Recommendations for a better sneaker?

[drietz]

All - I must admit, I'm a simply high school student.

As a simple high school student, I succumb to the simple trends in daily teenage life in the US, and that means...I wear Vans. Lately, my experience with shoes from this company has been disappointing.

In one month of marginal use, one of my shoes completely de-sole-d itself. Now I have a $60 moccasin thing that will probably become my dog's next best chew toy. Better yet, the Vans store from which I bought it will do nothing to help me out.

Don't get me wrong - I love the look of Vans and would not mind at all paying $60 for a good, slender looking sneaker that would last me a while, but a month? That's just not worth it!

So, anybody have recommendations for a decent looking sneaker that, while it may not last super long, also doesn't command a ridiculous price? Or better yet, a sneaker that will last a while even if it means a little extra cash out of my wallet.

[ABiCi]

Onitsuka Tiger.

[cash]

Can't go wrong with Chucks.

[liv2bike]

All I wear are Salomon...either xt wings or speedcross. They won't let you down.

[quickag]

Join me and petition Nike to bring back the Ace '83. The best sneaker eva.

[robin3mj]

Chucks are cheap and disposable.
Adidas Rod Lavers will last longer, though slightly less skater ish than Vans.
Puma Clydes are what Vans grow up to be.

[AJPM44]

New Balance.

[OnTheEllipse]

i bought my first pair of converse early this year and have been really happy with them

[Brandon White]

Adidas Stan Smiths or Rod Lavers. They'll last longer. Hell, even shell toes will last a hell of a lot longer.

I'm guessing there will be a recommendation for Generic Surplus (Chase ..?) - they can be found pretty cheap, look descent and will last awhile (although mine aren't all that comfortable for me so I rarely wear them).

[AngryScientist]

keen makes some pretty durable, decent looking stuff. i've got a pair that i dont wear too often, but i do like them, look like this:

[Octave]

Puma Clydes.

Also, shoe glue. It will help with your de-sole-ing issue. It works, f'real.

[defspace]

I've had great experience with Clae shoes. A bit pricier than Vans, but the quality is there, imo.

I've picked up a pair of Generic Surplus - no telling yet how they'll hold up, but initial impressions are good.

[Octave]

I had some Generic Surplus for a while. They lasted two years of regular use.

[Ben]

Thank
me
later.

Don't wear sneakers unless you're running.

[chasea]

The perforated leather Rod Lavers.

[maunahaole]

Converse Jack Purcells. Because the blue stripe on the toe is fresh and they wont make you look like a hipster (Chuck Taylors)

Real Puma Clydes should turn your socks blue when it rains.

Adidas Sambas, if you don't mind looking like a soccer player.

[Griffin32]

Chucks. After they get nasty, they can be washed in the washing machine. Definite plus.

[Matthew Strongin]

Chucks. After they get nasty, they can be washed in the washing machine. Definite plus.

It's like you all are looking in my closet. +1 on all of the above. Particularly this, though...chucks last a while, look ok when worn in and can be cleaned up easily.

[rowdyhillrambler]

I have a hard time with chuck taylors.. What are they saying? First, i owned a pair in high school, holy shit! If you step on a newspaper, you can feel the print. Wow, are they uncomfortable.

I ask myself this question every time i think about getting a pair of sneakers.. I wear pants and boots every day. I have a hard time finding a tennis shoe, sneaker, whatever that just says, "i am a guy, in tennessee, wearing sneakers, i have no agenda and may or may not be going to an athletic event." But, redwing boots look like shit with shorts..

drietz, although i am not a high schooler in norcal, this is an excellent question.

[jitahs]

All I wear are Salomon...either xt wings or speedcross. They won't let you down.

Every time I need a pair I go to REI, try on interesting-looking things, shrug and get Salomons again.

This kid lives in Norcal, thus: Five Ten | Fixed Gear