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Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: Monkeyleg on October 17, 2016, 01:46:54 PM

Title: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: Monkeyleg on October 17, 2016, 01:46:54 PM: I only wear gym shoes at the gym, and wouldn't wear them walking around in public. I'll be going to Sicily in a few months, where I'll be walking 7 to 10 miles a day.

I want some shoes that will be comfortable while looking good enough that I can wear them at a nice restaurant. Rockport has some models that seem to fit those requirements without costing $300.

Does anyone have experience with Rockport?
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: Jocassee on October 17, 2016, 02:50:44 PM: Quote from: Monkeyleg on October 17, 2016, 01:46:54 PM
I only wear gym shoes at the gym, and wouldn't wear them walking around in public. I'll be going to Sicily in a few months, where I'll be walking 7 to 10 miles a day.

I want some shoes that will be comfortable while looking good enough that I can wear them at a nice restaurant. Rockport has some models that seem to fit those requirements without costing $300.

Does anyone have experience with Rockport?

Back in the 90s my dad wore nothing but Rockports when he was on his feet all day. No idea if they are still made in USA or not.
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: HankB on October 17, 2016, 04:57:07 PM: I wore Rockport Pro Walker shoes for decades - the last ones I bought were still made in China.

Now Rockport has been through a number of sales, buyouts, and reorganizations, and I recently found out that line of shoes is now made in Vietnam.

Quality is down.

Sharply down. Not just workmanship but materials have changed - and not for the better. I doubt they're even using the same lasts to make the shoes.

What was once my favorite shoe no longer fits my feet properly and is no longer comfortable. Of course YMMV, but I STRONGLY advise against buying them mail order - try them on in person.
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: TechMan on October 17, 2016, 04:59:55 PM: I currently have the Pro Walker and agree with HankB, the quality is not there. Have you looked at Red Wing?

http://www.redwingshoes.com/footwear/filter-Athletic,m (http://www.redwingshoes.com/footwear/filter-Athletic,m)
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: dm1333 on October 17, 2016, 05:23:01 PM: Keens. You might consider them fugly though.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/shoes/men/anchor-park-wp

I have wide feet and Keens fit me well, plus they make darn good hiking boots.
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: Ben on October 17, 2016, 05:26:12 PM: I also have wide feet and my feet have been getting picky in their old age. For a casual to semi-dressy shoe/chukka, I like Timberlands. Though as with other maunfacturers, they can be hit and miss. I did by one pair some years ago that I thought would be comfortable but weren't.
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: Monkeyleg on October 18, 2016, 11:18:36 PM: I looked at Timberland and Red Wing, and what I saw looked more like work or hiking boots than walking shoes. A review I read had good things to say about Clark. If anyone has any experience with them...
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: Ben on October 18, 2016, 11:24:21 PM: Timberland has all kinds of casual to dressy shoes:

https://www.timberland.com/shop/mens-shoes
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: MillCreek on October 19, 2016, 12:13:00 AM: I like my Clark's Darby Limit GTX oxfords as dress shoes. Comfortable, durable, non-slip and weather resistant for Seattle.
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: De Selby on October 19, 2016, 04:11:56 AM: Can highly recommend Ecco
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: Monkeyleg on October 19, 2016, 08:39:23 AM: Quote from: De Selby on October 19, 2016, 04:11:56 AM
Can highly recommend Ecco

$$$$
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: De Selby on October 19, 2016, 10:35:57 PM: Quote from: Monkeyleg on October 19, 2016, 08:39:23 AM
$$$$

Try on a pair and order online - they aren't much more expensive than the other options in this thread that way
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: T.O.M. on October 19, 2016, 10:48:50 PM: A family friend worked in the flower business, and walked 5-6 miles a day between greenhouses, the offices, and all of the other places. He swore by Rocky boots and shoes.
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: Monkeyleg on October 19, 2016, 10:57:52 PM: Thanks for the endorsements for Ecco and Rockport. You're right, DeSelby, Ecco isn't that expensive.
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: De Selby on October 19, 2016, 11:33:41 PM: Quote from: Monkeyleg on October 19, 2016, 10:57:52 PM
You're right, DeSelby

Quote of the day - thanks for the sig line material!

http://us.shop.ecco.com/helsinki-bike-toe-tie-050104.html?dwvar_050104_color=00101#cgid=men-classics

BTW, I'm in your camp on shoes. If I'm not exercising it's generally boots for me (I use RM Williams)
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: freakazoid on October 19, 2016, 11:38:48 PM: Quote from: De Selby on October 19, 2016, 04:11:56 AM
Can highly recommend Ecco

Yup. I've got a pair of Ecco shoes that I bought about 5 years ago and they became my daily wear... maybe a year after. They still look great and the sole has still held up. Cost me about $100.
Something like this, http://us.shop.ecco.com/rugged-track-gtx-moc-tie-838004.html?dwvar_838004_color=02178
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: Monkeyleg on October 20, 2016, 12:29:16 AM: Quote
Quote of the day - thanks for the sig line material!

:D
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: De Selby on October 20, 2016, 01:30:55 AM: Quote from: Monkeyleg on October 20, 2016, 12:29:16 AM
:D

Here's my standard fare:

https://www.thestabledoor.com.au/rm-williams/rm-williams-boots/comfort-turnout-boots-chestnut
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: Monkeyleg on October 20, 2016, 12:08:12 PM: Quote from: De Selby on October 20, 2016, 01:30:55 AM
Here's my standard fare:

https://www.thestabledoor.com.au/rm-williams/rm-williams-boots/comfort-turnout-boots-chestnut

My grandfather wore boots like that. ;)
Title: Re: How are Rockport walking shoes?
Post by: Tim L on October 20, 2016, 03:00:24 PM: I had several pairs, always found them to be very slippery on some floor surfaces. I switched to Sketchers. Thay have been more comfortable.