Clarkes are usually wider as well. I know you live and work in New York and assume your daily wear is business casual, if so I would think some of these shoes would also look better with business casual wear opposed to the running shoes you linked to.

[Saccharin]

This really long reply comes as a dud. You have finally got a pair you like, maybe the ultraboost or NMD or just completly different.
Just ignore it this reaction comes way to long.

[Member-222782]

Originally Posted by MrHT

The problem I am having with shoes is that they get narrower as you go up to the toe area. My feet get wider in the toe area. It's really ridiculous that they design shoes the opposite of the way my feet are shaped.

I may have to look at more New Balances shoes, but like I said, I do find them to be the clunkiest and heaviest shoes I wear and I, personally, don't find the arch support all that great. My legs literally get tired of walking or standing after a few hours. But with Asics, I can walk & stand all day and not get tired because they're just soooo light and the arch support is top notch. It's just my feet get a bit discomforted after a while in them due to their narrower shape and design. And honestly, New Balance does make the ugliest shoes I've ever seen. But that's beside the point.

Maybe I might hit one of the Asics stores in the city one day and see if they have a better size selection. The thing is, those stores tend to be overpriced. Never been to Foot Locker though as I find them overpriced as well.

You may need to look into custom footwear. That may be easier said than done but you're right when you suggest that stores are unreliable when it comes to stocking odd sizes and just going with what's popular. As far as comfort goes, I find that the more they cost the less comfortable they are. I bought a "cheap" pair of Nike sneakers and they feel light as a feather. They feel like I'm wearing flipflops even in cold weather. Paid like $55 and are well worth it

[Monterey Jack]

Every pair of sneakers I ever buy has the heels grind down into powder inside of three months, so I would never blow even $50 on a pair.

[Hitman Horton]

Originally Posted by Monterey Jack

Every pair of sneakers I ever buy has the heels grind down into powder inside of three months, so I would never blow even $50 on a pair.

The problem that you are having with shoes is the way that you walk. You drag your feet.

[TripleHBK]

Originally Posted by Hitman Horton

The problem that you are having with shoes is the way that you walk. You drag your feet.

I'd also add that buying cheap shoes means that they use cheap materials which break down and wear out much faster. A good $50 pair of shoes will likely last about a year give or take 3 or so months either way. A $120+ pair of shoes will likely feel more comfortable and will also hold up significantly longer.