How much will you drop on a pair of sneakers?

[diversity210]

This isnt really about fishing per-say, but I was out today looking for a pair of nice light weight athletic shoes to wear on my boat when I go fishing.  I dont like being barefooted on the boat, but I do like to keep my boat carpet clean so I figured Id buy some shoes to wear solely on my boat.  Walked in a couple stores and started realizing a trend in prices 120, 140, 180 bucks for a pair of sneakers.  Now I am not someone who will spend more than 100 bucks on a pair of shoes with tax.  Its not affordability; rather it is principle.  My personal opinion is that people who spend 200-300 bucks on shoes are crazy, but then again I will spend 200 bucks on a fishing rod and another 200 on the reel so maybe Im the one thats crazy.  Shoes are nothing but fabric that has been cut, glued, and stitched together and I have not seen a pair of shoes in my adult life that would make me spend more than 100 bucks.  Now this was the first time I walked into a mall in years.  I usually buy all of my shoes and clothes online, but Im heading out on the water tomorrow and wanted the shoes today.  I hate malls and always feel like a loser for even being in the mall and buying online is just easier rather than walking in a store, finding something I like only for them not to have it in my size or it be way more money than Im willing to spend on a piece of fabric that someone in a third world country probably got paid 50 cents to make.  Retail stores have slimmed down their inventory so much that even I a guy that wears XL shirts and have a 36 waist feels like an obese piece of trash when I walk in a clothing store today.  So yeah I was fairly surprised at just how many expensive pairs of shoes these stores carried and how limited their sub 100 dollar shoes were and the ones they had were just awful. 

 

Long story short. I was just curious about how much everyone else is willing to drop on a pair of shoes?  Maybe there is something Ive been missing all these years and I might need to increase how much Im willing to pay for a pair of shoes.  Maybe someone who is willing or has spent more on a pair of shoes has a justifiable and logical reason for spending so much on shoes that I can wrap my head around.  That way the very thought of spending 150 bucks on a pair of shoes doesnt make me so sick to my stomach 

[slonezp]

$50-$60. I'll wear the shoes until my toes are sticking out of the sides before I buy another pair.

[MN Fisher]

The only pair of shoes I've spent more than $100 on is my high-boots...pair of Red Wings that I've had for almost twenty years.

My Wellingtons I got off the discount rack at a local shoe store...$60..now 8 years old.

My work boots are Dr. Scholls Steel Toe that I paid $70 for and have had for a dozen years.

My sneakers are 'no-name' ones I got at Payless for $20...now 6 years old...but the soles are getting to the point it's time to replace the shoes.

I also got a pair of crocs last year on sale for $25...wear them around the house mainly.

[diversity210]

So I am not crazy then.  So far it seems like more than 100 bucks for shoes is as ridiculous to others as it is to me.  What the in the World is it about a pair of freaking sneakers that makes them cost upwards of 200 bucks?  Do they have air conditioning and massage my feet while I walk?  Or is it simply that there are a bunch of crazy people that are willing to spend so much on a pair of shoes companies have just said why not?   

[slonezp]

I'll drop $200 or more on work boots. Gym shoes...Not so much. I know a guy who collects Jordans and whatever other sneakers are hot. CRAZY the amount of money he spends.

[A-Jay]

  For warmer weather, I like these

 ?

A-Jay

[diversity210]

Those look pretty nice and I may have to order some of those since I didn't have luck finding a descent pair of shoes today that weren't more than 100 bucks.  Thanks for posting the add

[Scott F]

I just bought a pair of sneakers. Had some Nikes in my hand for $55 and saw some Filas that were much more comfortable and bought those for $45. That is the price range I spend on sneakers. If you are a serious runner, high tech, expensive, custom fit running shoes will help reduce injuries. 

Last year, I spent $100 on a pair of Bean waterproof shoes that I pretty much only wear while fishing. 

[Bluebasser86]

They're just shoes. If they're comfortable and don't look completely ridiculous, that's all I'm looking for. I think I spent about $50 on the pair I've had for several years now that's the most I've ever spent on footwear that wasn't for work, hunting, or fishing. 

[Jig Man]

I only buy gortex shoes.  I am 10 miles from the Bass Pro catalog outlet store in Springfield, MO.  I drop by there when I go to Springfield.  If they have a good buy on something I like I snag it.

 

Last time I was there they had some Red Head waterproof shoes marked down to $30 and it was “take an additional 33% off” day so they are in my closet.

[Sam]

$130

[Chowderhead]

Because I don’t wear sneakers very often, I stay well under $100. My current pair of New Balance were only $40, fit great and are comfy. Now my dress shoes are a totally different thing - i will spend $150 - $250 a pair for my Johnston Murphy or Allen Edmonds shoes. 

[fishwizzard]

I can wear sneakers at work most of the time and I have found that NB 990's  are the best shoes out there for walking on hard surfaces all day.  I will wear the treads off of them in about a year, the uppers would last longer but once they lose the tread I replace them.  I can usually find them for around $150 when I start looking for a new pair.  

 

 

[WdyCrankbait]

$100

[ike8120]

Maybe $59.95 I would rather support the bait monkey

[newriverfisherman1953]

Reebok outlet store—$50. They give an AARP discount and always have a buy one get one pair at half price. 

[J._Bricker]

@diversity210, I understand what you’re saying and spend $50-$60 tops for a pair of running shoes. I’ve found ASICS, New Balance are lightweight and breathable for standing on the boat during those hot summer days. IMO, big dollar athletic shoes are more for serious athletes who can really benefit from them and the fashion conscious...

[Hammer 4]

If you have a big 5 sporting goods store near by, check the prices on discontinued shoes. My wife and I have got some very good deals there, usually under 60.00

[clark9312]

I usually buy UA shoes and can get them from 50-75. I think my last pair came from kohl’s and I’ve bought a couple of pairs online. When it comes to work boots though I don’t go cheap. 

[greentrout]

Academy is always running specials on sports shoes from clearance to deep discounts ... that's where i buy ... some good very good nike's and others bought over the yrs. retired 30 -60 ... when i was working spent more ...

[TOXIC]

Big difference between "Boat Shoes" and "Sneakers" although they can be interchangeable, I prefer my boat shoes to be designed for boating.  Many good brands.  Soft Science, Shimano, etc.  Right now I am wearing the Shimano Evair.  I have worn Keen sandals and even Crocs.  My main concern is grip and a sole that is made out of non-marking material.  Sneakers for me are not good boat shoes, too confining and cram my feet.  

[NHBull]

People with foot, knee, hip or back problems are likely to spend more than those who don’t.  Custom orthotics cost more up front and are often covered my insurance, but allow you to spend less on sneakers since your not relying on them for support.  Most folks don’t replace sneakers enough.  They wear them till they are worn out, but they pack out in 6 months.  I usually pay around 100 but use orthotics.

[Way2slow]

Usually no more than $20 -$30.  I am h**l on pair of shoes, so I usually wait until the BX (Base Exchange) has their New Balance on clearance and marked down to and additional 50 to 75% off the already red tag price.  Then I buy several pair in my size (12-13).  Some a so ugly my wife makes me change if she's going with me, but hey, beats destroying a pair of $150 shoes.  If I run out of them before I catch them on clearance again, I buy what I can find on sale for $10 - $15 where ever.

[J._Bricker]

16 hours ago, Hammer 4 said:

If you have a big 5 sporting goods store near by, check the prices on discontinued shoes. My wife and I have got some very good deals there, usually under 60.00

@Hammer 4, Now THAT’S what I’m talking about....  kinda surprised no one’s mentioned a good pair of Chuck Taylors ?

[J Francho]

I get my kix from the local skate shop, but you can order online, too: https://www.krudco.com/collections/footwear

I generally stick to the discount rack, but I did spring for the DC Lynx reissue.  Most often, sneakers are $45-80.  If you're not skating them, they last forever and offer good support.  I personally recommend Etnies Fader or Marano and Vans Pro Sole Suede.