(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best athletic shoes for men

>... a 12 year old beginner ... He would be the first to admit that he doesn't have a tremendous amount of physical endurance or strength. He's tall with lanky limbs..all femur and flat feet and hair. He's a lefty with limited coordination and no clue how little grace he has.

I was 11 when I started. And, my Dad used to joke that I was so clumsy before I started fencing that it was pretty common for me to have bruises all over my shins from awkwardly walking into coffee tables.

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>Given how much gear you guys have to wear while sparring or competing and even how fast paced and athletic the footwork and workouts can be during practices, I'm finding it hard to know what athletic pants to buy this kid as a base They are all thick or heavy and the lightweight ones pill pretty quickly so I didn't know if I'm just looking in the wrong direction or if our expectations are too high.

I wear 3/4 length tights, like these. And, above that I wear lightweight shorts, like these. If you're curios I wear athletic boxer-briefs, like these. And, that said I wash ALL of my athletic clothes in cold water with the regular cycle and dry in low-no heat only.

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>Shoes - Oh Jesus Christ. He's been through almost 3 pair. As I said, he's flat-footed so he's hard on shoes anyway. We haven't invested a ton of cash into gear just because we didn't know how long he'd be into this but we bought him a pair of Ontusuka Tigers or something like that in the beginning. Since then we've just put him in sneakers/gym shoes. No clue what might be best for his feet. His coach is so awesome but just says "Whatever is supportive for his feet for now." He's Armenian and hardcore so right now gives zero fucks about my kid's shoes and just wants him to learn how to sit back with a weapon in his hand. Mom on the other hand likes to spend money on shoes that might last through the next shoe size. Unless I'm wrong. Tell me if my expectations are too high.

'Ontusuka Tigers' are not actual athletic shoes ; they're fashion shoes that are based on an out of production pair of fencing shoes. That said fencing shoes can be quite expensive. The standard advice is to buy a pair of court shoes (volleyball or racquetball shoes). The general advice is that for 'bang for the buck' buy Asics Gel Rocket 9's (which are a popular brand of volleyball shoes).

And because he has flat-feet I would highly recommend that you buy inserts for his shoes. I recommend Superfeet Carbon's, they'll last longer than the shoes will.

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>Blades - He's a foil and for now, he's got basic AF gear, again, because we had no way of knowing if he'd be able to hold post to this sport or not. I'm sure his coach will eventually have suggestions about upgrading someday but I'm wondering when they start buying gear that lasts. Also, from a fighting style/weapons choice, I'm guessing his coach will guide him on that too at some point. He starts all the kids on foil. Is there a different style that's better suited to lefties or should we just roll with it? Our kid loves this sport but are our expectations too high?

For beginners, I recommend just using standard StM (or Dynamo) foils which are made in a Ukrainian forge. I am not a fan of the Chinese made blades (i.e., Absolute, Blue Gauntlet/SG, Linea, etc...) because they just break far to fast. Leon Paul foils are overpriced garbage, so avoid those.

As for when do you start buying higher quality blades, once he decides he's going to compete regularly I would consider upgrading to at least an FIE blade then. If I were you I'd rather him have 2-3 non-FIE StM blades up and running for him before I worry about getting him $100+ dollar blades.

Same with his 'Whites' just stick with the Absolute 350N gear.

If you're going to make an upgrade then buy a nice glove. And if he winds up competing in epee I recommend upgrading to an FIE mask but otherwise you're fine as is.

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>He did his first tournament this weekend as was super proud to even win one match given that every other participant had been fencing 2+ years. We beamed! Any advice on how to keep him engaged without pressuring him would be appreciated. Such a great sport and a fine sub you have here.

I think the best thing you can do, is to help him set realistic but difficult short term goals and to celebrate with him when he achieves those goals BUT, to keep a healthy distance from his training. Sometimes parents have a hard time not playing the role of a coach in their kids' training BUT, I think for 99% of kids it's crucial that they have that separation between their coaches and their family life. You don't want him to take the (otherwise healthy) pressure he might feel from the competition home with him. Especially, if he doesn't do as well as he (and you) hoped he would do. Let his coaches do that, it's their actual job.

Ok, so here are all the ones I've tried. And I did, in fact, purchase them all on Amazon. All of them came from Vivobarefoot's store on Amazon with the exception for the Scott. The Scott was had on 6pm.com's Amazon store and I got them for $89.99 and that is excellent value, IMO.

I was skeptical like you are, based on the reviews I read but you always should keep in mind most people aren't going to write reviews unless they're unhappy. Your data is going to be negatively biased and what's more we as humans generally remember negative feedback more than positive. Better to err on the side of caution, but if you're able to take a chance you might be pleasantly surprised!

And I have been.

I can't say these shoes are "built to last" in the sense that, like you say, they're not made to be re-soled, but they don't feel any less durable than the majority of sneakers I was wearing before hand from brands like Nike and Adidas. I tried wearing 'nicer' shoes like Allen Edmonds and just could not find ones that agreed with my feet, so I can't really compare quality there.

The boots I can compare my Scott to are my L.L. Bean Bean Boots and my Jack Erwin Chelsea Boots. The bean boots were sized as properly as I could get them, but they were never comfortable. They're made to be rugged and they're made to be worn with really thick socks, I have a really narrow build and my calves, ankles, and feet are lean like the rest of me. I always felt like I had too much room and would sometimes get rubbed in places because of it. The Jack Erwins Chelseas are kind of the opposite in every sense, they're made for less rugged activity and I liked pretty much everything about them. They felt formed to my leg and foot well and while I am not in love with the arch support, it doesn't kill me. If I was going to be walking around all day I probably would opt for something else.

Comparing the Scott to those, they're functionally my favorite boot. Hard to get on sometimes like I mentioned, but I hardly realize I'm wearing them when they're on. Zero "support" and lots of ground feel and I love it. I don't live in a cold area and I haven't tested the weather resistance or whatever they called it, but I imagine they would be fine for a rush to or from your vehicle.

Everything else I've gotten from them are shoes, I'll give a brief comment on each of them.

• Vivobarefoot Men's Bannister Premium Classic Sport Shoe: I didn't really like anything about these, would not recommend.
  
  
• Vivobarefoot Men's Lisbon Shoe: like I said I'm very impressed with these. They have creased up more than I would like, but they have stood up to scuffs well enough. I haven't tried cleaning them up or polishing them but I wear them almost every day at work and have had them since April 13.
  
  
• Vivobarefoot Men's Ra Lite Walking Shoe: These are quite comfortable but I don't like how they look at all in person. They're rather see through, I'm not a fan of the contrast lacing... they look like "swim shoes" as we called them when I was a kid.
  
  
• Vivobarefoot Men's Mata Canvas Walking Shoe: Mixed feelings about these. I got them as my quest continued to find a tasteful and comfortable pair of white shoes from Vivobarefoot. The "natural" color is not white and I'm sad about that, but it's not a bad color. It doesn't go very well next to my skin tone, but it looks fine in some outfits. The shoe is really comfortable and I ware it a lot, in spite of not being in love with the way it looks. Considering trying a leather pair but I don't particularly love any of the colors there, either.
  
  My advice would be to either review their return policy on their website and buy there or to just order through Amazon, who has a tremendously forgiving return policy.
  
  And--not to be rude or whatever--but I think expecting to re-sole a ~$150 pair of shoes is ambitious for most brands. Even if it's possible, I don't know that it'd be worth it. I say that, but I've never re-soled a pair of shoes and am pretty ignorant in that regard so I could be totally mistaken.

To clarify: these are not necessarily outfits, these are quality basic pieces that you can build a wardrobe around and incorporate your own style into.

Amazon links for the items listed:

• Carhartt K121
  
• Hanes Beefy-T
  
  
• Levis 501 Shrink to Fit
  
  
• Dickies 874
  
  
• Chuck 70
  
  
• Air Force 1
  
  *Another user has recommended the [Comfort colors c1717 tee](Comfort Colors Pigment-Dyed Short Sleeve Shirt Small Lagoon Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VY7T8W5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hGbhAbZTK6NQW)
  
  I own all of these items (except the 501s, I have APC new standards but I wanted to keep it budget friendly.) I can attest to the quality and the aesthetics of these clothes.
  
  Also:
  
  
• If slim fit is more your thing, Levis and Dickies make slim fit versions of both pants! Dickies slim-skinny and levis 511 respectively. Just make sure you don't wear chunkier shoes like the AF1 if you plan on wearing slim/skinny pants. You'll look like you're wearing bricks on your feet.
  
  
• A few alternatives would be Carhartt work pants, Champion reverse weave hoodie, and Adidas GATs if you plan on wearing slimmer pants.

thought I'd hit this up since I have trouble finding shoes, too. Being a female who is stuck in a men's size 12-13 is horrid.

I found these Sketchers that are nice looking, and come in 15, 15W, and actually have color options in both those sizes.

These Asics look pretty good, too, and also have options! (With mine, options on colors usually isn't a thing in affordable shoes)

New Balance is a good brand, but there are only two choices here for color in your size. >.<

Just for fun a pair I'd get for myself. Except for the fact that they seem to be more expensive in my size than yours, WTF?

Anyway, if you happen to like any of my choices, feel free to surprise me, preferably from my Bookish or Kitty Cat Dreams list. :)

Good luck finding some nice shoes!

This really should be in MFA, but since you asked nicely:

Tigers are nice and light, but have little in the way of padding

Killshots when they exist are comfortable and stylish but retain a lot of inner moisture

Vans in neutral colors like navy or brown go with basically everything

LL Bean Jackmans are comfy, but you probably can't break them in in 2 weeks

Nike Frees are well-regarded as long as you don't get garish colors, but I don't own those so can't offer useful opinions

Seavees in navy would be hard not match with

I leave it to you to find the best price online, but hopefully this at least gave you some ideas.

I live/run in a city too. I have these and love them:
http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Ascend-Glove-Trail-Running/dp/B00B98NFAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425785059&sr=8-1&keywords=Merrell+ascend+glove
They have a bit more padding than some other minimal shoes (6mm, so still not a ton) and find having just a bit of padding is nice. I'm also considering getting a pair of Merrell vapor gloves (zero padding) which I've heard good things about. I'm a lot newer runner than you but I find these (Ascend) to be super comfortable up to the half-marathon distance that I've done.

If you drag your non slide foot the toe cap wont last long. These are basically the old Brunswick TPU-X shoe that I have. I almost went through the toe cap in like 2 months. I ruin all my bowling shoes but never anywhere this fast. I now wear the removable dexter toe cap on it since they basically look brand new except the toe guard and they are super comfortable shoes.

https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-Powerstep-Traction-Sole-Medium/dp/B004XG5NTU/ref=asc_df_B004XG5NTU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=193133192523&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14796870004048169475&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012055&hvtargid=pla-314969078801&psc=1

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I think the 9s have a replaceable toe cap now. Big thing to consider if you burn through shoes because of toe dragging like a lot of us.

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KR Strikeforce made the TPU-X for Brunswick and makes the Forces for Hammer. Their version is under $100. https://www.cheapbowlingballs.com/KR-Raptor-Mens-Bowling-Shoes.aspx

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https://www.cheapbowlingballs.com/KR-Raptor-Mens-Wide-Bowling-Shoes.aspx

I know they aren't technically climbing shoes, but I climb with these and they're fantastic and I absolutely love them. Only 30 bucks too.

I would say this is the best lifting shoe for the price and they look pretty good as well.

Not the biggest load, but some load. Breakdown of the 5 technologies in the shoe

• "FlyteFoam 55% lighter...more resilient". Not really BS, but not actually leagues above the competition. All the other shoe companies compare themselves to this standard EVA foam that almost no high end shoes use. The Lunarlon foam from nike is 33% lighter, but what really matters is how light the entire midsole is. You can have the lightest density material, but that's useless if you need to make a really thick midsole. If you want lightweight, go with the Wave Universe (ok, don't but they feel like paper origami shoes)
  
  
• "AdaptTruss ...carbon reinforced..stability system beneath the arch...rigid if the arch of the foot rolls too much". Carbon, that's the marketing BS word. Otherwise, it's a standard stability system, similar to Saucony's power grid, or to Mizono's wave tech.
  
  
• "DUOMAX dual density midsole ...provides adaptive stability". This is too much hype for using two foams in the midsole.
  
  
• "X-GEL ... refinement of the cushioning system". This is nice, but not an industry breakthrough. Ascics love their gel, so this is just another gel system update.
  
  
• "MetaClutch ... newly designed exoskeleton external heel counter". "WE PUT PLASTIC AROUND THE HEEL". This just adds weight to the shoe and adds stability. Nothing fancy here. Fancy is Under armour using a thin rubber-like overlay around the heel

What everyone else said - there is a difference, but it's a quick adjustment and strictly better, especially if you have faster foot speed.

> losing my footing

Absolutely would help. And if you ever try to go back, it'll feel bizarre.

You mentioned dragging your toe - I have the same issue but went straight from universal to interchangeables. If you're willing to make that jump, either Dexter THE 9 or the 3G Tour Ultra's have replaceable toes; you can also use something like this on your interchangeables to provide a wear point. Looks like it's going to be awful and clunky, but it works fine (used it on my TPU-X).

these are pretty cool!!


Surprise me!

It's not too bad if you go with something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Venzo-Mountain-Bicycle-Cycling-Multi-Use/dp/B00PJHOL4K/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1468702073&sr=8-4-fkmr0&keywords=venzo+clipless+pedals+and+shoes

That's $60.00-$75.00 for both the shoes and pedals. I have both expensive Shimano brand pedals and shoes, and these Chinese knock-offs Venzo. Honestly, I can't tell much difference. And most of that difference is probably in my head.

The Shimano's look and feel better built (they probably are), but once you get on the bike, you can't really tell. So if you're going to try going clipless, go with a cheap brand like this before sinking a ton into a set a Shimanos.

Where do you live. I know at my Merrell Outlet you can get Road Glove 2s for $32 right now. They aren't as good as the orignal Road Glove 2 but they do feel very nice and are still Constructed very well.

So if you have an outlet store near you I'd check there. If you tell me your size I can even tell you if any store has some so you can place a phone order.

these!

1. I think these are affordable, appear to be a size 15, have great reviews and I think they’re really stylish!!
   
   
2. surprise me!
   
   
3. hello all, I am currently anxiously awaiting getting off work this evening :)

Amazon sells launches in black and grey (and some other colors) size 10. I have a pair, they look pretty nice and have held up for over a year now.

I ended up finding an exact match to my extra wide MTB shoes online and wanted another pair for the Peloton. I didn’t even realize they would only take the delta or SPD-SL three hole cleat.

I bought these converters off Amazon and they’ve been awesome!


Wellgo Cycling Shimano SPD Shoes Adapter Cleats:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7UZHB6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I tried the toe shoes and, unfortunately, they did not comfortably fit my freakishly long and awkwardly shaped toes.

That being said, I did pick up these: Merrell's.

I've used them for about 3 weeks and they are fantastic. They have the same "natural footing" as the five-fingers and even use a Vibrams sole. I've noticed an improvement in my knee (old basketball injury) hurting less after workouts or runs. They are also quite comfortable and have felt natural since the moment I put them on.

You should probably consider the other advice advice on this thread, but I own a pair of New Balance 993s and they are the most comfortable walking shoes I have ever owned.

Barefoot running has changed my knees completely. I love it. I use the merrell trail gloves

>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barefoot_running#Health_and_medical_implications

I feel most stable when I wear Merrell Road Gloves [http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Barefoot-Glove-Running/dp/B00BLQ8CGQ].

I wore Asics running shoes before and I felt like I was going to fall over when doing squats. Now I guess I know why (didn't realize it before).

I'm still relatively new to powerlifting (just started SL5x5 last October) so I've still got a lot to learn!

I got some Adidas Powerlift 3's for $90. They are great shoes.

Ayy thanks man! They’re 993s, and I got em over a year ago so the only link I could find was amazon.

New Balance Men's MR993GL, Grey, 11 D US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001792DI0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0ZFVDb28GQ3G2

YMMV - But I got these for DG, and they're great. Replaced a pair of Merrel MOABs.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RN63357/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


If you pivot on the ball of your foot though... Look elsewhere. They have enough grip and flexibility... They don't like to spin on the ball. The shoe will just deform around your foot.

I wear the Mizuno Wave Universe 5's. In a size 10, they weigh 6.28oz. After reading all the threads on BPL about the new vivo ultra shoes, I decided it didn't seem like the best choice for me.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G4JI2QO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Ev.0Ab577ET12 I like these but there's only one pair of size 15 in stock so just in case, here's these. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTBDOLR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Qy.0AbVK3FEPP

Surprise me!

Oh, I meant running in minimal shoes and wearing regular shoes when I'm not running. My bad.

My motivation: general fitness. I want to stay slim but I could really use some exercise. My legs won't get bigger from running a little, right?

I have a pair of these shoes but I haven't trained myself to run in them yet. Would it be fine to run in these and wear Converse when I'm not running? Thanks.

I also drag my brake toe. This SST8 sole protects the toe of the shoe from wear and is definitely not coming off unless you want it off. http://www.amazon.com/Dexter-Max-Powerstep-Traction-Sole/dp/B009GDHBIQ
Side effect, it looks goofy.

I got them online, on Amazon here. They do free returns if you accidentally order the wrong size, but for me they fit TTS.

There are adapters for fitting 2-bolt cleats into 3-bolt shoes. I don't know if the shoes would still be walkable, however. You'll be better off just buying 2-bolt shoes with a recessed cleat mounting space for two-sided pedals.

In addition to the pedals you linked, check out the Shimano A530 and M324.

For anyone that needs a link to help the cause: https://www.amazon.com/Heelys-Adult-Launch-Skate-Shoes/dp/B0118EDBAW/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1487870635&sr=1-1&nodeID=7141123011&keywords=heelies

>https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RN63357/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o00\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I just got a pair of these a month and a half ago and the heel of my sole just tore apart. Loved the feel and everything else but I think something with a thicker sole is needed.

Here ya go, OP.

You can find the pedals on their own somewhere. I have these and I really do like them. They're cheap and don't have the best bearings but I haven't had issues with them.

Edit: Found these.

You can use whatever shoe/pedal/cleat combination you want. I bought these to adapt the Peloton bolt pattern to a SPD cleat type https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E7UZHB6/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Please dont free solo in BOATSHOES

90% of cyclocross shoes and 100% of mountain bike shoes are SPD. Search those two categories, you'll find a ton.

And if you do end up finding road shoes you want, you can always get these cleats so they're compatible.

https://www.amazon.com/Wellgo-Cycling-Shimano-Adapter-Cleats/dp/B00E7UZHB6

They're SPD cleats for Look style shoes.

Heelys Adult Men Launch Skate Shoes (10 D(M) US Men, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0118EDBAW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MkgBCbVK14R3N I guess so?

Will the shoes still be walkable with the adapter?

also have you tried these: http://www.amazon.com/Wellgo-Cycling-Shimano-Adapter-Cleats/dp/B00E7UZHB6/?

I have been running and use these: Merrell Trail Glove

I typically run 4 miles a day and these feel so good on the feet. They weigh almost nothing and they have a Vibram sole.

https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-Max-Powerstep-Traction-Sole/dp/B009GDHBIQ

get that. i destroyed the sole on my tpux and that's basically solved everything.

No they are Nike air force ones http://www.amazon.com/NIKE-FORCE-SNEAKER-SIZES-White/dp/B001NGKPEQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1418320889&sr=1-1&keywords=white+airforce+ones