mfad•2y ago

Lightweight shoe recommendations?

I'm looking for a stylish lightweight shoe that is reasonably comfortable for someone with a wider foot, high arch, and often need an onsole/extra support/cushioning. I've researched the Adidas Sambas & Gazelles and idk if they'd be too narrow and lack the support I usually need. I'm sorry if this is an annoying question to ask but I'm just looking for suggestions and recommendations which I can research further myself. I usually wear Converse Hightops and Veja sneakers. Both are comfortable but I want a lightweight, comfortable, and casually stylish alternative.

Any suggestions/recommendations?

zeometer•2/18/24, 2:34 PM

something to consider - how do you define 'casual'? or rather, what are you wearing these shoes with?

zeometer•2/18/24, 2:36 PM

the suggestion implies a casual sneaker but there's other types of shoes that are informal (loafers, mocs, boots) - the shoe guide can help with the basic distinctions https://malefashionadvice.substack.com/p/shoe-guide-v20

Shoe Guide v2.0

by u/jdbee (2012)

zeometer•2/18/24, 2:39 PM

your definition of 'wide' and 'high arch' may also vary (to say nothing of cost) so trying shoes on is the most effective thing imo.

zeometer•2/18/24, 2:40 PM

onitsuka tigers and vans authentics or eras may be good options for sneakers depending on the width of your shoe.

Zzeometer something to consider - how do you define 'casual'? or rather, what are you wear...

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 2:41 PM

fair question. I think a sneaker would be the easiest to consider for something lightweight, casual, and stylish. I would probably wear jeans, linen pants, maybe trackpants, t shirts, maybe some flannels or other layers/outerwear

Zzeometer onitsuka tigers and vans authentics or eras may be good options for sneakers dep...

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 2:42 PM

I tried the 3 eye basic Vans and found they are not great for my foot shape. The lace area is painful against my arch, too narrow and flat, and for their size they actually felt a bit heavy

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 2:43 PM

But I haven't tried your specific suggestions

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 2:44 PM

Something low top is easier

Bigelow•2/18/24, 2:50 PM

Why are you so focused on the weight of the shoe? There are some very comfortable shoes out there but things like cushion and arch support add bulk to the shoes - if the comfort aspect and weight aspect are at odds with each other, why not just wear the comfy shoe?

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 2:50 PM

Because I already have comfy shoes but I find they are sometimes a bit heavy, so I'm looking for a lightweight alternative

okaylama•2/18/24, 2:54 PM

What are some examples of the shoes you have that are too heavy for your liking?

okaylama•2/18/24, 2:54 PM

Chucks and vejas are already pretty light imo so finding something that fits your foot shape + meets some "low weight" may not be trivial

Ookaylama Chucks and vejas are already pretty light imo so finding something that fits you...

zeometer•2/18/24, 2:55 PM

*i would also argue chucks and (to an extent vejas) are stylish for casual wear

Eechoecco.exe Because I already have comfy shoes but I find they are sometimes a bit heavy, so...

zeometer•2/18/24, 2:55 PM

what are these heavy shoes specifically?

okaylama•2/18/24, 2:55 PM

Totally agree chuck high tops are soo versatile

zeometer•2/18/24, 2:56 PM

as someone who suffered through many uncomfortable shoes for the sake of style it's not worth it

zeometer•2/18/24, 2:57 PM

and the difference in weight between a 'heavier' and 'lighter' sneaker or loafer is negligible

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 2:58 PM

I've had these old pair of Adidas Adistar Racers for years, they were handmedowns, they are the lightest shoe that I've tried and enjoyed (stock photo, mine are not as clean, almost dead)

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 2:59 PM

So something with a similar weight, and more current/stylish, would be awesome

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 2:59 PM

I can feel a significant difference in weight between these and Converse or Vejas

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 3:00 PM

Or it might just be because of how good of a fit they are

zeometer•2/18/24, 3:03 PM

it could be because of the support they feature

zeometer•2/18/24, 3:03 PM

they're a heavier shoe by pure weight than ultraboosts, for instance

zeometer•2/18/24, 3:04 PM

(note i am not recommending an ultraboost this isn't 2018)

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 3:04 PM

They are possibly the perfect fit for me, but sometimes feel a bit narrow or sore in general but that's usually after walking a few kilometres

okaylama•2/18/24, 3:05 PM

For these lightweight adidas racers/trainers I've found going up half a size from brannock (if you're a 9E, get a size 9.5) can help alleviate the narrow feeling

zeometer•2/18/24, 3:05 PM

i pivoted away from adidas for that reason

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 3:06 PM

True, I think if I went up a size my current Adidas would basically be perfect (if they didn't have a dead sole)

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 3:07 PM

I'm also a big fan of Adidas style/aesthetic

okaylama•2/18/24, 3:07 PM

idk if you'll think they're too heavy but the NB 1906r/2002r/990v3,4,5,6 are very comfortable, but not lightweight. I would say that the comfort is excellent enough to mitigate the added weight

okaylama•2/18/24, 3:08 PM

They are not sleek though, which seems to be what you prefer

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 3:08 PM

Yeah I think I prefer a sleek, simple look

okaylama•2/18/24, 3:09 PM

a challenge in general is that sleek shoes are usually not comfortable for wide footers (my experience as a wide footer)

zeometer•2/18/24, 3:09 PM

there's going to be some concessions though - the sleek, simple sneakers typically don't have all the added support that you may want

Ookaylama a challenge in general is that sleek shoes are usually not comfortable for wide ...

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 3:09 PM

Hence my conundrum, and why I am asking for suggestions lol

okaylama•2/18/24, 3:09 PM

you can accomodate by going up a 1/2 or 1 size, if you really like the style of those shoes

Zzeometer there's going to be some concessions though - the sleek, simple sneakers typical...

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 3:10 PM

sad but true, so I gotta find the happy medium, the perfect balance of sleek and comfort

zeometer•2/18/24, 3:12 PM

i would try on some of the NBs that @champagnepaji recommended to see if their comfort is worth the added weight

zeometer•2/18/24, 3:12 PM

onitsuka tigers are also an option

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 3:13 PM

or are Sambas or Gazelles still an option for me?

okaylama•2/18/24, 3:13 PM

try mexico 66's, adidas sl 72, nike waffle one, gazelles/sambas

zeometer•2/18/24, 3:13 PM

if you're dead set on sambas go up a half size imo

zeometer•2/18/24, 3:14 PM

i encourage exploring other options because most of what's been suggested is timeless and will likely be unchnaged from year to year

Zzeometer if you're dead set on sambas go up a half size imo

okaylama•2/18/24, 3:15 PM

and if these sleek/lowheight shoes are uncomfortable you replace the insole with a more plush one

Bigelow•2/18/24, 3:15 PM

Something like the Onitsuka Tiger tokuten could be good. I think Mexico 66 is another popular model

Zzeometer if you're dead set on sambas go up a half size imo

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 3:16 PM

I do love the look of the sambas and gazelles, just concerned on fit and comfort

BBigelow Something like the Onitsuka Tiger tokuten could be good. I think Mexico 66 is an...

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 3:16 PM

That could be nice alternative

Ookaylama and if these sleek/lowheight shoes are uncomfortable you replace the insole with...

echoecco.exeOP•2/18/24, 3:17 PM

any recommendations on good insoles?

okaylama•2/18/24, 3:18 PM

Uhh personally I just rock the stock ones in every shoe I own, I'm sure there's plenty of options on the market though (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-insoles-for-running-and-walking/)

Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World

The Best Insoles for Running and Walking

Insoles can add cushion in your shoes and even relieve some lower-body ailments. We’ve tested over three dozen pairs to determine which insoles offer the most support.

Bigelow•2/18/24, 3:18 PM

New balance has some models that are less chunky than the 99x series. For example the 420 and the 574