What is the holy trinity of Gen X shoes?

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Gold_Dig2200@reddit

Doc Martens. Jelly shoes and….more Doc Martens.

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Keldrabitches@reddit

Ooooh for chicks—Capezio Character Shoes? Any kind of high heeled Mary Jane’s? Boss freaking shoes…

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plnnyOfallOFit@reddit

well i rocked my granny boots. Now that i AM a granny w permanent nerve damage I'm all about da birks. no treble

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I have 12" EE width (or maybe a bit wider) feet.
My choices were rather limited. As a tween, everything hurt like crazy for weeks and then blew out on the side within a few months---I developed a very significant outside pronation around that time.
Things were less terrible in junior high. When I was in 8th grade, I had a really nice pair of Reebok BB5000 high tops in red and blue.
In high school, my shoes were New Balance...and still are. I didn't realize they were considered old people shoes until a few years ago. I wore high top Nike Sharks for football. I even had to buy Nike Mako turf shoes for the state championship game.
During the whole Doc Martens/Grunge era, I wore brown Skecher Longrider steel toe boots. They were nice. Unfortunately, that pronating I did caused the soles to wear unevenly. I never blew them out on the sides, but long before the shoes were worn out, the left heel was worn so badly on the back corner, I would tip over if I tried to stand up straight on my feet. I had them re-soled and then wore them another year or two. Same thing started happening again.

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Fit-Distribution2303@reddit

What were those black suede(?) lace up shoes from the early 80s that all the girls wore with their Jordache and Sasson jeans?

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MommaGuy@reddit

Balloons? Those were popular in the 80s.

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Fit-Distribution2303@reddit

I found a pic

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MommaGuy@reddit

I don’t remember those. I used to work in shoe area of a department store. I had lots of shoes. Not too many sneakers though. Kind of wish I had a pair.

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deadmonkeyraft@reddit

HAD to have air Jordan's and reebok pumps in hs. Before that it was black adidas samba.
Then old school new balance till they jacked up prices. Now it's black skechers. I buy them at Costco if I can. Nike pissed me off so I don't wear them anymore. Skechers for the win. Comfort over fashion.

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minder125@reddit

Well my big old size 10 4EEEE feet only had one choice - New Balance. No Jordans, vans, puma, Adidas for this Gen Xer.

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Blankbetty11@reddit

I remember wearing Minnetonka moccasins in the 80’s. I also had lots of the other brands mentioned. I still wear Chucks and Birkenstocks as well as knockoffs of those brands. I do have combat boots and work boots but they are also knockoff brands. Sadly, I’ve never owned a pair of Vans.

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fit_fun_daddy@reddit

High School - Timberlands (yellow boot). College - Sperry topsiders. Current - Chelsea boots, either dress or Blundstone.

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totallyoverallofit@reddit

For the females:

High school: British Knights, Jordan's, Nike Air Max, Timberland, Reebock Reebok

College: Birkenstocks, loafers, Adidas shell toes and three stripes, mules or slip on mules for DAY. For night: knee High boots, Timberland Blahnicks, stilletos from Steve Madden to Christian Louboutin.

Starting work: loafers (pref. Gucci), pointy toe heels (from Gucci, Blahnik, Choo, Prada to Steve Madden, etc.), round toed block heels (Marc Jacobs), ankle length boots.

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oriaven@reddit

No keds?

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totallyoverallofit@reddit

No. No Keds. But for a brief moment during boarding school 9th grade, white Tretorns without laces. 🤣

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SwedishTrees@reddit

feels like there’s different subcultures.

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Pale-Way-8731@reddit

Older GenX - Candie’s and Famolares are the only 2 standouts I can think of.

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baconcheeseburgarian@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Vans

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Cuzzin_Todd@reddit

Reebok, Nike and Vans

With an honorable mention to whatever those kangaroo ones were with the little pockets on them?

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Loud-Fox-8018@reddit

KangaROOS!

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Turbogato@reddit

Lugz, Eurostar, and airwalks

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JohnMcClanewithshoes@reddit

Vans, Chucks and Docs

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AnyLastWordsDoodle@reddit

I have found my people

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Geechie-Don@reddit

Def gonna be regional and cultural answers here. There is not an all GenX inclusive shoe trinity. In my neck of the woods Jordans, Ewings, Reebok (soulja, Pump and SHAQs)

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External-Dude779@reddit

Vans, chucks, and Docs

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Help1Ted@reddit

I would add Adidas to these. Specifically the shell toe

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kahllerdady@reddit

Another vote for Vans

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LetsTryAnal_ogy@reddit

And not these Vans. Those are too new. You want these Vans.

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Cranky_Hippy@reddit

Your poor feet.

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Heavy_Ride_1599@reddit

Vans and Doc's

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Duke-of-Glenmont@reddit

This is possibly the most anti Gen X thing I can say: I absolutely despise Birkenstocks. I automatically hate the person wearing them. I know, that’s my issue, not anyone else’s.

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beagles4ever@reddit

Didn’t wear them, won’t wear them, but can’t deny I knew people who wore them. I did judge…harshly.

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rrrrrrez@reddit

It’s like… bro, I don’t need to see your toe hair.

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Narrow-Scientist9178@reddit

Some of us are flannel army and some are dirty hippies. We don’t all have to cross over.

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Ok-Development2520@reddit

Still wear flannel at 46

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TOW2Bguy@reddit

Well, I used to wear jungle fatigue pants with my tie-dyed mystical shirts... I looked like a burned out Vietnam Vet at 15... but maybe cuz I knew so many of em in my hiking groups.

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Elfthis@reddit

You are not alone with this sentiment.

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Dr_Kabong@reddit

Birkenstocks we're our crocs.

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TOW2Bguy@reddit

Is that why I also hate Crocs?

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macgruff@reddit

I only knew one cat who could pull em off. The most chill dude I’ve ever known without ever being a stoner or dead head. He was just a chill hacky sack lovin’ foolio. We both worked in Physical Therapy in the 90s. He’d come strollin’ in, …always with white socks on too. I think the hospital management forced him in to closed toe shoes there for awhile if he was working on the inpatient units, but in outpatient, there was Mark in his Birks and white shoes. His other shoe wear was a plain set of Chucks as he was a stellar baller

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FredRightHand@reddit

I did cave and buy some Birkenstock sneakers after trying them on and immediately hating every other shoe I own... But they are sneakers not sandals so ..

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Ledophile@reddit

I’m with you! Birkenstock’s are what (as Eric Cartman calls them) “dirty hippie” shoes to me and always will be……..

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rxslaughter@reddit

Hard agree. There aren't many clothing choices I hate but Birkenstocks are one of them. The other are JNKOs.

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Volskil@reddit

I’m indifferent about Birkenstocks but totally agree about JNKOs. Absolutely hate them.

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kahllerdady@reddit

Those make me want to step, hard, on the wearer's toes.

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purplelicious@reddit

I always think of the Jane's Addiction video with Perry Farrell holding up a Birkenstock at a live show.

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cups_and_cakes@reddit

I can’t stand them.

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b_o_m@reddit

Yeah, my Pops kinda forced Birks on our entire family back in the 70's and EVERYONE made fun of me for those damn shoes. Then in the mid-80's they were suddenly popular and all those same people that mocked me back in Middle school were sporting them. I will say, they were comfortable after they were broken in, but I still think they're ugly as hell and haven't been able to bring myself to wear them for decades now. I just kinda snicker to myself when I see youngsters wearing them now, thinking they're all hip and whatnot. Nah, they were ugly then, and they're still ugly now Junior!

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Civil_Fall_3914@reddit

I'm with you.

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AdPuzzled3874@reddit

Right there with ya!!!

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uckluckluckl@reddit

It’s my issue too 😁

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Few-Honeydew2676@reddit

I am 61 and wouldn't know a pair of Birkenstocks if they kicked me.

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7GrenciaMars@reddit

You might feel kicked if you saw them. They are supposed to be super, super comfortable, but they are very hippie-ish, like they look like leather boats for feet that someone put together in their backyard.

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Duke-of-Glenmont@reddit

One of the reasons I hate Birkenstocks is because I feel men’s feet should NEVER be seen. Including my own. Then you go and post that picture. I wish I could downvote you one thousand times.

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7GrenciaMars@reddit

LOL sorry, my bad.😁 I'm a woman, and I hate my own feet. But the above poster needed to know how bad these shoes are.

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samuelp-wm@reddit

Didn't love birks either and I grew up in the bay area.

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Thirty_Helens_Agree@reddit

I went to a college that had a big groovy hippie community. Birkenstocks were a declaration that you were one of them.

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keenr33@reddit

Treetorn, boat shoes and clogs

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Abpoe77@reddit

Proper footwear and a GenX attitude will take you far

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Walkin_quad@reddit

Frye boots, Dr. Scholls and K-Swiss back in the day

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Alit_Quar@reddit

I wear chucks and Vietnam style combat boots and Nikes.

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Unique_Football_8839@reddit

Sperry top siders, whatever sneakers I can find that fit, and some sort of good sandals.

My family had a small boat & spent a lot of time in & around water.

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AuntZilla@reddit

I scrolled too long to find my dad’s choice: Sperry’s!

Until Hurricane Harvey flooded the house to the roof, I made him keep his pair from when I was little because I wanted them some day. Those brown top siders were such a big part of my childhood. I’d have to go hunt for them because one of our cats would always hide one. Maaaaan, I hate remembering things that damn storm took from me.

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basec0m@reddit

Vans, chucks, K-Swiss

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Such-Most6661@reddit

It use to be Costco court classic lol

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Tina_GenX@reddit

Elementary- Kangaroos, Dr. Scholls, jelly shoes. Middle school- Campers/Eastlands, huaraches. High school- Keds, Doc Martens.

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Marti1PH@reddit

Sperry Topsiders, Duck boots, Converse high-tops.

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EarthenMama@reddit

Oh man, you were one of the rich kids with the popped collar pastel Izod shirts, weren't you?? :)

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Marti1PH@reddit

Wayfarers too! 😎

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Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

80s preppy classics. I adored my first pair of Sperrys. Had to save up 2.5 months of pay for them.

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skyld_70@reddit

Birks, Docs, and Vasque hiking boots.

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Livid-Technology-396@reddit

Redwing work boots. I swear by them.

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ennuiismymiddlename@reddit

Thorogood boots are great too.

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ianrrd@reddit

Yes sir!

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New_Cover_1954@reddit

I’m still wearing the black cloth Mary Jane’s we used to get in Asian stores in the mall.

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Icy-Plantain-1719@reddit

Pier 1 Imports!

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thewatchwinder@reddit

im 53. i wear vans (the old skool model) all day cause i work from home. timberlands (black with black stitching), or dress shoes (those vary...but are generally high end...cause like our grandfathers taught us...first thing people look at are your shoes, tie, and hair

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Abject-Yak4457@reddit

Birkenstock, chucks and docksiders

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Final_Duty_3460@reddit

Vans Old Skool. Just bought a new pair. Never goes out of style. IMO lol

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ShineFallstar@reddit

I’m Australian so Volleys, Blundstones and double pluggers.

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Mysterious-Ganache-7@reddit

I used to go to Journey's to get my Vans slips and where I got my first pair of Doc Martens.

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moonrider626@reddit

British Knights was all the craze when I was in school.

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kristen30324@reddit

Still rockin’ the Birks and Docs. I’m going to throw in Sebagos.

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FanCool249@reddit

Anything Doc’s, Puma suedes, Adidas samba

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XXBubblesLaRouxXX@reddit

I would say Vans, Docs, and Birks.

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SoThatHappened-50s@reddit

Chucks, docs and Fluevog, because a platform boot in patterned satin is my happy place

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AnxiouslyGolden@reddit

Docs, Vans, random flip-flops for me.

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Lopsided-Aside-8736@reddit

Birks, Vans, Tevas

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Mike_R_NYC@reddit

Nike Air Force 1, court force or air flight for balling. .The light brown suede tims for winter snow. Crispy white Reebok classics in the summer.

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TOW2Bguy@reddit

Came here to say Air Raids with the velcro X over the laces. (Did they even have laces? I can't remember. )

Reebok Pumps and British Knights were also a thing in my HS.

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Mike_R_NYC@reddit

I could not afford those. I remember those and the air revolutions. I had to stick to the cheaper old school Nikes because I liked to get different colors and we was also on the poor side.

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TOW2Bguy@reddit

I was too. Personally 1pr a year for everything my feet were covered for. Otherwise it was Voitre (or however they were spelled) or others from Ames or KMart picked out by parents. (My feet stunk!) That's part of the reason I went off to the Army where I first learned about activity specific footwear, and could afford it.

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average_texas_guy@reddit

Before I even saw your username I was like, this guy's from NYC lol. Go Knicks. I got a feeling this year.

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Mike_R_NYC@reddit

👍

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Vixen-van@reddit

Reef flops

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MrJohnnyDangerously@reddit

Air Jordans, Airwalks, Vans

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chefybpoodling@reddit

Keds, Docs, and Wellies

Summer, everything else, weather

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Global-Jury8810@reddit

Wellies, yeah, you’re British. We call those galoshes.

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chefybpoodling@reddit

Galoshes are over shoes. They are actually different

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Global-Jury8810@reddit

I totally did not know that. TIL.

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Up2nogud13@reddit

Vans and Chucks. I didn't have a third go to. I still wear checkerboard. My feet and ankles are no longer fans of Chucks.

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SRT0930@reddit

Air Jordans, Adidas, combat 🥾

We do embrace the Chucks a lot, though not really unique to our generation.

Shout out to Skechers, Keen, ASICS and Merrell for our mature feet.

And Puma l like better than Adidas now. Puma insoles are better.

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Upstairs_End_4202@reddit

Capezios

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phtcmp@reddit

For daily wear, I had a Birkenstock phase in my 30s, crocs in my 40s, now olukais and hey dudes in my 50s. Since my 40s I’ve kept a pretty full stable of various use specific athletic shoes or hiking / work boots, no specific brand loyalty. Just got a pair of Tecovas cowboy boots.

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sir_clinksalot@reddit

Chucks, Vans, British Knights

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101violations@reddit

Man. I always wanted a pair of BKs because the dam commercials. That marketing had me in choke hold lol. 🤣

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sir_clinksalot@reddit

Our school banned Red and Blue BK's, you could only wear the black ones.

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CandyStomp@reddit

Roos

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TOW2Bguy@reddit

The pocket was for the latchkey generation.

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CandyStomp@reddit

Yes! I didn't know if anyone else would remember that! ♥️ I feel so seen right now! lol

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megamanx4321@reddit

No idea. We shopped at Payless or Walmart.

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All_Bright_Sun@reddit

That's right. Keeping it real I see.. Pro Wings, my go to.

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travelinmatt76@reddit

L.A. Gear

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Valuable-Common743@reddit

Red wing hiking boots. They dont make em like that anymore

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Some-Collection320@reddit

LL Bean, Sperry's, Sambas

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Cool-Sell-5310@reddit

I never wore Vans, Chucks, or Docs. Lol I went from Loafers (Catholic School) to Birks, to Crocs because I now have shoe allergies and mobility issues. Birks are too heavy for my bad ankle now.

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RescueRacing@reddit

Doc Martens, Vans and Puma sneakers.

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htxatty@reddit

Onitsuka Tiger, Allen Edmonds, Too Boot drivers

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Mission_Orchid_5939@reddit

Chucks, docs, vans

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b_o_m@reddit

Docs and Vans for sure, I haven't worn Chucks in decades. What I miss most are Creepers. I know they're still out there but I haven't owned a pair since the early 90s

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Existing-Loquat1760@reddit

You can order creepers from TUK UK. I have a pair of Mary Jane’s.

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b_o_m@reddit

Yeah, I've eyeballin' that site for the last few weeks. Just not sure I can pull them off at my "advanced age". They're still every bit as cool looking as they were when I got my first pair back around '83 or so...but I'm not.😉

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Existing-Loquat1760@reddit

I’m sure you can pull them off! I’m the ripe age of 54(f) and rock them! Dress for you and no one else!

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Minimum_Garden7977@reddit

Vision, pf flyers, airwalk

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changelingcd@reddit

Back in my schools: Reeboks, Nikes, Adidas.

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LeadPike13@reddit

Adidas SuperStars Jordan's Red Black White Adidas Samba

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StonedGhoster@reddit

Yep. I was a Sambas guy growing up. I was a drummer who also played soccer, so it fit. I could feel the pedals better in Sambas. There weren't a lot of thin sole options back then. Now I wear Saucony.

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kcirtaphcir@reddit

Timberlands

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Instimatic@reddit

Don’t forget about that weird time when leather boat shoes were all the rage

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Apawling_Behavior@reddit

Sperry Topsiders. wore those for years. they worked well casual or dressy-ish. not the most comfortable things tho. Timberland had a good version.

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Ledophile@reddit

The Preppie’s brought those back around in the ‘80’s………

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Apawling_Behavior@reddit

looked good with my Izod and a sweater on my back with the arms tied around the neck.

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bankyVee@reddit

I had the Timberland topsiders in junior hs. Wore those until the sole wore out and a hole formed in the heel. Found out I had flat feet pronation issues. Topsiders totally came back on the early 2010s for many teens.

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EvolutionCreek@reddit

Man, when I was about 13 my feet smelled so bad in those. I think it was probably just the goat teen stage, but I recall it with shame.

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Instimatic@reddit

Hahahaha. After a few hot and sweaty summer days of these shoes and no socks…a pungent funk was definitely noticeable

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11BMasshole@reddit

You mean they aren't anymore? And here I am walking around like a dinosaur.

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Bromodrosis@reddit

Keeping it old school, nice!

My dog LOVES these. He doesn't chew on anything else, but he's chewed up 2 pair now.

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Impossible-Company78@reddit

I still wear them.

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11BMasshole@reddit

I still wear them too. In fact I have multiple pairs.

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Ok-Development2520@reddit

I want to know how that plague got started. I do remember.

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7GrenciaMars@reddit

Right? I had a pair for a while, they were quite the thing in S Florida. Wouldn't wear them again if I was paid to.

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mayhem77@reddit

For me it was Vision Street Wear and Docs. Unfortunately Docs have been absolute trash for a while now so I have switched to Solovair which are comparable to the quality of 1980's Docs. They're also made in the same factory and on the same equipment as the OG Docs.

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Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Are they also $250-300, or more?

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mayhem77@reddit

Last pair I bought was around $220 which I thought was fair considering the quality. I've worn them fairly often for the past 12 years and they're still going strong.

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Crowley123456789@reddit

Back in the day , it was airwalks, chucks, vans. Add into that a pair of cowboy boots and a pair of black combat boots. Maybe that’s why my feet are so fucked now….

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FredRightHand@reddit

You guys that can still wear converse...sigh too flat for me anymore

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alegna12@reddit

I had a pair when i was young and thought they were uncomfortable. Haven’t had a pair since.

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Global-Jury8810@reddit

Keith Haring Converse

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alegna12@reddit

Am I the only one who thinks Chucks (unless they changed from when I was young) and Docs are uncomfortable?

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DJBudGreen@reddit

VANS authentic skate were my go to shoes for years and years. Being a skate rat will do that to you. Always kept two pair.

Rip up the ramps at the park in one pair then go home and switch into a sleek all black pair and sneak into places that expect you to wear dress up shoes.

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ArcadiaKing@reddit

I'd put vans on the list maybe. Personally, I lived in Keds.

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Ok_Experience_8846@reddit

Don’t forget the desert boots…cue MacGyver Theme 🎶

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kten1974@reddit

🤣 haha I had these!!

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HistoricalTowel1127@reddit

Chucks seems top pic but dems aren’t ours. They predate boomers. They are greatest generation shoes. 1917. Chuck Tayler re styled them in the early 1920’s

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R3StoR@reddit

Vans, Whites and Docs

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scottjeffreys@reddit

Vans might be the most uncomfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.

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R3StoR@reddit

Vans are terrible until broken in admittedly. I started wearing similar Japanese made slip-on deck shoes that are wide width. Much better from the get-go...but I still think Vans are cool and iconic.

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frozen_charlotte@reddit

Vans, Bass Weejuns penny loafers rainbow flip flops

Docs, Minnetonka moccasins, granny boots

(Class of 87)

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Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Rainbow flip flops!

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frozen_charlotte@reddit

The best! Wish I still had a pair!

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Athame-and-Alchemy@reddit

Yes. 100%

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Global-Jury8810@reddit

If you ask my Gen X brother, who is now 50 and has always had autism, the holy trinity would be Pumps, Air Jordans, and these funky other new Nikes..at least Air Jordans still look like shoes.

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glimpie@reddit

Docs, Chucks, and Mary Janes.

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jabbytabby@reddit

We used to wear the cloth Mary Janes you could buy in Chinatown.

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silkywhitemarble@reddit

We just called the Chinese shoes! Cheap shoes with no support, but they were so popular and cute!

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Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Doc Martin Mary Janes are superior, except my fancy chunky orthopedic but still cute Clarks ones.

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jitterfish@reddit

Hello my friend!

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Imjusttryin84@reddit

Vans Berks and Converse

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throwawayinakilt@reddit

Anybody have a pair of Roos, sneakers with the little zippered pouch on the side?

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scrubber12@reddit

Sure did. Put my house key in the pouch. I was in middle school.

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throwawayinakilt@reddit

Yes to this as well. So handy! Or should I say footie?

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coloradobegonia@reddit

That's where I kept milk money!

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throwawayinakilt@reddit

Yes! Better than a sweaty sock.

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divinerebel@reddit

I would say Chucks, Docs, and Vans.

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uncivil_society@reddit

Right here. Chucks, Docs and Vans. I always have had a pair of all three since my teens, and still wear them daily nowadays. Especially Vans, I love getting a new pair whenever they put out a limited edition print (love my Year of the Tigers).

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Ledophile@reddit

My trinity was: Docs,hi-top Chucks and Keds. But I also spent as much time as I could in stripper heels while out partying……..

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Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Same. 4"-5" goth and fetish stilettos, thigh highs, pointy toe boots, and stripper platform front stilletto back shoes. Had the bunion surgery for picking aesthetics over function in 1999. Thank goodness for docs and stompy boots post surgery.

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Ledophile@reddit

Doc’s are the absolute BEST! Wore them for 30 years as a Steelworker and they saved my feet from all the misery that befell my coworkers from wearing Cat’s and Redwings. 18 eye steel toe-and all the jokes about Frankenstein boots but I can still be stylin’ in stiletto’s and stripper boots (when I want)……..

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Ok_Command_9808@reddit

High top chucks (blue) with blue laces, Cortez, BKs

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okkasmom@reddit

For purposes of this exercise I propose that Chucks and Vans are interchangeable.

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D34N2@reddit

Docs, Vans, Air Jordans

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No_Hat7946@reddit

Eh. Not air Jordan. I like the first two

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D34N2@reddit

I’ve never worn Air Jordans, but they were huge in the 90s among certain subcultures. I was more of a punk kid though, so combat boots and vans all the way.

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flagrantF0wl@reddit

This is the correct answer

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BoldBoimlerIsMyHero@reddit

Candies, Jellies, Reebok? those were the shoes lots of girls wore in high school.

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jabbytabby@reddit

Yes, all those and Nike Cortez.

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Apprehensive_Judge_5@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Jack Purcells

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Historical_Monk_6118@reddit

As a kid in the UK you were nobody for a while there unless you had a pair of Kickers with the leather tags on the laces.

Doc Martens cover so much ground from mods and punks in the 80s, all the cool alt and goth girls of my youth, through work boots and even still iconic today.

So many trainers from the era. Nike Air, Reebok Pumps, Converse... for me it was a pair of those massive Hi-Tec basketball boots! Loved those things through 6th form ❤️

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dketernal@reddit

Jordans, Chucks, Docs

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Do_U_Scratch@reddit

Kmart shoes, Hills shoes and hand me down shoes.

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spotthj@reddit

Hills!!!!!!! Back to school shopping and the lay-away department are part of my core childhood memories!

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Do_U_Scratch@reddit

Same!

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rex95630@reddit

Chucks. Black Reebok. Docs

[-]

Chikiboy_OG@reddit

Vans, Air Jordan 1's and Adidas Superstars.

[-]

Zealousideal_Goal550@reddit

Minnetonka moccasins, LJ Simones, and Reeboks

[-]

copymattt@reddit

Simple

[-]

DorianGre@reddit

Chucks, Docs, and Burks. I traded out Docs for Solovairs, but same thing.

[-]

iamdrshank@reddit

Keds, Jellies, and Kangaroos (Roos to us)

[-]

Basic_Assumption5311@reddit

Now? Brooks ghost max 3, 12 wide Then? Jordan’s

[-]

nancylyn@reddit

Crocs, docs, and very comfy running shoes (I’d say Hoka but they are too expensive).

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Docs are more expensive than Hokas, at least the ones I like.
I felt the same initially, not worth it. My husband loves his, he took me to buy some when I was in rehabilitation after a spinal vertebrae fracture and learning to walk again. Hokas apparently are not for disabled people, more for people on their feet a lot, because of the rounded base. So, we got slightly more expensive Brooks, they have lasted almost 3 years, still look brand new, and are the most safe, stable, and comfortable tennis shoes ever.

[-]

nancylyn@reddit

But docs last forever. Running shoes have to be replaced pretty often. I have asics.

[-]

clownhunt69@reddit

Jordans.

[-]

Android73@reddit

Converse One Stars

[-]

linguicaANDfilhos@reddit

LA Gear, Vans, British Knights

[-]

linguicaANDfilhos@reddit

Airwalk, vans, British knights

[-]

wickedpixel1221@reddit

as someone who went to Catholic school, penny loafers

[-]

Kaffine69@reddit

Vans, Vans, Vans.

[-]

Big_Aside9565@reddit

Bastad Clogs

[-]

billzilla@reddit

Nike Airs were a big deal when I was in my 20's.

[-]

PrikNamPlassum@reddit

I'm weird, for me it'd be Chippewa, Durango and Rothco.

[-]

redditelr@reddit

Tretorns had their place too ❤️

[-]

LoreKeeper2001@reddit

Converse All-Stars

[-]

Maki_Supa_Star@reddit

I’m all Adidas Superstars. I have like 20 pairs. Lol

[-]

0rder_66_survivor@reddit

Pro Wings, XJ-900 and Roos

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Roos, the tennis shoes with the pocket?

[-]

pasta666sauce@reddit

They were but these days it’s Topo brooks or nikes. Never wear real shoes anymore by which I mean Docs.

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Brooks are the most comfortable shoes ever.

[-]

babs82222@reddit

Steve Madden black platform slides with the THICK elastic band

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Those were so uncomfortable, but cute.

[-]

Ok-Bar601@reddit

Tried Ecco shoes? Comfortable and nice leather

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

They make great non leather ones too. Or did. Mine are like 10 years old now.

[-]

irmarbert@reddit

Monkey boots (black), Vans chukka boots (black suede), Adidas Stan Smith (white/green).

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

I loved my chukka boots back in the day.

[-]

EarthenMama@reddit

Docs, Creepers, Converse (we didn't call them "Chucks" back then).

[-]

ptindaho@reddit

I think we called them Chucks if they were Chucks and Cons for the general (born in 79, and it could also be regional). I definitely had some Cons that weren't Chucks and also had some Chucks. In the mid 90s Cons also made a reimagined basketball focused Chuck. I was selling shoes at department stores back then and remember when Converse changed up its marketing.

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Maybe it is regional. In Southern California in the 80s, it was Converse. Not until late 90s/early aughts did more people refer to them as chucks.

[-]

Vegetable-Raise-7432@reddit

I have NEVER worn a pair of Birkenstocks

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Me either.

[-]

ambientdiscord@reddit

And I never will. Ugly AF.

[-]

MisplacedLonghorn@reddit

For me it was Docs and Chucks. These days it’s 80/20 Skechers to Chucks. No Docs for a long time but not against them. The break in period was always a bitch, though.

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

I love converse, still have my nicest ones. But, they are not the most comfortable shoes. Only use them for like a quick outing.

[-]

Felicity_Calculus@reddit

Chucks, Docs, and Vans (or creepers, if you were a goth, or random army surplus boots, if you were punk)

[-]

watto70@reddit

Adidas romes were my go to

[-]

101violations@reddit

I totally forgot I had 2 pair of shell top Adidas 😂

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Classic.

[-]

PuzzleheadedBand8246@reddit

Doc Martens (I still have and wear the same pair I bought in 1997), Vans, and barefoot sandals.

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

I have a pair of Doc 14 eyelets from 1999.

[-]

Square_Ad_4929@reddit

For me it was Docs, Chucks and Air Jordan’s.

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Keens are so great!

[-]

DevilMan17dedZ@reddit

Keens are the best. Order a new pair through work every year. Most comfortable work-boots I've ever come across. Even with the safety toe.

[-]

Plenty_Cress_1359@reddit

Adidas, Chucks and Sperry topsiders

[-]

WittyNameChecksOut@reddit

Sperry Topsiders!! 🫡

[-]

Educational-Dare2484@reddit

In PA we wore Sebego topsiders. Basically the same thing.

Did you fashion the laces all horizontal?

[-]

jk_pens@reddit

Yes! Topsiders from my Preppy days!

[-]

Plenty_Cress_1359@reddit

Exactly!!

[-]

jk_pens@reddit

Knit ties too

[-]

Andobu@reddit

For me it was vintage, embroidered Chinese slippers, chunky Maddens

[-]

XOTrashKitten@reddit

The chunky platforms were everything

[-]

SoCalDogBeachGuy@reddit

I would replace chucks with vans

[-]

TollyVonTheDruth@reddit

Back then it was the shoes you mentioned, minus Birks — never was my style. Nowadays, I've taken the lazy route and settled on a few pairs of Sketcher Slip-ins walking/running shoes.

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

I am disabled and can't put on or tie my shoes most of the time. Those things are awesome! I bought some for my elderly mother, and she loves them too. I have three pairs. I'd rather wear any of my my cute docs, or more comfortable Brooks tennis shoes. Yet, especially for going to the gym pool for physical therapy, the slip ons are so much better and easier to deal with.

[-]

Stefgrep66@reddit

Adidas sambas, Dr Martins with at least 8 holes, and Converse maybe!

[-]

SummerIntelligent659@reddit

Converse All Stars were always my jam.

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

My husbands too.

[-]

Zealousideal_Fix6705@reddit

Same for the first two. Well, I couldn't afford docs at 15 even though I had a job. Converse were much cheaper back then. I am still wearing both 40+ years later. Never owned or wanted Birkenstocks.

[-]

birdmadgirl74@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Vans

[-]

MoeBlacksBack@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Asics

[-]

101violations@reddit

I went from Kangaroos > La Gear > Avia > Reebok > NB > Sketchers > Nike

I consistently now rotate between Nike and Sketchers with some off brand stuff in-between.

[-]

Exotic-Cucumber4780@reddit

Im almost 50, was die hard Nike for shoes. That was until about 8ish years ago when they quit being comfy and fall apart rapidly now. Now Hokas or On Clouds. 85% of the time, my Double H cowboy boots or Twisted X. Much more comfy than any Nikes these days

[-]

uckluckluckl@reddit

Buffalo Boots, black, almost up to the knee - wore them from 1989 until 1995, even in summer. Very hot days earned the “original” Asian flip-flops from Thailand (white-ish with red or blue soles). Had them from 1990 to 1999. And Clogs, first half of the 90s.

The second half were all the thick soled Techno-shoes, -sneakers, -boots… often 70ies style… brand mostly Buffalo.

Place in time: 1990s in Berlin.

[-]

AntiqueCandidate7995@reddit

I still have my harness boots 😂

[-]

uckluckluckl@reddit

Oh, you’re so lucky! How did that happen? Parents with a gigantic house?

[-]

AntiqueCandidate7995@reddit

House? what? I don't understand.

[-]

uckluckluckl@reddit

House = for keeping your beloved belongings from your youth…? When you come “home” to the parents and the attic is filled with treasures from the kids?

Since you’re still having boots from 30plus years ago, I assumed that this could be the case… Or maybe you’re still loving and wearing the boots since then? That would be awesome!

Nothing survived my many, many moves. I would be soooo happy to still own mine ☺️

[-]

AntiqueCandidate7995@reddit

Oh ok I understand now. No, not the originals but still 20 years old from when I replaced the originals.

I have also moved many times including moving overseas for 5 years and then back again so I can definitely relate.

[-]

uckluckluckl@reddit

20 years old and still intact? Oh, different times… sigh. Mine became too small over the years - otherwise I’m sure they would have survived. Great quality and great boots!

PS: if I can find a way around it, I will never move again! Used to love it when I was young, now I hate it with a passion :D

[-]

FanOk2578@reddit

Tretorns in Spring/Summer and Duck boots in fall/winter.

[-]

Diligent-Touch-5456@reddit

Until I started buying my own, it was tennis shoes from Yellow Front, and dress shoes from Sears catalog, K-mart or Target. I never wore any name brand shoes growing up. I currently wear Skechers.

[-]

starsfall@reddit

As a teen…Adidas, Airwalk, Teva sandals . Now…Teva flip flops, Adidas, Docs

[-]

jackssweetheart@reddit

Love my Tevas!

[-]

jackssweetheart@reddit

Keds, Nike, Birks.

[-]

Double-Quote3@reddit

Justin Roper boots

[-]

surfinbird@reddit

Chucks, Nikes, Doc Martens

[-]

callalind@reddit

Chucks and Docs have been my stalwarts

[-]

SadCheesecake2539@reddit

Chucks, Vans & Nike

[-]

Dramatic_Side_856@reddit

Birks, docs and girls’ jelly sandals

[-]

Pale-Championship946@reddit

Honorable mentions:

Minnetonka Moccasins with the nubs
Those Reebok aerobics high tops that every girl had
Jelly shoes
Air Max 1s
British Knights

[-]

noknownabode@reddit

Finally found a jelly!

[-]

hillcountryhack@reddit

I rocked a pair of Minnetonka moccasins. 😎

[-]

chevytravis@reddit

Adidas samba's

[-]

Educational-Dare2484@reddit

You played soccer.

[-]

OttoBaker@reddit

Candies!

[-]

USMCdrTexian@reddit

Converse, Tony Llama cowboy boots, and Tiddies

[-]

RogersMrB@reddit

Pay less runners, sandles, riding boots.

[-]

Aardet@reddit

Fluevogs, Docs, Airwalks

[-]

ambientdiscord@reddit

Fluevogs FTW!

[-]

RiffRandellsBF@reddit

No love for those cheap $5 a pair you got at the grocery store to wear in rivers and canals in case there's busted glass at the bottom?

[-]

jeniberenjena@reddit

Bo-bos

[-]

ambientdiscord@reddit

I WAS HOPING SOMEONE WOULD SAY BOBOS.

*sings* Bobos, they make your feet feel fine. Bobos, they cost $1.99…

[-]

BasketBackground5569@reddit

That would be letting somebody else choose my clothing. No thanks.

[-]

borisdidnothingwrong@reddit

You're ugly, and your mother dresses you funny!

[-]

BasketBackground5569@reddit

I ain't no Oscar.

[-]

FailureFulcrim@reddit

Of that holy trinity, I only had Converse All Stars as a teen because they were the cheapest sneakers that weren't considered bo-bo's. I'd die of embarrassment in the other two.

[-]

groove_heart@reddit

Haha I still say “bo-bo’s”

[-]

macgruff@reddit

Never owned any of those… maybe, perhaps one pair of Chucks in the 90s and they were so incredibly uncomfortable I “chucked” them.

Most always New Balance for actual running, Adidas or Nike for all other sport shoes. Top Siders in the mid to late 80s for “dress” or casual dress.

[-]

No_Hat7946@reddit

Loafers. Boat shoes and moon boots

[-]

AstaCanasta@reddit

Payless Shoes Source shoes were my shoes growing up. Then I graduated to shoes from Marshalls and TJ Maxx. For the last 20 years, it's been Birkenstocks and some sort of loafer during the winter from Macy's or Nordies. Since Covid, I replaced the loafer with Sketcher slip ons. No shoes that tie, clip, zip or whatever for me. It's slip on or forget it.

[-]

parkskevin18@reddit

Converse Jack Purcell

[-]

pantsofpig@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Vans. But Chucks and Vans have shit arch support and become unwearable the older you get.

[-]

frozen_charlotte@reddit

Been wearing Vans since 1979. Try on some UltraRange. They help a lot!

[-]

Repulsive_Job428@reddit

I have 70 pairs of Chucks and three pairs of Docs. Weirdly, I do my exercising in Skechers.

[-]

kasharatoo@reddit

I have about 60 pairs of Docs and 6 pairs of Converse, but exercise in ASICS.

[-]

ptindaho@reddit

Sketchers are the shoes that aged with us! Just recently got my wife a pair of the super easy lace upa that you can step into and toss in the washing machine, etc. They are like the sporty shoes that replaced Ked's!

[-]

chainmailler2001@reddit

My everyday wear is Skechers sandals. Worn the sole off 3+ pairs.

[-]

MelodyRaine@reddit

Timbs, Docs, and Rebox

[-]

icanhazkarma17@reddit

Moonboots, hiking boots, gym shoes

[-]

sheshops12@reddit

Moonboots FTW!

[-]

GroundbreakingRip970@reddit

Happy cake day!

[-]

ptindaho@reddit

I think you can fo with Vans or like 900 other great skate shoe brands, too. I was partial Airwalk and Emericas.

[-]

killslikeaninja@reddit

Payless, Adidas, Nike.

[-]

soul_and_fire@reddit

I’d add Vans too.

[-]

ptindaho@reddit

I would replace Birks with Jordans.

[-]

Acceptable_Table8357@reddit

Eastlands, Simples, and authentic army surplus combat boots.

[-]

Itchy_Lawyer_2756@reddit

Are ropers in here somewhere? I'm not sure if there's a shot of me and the cousins from '70 to '85 in which there isn't one of us in ropers

[-]

Mysterious_Can_6106@reddit

What is a roper? I have been thinking about it for a few but I have no clue.. I was born in 73, it sounds like I should know what they are 🤷‍♀️

[-]

choctaw529@reddit

You're definitely not a cowboy/cowgirl then

[-]

Mysterious_Can_6106@reddit

Nope, my husband calls me city girl every chance he gets 🤣🤣 I was wondering if they meant romper 🤦‍♀️

[-]

choctaw529@reddit

😊 I'm a SoCal beach girl but I moved to a city surrounded by farms, orchards and ranches and I drive a pickup truck, so I know Ropers.

[-]

Mysterious_Can_6106@reddit

I grew up right outside of Detroit, moved to Indiana in 15.. I try to be a little country but fail miserably 🤣🤣

[-]

choctaw529@reddit

😁

[-]

Ok_Key_4731@reddit

Dexter penny loafers, K Swiss, Tretorn

[-]

ClassicOutrageous447@reddit

K Swiss, Tretorn, Bass slip ons, Huraches until the blisters.

[-]

Baggismeg@reddit

Dunlop Green Flash caused me so much distain from peers. Now called vintage

[-]

Havacookiewhydontcha@reddit

Chucks are not comfortable for my middle aged feet, among other brands from my youth. But the solution is some really good insoles! There are all kinds out there.

Get you some super good supportive insoles for those shoes you want to wear but can’t. I have a whole buffet of different insoles I’ve bought and any time I get shoes that are too flat, I fix them with a pair from the insole stash.👍Looking at you Tom’s.

[-]

Pissed-n-Stayin@reddit

KangaROOS?

[-]

Atomicslap@reddit

Was you wearing a Winger t shirt to? 🤣

[-]

Pissed-n-Stayin@reddit

I don’t remember…but it was probably second hand from Salvation Army. My other shoes were flip flops.

[-]

SugarsBoogers@reddit

Adidas, Birks, and Vans

[-]

Athame-and-Alchemy@reddit

Docs, converse, and Birkinstocks

[-]

Wtfisthis66@reddit

I still have my Docs from high school, I can’t seem to be able to part with them.

[-]

Athame-and-Alchemy@reddit

Same!!!

[-]

infinitynull@reddit

Docs and Adidas Sambas, have worn them for 35 years. No plans to change.

[-]

Revolutionary-Luck-1@reddit

Vans, jelly shoes, Bass Weejuns

[-]

EMC-Vered@reddit

Chuck Taylor’s, Vans, Sambas. Docs are an Honorable Mention as they were made in the UK then but now mostly crafted overseas.

[-]

FlukyFish@reddit

You can still get “made in England” docs for a premium. Worth it though.

[-]

Volskil@reddit

I can’t believe how many people are saying Chucks. They are the crappiest and most uncomfortable shoe I have ever worn.

[-]

Financial_Ad_6391@reddit

Decades of wearing Chucks is why I can only wear Hokas now 🤣 I hate the look of them, but my feet hurt too much for anything else!

[-]

terita-reddits@reddit

Likely why we all have plantar fasciitis 😂😂😂

[-]

Porcupine__Racetrack@reddit

I could only wear them in HS! I do love them, but my feet are shitty. They have zero support!

[-]

Amazing-Yoghurt8373@reddit

I agree

[-]

ThisWorldIsOnFire@reddit

I still rock the chucks but just remembered simples reading this.

[-]

aburningcaldera@reddit

Reebok with the pump air button

[-]

jaxbravesfan@reddit

Was so excited to buy a pair. First day I wore them I was playing pickup basketball, landed on a guy’s foot, and suffered a high ankle sprain so severe it kept me on crutches for six weeks. I had bought my stick shift truck that morning. Had to watch it sit in the driveway the entire time I was on crutches. I gave those shoes away and went back to Nike. Have never owned a pair of Reebok again.

[-]

aburningcaldera@reddit

I’ve sprained my ankle in Vans on a messed up Ollie on a skateboard and my leg went purple up to the knee it was so bad. Owned the Reeboks for a hot minute - they were alright.

[-]

jaxbravesfan@reddit

My ankle was so grotesque, I was sitting in the room at the ER and the life flight pilots stuck their head in and asked, “Are you the kid with the ankle they’re talking about out there? Can we see?” I told them to come on in and one of the guys said, “Damn, kid. That’s the worst I’ve ever seen. You would have been so much better off breaking it.” It sucked. Thankfully, football season had wrapped up, but I had to miss most of basketball season my senior year.

[-]

aburningcaldera@reddit

Yeah it sucks. I know roll that ankle on an acorn (true story) now. It’s a bitch to sprain it and I was told the same thing that it’d have been better to roll it than sprain it. I like you was on crutches for around the same length of time. Nice thing is now I’m in my 40’s and am much more careful around pivoting when I do basketball or soccer with my son. It sucks but I admitted to myself I’m just not built for it or careful enough.

[-]

MoveToSafety@reddit

Shout out Dee Brown!

[-]

_joeBone_@reddit

Brown hiking boots with red laces
Wrestling shoes... but you're not on the team
Trax - with the skin colored soles

[-]

SOMEONENEW1999@reddit

The original red black and white Jordans, Vans, or Vision Street Wear. For me that is GenX. I think there should be a different name for the kids who beat up (not me I was 6’ tall 185 pounds in 8th grade the kids who wore that stuff.

[-]

marcincan@reddit

Docs (have 8pairs) Vans and Adidas Samba’s I use to love early airwalks… I mountain bike so I have few pairs of 5.10’s for my flat pedals

[-]

choctaw529@reddit

Keds from a blue light special @ K-Mart, Vans, and rubber flip flops (yes, I'm from a beach town).

[-]

Tiovivo1@reddit

Docs, air walks and vans

[-]

ObjectiveAd93@reddit

Docs, Vans, Steve Madden platforms in one style or another

[-]

ItsOk_ItsAlright@reddit

Timberland boots

[-]

HeyMissMurderMittens@reddit

Chucks, Vans, Docs

Does anyone remember rubber beach flip flops called tiddies? I haven’t found anyone irl that has heard of them

[-]

amhertz@reddit

Just gotta add insoles now

[-]

MissDisplaced@reddit

Still wear!

[-]

JfPickups@reddit

Vans/DocMT/Vans

gif

[-]

BuzzardLips@reddit

What? Nobody remembers Vision Streetwear?

[-]

SnooPeripherals6196@reddit

I have even kept them… cancelled before canceling was a thing.

[-]

beetlebum74@reddit

Vans, Docs, Adidas.

[-]

Grimol1@reddit

Clogs were a thing.

[-]

Western-Corner-431@reddit

Nike, Timberland, LL Bean

[-]

Character-Extent-155@reddit

Doc’s, converse & Nike.

[-]

groove_heart@reddit

Docs, Birks and China Flats

[-]

DisneyDragonfly17@reddit

Keds, KangaRoos and British Knights.. as a bonus slouch boots

[-]

DisneyDragonfly17@reddit

@Gasmask Ted I'm not sure I remember Zips

[-]

profjamie4102005@reddit

BKs rule!

[-]

GasmaskTed@reddit

Had to scroll too far to see Kangas. Still haven’t seen Zips.

[-]

kategoad@reddit

Agree chucks, docs, and birks.

I stopped wearing birks when I broke my leg and two bones in my ankle falling down in them, and I gave all of my docs to my friend's kid (really regret giving them my Mary Janes), but I still have my chucks. Honorable mention for the Steve Madden platform sandals that I wore for twenty five years (see above re: birks for why I stopped wearing platform heels).

[-]

NotoriousBPD@reddit

No mention of Jordan’s? Come on!

[-]

B_Williams_4010@reddit

I'd replace Chucks with Jordans, since it was the Boomers who started wearing Chucks.

[-]

GasmaskTed@reddit

Chucks started in 1917; the Lost Generation were seniors in high school…

[-]

Beautiful-Event-1213@reddit

Those Reebok aerobics shoes were so comfortable.

[-]

PossibleDiscipline90@reddit

Kswiss

[-]

tooful@reddit

Vans, Chucks, LA Gear

[-]

Self-Comprehensive@reddit

Chucks and combat boots

[-]

dirt-nap@reddit

Airwalks, Docs and Vans.

[-]

clutterdcollector@reddit

VANS, Vans, Vans!

[-]

WackyWriter1976@reddit

I've worn none of them.

Mary Janes, ballet flats, and flip-flops

[-]

One-Sock7417@reddit

Docs, Chucks and Vans for me.

[-]

jpetersell@reddit

Old Navy flipflops, platform Mary Jane’s, and (as a girl) wearing boy’s athletic shoes. I don’t know why that was a thing.

[-]

Basset-of-wallst@reddit

I guess it depends on where you're from and probably a lot of what music you like. I've seen some answers with one or two of mine but never three. So if there are any other punk rock/heavy metal/hip hop/ reggae people out there maybe you can relate to my three: Adidas Gazelle Timberland Converse chucks

[-]

acutomanzia@reddit

Docs, Vans, TUK

[-]

StarDewbie@reddit

Reeboks? That's what I can remember wearing. Oh, I did have a pair of Nike's too in high school.

[-]

RCur113@reddit

What, no Sears Jeepers?

[-]

NeckPourConnoisseur@reddit

Vans

[-]

7GrenciaMars@reddit

Does NO ONE remember Reeboks? My first pair of seriously comfortable sneakers were Reeboks. Other than that, it was Converse for me, then docs and other assorted boots. Love me some boots.

[-]

destiny_kane48@reddit

Reebok are still very comfy shoes. I have a pair.

[-]

7GrenciaMars@reddit

Wow, I haven't seen them in ages. I just got some Sketchers as I broke my hip and needed easy shoes with decent support. Once my leg is doing tolerably well bearing weight, I'm getting another pair of Docs. 😁 But thanks for the heads up on Reeboks.

[-]

Hot_Poetry_6475@reddit

lol I had a hip labrum repair last year & got some Sketchers that kind of look like the Adidas by teen dtr wears. love them

[-]

7GrenciaMars@reddit

Yeah, the ones I got work well. I had to put several layers of odor-eaters in the heel as my right leg is now almost an inch shorter than my left.

Hope your hip is doing well. I'm 3 months out and my balance is still crap.

[-]

Hot_Poetry_6475@reddit

did you have a total hip replacement? I had something much simpler.

[-]

Objective_Clue_3091@reddit

My saddest day was when I couldn’t find Newport Crests anymore.

[-]

MaleficentMousse7473@reddit

I didn’t have a lot of money in the 90’s so i had two kind of expensive shoes: docs for when i wasn’t working and red wing nurses shoes for when i was. (I waited tables and usually did double shifts.)

[-]

MymanTroyAikman8@reddit

I have about 9 pairs of Uggs from boots to Tasman slippers. I really only wear Nike running shoes. But other than that I am a shoe addict. I have countless pairs of sandals and heels that are no particular brand as long as they are cute. 🥰

[-]

Stadium_hairpin@reddit

I had to scroll way too far to find Uggs

[-]

WittyNameChecksOut@reddit

Jordan 1’s, K-Swiss classics, and Eastlands/Doc Martens/Vans.

Class of 1992 here.

[-]

Wrong_Square7826@reddit

where Jordan 1 the plain white leather with the black swoosh?

[-]

hightower65@reddit

I wore K-Swiss Classics for years, then they vanished. Now its New Balance trainers (no, not the 408’s!) and Keen Voyagers.

[-]

Stadium_hairpin@reddit

I had an ex who has never in his life worn anything except kswiss classics, and he replaced them pretty frequently. We broke up 8 years ago but I feel sure he probably still does. Are you sure they aren’t available even from kswiss?

[-]

jk_pens@reddit

Moon Boots ftw

[-]

tigers692@reddit

I am, right now, wearing size 15 Nike Air Force 1s, in 1982 I was wearing size 15 Nike Air Force 1s. Honestly, it tough to find a shoe that fits, so I’ve stuck with it a while.

[-]

aburningcaldera@reddit

Where was Doc Martins? Surely thought I’d see it

[-]

jk_pens@reddit

OP included Docs in their list

[-]

Impressive-Shame-525@reddit

Whatever mom could put on layaway at Kmart.

Couldn't afford anything else.

[-]

EdlynTheConfessor@reddit

Your mom should have talked to my mom. GI Joes had ‘athletic shoes’ for 6 dollars. They only came in green.

[-]

vengefulbeavergod@reddit

He'll yeah! Getting new clothes for school after being on layaway all summer was the best

[-]

Impressive-Shame-525@reddit

I got 1 pair a jeans, 2 shirts, and a pair of shoes.

Everything else came from these bug black trash bags in the closet full of my older brothers' clothes. Sucks being the kid in corduroy bell bottoms in 1979. But I survived. Hahaha

[-]

thonnard42@reddit

Chucks, Docs,Vans

[-]

d_lbrs@reddit

Timberland boots, Birkenstocks, and 999s.

[-]

ComprehensiveEast376@reddit

Nike vandals

[-]

callshouse@reddit

K-Swiss

[-]

Allahboutdabenjamins@reddit

gif

[-]

sign6of6the6beast@reddit

Docs and shelltoes

[-]

morbidemadame@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Nike.

[-]

Korndawgholio8008135@reddit

Pro wings, Pro wings, and Pro wings!

[-]

rammer-jammer71@reddit

Docs, Vans, Chuck Taylor

[-]

Natural-Hamster-3998@reddit

This is the way

[-]

deluxeok@reddit

Got some new Vans today to put into rotation

[-]

recoveredcrush@reddit

Y'all remember the Reebok high tops back in the day? And then they came out with all the colors?

[-]

Tiger_grrrl@reddit

Yesssssss🙌 Me and my little sis used to wear those, with the velcro strap at the ankle area. Black, of course! Worn with everything, but especially leggings, and if you were going out, worn with a blue jean miniskirt that’s disintegrating from wear 😹

[-]

zoot_boy@reddit

Vans, keds, and Nike.

[-]

TinyPinkSparkles@reddit

I still wear Keds. Love ‘em

[-]

SubstanceNo1544@reddit

Chucks vans or the actual holy grail Nike Cortez

[-]

OneBlondeMama@reddit

Dr. Scholls (wooden) sandals, Nike & Chucks. Still wearing my Chucks, but between you & I, I do have my arch supports in 2 pairs.

[-]

Comfortable_Piano794@reddit

Just bought a pair of Dr Scholls and wore my chucks yesterday

[-]

scrapqueen@reddit

There are no shoes from the 80s that I still wear today. I was too poor to buy good shoes when I was that age, and now I wear much better shoes.

[-]

LHCThor@reddit

Wallabies

[-]

FiddleStrum@reddit

Any John Fleuvog fans from back in the day?

[-]

hugatree2023@reddit

Been looking for you

[-]

Ok_You_3131@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Rainbows

[-]

PurpleRollerSkates@reddit

Nike, Adidas, Chucks

[-]

kb_colas@reddit

Birks, Chucks & Vans, Docs

[-]

allaboutbecca@reddit

Chucks, Rainbow Flip Flops (I’m floridan), Vans

[-]

Chemical_Author7880@reddit

Chucks, Candies, Vans.

[-]

SortaNotReallyHere@reddit

Puma hightop sneakers from the early 90s were awesome

[-]

LoowehtndeyD@reddit

‘83 here.

My camp counselor was a senior in high school when I was 8 and this mf had like 5 pairs of Ewings. All different colors.

Haven’t seen a pair since.

[-]

kmanix50@reddit

Vans, Docs, and Creepers.

[-]

wartfairy@reddit

Platform loafers

[-]

mhoner@reddit

The classic dad. White new balance. The other two I don’t know.

[-]

IseeAbadMoon@reddit

Bro, those are for Boomers

[-]

mhoner@reddit

The hell they are. They fit the active dad. They have been a blessing on my, and many other dads feet.

[-]

KarlBob@reddit

SAS should be in there somewhere.

[-]

Brkthom@reddit

Come on, people?! Jordans!?

[-]

Organic-Leadership76@reddit

Dont forget original adidas clamshell,nike cortez, and Puma dark blue suede with gray stripe lol

[-]

DawnPatrol80136@reddit

Vans deserves discussion as well.

[-]

IranticBehaviour@reddit

As a kid, whatever was affordable for my folks. For running and other athletic activities, I've worn Brooks, Nike, Adidas, Asics, Reebok and Saucony at various times. For casual footwear, I've never really been brand motivated. Whatever looked good and seemed comfortable, within my budget at the time.

I've never owned Vans or Chucks, though some of my kids have (along with DCs and other skate shoes). I never owned Docs either, even in my active punk phase (I was an army brat, I never had to buy combat boots, lol), until they came out with the Clash x Doc Martens collab a few years ago. Not cheap, but they're awesome looking. And weren't as expensive as some of the fancy formal footwear I've had to buy over the years.

[-]

Brinbrain@reddit

Docs, Converse and Vans for me.

[-]

3Gilligans@reddit

I got incessantly teased for wearing Birkenstocks my first year in elementary school. Those exact, same kids were wearing them in High School when hippy styles came back into fashion.

[-]

DRG28282828@reddit

I still own all 3. Only one pair of Docs now but multiple Chucks and Birks!

[-]

TNTmom4@reddit

For me it was Vans.

[-]

Ok_Bandicoot_1048@reddit

gif

[-]

scr33ner@reddit

Rocked Timberland sandals when they were actually well made.

My feet HATED Chucks (too narrow).

Docs for everything else.

[-]

Normal-Guy196@reddit

Vans, every time I see them I think is Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High

[-]

AnastasiusDicorus@reddit

I've worn tennis shoes/sneakers all my life and never owned a pair of "chucks, docs or birks". I did own some vans but they suck. I would rather play basketball in cowboy boots than go walking in vans.

[-]

BushwickSpill@reddit

Preach

[-]

SQWRLLY1@reddit

Vans, DCs, and flip flops for me. Thank goodness I finally stopped buying cheap flip flops and bought a pair of Reefs. I have apologized to my feet several times for putting them through summertime hell for so long.

[-]

Acpyrus@reddit

Ha! I just bought Docs today because dammit I can afford them now.

[-]

IranticBehaviour@reddit

I never owned any of OP's brands until I got a pair of the Clash x Doc Martens shoes for Christmas a few years ago. Pricey, but they are pretty sweet looking.

[-]

gatoenvestido@reddit

If you find them…lacking checkout solovair. They are basically docs the way we remember docs (made in the old factory in England, high quality, pretty reasonably priced).

[-]

HermiticHubris@reddit

Loved my old Docs.

[-]

dadsgoingtoprison@reddit

Birds and hokas for me

[-]

iwastherefordisco@reddit

Blue Suede Nikes, Adidas and Puma in my world.

[-]

VinaViolet@reddit

Vans, Birks, Sambas.

[-]

tommyalanson@reddit

[-]

issafly@reddit

Throw in some Sambas for the heavy metal drummers.

[-]

Demostecles@reddit

Today I am Spring cleaning the house.

[-]

Rudeboy67@reddit

No mention of Stan Smith’s yet? Man I grew up in a very different 80’s than people here.

[-]

tommyalanson@reddit

I just commented on Stan’s!

[-]

tommyalanson@reddit

Docs, Vans, and Stan Smiths.

[-]

purplelicious@reddit

my life in shoes: Tretorns -> Docs -> Blundstones

[-]

fredinNH@reddit

Blundstones seem very current Gen X to me.

[-]

purplelicious@reddit

I gave up Doc for more comfortable (no laces, slip on) Blunnies. I've been wearing Blunnies for 25 years or so

[-]

CatherineC1979@reddit

Cherry Docs, had the same pair since I was 16 that I got from Army and Navy in Stockport uk 🇬🇧 also Nike air and adidas sambas

[-]

stueynz@reddit

Skechers … grey, navy and black. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a bitch… and those shoes are comfy.

[-]

Mindless_Travel@reddit

Cherry DMs, Vans (high tops), Converse (black).

[-]

xcrunner1988@reddit

Nike leather Cortez, Red Converse high tops (jeans pegged) Timberland work boots (jeans tucked in).

[-]

Pho3nixr3dux@reddit

Yo, where my Fluevog goth kids at? 🧛‍♀️🧛‍♂️

[-]

msoats@reddit

🖤

[-]

WhereItsAt75@reddit

Don't delay Fluevog today! I only knew about them from the band Hokus Pick.

[-]

creeva@reddit

Nike low tops - though I did have a pair of docs once upon a time that I wore exclusively for about 5 years. I have a new pair of docs but can never get past the break in period with those.

[-]

msoats@reddit

Vans docs birks

[-]

Mediocre_mum26@reddit

Reebok high tops for me

[-]

flannelkimono@reddit

Docs, Adidas, Vans.

[-]

DocSportello1970@reddit

Teva's for me!

[-]

Shamrock136@reddit

Vans . Doc’s

[-]

mem0679@reddit

Chucks, Birks, and more Birks

[-]

SandyEggo_73@reddit

Vans 🤙

[-]

WhereItsAt75@reddit

I still have my Docs that I bought in the 90's. ❤️

[-]

skbugco@reddit

Vans, Adidas. Vans.

[-]

Horn_Flyer@reddit

Mine are Vans. And I still wear them everyday

[-]

Apsilon@reddit

Ever? My mainstays from my late teens to now have been Timberland, Rockport, and Clarke.

[-]

Ajstross@reddit

Papagallo flats, Sperry Topsiders, Bass Weejun loafers for the private schoolers.

[-]

AshleySchaeffer-BMW@reddit

[-]

dadadam67@reddit

Vans, Adidas, Air Jordans

[-]

ExtremeJujoo@reddit

Chuck’s, Vans, Docs

[-]

ImFromDanforth@reddit

Docs, Jordans,, addidas superstar

[-]

Tastyfishsticks@reddit

Adidas superstar. Decades later and still my primary shoe.

[-]

drumbo10@reddit

I don’t know about you guys but we were sporting puma’s with our members only jackets.

[-]

OrillaMAUS@reddit

Candies!

[-]

itgoesineasy@reddit

Reebok high tops, Timberland and Jordan’s

[-]

Dependent_Day1335@reddit

Birkenstocks and Timberlands

[-]

Fire_Doc2017@reddit

Are "Docs" Doc Martens or Docksiders? Those were two different crowds back in the day.

[-]

kolrocks@reddit

Martens

[-]

DougChristiansen@reddit

I had a pair of Budweiser themed Adidas

[-]

Toad_da_Unc@reddit

AF1

[-]

Did_it_in_Flint@reddit

Redwing Irish Setters

[-]

kilt_inspector@reddit

Chucks, Jellies, Moon boots.

Footwear for year round

[-]

HighSeasArchivist@reddit

I had Jordan 2s, 3s, three 4s, and two 5s, but the 5s will always be my favorite. I'm in the market now for a vintage pair of black/silver to get rebuilt.

[-]

its_kgs_not_lbs@reddit

Jordan 1's, Vans, Converse

[-]

turrboenvy@reddit

Vans, Chucks, Docs

[-]

AClubOfLosers@reddit

Chucks, Docs, and Vans

[-]

CityBoiNC@reddit

Jordan 1 85 chicago Adidas shell toes Jordan 5 black metallics

[-]

Suns_AZCards@reddit

High top Nike flights and Jordans. I never got Jordans until I was an adult but I always wanted them.

[-]

Dry_Chain_1083@reddit

Converse One-Star (Kurt was literally wearing a pair when he unalived himself--what could be more evangelically GenX than that?);
Adidas Gazelles;
Nike Air Max 97s (which I have worn since '97!)

[-]

gadz00ks22@reddit

Docs, chucks, and checkerboard Vans

[-]

Amazing-Phase3072@reddit

Birks Hokas and Uggs

[-]

Outrageous-Advice384@reddit

I’m on the younger Gen X/Xennial end and the shoes we wanted in my friend groups were wearing mostly:

As Children: jelly shoes, Kangaroos, what we called Chinese shoes/Mary Janes, and even a Penny loafer spell.

As Tweens: Deck shoes and desert boots, as well as Tretorns

As Teens: was all about Docs, Converse, British Knights, Birks, and Vans.

[-]

The-Many-Faced-God@reddit

For me it's Chucks, Docs & Air Max.

[-]

EvolutionaryZenith1@reddit

Tiddies?

[-]

Wide_Breadfruit_2217@reddit

What!? No jelly shoes?!

[-]

CharZero@reddit

Those suckers sliced my feet to ribbons. And if you sweated in them…ugh.

[-]

ApprehensiveError997@reddit

I still love the Red, white, and blue Nike Cortez and of course, my Adidas

[-]

count_strahd_z@reddit

Zips

[-]

Kimber80@reddit

Air Jordans, Air Max 95s, Puma Clydes.

[-]

Genny415@reddit

Manolo, Choo, and Louboutin?

[-]

Lrgdustbunnybreeder@reddit

Nike and Reeboks but I have WIDE feet so I switched to New Balance and have since the 90s and will never change.

[-]

Gravy_Sommelier@reddit

gif

[-]

FanBeginning4112@reddit

Just admit it. You are all wearing Skechers.

[-]

Cerebral-Knievel-1@reddit

I have most certainly priced them.

[-]

Abject_Pilot_7567@reddit

Grafters Monkey Boots, Clark’s Desert Boots, & Adidas Stan Smiths.

[-]

Dangerous-Medicine54@reddit

Nikes too

[-]

Eric_B_4_President@reddit

Docs, Chucks and Vans. Although I don’t wear Chucks anymore but have lots of Jordans

[-]

Myfreakinglyfe@reddit

I own Chucks, Docs, and Birks right now at 53. Chucks have been a constant in my life since the early 90s. I’ve never not owned a pair since then.

[-]

FakeAorta@reddit

Chucks. Vans. Docs. At least in SoCal. Vans were the most popular shoe since late 70s.

[-]

StandingDave@reddit

57 years old and have lived in SoCal my whole life. Still rock Vans and Chucks daily, although now I have several pairs of each in different colors. Still skateboard too

[-]

JenLiv36@reddit

Docs, Chucks, Birkenstock and I still wear all 3. I will probably die with Docs on. I have at least 8-10 pairs. I’m a GenX lesbian so it’s kind of mandatory.

[-]

BlackLakeBlueFish@reddit

I’m straight, and I live in Chucks and Chacos. I am also obsessed with carabiners. I told my lesbian therapist I was lesbian adjacent, and she replied that I am Culturally Queer. Now I need both a bumper sticker and a tee shirt to proclaim this.

[-]

uberpickle@reddit

Love my Chaco’s! Those, Doc’s and Birkies.

[-]

TheNexxuvas@reddit

Vision Street Wear and Airwalks were my jam. But I wore vans and Converse back in the earliest. Jordans were what everyone wanted my last 2 yrs of high school.

[-]

BigFitMama@reddit

TEVAS and oxblood Vasque hiking boots were the sign you were in outdoor ed, environmental ed, or had worked for the National Parks, Forestry, or Fish and Wilflife (or internned in Americorps.)

Vasque had the most stable and waterproof single last boots they were standard issue in your uniform allowance. When they started making them in China - well the treads fell off when you waterproofed them.

[-]

Meep42@reddit

New Balance, Birks, and Solovair (though I am currently between boots as they didn’t make the move with me into Europe….still not sure how…but we lost a box of glassware too?

[-]

SGReject@reddit

Vans, Birkenstocks, everyday all day.

[-]

AlarmingCorner3894@reddit

Work boots, specifically wolverine 1000 mile boots. I wear these 80% of the time. Third resole. Ten years old. Best shoes. Bury me in them.

Cowboy boots

A pair of tennis shoes. Currently I’m on an adidas kick. Idk why. I think they’re outta style rn so cheaper and who gives a damn.

[-]

chihuahua2023@reddit

Docs, Vans, and Birks. Nowadays almost exclusively birks hahahaha

[-]

therelybare5@reddit

Merrell and New Balance. I haven’t had a 3rd type in 20 years!

[-]

Civil_Fall_3914@reddit

I went to a high-school with well over 4000 students, not a single one wore birkensocks. It was Docs, Reeboks, and Vans for the dudes and LA Gear, Jelly, and Keds for the gals.

[-]

FakeAorta@reddit

I didn't own any Birks. But they were really popular in L.A. and San Diego.

[-]

AlmiranteCrujido@reddit

I was the guy back in high school who'd clip the brand name logos off of my sneakers (usually some of the cheapest Nike running shoes since I knew they'd fit and could just buy them by size), so I really do not related to this.

[-]

Cledaddy23@reddit

Vans, Docs, Chucks

[-]

RogerClyneIsAGod2@reddit

Vans, Docs & Chucks forever.

Birkenstocks were for fogeys & honestly, I never found them comfortable & gave away the one pair I had.

Of course the ones of those I wear now are just Vans because I get my orthotics in them.

[-]

phoenixofsevenhills@reddit

My people

[-]

Michellingham@reddit

Birks, docs, vans

[-]

arothmanmusic@reddit

Sebagos. LA Gears with the multi-colored laces. Jellies.

[-]

phoenixofsevenhills@reddit

Jellies and keds as a kid and vans chucks and docs since jr high... I'm 47

[-]

Fistofpaper@reddit

Docs, Vans, & Adidas. Adidas are sized JUST a tad larger than comparable brands like Nike etc. (EU 44 2/3 instead of 44 1/2)

[-]

Humble_Diner32@reddit

Chucks, Vision Street Wear, Vans.

[-]

BuzzyB678@reddit

Ballet flats, Candie’s high heeled slides, and yeah, Doc Marten boots. For the ladies, anyway.

[-]

mudshark698@reddit

Vans, Air Jordans, and Chucks. Never had Docs or Birks when I was a kid. They were way too expensive and we were broke.

[-]

Perfect-District@reddit

Prowings for us doors in grade school.

[-]

19Charger@reddit

Nikes, Vans, Adidas

[-]

Nervous_Brilliant441@reddit

I agree but that would be a quartenity not a trinity.

[-]

19Charger@reddit

Right but had to squeeze those damn chucks in there

[-]

warriortwo@reddit

As a goth, the trifecta was Docs, creepers, and cheap Chinese flats. Even better when they started making those with black bottoms (as opposed to the original orange).

[-]

Perfect-District@reddit

Missed monkey boots. Man the souls sucked on those but yeah Docs and Monkey boots.

[-]

warriortwo@reddit

Oh my gaahhhh my boyfriend wore those! He was so proud of them!

[-]

Chinchizomatic@reddit

Reeboks, Docs, and a pair of Joan & David leather boots that a stylish auntie gave me.

[-]

Winter-eyed@reddit

Keds, docs and chucks

[-]

WhiskeyCity502@reddit

Nike, Burks & Cowboy boots for me now. I never owned any Doc Martins but I do like a good pair of "work" boots now and again, weather depending.

[-]

fenrael23@reddit

Docs, Vans, or Airwalks

[-]

petzoo95822@reddit

perfect, no notes

[-]

pixiesaysso@reddit

Holy shit, OP! Are you me?!?!? That is my exact rotation ❤️❤️

[-]

No-Face713@reddit

Vans

[-]

Wonderful-Forever450@reddit

My sister would say London Fog

[-]

CeeTheWorld2023@reddit

K-mart blue light special bin fish heads. Big clunky Thom Mcans
Some y’all grew up with money.
Some didn’t.
I was/am never a fashionista

Even today, most of my new stuff comes from Costco.

But whatever. You do you.

[-]

NeverDidLearn@reddit

My local grocery store sold a brand called “Tiffs” maybe? One snowstorm, and the footbed would swell up.

[-]

GeneralBobby@reddit

I also had a lot of cheap ass shoes as a kid. I own one pair of sneakers and one pair of boots and I will wear them until they disintegrate on my feet before replacing them. They're no longer Kmart specials but I get every last cent out of them.

[-]

CeeTheWorld2023@reddit

Hahaha yep!! I used to work construction, bought and wore timberland…. Until they became popular 🙄, I’m rough on clothes, play hard work hard. I needed cheap durable disposable clothing.

[-]

ImmySnommis@reddit

I wore Caterpillar boots until they put fashion over function.

[-]

Bromodrosis@reddit

I will never understand why people now pay a fashion premium to wear blue collar clothes. And most of them have never put in an actual hard days work.

I wore Carhartt and Dickies for work, I'm not wearing them out to dinner.

[-]

GeneralBobby@reddit

I honestly just find clothes shopping massively boring and my style reflects that. Most of my clothes are years old and are worn until unusable. Drives my wife nuts. But also lots of blue collar work means I'm rough on clothes without meaning to be.

[-]

PerceptionOk3196@reddit

My joke with my husband is I’ve tried to make him switch between polite society jeans and play jeans. When he goes to work on the cars or motorcycles or mow I remind him to wear his “play pants” as an ode to our childhood. He laughs and continues to wear the same jeans he will later try to wear to an extremely fancy restaurant. 😂

[-]

wengla02@reddit

Still dailying my 2006 Lowa Renegade boots. Bought em for a high adventure hike with the kid; haven't worn em out yet. Bought a spare pair last year so when these finally wear out (or I need 'nice' shoes for an interview) I have em.

[-]

FreeElleGee@reddit

Right? My shoes came from Payless.

[-]

ThatTomHall@reddit

I was Chucks and Adidas, then Nike, but all HOKAs now baby.

[-]

707Helmut@reddit

Back in the day it was monkey boots, Docs, Vans and Rainbow flip flops.

Today it’s pretty much just ASICS Onitsuka Tigers…the slip on ones

[-]

rhionaeschna@reddit

Chucks, Docs and Adidas for me. Still wear all 3 and Birks.

[-]

Severe-Lake1379@reddit

Anything from Kinney, Thom McCann’s or Buster Brown for me. Stride-Rite, Traxxx, Pony’s.

[-]

AZonieGuy@reddit

For me it’s Vans, Merrill, and Nike…

[-]

ImmySnommis@reddit

I'm amazed at all the Doc posts. Apparently you all had more money than I did. $21 Chucks for years.

[-]

viskoviskovisko@reddit

Back in the day, it was Doc Martins and Vans. These days it’s Vans and Crocks.

[-]

Deep-Lecture5412@reddit

Brit here. Dr Martens boots. Converse All Star Sneakers. Hi-Tec High Tops if you were poor.

[-]

CobblerMoney9605@reddit

Chucks, Docs. Topsiders if you had to dress up.

[-]

RawGrit4Ever@reddit

In high school years Dr. Martens became hip

[-]

threemoons_nyc@reddit

Yep I feel this. I own something like 14 pairs of doc martens

[-]

hawksmarinerz@reddit

In high school we all wore those flat black shoes you got at Chinese stores

[-]

Conscious-Phone3209@reddit

Loved them ❤️ they went with everything and were comfy !

[-]

MsCattatude@reddit

I was just posting about these!! I had a red velvet pair so soft and easy. Could never wear now due to PF

[-]

Coppertina@reddit

OMG! Core memory unlocked. These were especially popular with the cholas at my HS

[-]

mmakire@reddit

I still have a pair.

[-]

jcmach1@reddit

Pony, Adidas, Reebok

Chucks always hurt my feet and Birk's were not my Vibe

[-]

YesterdayContent854@reddit

Asics wrestling shoes and combat boots. Of course Birkenstocks was the main staple.

[-]

SaucyFingers@reddit

Reeboks with the strap

Kangaroos with an emergency quarter in the pocket

Plain white Keds

[-]

Over_Maintenance_447@reddit

Mia flats, Candies and duck shoes!

[-]

boiseshan@reddit

Sperry, Docs, Birks -- and very high, very pointed toe heels

[-]

CambridgeandFiji@reddit

Timberlands (e.g. the boots) had their day in the sun in the 80’s…

[-]

Not-Surprised-1999@reddit

Sketchers, lands end and most recently Hey Dudes. (I wear women's 11W, which is very limiting)

[-]

LawfulAwfulOffal@reddit

MY ADIDAS

Walk through concert doors…

[-]

thelmainthesix@reddit

Nothing topped my Peter Pan getaway boots, like these

[-]

MsCattatude@reddit

Oh now I have a new name for these little short boots.

[-]

Necessary_Fix_1234@reddit

New Balance white with Velcro

[-]

MsCattatude@reddit

Buck shoes, ballet flats, and Mary Jane’s. Remember the velvety ones?

In 2026 after plantar fasciitis? oofos and Vionic/orthofeet

[-]

zanshin09@reddit

Three pairs of British Knights

[-]

grrgrrtigergrr@reddit

Timbs, Jordan 1 and Sambas here

[-]

MushyAbs@reddit

Hiking boots, Birkenstocks, and LAGear in middle school

[-]

Status-Effort-9380@reddit

In college, every Freshman had a pair of patent leather penny loafers. The other big footwear trend I felt attached to was brown leather moccasins. They were all the rage with mt high school crowd. And yes, even though I, personally hated them, Topsiders were a big, lasting trend in the preppy crowd in Brmingham, AL.

[-]

14dmoney@reddit

All of these in my HS in Canada as well

[-]

14dmoney@reddit

Bass Weejuns, Tretorns, Sperry Topsiders

[-]

HolodeckMoriarty@reddit

Nike Air, reebok pump, la gear with the frilly things on the sides

[-]

ApolloAthena321@reddit

Chucks, worn since before they inflated in price. I once had a fluro pink pair which I bought for £10, back in about 1990 I believe. Wore and washed fit about 7 years.
Also DMs.
I still wear both, at work and outside of work. Own 2 pairs of chucks old skool high tops and 3 pairs of docs 🤣
Vans: only had 1 pair, bright orange OGs, that I wore every day at work in front line NHS right through COVID.

[-]

samemamabear@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Vans- the only correct answer

[-]

chicken-farmer@reddit

DMs, Jordan 1s, Walking Boots of many varieties

[-]

Tigress_Solaris@reddit

You'll have to pry my Adidas All Stars off my cold dead body.

[-]

Pi_Dbl_T@reddit

This is the correct answer

[-]

TheHogweed@reddit

Adidas Superstar Chucks Nike Cortez

[-]

WolfThick@reddit

Nike Air

gif

[-]

ideapit@reddit

Vans, Chucks.

[-]

Mobile_Aioli_6252@reddit

Addias Top Tens

Air Jordans

Chuck Taylors

[-]

jjmenace@reddit

I would maybe swap out the Adidas for Vans

[-]

Mobile_Aioli_6252@reddit

I was thinking Vans ( Fast Times ) but where I went to school in 82, Top Tens were the shit!

[-]

Hinhan-osnite@reddit

Chuck Taylor’s and Addis’s

[-]

DriscollEsquire@reddit

No Top Siders boat shoes??

[-]

uhhseriously@reddit

Adidas superstar

Birkenstocks

Doc Martens

[-]

TinyWeird878@reddit

White Reebok Freestyles, same as in 1988, but without the slouch socks. I got them off Amazon during COVID and amazingly they're still in great shape despite regular wear.

[-]

ContentSeat@reddit

Pony's Diadora Zips

[-]

gap_toof_mouf@reddit

Skate edition- Vision Street Wear, Airwalk, Vans

[-]

Stardustchaser@reddit

LA Gear with double sparkly laces, Birkenstocks, those shitty feeling saddle shoes we had to wear around elementary.

[-]

Xorm01@reddit

You have multiple airs of shoes? Man I thought I was wierd. Now I know it. I never owned more than 2 pair of shoes. Tennis shoes work shoes. Until last year my wife makes wear different shoes based on what I’m wearing. Yeah I guess I missed that. But chucks is the only one that I would choose as my type of shoes. Even though I rarely owned them

[-]

cagirlinoh@reddit

Vans and Reebok Velcro high tops!

[-]

Early-Series-2055@reddit

Thanks for the reminder! They now have several flavors of black Reebok high tops to choose from. I thought they had stopped making them.

[-]

cagirlinoh@reddit

😁

[-]

Effective-Bicycle140@reddit

Chucks and keds. My brother went through 1 pair of chucks every month. Used them for brakes on his bike

[-]

amanda2399923@reddit

Vans

[-]

Red-Cat77@reddit

For me it was white Reebok sneakers, Dark brown leather or light brown suede Docksiders and whatever comfy leather flats/boots I found I liked.

In the 90's my timberland hikers dominated the rotation.

[-]

JuliusTheTailor@reddit

Clogs (early); Reeboks; and a pair of short (above the ankle) suede boots with a plaid flannel lining, brand unknown.

[-]

AdGold205@reddit

Vans, Chucks, Docs.

Nike Airs also get an honorable mention.

[-]

Happeningfish08@reddit

Stan Smith Adidas, Sperry Top Siders, and Bass weejuns or LL Bean Mocs.

[-]

davidcoons@reddit

I still keep a pair of Stan Smiths in rotation! Have since I was 15.

[-]

beagles4ever@reddit

Stan Smiths are all I wear now (well - usually not to weddings and funerals). I use them for everything else.

But this came later.

[-]

davdev@reddit

gazelles, shell toes, jordans

[-]

isuamadog@reddit

Never berks. Never ever.

[-]

munch_19@reddit

Felt the same way until I tried them on, and the comfort converted me.

[-]

radiosilents412@reddit

Docs, Vans, Chucks.

[-]

RiverGroover@reddit

I'd replace Docs with Topsiders, but you're closest so far.

[-]

radiosilents412@reddit

I was NEVER a topsiders person, then or now. lol!

[-]

RiverGroover@reddit

Me neither, but that's what I think of. The yuppie kids wore those, the skater/ stoner/bmx kids wore Vans, rockers, punks, and I wore Chuck Taylors. Those three pretty much covered the entire gamut.

[-]

radiosilents412@reddit

Thank you kindly!

[-]

defsentenz@reddit

Docs, Birks, Chucks

[-]

Cobra-Lalalalalalala@reddit

I have 20something pairs of shoes and they are all one of these three.

[-]

Nopedontcarez@reddit

Whatever fits at this point. Never cared about brands. My wife still only wears her Reeboks sneakers. Hell, most of the time I'm in my garden shoes walking around the property since I WFH full time.
I have my good work boots and everything else is slip-ons. I'm too damn lazy to tie shoes at this point in life.

[-]

jetpack324@reddit

Chucks, Sperry topsiders, Vans

[-]

False-Guard-2238@reddit

Docs, Adidas, Chucks and Berks and still wear all of them today.

[-]

LeeKinanus@reddit

Vans here. since middle school. Still have a couple pair but don't wear as much anymore. before middle school it was Traxx.

[-]

hendooman@reddit

Sperry Topsider, Vans, Birks for me. Mix in any sports shoes for the random pick up game or running from the police!

[-]

Jukulelelia@reddit

Birks, Chucks, and Dankso (clogs)

[-]

samuelp-wm@reddit

Vans, rainbows and docs

[-]

scrubber12@reddit

Rainbows. Classic. I live in FL and back in the day we would call the leather rainbows our “dress shoes”. I still own a pair.

[-]

samuelp-wm@reddit

I upgraded my fancy flip flops to olukai now. We are west coast. Kids still prefer rainbows!

[-]

AhrinEss@reddit

Docs, Chucks, Adidas

[-]

imrickjamesbioch@reddit

Addis cuz of Run DMC but mainly cuz of beastie boys were one of my fav bands. Van cuz they were slip ons and Jordans well, cuz who didn’t want to be like Mike and his shoes are still culturally significant today. Not sure how anything else could make the list?

I suppose Converse/Chucks if you are an older GenXer. Birkenstocks and Doc Martens if you were hippie or grudge. K-swiss, Fila, Kangaroos if that’s was your jam.

[-]

GladosPrime@reddit

Docs, Vans, Chucks

[-]

beagles4ever@reddit

Doc Martens, Vans, . . . Jordans?

[-]

Main_Protection6236@reddit

Hush puppies 🤭

[-]

mandoaz1971@reddit

Chucks, doc, and T.U.K. Here

[-]

absolutebrightness@reddit

Chucks, British knights, Nike air max

[-]

un1ptf@reddit

Because they came out when we were of age to get hooked on the hype/fad of them at the time:
Nikes, Vans, those original dress-casual "boat shoes" (and I'll add a fourth: those suede ankle boot things with the flat gum-rubber soles)

Now, in our middle age:
New Balance, some kind of business-casual oxford, and some Teva or Merrell sandals (a fourth for some of our generation: some kind of Dr. Scholl's cushiony walking shoe)

[-]

Good_Oil2942@reddit

Good call on the Sperry Top-Siders, they were everywhere for a long time.

[-]

ishandummmm@reddit

I only wear vans

[-]

Aggravating_Ear_1586@reddit

Cant argue with your list. You nailed it. We were poor and could not afford the brand, but I had the knock offs.

[-]

Good_Oil2942@reddit

From a predominately 80's perspective, I gotta go with addidas, vans and docs. I think I remember Chucks going out for a while there.

[-]

sumuneelse@reddit

Chuck's were not ours. Reebok and vans were ours.

[-]

daydrinkersunite@reddit

Vans, Converse All-Stars and Sperry Top-Siders

[-]

Live_Past_8978@reddit

Suburban New England?

Bean boots

Nike Air Max

Sambas

[-]

harpejjist@reddit

That sounds about right. I have no notes

[-]

KentFarmOfficial@reddit

Reebok pumps

[-]

Man_Darronious@reddit

I gotta say, first sneakers that comes to mind when I think fo Gen X, respectfully, is Air Monarchs.

[-]

lovelylynda@reddit

In the 80s, I always wanted a pair of Kangaroos. Hell, if someone gave me a pair that fit me now, I’d probably be over the moon because I finally had a pair.

Alas, the were deemed “too expensive” and I never even saw knockoffs that I could wear and keep my pay phone dime in the pocket in case of emergencies.

[-]

Adventurous-Winter84@reddit

I got a pair from a neighbor and I was the coolest kid ever with my quarter in the pocket. I wore them until my toes hurt.

[-]

Alovingcynic@reddit

Same!

[-]

Subjunct@reddit

Chucks and Vans for sure. My town was actually half working class so no one would buy Docs, which were already getting pretty shitty Birks were for boomer hippies. I can’t think of a clear third. I remember seeing a lot of Adidas shell tops, Nike, NB, ASICS Tiger, Roos, Brooks, Saucony. Sperry Topsiders and Stan Smiths for the preps.

[-]

AutoLushYeah@reddit

Adidas Torsion - remember when they came out with three different versions depending on pronation or not

Also Reebok Black tops

LA Gear

[-]

Alovingcynic@reddit

For me, they generally came from a Fayva store. I did save up after school work money to buy a pair of black Reebok hi-tops, the rage in NY: 'crews' were wearing them in every color to match outfits.

[-]

correct_eye_is@reddit

gif

[-]

Ashamed_Excitement57@reddit

Never been much of a sneaker head but three pairs of quality cowboy boots would be my trinity. Nice cow or bull hide for every day, Ostrich leg & a pair of stingray make a nice trinity.

[-]

IndependentlyGreen@reddit

Nike Hi-tops for me. In the early days I worked for a silkscreen print house.

[-]

Hotcakes420@reddit

Keds were big for me back in the 80s

[-]

Bloody_Mabel@reddit

As a 70s/80s kid, Bass, Candies, Tretorn sneakers and Sperry topsiders.

[-]

BigGovernment7361@reddit

yes sperry topsiders were the shit

[-]

PNWest01@reddit

I couldn’t afford Martens, so it was usually Payless or Shoe Carnival versions of black leather “biker” boots.

[-]

BigGovernment7361@reddit

remember huaraches??

[-]

nicdog71@reddit

Love that Vans is the most agreed upon

[-]

nicdog71@reddit

Vans, Air Jordans, Adidas

[-]

WalksByNight@reddit

Props to the New Balance peeps with wide feet!

Asics, tevas, target / walmart construction boots.

[-]

Streamjumper@reddit

Props to the New Balance peeps with wide feet!

Dear fellow members of the tribe, skip NB and start grabbing Hoka. Better price, better current quality, and way better toe boxes, especially in the 4e ranges.

[-]

PNWest01@reddit

Mine was always black biker boots

[-]

chanceofsunbreaks@reddit

Asics, Naot mary janes for work/fancy

[-]

The_Spectacle@reddit

Jordan 1, Jordan 5, Jordan 6

[-]

JTJonze@reddit

Very close! The correct answer is Jordan 1, Jordan 3 and Jordan 5.

[-]

The_Spectacle@reddit

no love for the 6? the infrared 6 is my favorite sneaker of all time. I coveted them so fiercely in junior high lol. FINALLY have a pair 35 years later

[-]

JTJonze@reddit

I never liked the 6’s, all those holes and the bumpout for the ankle bone just didn’t do it for me. That being said, if I had to rock a pair it would be the Infrared.

[-]

american_cheese@reddit

Jellys
Scooby doos
Chucks

[-]

stromm@reddit

Don’t know. I started wearing New Balance running shoes after buster browns. Around 1978.

[-]

joshua_addison_music@reddit

Got away from Docs and Chucks

[-]

Sure_Jan_Sure@reddit

Glerups slippers (black bootie style) and Skechers slip-ins when being formal. Also Bogs ankle boots for dog park. That’s about it.

[-]

madhatter-75@reddit

Chucks, vans with the back pushed down and docs still to the this day

[-]

Ladymistery@reddit

Look at richie rich here!

whatever generic shoes were on sale at zellers or payless is what I got.

I finally got a name brand pair about 6 months ago.

[-]

maddog2271@reddit

In terms of staying power I think OP’s list nails it. An argument could be made for Air Jordan though…in terms of iconic it’s hard to go harder than those.

[-]

JacksonIVXX@reddit

Vans their off the wall

[-]

jeexbit@reddit

sometimes I miss fat laces...

[-]

losromans@reddit

The Mrs saw some in a video and I offered to do her docs like this but, finding them in the right length has been a hassle! Especially if you want to do the checkerboard or the flat across, no crossover.

Then I forgot about it until your comment 🤣

[-]

GW_Jefferson@reddit

Reebok Pumps

[-]

Familiar_Palpitation@reddit

Shell toe Adidas with fat laces, Jordans, and Reebok Pumps.

[-]

FlopShanoobie@reddit

Any variety of Chucks, slip-on checkerboard Vans, Adidas shell-toe.

[-]

JTJonze@reddit

I would never consider Birkenstocks a GenX shoe (nor would I ever consider wearing them). Vans, Chucks, Docs and Jordans.

[-]

Your-Supreme-Leader@reddit

Definitely not a Gen X thing in Europe. Most old people shoe you could imagine until about a decade ago.

[-]

gster531@reddit

Amen!

[-]

SheriffBartholomew@reddit

Combat boots, steel toed boots, hiking boots.

[-]

ImaginaryBadger3492@reddit

Birks around 1990-1, Timberland for Winter, Adidas Stan Smiths, Black low or hitop Chucks.
Post 25?
Birks. Timberlands. Hikers.

[-]

Few-Honeydew2676@reddit

Ohh...thanks for the pic!

[-]

ward_bond@reddit

Never wore any of those. At least I think so. What are "Docs"?

[-]

MidnightBlueSilk@reddit

What are “Docs”?

Blasphemy! Your GenX card is revoked!

[-]

nixtarx@reddit

Dr Martens

[-]

joepagejr@reddit

Dr. Martens

[-]

Reeinaz@reddit

Stan Smiths, Shell Toes, Jordans

[-]

AdPuzzled3874@reddit

As an 80's teen, we wore hi top Reebok's, Tretorns, K Swiss, Keds, Jelly shoes, Hushpuppy penny loafers

[-]

Snoringdragon@reddit

Vans, Berks, and one pair of knee high boots with a tiny heel. For dressing up. Otherwise slippers, because crocs wear down funny on the bottom and I end up waddling like a penguin.

[-]

Lodreh@reddit

Vans, Converse, Airwalk, Sketchers

[-]

brokenmcnugget@reddit

first it was buster browns with the gold medal on the laces from the olympics.

second was docs all thru junior, high school and college

third star wars branded adidas slip ons becuase you cant make me get out of the house for anything.

[-]

Vondis@reddit

Airwalks!! Wish they still had them

[-]

Shankar_0@reddit

I saw some in Walmart recently.

Apparently, someone bought the name and slapped them on cheap, cardboard crap shoes? Not sure, but the once mighty have fallen.

[-]

Vondis@reddit

It’s been a long time since I looked but last time I did it seemed they just went out of business. Guess the bae got sold off to trick the nostalgia crowd

[-]

kawyckoff@reddit

Docs, Vans, Birks

[-]

icequeen669@reddit

Airwalks!

[-]

Boetheus@reddit

And Vision Streetwear!

[-]

Dry-Tangerine-4874@reddit

Docs, Adidas, Timberland

[-]

froction@reddit

I think I have worn a pair of slip-on Red Wings steel-toes almost every single day since some time in 1994.

[-]

coopenda@reddit

K swiss doc martens

[-]

robertwadehall@reddit

For me it’s been New Balance, Rockports and Eccos

[-]

foodweneedfood@reddit

Sambas, Vans, Jordans

[-]

Ok-Independent-6591@reddit

Nikes, Vans and Candies

[-]

ChildOfaConspiracist@reddit

Doc Martens

[-]

Aggravating-Wind6387@reddit

Candies, Dr Scholls, converse

[-]

Lateapexer@reddit

Jordan’s/Vans/Capezios

[-]

jchristn@reddit

Samba

[-]

Ok-Entertainment5045@reddit

Currently it’s just white New Balance for a lot of us😂😂

[-]

lottadot@reddit

I have never owned any of those.

[-]

drunknamed@reddit

high five

[-]

jmeesonly@reddit

Nikes, Vans skate shoes, and Deck shoes / boat shoes.

[-]

MotoXwolf@reddit

For most it would be Chucks, Vans and Docs.
But the most coveted and elusive were BKs, Air Jordans and Creepers

[-]

brostrummer@reddit

Samba’s, Stan smiths, Jordan’s, chucks, vans, docs.

[-]

User3-1-4-1-5-7-9@reddit

Asahi

[-]

badmommallama@reddit

Vans, Nike & Chucks

[-]

Junior_Statement_262@reddit

For meL: Docs, Fluevogs, Vans

[-]

popndough@reddit

I've been wearing either Saucony Jazz sneakers, Simple OS sneakers, or Docs for the past 35 years. In the 80s, it was Nike running shoes, or high tops. I also had a few pairs of Airwalks in the 90s.

[-]

vanchick@reddit

Blundstones for me

[-]

OkieDominator@reddit

Kaepas, British Knights, Lottos.

[-]

KrazyKatLady1674@reddit

Keds. I miss wearing Keds.

[-]

nicupinhere@reddit

They still make them. I have a pair, albeit they have grey flannel, not the cosmic white we used to throw in the washer with bleach. They have cushioned insoles now, too!

[-]

KrazyKatLady1674@reddit

I know they still make them but sadly I can't wear them. Bad feet, bad back. Need the old lady support shoes. 😂

[-]

Tedstryker71@reddit

vans, nikes, and topsiders.

[-]

invertedsaint_666@reddit

Vans, Docs and Jordans

[-]

Background-Vast-8764@reddit

Remember when Airwalk burned bright and then quickly burned out?

[-]

SnooCakes4019@reddit

I’ve owned lots of sketchers in my life.

[-]

dcb1973@reddit

Totally forgot Skechers

[-]

Dry-Ad-2197@reddit

I currently have and wear Chucks, Birks and Nikes

[-]

wurkhoarse@reddit

Converse high and low , Vans and Nike.

[-]

Admirable_Trouble574@reddit

Boom. Same!

[-]

i_laugh_at_morons@reddit

Hush Puppies

[-]

FlamingWhisk@reddit

Docs

[-]

Admirable_Trouble574@reddit

Vans, Chucks, Nike

[-]

ifrankenstein@reddit

White shell toe adidas

[-]

Fluid-Confusion-1451@reddit

Payless Shoe Store. Hand me downs from friends with bigger feet. Barefoot.

[-]

Admirable_Trouble574@reddit

Pro Wings for the win

[-]

Hefty_Debt_638@reddit

Keds!

[-]

n8b77@reddit

Birks, Vans, Nikes

[-]

theheavyddd@reddit

Vans

[-]

Jane-The_Obscure@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Adidas

[-]

Its1207amcantsleep@reddit

Doc martens, new balance/hoka/brooks, tevas

[-]

No-Assistance476@reddit

Vans.

[-]

EffortZealousideal8@reddit

Chuck’s, Docs, and Vans. Since junior high.

[-]

AnneChovie264@reddit

I have never owned any of the brands the OP mentioned.

[-]

meowmix79@reddit

Vans, DC’s, Pumas, Etnies

[-]

wexfordavenue@reddit

Yup, Vans. They have a custom sneaker feature on their website where you can “build” your own pair.

[-]

Upbeat_Mycologist372@reddit

Kangaroos 4eva

[-]

cs45977@reddit

As a kid: docs , army surplus, some random hiking boot.

Today: Asics court shoe, Docs, some random hiking boot.

[-]

Silly-Shoulder-6257@reddit

Nike sneakers, moccasins, chucks high tops

[-]

ObligationMurky8716@reddit

Air Walks, The Pump, and one of your wildcards

[-]

mindlessfollower23@reddit

Vision Street Wear, Vans, and Hush Puppies.

[-]

positivepinetree@reddit

I’ll always have Vans and Chucks as an option in my closet, but more often nowadays I choose to wear Birkenstocks, Crocs, and Chacos. Also minimalist zero drop shoes. I live in Texas, so I can wear sandals year round.

[-]

Martianmallo@reddit

Chuck Taylors, Doc Martin's, Vans

[-]

suicideblond3@reddit

Docs, Reeboks, Converse

[-]

twstdbydsn@reddit

Chucks, Doc and Vans for me. I still wear Vans and Docs in my 50s. Well I have Solovair's now and not Doc's, but they are identical.

[-]

michael41973@reddit

Docs, Birks and Jordans

[-]

girlpaint@reddit

Checkerboard Vans

[-]

Stormcrowdick1066@reddit

Docs, in the winter chucks in the spring and reefs in the summer. Those are mine

[-]

cbrworm@reddit

Chucks and Docs, for sure. I'd be more likely to wear old school flip-flops than Birks.

[-]

ANTICONSPIRATORIAL@reddit

Never owned any of the three...

[-]

ComprehensiveWhole26@reddit

Black and white check Vans slip-ons; Docs and flip flops

[-]

11BMasshole@reddit

As teen in early 80's it was Vans , Sambas , Reebok's or Sperry Topsiders In the summer.

As an adult I wear the Topsiders almost year round. With some loafers mixed in depending on what the occasion is. And some Reef flip flops or Olukai flip flops.

I don't really wear sneakers anymore but I have a pair of NB 998 and 990.

[-]

NorthernerWuwu@reddit

Topsiders, Docs and Vans for my school at least.

[-]

gertymoon@reddit

I've always loved the Agassi tennis shoes, the Nike Air Tech Challenge II 'Hot Lava'.

[-]

Chillpickle17@reddit

Vans, Chucks, and Docs.

gif

[-]

SnorvusMaximus@reddit

Adidas, nike, puma.

[-]

Sorry-Government920@reddit

I grew to hate Docs because every crowd surfers at concerts wore them and I more than a few to the head

[-]

NightingaleNine@reddit

1969 here. Grew up in the American South wearing Sebago Campsiders, Bass Weejuns (with penny), deck shoes, Tretorn and Keds tennis shoes.

[-]

Recordeal7@reddit

In my youth it was Chucks, Doc’s, and Jordan’s.

Now it’s whatever doesn’t hurt.

[-]

dcb1973@reddit

New Balance, Ons, and Crocs 😂😂😂

[-]

Human_Background_800@reddit

Ons for me!!

[-]

jibarohatillo@reddit

Clark's, Adidas and Maison

[-]

tomcatx2@reddit

The bins, value village, and deseret industries.

You think I can afford new docs?

[-]

InfluenceAromatic293@reddit

For me - Vans, Converse, Clarks Originals

[-]

Japhet_Corncrake@reddit

Wallabees, Jordans, Air Max, for me.

[-]

NoFollowing7781@reddit

Chucks... Airwalks... combat boots...

[-]

spacetstacy@reddit

Chucks, Docs, and Thom McCann sandals. (Or Dr. Schol's)

[-]

Uninteresting_Vagina@reddit

Docs, Vans, Birks

[-]

valis010@reddit

Timberlands. Vans. Jordans.

[-]

Ashby238@reddit

Chucks, tevas and docs

[-]

Awellknownstick@reddit

Lol I'm.my day it was DMS or Old Para Boots. I rocked the Para

[-]

1jennycm7@reddit

Keen, Danner, Rainbow flip flops, and dansko clogs in addition to tevas and anything llbean

[-]

OPsDaddy@reddit

Orthopedic shoes, non-slip white tennis shoes with Velcro laces and those hospital socks.

[-]

Weird-Ninja8827@reddit

Vans gotta get at least an honorable mention.

[-]

knivesinbutt@reddit

Jordan's, Docs and Chucks

[-]

Getitgurly@reddit

Vans slip ons, birds, and Hokas

[-]

ColoradoPowMonster@reddit

Nike Monarch Air. Paint em green whilst mowing the lawn!

The adidas soccer shoes with the leather tongue were also popular. The Reebok Shaq pump was also crazy expensive at the time and wanted by all the athletes in school at the time.

[-]

Interesting-Key-8105@reddit

Birks, Tevas, and Rainbow flipflops

[-]

smokywater50@reddit

Jordan’s and combat boots

[-]

BostonRich@reddit

Here in Boston it was all about shell toe Adidas or even better, gazelle Adidas.

[-]

jfrankparnell85@reddit

Keeping it local - New Balance from the outlet

As a poor grad student I got great deals

And Docs from Allston Beat

[-]

BeaPositiveToo@reddit

You’ve got it goin’ on! Keep rockin’ the great looks!

Mine is Birks, Frye & Danner. Over the years, Keen & Merrill have served well for adventuring. When I was younger, Keds were my go-to versatile shoe, now it’s my beloved Birks!

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PortentProper@reddit

In the 90s it was docs, my adidas sambas with the oversized tongue, and knockoff docs in suede.

My trinity now is Birks, Toms, and Skechers for athletics.

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ZebraBorgata@reddit

Beats me. I’ve never payed attention to shoe brands. In my world that isn’t a thing.

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Pnmamouf1@reddit

Reebok pumps

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wrestlingdad@reddit

Dic Martin's, K-Swiss, Air Jordan

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Tiny_Ad_2994@reddit

Docs, Birks and Steve Maddens

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geetarboy33@reddit

For me Vans, Docs, Birks

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bankyVee@reddit

Hipsters: Chucks, Birks
Preppies: Sperry topsiders, Keds, Nike cortez leather
Punks, new wave: Doc Martens, Chucks and Vans
Jocks: Air Jordans, Reebok pump
Fashionistas: Fluevogs and flats
Indie kids and Breakdancers: Puma Suede, Adidas Sambas
Nerds: Pony, Converse and Kinney

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wpnz@reddit

Forgot about us poor kids with the Jordache

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Unlikely_Ad11@reddit

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upv395@reddit

Pay less shoe source baby!

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jnortond@reddit

I'm a Docs (only England versions) and Birks girl through and through. I do have several pairs of Hoka now for athleisure.

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Chitown_mountain_boy@reddit

Athleisure? Is that kinda like drinking wine on the sidelines of a marathon or something?

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ONROSREPUS@reddit

gif

That made me laugh way to hard.

Last weekend I was watching my wife run a 10K while her brother and I drank a beer. This was 9:30 in the morning.

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Chitown_mountain_boy@reddit

That’s what I’m talking about. Cheers 🍻

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Kobalt6x10@reddit

I always liked the Adidas three stripe runners, but as an old man who has basically given up at this point, the Sketchers slip on shoes, the Martha Stewart/Snoop dog ones, are a game changer, and I will be buried in them at this point.

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scrubber12@reddit

Good to know. I’ve been eyeing those sketcher slip ons. I’m still in mostly vans.

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Candlemom@reddit

Birks, Vans, Adidas

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BadPAV3@reddit

First rule of '90s footwear is that you don't talk about '90s footwear.

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OrganizationFuzzy586@reddit

Vans

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DaGoodBoy@reddit

Black and white checkerboard vans
Crepe soul desert boots
Doc Martens boots

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flopshooter@reddit

Sperrys Docs Asics Tigers

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HA1LHYDRA@reddit

Nike, Reebok, Converse

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Temporary_Way_9563@reddit

Chuck Taylor All Stars

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rink_raptor@reddit

Kmart Trax IIs and Nike Air Pegasus.

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freakymack@reddit

I still have the docs I bought in high school! Wear them proudly!

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Odd-Addition-1359@reddit

Vans were my go to in high school, but now I need a little more support, so I am 100% sperry topsiders.

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D-ouble-D-utch@reddit

gif

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jackandcherrycoke@reddit

Old school Jordans, jellies, docs

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Kingsnake417@reddit

British Knights, Zips, and KangaRoos.

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matthewamerica@reddit

yeah, OK. But shell toe Adidas and Vans should also get honorable mention.

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Mattturley@reddit

I've wanted a classic pair of Sambas since high school. But my feet are too big. Years ago Adidas came out with a custom program that was advertised to make any shoe in their line custom to you... except they won't make Sambas in a 15. Assholes.

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capsteve@reddit

Cons, Docs, and Rebock(if you could afford it).

I was/still am an alley picker, alley clothes were a bonus!

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shortstop_princess@reddit

L.A. Gear

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MaxDoor@reddit

Sperry Topsiders when I'm feeling classy, Timberlands when I'm out in it, and Skechers Slip-ins as the default.

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bizoticallyyours83@reddit

I say, BK Knight, Doc Marten and Reeboks.

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SuspiciousMeat6696@reddit

Keds, Buster Browns, FlipFlops (Thongs)

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BoiledDenimForRoxie@reddit

Yes to the Chucks and Docs. No Birks; not now, not ever.

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Few_Establishment892@reddit

But...they help so much with plantar issues!

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BoiledDenimForRoxie@reddit

I'd rather deal with the pain

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Few_Establishment892@reddit

😁 I bought a pair of Doc's slip-ons last year and they hate so big, I looked like Frankenstein 's monster! I guess I'm done with them for good. Sometimes the universe decides, Bobby!

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Crafty_Pineapple_562@reddit

This is why I wear mine in the house only!

I remember a guy in hs that wore these everyday and he smelled like dog shit from never letting them dry out. I can still smell it.

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AggravatingNet1020@reddit

Chucks, Timberlands, and New Balance. lol

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-SQB-@reddit

Chucks, Vans, Docs.

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fastyellowtuesday@reddit

Same

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tfly212@reddit

Zips need to be in there

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uhsiv@reddit

Chucks, Docs and now ... Sketchers slip on

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aaapril261992@reddit

Vans, Converse, Airwalk Docs, Sebago, Bass

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Habergeiss@reddit

Adidas Gazelle, Doc Martens, Nike Air Max

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Joerugger@reddit

Docs, Vans, Fluevog

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healthyitch@reddit

Desert boots, Sperry top-siders and penny loafers.

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Melissaschwart@reddit

Eastlands,k-Swiss,docs,birks,

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starcom_magnate@reddit

Growing up - Chucks, Sambas, and Airwalks
Currently - Chucks, Sambas, and Vans

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lsp2005@reddit

ASICS, orthofeet, and Cole Haan

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TheArtfulDuffer@reddit

Docs kangaroos airwalk

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deltacreative@reddit

DM's... three pair. Trinity.

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Crafty_Pineapple_562@reddit

Converse in two colors(L and R), checkered vans slip ons, and Reebok pumps

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Future-Spare-9680@reddit

As a skater kid in the 80’s you either had Converse Chuck Taylors, Vans or Airwalks.

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XenEngine@reddit

I say the Vision Street Wear replaces the chucks in that as a skate rat from wayback. I would, however, love to have a pair of Airwalk Vic's or 540s with the lace savers.

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Future-Spare-9680@reddit

Wow I completely forgot about that brand.

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stayre@reddit

All black Reebok high tops.

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Dusty_Sequins@reddit

I will counter with all white Reebok hi tops

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tinyclawsoffury@reddit

Them baggy sweat pants and the Reeboks with the straps She turned around and gave that big booty a slap

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Dusty_Sequins@reddit

We wore ours with tight ass jordache jeans or denim mini skirts

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tinyclawsoffury@reddit

https://youtu.be/U2waT9TxPU0?si=XrAcw6Eacm_Bvavd

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botmanmd@reddit

Boat shoes, Nikes, Duck boots

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destiny_kane48@reddit

LA Gear and Reebok were my favorites.

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Rundle1999@reddit

Slip on vans

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phil_silvers@reddit

Sonics(Sears house brand), KangaRoos, and Pepsi platform shoes

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Annual_Duty_764@reddit

Teen me: Docs, Bass Penny loafers, and Sam & Libby flats. Adult me is all over the board from ASICS to Tory Burch to Olu Kai flip flops to whatever that brand is I picked up at Aldi.

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Depression_Betty@reddit

Those Sam & Libby flats, though! I had a yellow pair and a purple pair. I haven't thought about those shoes in years but suddenly miss them a lot.

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Marigold1976@reddit

Blundstone, Birks, LL Bean duck boots.

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cab1024@reddit

I wore a couple of pairs of Skechers for a good chunk of my 30s, but those are out and Chucks are in now. Have always had Docs and Birks on hand. Blundstones may have taken up some Doc time starting 15-20 years ago. Funny thing is I really notice my shoes until about 10 years ago...

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Equivalent_Twist_511@reddit

Fayva, Keds, Buster Browns…the bobo shoes

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GardenBunnyBaseball@reddit

Yes! Buster Browns were absolutely bobo shoes. This one gets it. 👍 HATED Buster Browns

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Jef_Wheaton@reddit

I'm looking at these replies thinking, "You had NAME-BRAND shoes?" I had "K-Mart Specials" until I started delivering newspapers and could buy my own Payless clearance-rack Pumas.

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Snoo78959@reddit

Vans, Chucks, Docksiders

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Voivode71@reddit

KangaROOS!

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x_Jimi_x@reddit

Kindergarten me kept lunch money in them pockets

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starship7201u@reddit

Chucks, Vans, Docs.

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EducationOnly3621@reddit

Oxblood Penny Loafers

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ghoulthebraineater@reddit

Been wearing Chucks for as long as I can remember. 40+ years now.

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LetEast6927@reddit

Birks, Vans, LL Bean loafers way back in the day

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Fun_Interaction_9619@reddit

Nike or Pumas. If you had anything else in the neighborhood you got your ass kicked 😀

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chantierinterdit@reddit

Docs, Blackstones, Caterpillars when young. Meindlz, garden Crocs and rubber boots these days. I don't go out much.

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Calgaryrox75@reddit

air walks?

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GardenBunnyBaseball@reddit

I miss Payless Shoes Airwalks 😢

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72vintage@reddit

I've never had any of those. Docs are fucking uncomfortable and Birks are expensive as shit for what they are. I had Jordans back in the day, before I had to live in the real world, but for 35 years I've been making my living wearing Wolverine, Red Wing, and Justin. When I'm not working, well... Who gives a shit? I'll be wearing something comfortable.

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LetEast6927@reddit

Here’s the salty GenX energy I was looking for…

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Killrose5611@reddit

Vans

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A_Gringo666@reddit

Army boots, army boots, and army boots.

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atwaterloo67@reddit

Sperry Topsiders

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Feasibly_Impossible@reddit

Where my G.A.S.S. people at?

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Key_Hat_5721@reddit

Nike, K-Swiss, Keds

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DOW_mauao@reddit

Vision Street Wear, Vans, Airwalk

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WolverineNinja@reddit

To me it has always been exclusively Jordans or Vans.

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geddylee1@reddit

Yeah. Pretty much.

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GardenBunnyBaseball@reddit

Birks, Vans, Simple

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thisoldguy74@reddit

Adult me has way more options and pairs of shoes than teen me had. I was a Nike kid from early elementary school on and I still am to a large degree.

Over the past dozen years I've added Jordans, Birks, Chucks and lots of sneakers. Even cowboy boots that teen me never would've even tried on. I definitely turned my nose up at Birks for a long time before giving them a try a couple years ago.

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starksfergie@reddit

Chucks, docs and sambas was my holy trinity and still have all three

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lushspice@reddit

Vans

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Ok-Development2520@reddit

I had blue suede Airwalks in 97. I will never forget them.

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bks1979@reddit

Mine were shiny black vinyl. lol

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Ok-Development2520@reddit

Fellow 79er 🤜🤛

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Walkinchubby@reddit

Chucks, Nike & Fila

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djshimon@reddit

Jordans, Vans, Chuck Taylors.

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Fudloe@reddit

Docs, Vans, Chucks.

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MaximumJones@reddit

Flip flops, bare feet, and Asics for jogging.

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Garfield61978@reddit

Team bare feet checking in!

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battlesong1972@reddit

Are they on sale for $50 or less, come in wide and arecomfortable? That’s it for sneakers. Boots I spend more on, but the good ones last multiple winters.

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Traditional_Land_553@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Jordans.

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Odd_Ease4541@reddit

Adidas Superstars

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MusicalScientist206@reddit

British Knights, LA Gear, Doc Martins

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Winter_Throat3109@reddit

Where I’m from, Fluevogs

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abarthvader@reddit

Chucks, Docs and Vans for me. But nowadays, it's Solovairs, Bates (for work) and Chucks.

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Quackoverride@reddit

Love my Solovairs. My pair are still going strong after 5 years. NuDocs? Not a chance.

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Ta_mere6969@reddit

Vans, Gazelles, some flavor of Pumas.

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Spiritual_Regular557@reddit

Comfy Nike
Chucks
Something to wear that goes with “fancy”

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uwpxwpal@reddit

Whatever is on sale, looks good, and is comfortable

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PerceptionOk3196@reddit

I am and always have been a shoe whore. I cannot possibly answer this question.

I didn’t wear Docs a lot when I was younger and I genuinely could not afford them myself and my poor friends all bought combat boots at the army supply for $15. I didn’t get into Docs until college. I wore Vans and K-Swiss a lot in hs.

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purpleskyblues@reddit

I also bought army surplus boots. And jackets. Back when army surplus was DIRT CHEAP and at the flea market on the weekends (at the NC state fair grounds)

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Axj1@reddit

I don’t know about you, but my money’s on Vans Off the Wall.

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umyeahokcool@reddit

Docs, Vans, platform anything

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purpleskyblues@reddit

Same and libby, la gear, doc martens

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johntucker78@reddit

As a guy who wears size 15 shoes, it's basically Sketchers and a few styles of Hey Dudes. Georgia boot and Redwings for work.

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NeighborhoodNo4274@reddit

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Ok-Sport-2558@reddit

Doc Marten was bought by a private equity in 2014, and is still the majority stockholder. Today's Docs are not the same ones we had. The quality has really gone down.

Chucks are iconic. I'm a believer that you're never too old to wear them.

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joelav@reddit

Swap the chucks for vans and the birks for Tevas

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BigEd369@reddit

I’m still rocking the Reva’s in 2026 :)

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faerewing@reddit

Vans, docs, and birks

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Spear_Ritual@reddit

Chucks used to be like 20 bucks. And Vans were mostly the slip on kind. I think chucks has this. But time/place may vary.

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faerewing@reddit

I also wore chucks but tended to like Vans and Airwalks a little better. Just depended on what I could afford with my teenage income, lol

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DarwinGhoti@reddit

That’s the trinity.

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macthulhu@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Vans.

Although now, having paid more than my fair share of dues on the street, on ramps, in pits, etc... I also have a pair of Hoka walking shoes that freaking RULE.

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No_Gap_2700@reddit

How are those knees doing these days? 😂 I'm assuming similar to mine. Surgeries yet? I guess I shoud ask how many instead. Haven't been on a deck since 2010 now. Teaching my kids to skate and was showing off. Went for a 360 heel flip, but landed a concusion. No more.

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macthulhu@reddit

Started skating when I was about 4. My uncle was a 60s longboard maniac who spent a lot of time skating downhill in the Rockies wearing nothing but shorts and sunglasses, so he got me started young. I like to think, as I grew up, my knees just sort of evolved along with the abuse. I mean, I "like" to think that's why my knees have remained pretty functional, but I'm sure the clock is ticking. My back, on the other hand, is a mess.

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No_Gap_2700@reddit

That makes sense. I started when I was 12. First knee surgery was at 26, second at 30. Skated mostly steet. Both shoulders are trash too, especially the left. This thing has eaten more concrete than a jackhammer.

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blulouwoohoo@reddit

Nike Airmax 90s. Havs. Docs. That’s me. But I’d swap out the havs if I had to for birks

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BeatOffKing@reddit

Air Jordans.

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Maleficent-Neat2964@reddit

The original Dr. Scholl's exercise sandals. The ones with the wooden bottom! Blue leather strap.

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some_people_callme_j@reddit

Flip flops, sneakers and boots?

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AQUEON@reddit

Same, except sneakers. Bare feet were more common than Reeboks.

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madlyhattering@reddit

This is it for me

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BeezHugger@reddit

Nowadays...Brooks for my plantar, lol

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SolomonGrumpy@reddit

Adidas Samba's or the Nike Kllshots

And

Johnston and Murphy black double monkstrap dress shoes

And

Merrills in Brown or dark green for wet/winter weather

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AQUEON@reddit

Y'all must have grown up in the city!

In the U.S. "sticks" ya got cowboy boots, rainbow flip flops and bare feet.

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pgeho@reddit

Sketchers slip ons

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General_Session_8467@reddit

Prowings

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Freyja_Valhalla@reddit

This tracks, I have several pair each of Birks, Chucks, and Docs (thankfully the old ones before they started making shit).

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LoverLips76@reddit

Converse, docs and vans

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AshDenver@reddit

Skechers, Toms, Merrills. Occasionally Sebago docksiders.

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UncleFlip@reddit

I had some Sebagos back in the day.

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Fubardir@reddit

Docs, Chucks, Birkenstock

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Helmett-13@reddit

Vans. We gave the world Vans and they still persist.

Those other brands exited before Gen X.

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Shrek_Layers@reddit

Converse, doc martens, Vans

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rrrrrrez@reddit

I’ve always been a Chucks, Docs, and Jordans guy. My daughter has about 5 pairs of Vans, though.

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Shrek_Layers@reddit

Great alternative

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IBroughtWine@reddit

I came here to say this.

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ComesInAnOldBox@reddit

Solidly GenX here,. . .and I've never owned a pair of any of those brands or even most of the brands other people have mentioned. When I was a kid you were mercilessly bullied if you weren't wearing Nikes, especially when Michael Jordan was big.

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athendofthedock@reddit

Docs-Vans-Nike (Bo knows)

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skspoppa733@reddit

Jordans, Docs, Chucks for me.

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Mr_Stike@reddit

No one mentioned Zips? This is bullshit.

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Ignignokt73@reddit

I was gonna say Zips bought from a mall store I can’t recall the name of right now, but was decorated like a boat 🤣

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padall@reddit

"I asked her for Adidas but she bought me Zips..."

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ravenwood111@reddit

Doc Martens, Capezios, anything Elaine Benes would have worn (prob Via Spiga or Cole Haan)

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Tutmancometh@reddit

Adidas Superstar all black, was my shoe of choice

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monstar98277@reddit

Before 2005 Docs for sure. Since the quality has fallen off I’ve switched to other brands for boots. Still have Chucks. Used to do Reebok for running shoes, but have now switched to Brooks or occasionally ASICS.

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gmkrikey@reddit

I have never worn Chucks, Docs, or Birks.

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punkshoe8@reddit

I wore Nike Cortez throughout the ‘80s and just bought a pair for the first time in decades. They still make me feel as cool as they did when I was 12.

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63crabby@reddit

The women in my family like the Chuck Taylors and the Dic Martens, I’m more of an ASICS fan myself.

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PermuhGrin@reddit

My parents would never buy anything like that. I had the Kmart specials. Once I got older I started wearing Docs, Vans, and Jordan's.

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merrymayhem@reddit

I was wondering if I was alone in the cheap shoes department!

I’m wearing Hoka currently, though. I usually have one daily pair of good shoes at a time, last two pairs were Brooks Ghosts. In any case, I never go cheap on shoes. Feet are too important.

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cups_and_cakes@reddit

Docs, vans, chucks

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weight22@reddit

I still have my 1993 Adidas Sambas

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sevenselevens@reddit

Sebago moccasins that I wore to death, until my mom secretly threw them away

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KCDawgTime@reddit

Wore Senator boat shoes all through college. Loved those things.

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sevenselevens@reddit

My autocorrect also tried to make Sebago into Senator haha but I get you!

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KCDawgTime@reddit

Dang, totally missed that.

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Penya23@reddit

Docs hands down. Been wearing them since I was 13, I am 47 now.

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vagabondizer@reddit

I never owned any of the shoes I see listed. I did have a pair of Kaepas once in middle school, but K-Mart brand was more my dad's options.

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Wendijosie@reddit

I was also poor 😢

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Possible_Shoulder_50@reddit

I remember all the Preps wore the Topsider boat shoes. I wore converse/vans/vision street wear (or whatever skate shoe was available) & the army jungle boots.

[-]

charmstrong70@reddit

I mean, chucks and still own 3 pairs (and wearing a pair right now) but……

I used to live in these

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emitnemic@reddit

Vans, doc martens, air jordans

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IBroughtWine@reddit

Jordans deserve their place amongst the ranks for sure.

[-]

DwinDolvak@reddit

Another New Englander:
- LLBean Blucher Moccasins
- Timberland work boots
- Birkenstocks

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No-Juice8483@reddit

I was in sixth grade when those came out. They were ugly then as they were now. I actually used to get a stomach turning reaction when I saw them on some men,

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DwinDolvak@reddit

good thing you didnt grow up in my town. you would have been hospitalized.

Everyone wore them. Boys and Girls. I wore them through college, I think.

Disclaimer: I grew up in Fairfield County so it was kind of a living Jcrew/LLBean catalogue.

[-]

johnboy525252@reddit

I loved my black on black Nike Air Raid from the early 90's.

[-]

Zipstser257@reddit

There is no trinity for me, it is solely Vans, I’ve been wearing them since 1980.

[-]

misshelly888@reddit

Reebok Hightops, Docs, and shoes like this (yes I know they’re BACK!)

[-]

Nearby-Squirrel634@reddit

Skechers

[-]

ItsTheEndOfDays@reddit

Vans, Doc Martens, and Birks.

[-]

nocturneOG@reddit

Vans and blue and red striped tigers

[-]

Historical_Nail7271@reddit

Docs right up until they moved production to Vietnam and China - then I moved to NPS Solovair.... - and I've got a pair of BeetleJuice Chucks...... Other than those two - I have my house slippahs.

[-]

koios1031@reddit

Aloha

[-]

Historical_Nail7271@reddit

gif

[-]

koios1031@reddit

Went to High School in Hawai'i. Now I live in Northern Colorado.

[-]

Alternative-Row-84@reddit

Then- Nikes , vans and adidas slides. Now- Brooks, Hoka and Onclouds. My knees and feet need better shoes nowadays.

[-]

zetazen@reddit

Brooks, Hey Dudes, Slippers with an arch.

[-]

Ok_Function2282@reddit

Orthopedics

[-]

Capable_Stranger9885@reddit

I wore so many pairs of Sebago Campsiders from 5th - 9th grade

[-]

Bandag5150@reddit

I bought a pair last year. They seem to be decent quality so far.

[-]

WimpyZombie@reddit

Sneakers, Orthopedics and Slippers

[-]

myreddodgeram@reddit

Monkey boots. Doc Martens. Woolworths own solid plastic soled trainers. Adidas.

[-]

AboveGroundPoolQueen@reddit

Vans.

Fun fact: The Van Doren family were my neighbors growing up in the 1070’s. I remember my mom holding a fundraiser at the local school, and hearing her call him and ask if he could bring the boys. That meant they brought huge half pipes, all the skateboarders and BMX riders. Unfortunately, they were all boys, but now there are so many female writers!

[-]

WaterwingsDavid@reddit

Back in JR high and HS, high-top basketball sneakers laced 1/2 way up were all the rage. I had Adidas and Nike. To this day my favorite high-tops are Nike's Terminators. They were a special release in 1985 in blue and gray. They've been re-released a few times in the 21st century.

I also had chucks. During winter Timberland boots were very popular.

Nowadays I'll usually wear western style workboots (Ariat, Tony Lama; also Justin). During summer I'll wear DVS or Vans skater sneakers. Boots with shorts are a no-no!

[-]

Leather-Resource-215@reddit

When i was young all the rage was British Knights... but ive always been a covnverse guy. I still own a pair today... & I assure you that im no longer young...

[-]

ZaphodGreedalox@reddit

No shell toes or G-Nikes?

[-]

toddc612@reddit

I mean, Vans HAS to be on this list, right?

[-]

Dogrel@reddit

Air Jordans, Keds, and Vans.

[-]

cilibar7@reddit

Keds! Yes! I forgot about those

[-]

Cold-Negotiation-539@reddit

Vans, Chucks, Sambas

[-]

TopSatisfaction6702@reddit

Sebagos, keds, reeboks

[-]

mooboyj@reddit

Vans Half Cabs, Rebook Pumps/Jordans and Doc Martins.

[-]

hindsight5050@reddit

Air Jordan III

[-]

naypalm2@reddit

Altras Altras Altras

[-]

daysway@reddit

Altras, Topo, and plastic birks. It’s like living in the future

[-]

DubLParaDidL@reddit

Vans, docs, chucks

[-]

Independent-Dark-955@reddit

Currently for me it Danskos, Birks, Brooks. When I was a teenager it was Mia’s, Minnetonka s, 9 West.

[-]

Majestic_Echo_7192@reddit

Anyone have a pair of Simples? They were my fave!

[-]

lovable_asshole@reddit

Adidas Superstar or the Puma Clyde

[-]

Capable_Stranger9885@reddit

I wore so many Campsiders!

[-]

OldSlug@reddit

I’ve always had Chucks, Vans, and Uggs.

[-]

Adventurous-Fee-8158@reddit

Ecco, Brooks, Rockport for daily wear. Columbia hiking boots, Merrill slip on hikers for less rugged terrain. Back in the 90s it was Docs, Birks and Chucks.

[-]

CynicalAltruism@reddit

According to my closet: Jordans, Van's, and Chucks.

Nine years ago, when I left the private sector and went to work in state government, I promised myself I would never wear adult shoes again. At some point, I should probabky dust of and donate all the Bruno Maglis.

[-]

Appropriate-Idea5281@reddit

Too bad OJ is dead he liked Bruno’s

[-]

CynicalAltruism@reddit

Damn... Super valid point.

[-]

Copytechguy@reddit

I lived every day in my Shawn Kemp Kamikaze's. Had several pairs, especially the 1994 release. They'll always be my favourite.

[-]

Plenty-Run-9575@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Tevas.

[-]

Sar_of_NorthIsland@reddit

Chucks, Fryes, Danskos.

[-]

TikiZilla1313@reddit

Vans, Chucks, and Docs.

[-]

sfstripes@reddit

I was born in ‘78, I’m from Southern California, and I’m white. Since I was 13, I have always owned and worn Vans, Docs, Birkenstocks, and Adidas. But my 100% true daily drivers since I was a little kid were a pair of Vans, in either white or blue. My dad would take us out to the only Vans store for miles on Roscoe in the Valley to get a new pair each school year. Then we’d wear them until they got holes in the toes. I’m pretty sure I learned to tie my shoelaces on a pair of Vans.

[-]

AstronomerForsaken65@reddit

Never owned any of those three or any that others are mentioning here. Have always owned a pair of Asics for running/casual. Also a couple of pairs of Bruno Magli’s I bought over 20yrs ago are the only constants.

[-]

Maverick-Mav@reddit

My foot Dr was happy to see me in Asics when I showed up for an appointment.

[-]

AstronomerForsaken65@reddit

Been wearing them since HS and never been disappointed or had foot issues. Maybe they are your cure?

[-]

Maverick-Mav@reddit

I used them for exercise. Now I need to wear them more often.

[-]

chatterwrack@reddit

Chucks docs and Vans

[-]

Cooter_McGrabbin@reddit

If you grew up a skater, its airwalks, vans, chucks.

[-]

thelonghallway@reddit

And Vision Street Wear.

[-]

Due-Sky6622@reddit

Brooks!

[-]

absherlock@reddit

My closet has Chucks and Docs. I have other assorted boots, shoes, and sneaks but if I had to pick a third member of the trinity, it would be Vans.

[-]

Ardvarkthoughts@reddit

Birks and Birks with socks in winter!

[-]

jk-mtfuji@reddit

Brooks, Sketchers, Birks

[-]

SlapDaddyWhack@reddit

Chucks, Vans, and Air Jordan’s.

[-]

Outrageous_Horse_157@reddit

Chucks, Docs and Sambas/Onit Tigers

[-]

Equivalent_Twist_511@reddit

Air Max 95, Vans, Teva Sandals

[-]

Rikkitikkitabby@reddit

Gotta have a pair of white new balance shoes, for mowing the lawn.

[-]

ClusterfuckyShitshow@reddit

Sambas or Superstars (pref platform now), Docs, and Birks for me.

House slippers/pre-workout shoes have been the Adidas slides since 1995, Adissage at first, now the Adilette Comfort Slide because it's less of a bitch to break in.

[-]

yespuss@reddit

McFlys

[-]

Lilgreenone@reddit

Docs, Hokas now and still wear my old Adidas

[-]

Nerdslave2@reddit

I used to do docs but the quality now is so bad I moved to Redwings and Wolverines as they are resoleable. I hated when I would get docs just right I had to toss them due to wet feet from holes in the soles. Also wear chucks in the summer. Youngsters at work don't quite understand.

[-]

drhagbard_celine@reddit

I’ve been wearing a pair of Docs as my daily shoe for a couple years now. Most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn. By far. I used to have a pair of 13 eyelet Docs back around 91-92 that were never as kind to me.

[-]

_plays_in_traffic_@reddit

https://us.nps-solovair.com/collections/mens/Derby-Boot

[-]

_plays_in_traffic_@reddit

if you want docs go to the solovair site. they use the old docs machines and is quality that youre used to. they just got marked up in price with inflation.

[-]

Velvet_McJones@reddit

Puma Calis, Puma Malibus, Puma Suedes.

[-]

TheModrnSiren@reddit

Chucks, Docs and Jack Purcells

[-]

Secret-Ice260@reddit

Knockoffs from Payless.

[-]

mndsm79@reddit

Got them pro wings!

[-]

Umeyard@reddit

Keds, jelly shoes, and chucks for me

[-]

sageguitar70@reddit

Off the Wall! Vans!

[-]

BAMW-447679@reddit

Puma suede

[-]

Important_Call2737@reddit

About 30 years ago my mom went into my old room and cleaned it out. She put the old toys, legos, transformers into a plastic bins and moved into the basement.

She threw out my air Jordan’s that I wore during 8th grade basketball in 1986 - I think they were the air Jordan II and still had the box.

[-]

ChavoDemierda@reddit

Chucks and Burks since highschool. Work boots have been my daily since then.

[-]

pemart22@reddit

For me it was Jordans at the top and bottom of the list- perhaps playing basketball skews my list a bit.

[-]

The_Wild_Bunch@reddit

Pajar boots, cowboy boots and flip-flops around the house. Used to wear Docs, but they just aren't comfortable for wearing for long periods of time. I've never liked Chucks as they kill my feet immediately. If you want a comfortable warm winter boot, look into Pajar.

[-]

TowerOfSisyphus@reddit

Can't forget Vans.

[-]

StJmagistra@reddit

What were those leather shoes with the yellow laces that we tied in fancy knots at the end?

Also, as a teenager in the 90s, Keds were the shoes I remember being trendy.

As a little kid, jelly shoes were cool, but my mom would never buy them for us because she thought they were cheap garbage.

[-]

Bigot-Consequences@reddit

I absolutely lived in my knotted Eastlands loafers in the 90s!

[-]

ARTYSTIX@reddit

Good on your mum! Jelly shoes …Horrid things rubbed your feet raw

[-]

jfletcher72@reddit

Feel like keapa and kangaroo should be in there.

[-]

fromamomof2@reddit

Kswiss, dirty bucks and Eastlands

[-]

lalacourtney@reddit

Docs, Birks, and Ferragamo 💅🏼

[-]

Practicality_Issue@reddit

Chucks, Vans and Sperry Topsiders for me.

Depending on what’s up, the boat shoes rotate to the back of the closet and swap out with an ankle-height, lightweight work boot.

[-]

ER_Support_Plant17@reddit

Chucks, Chucks and Chucks

[-]

Andrew8128@reddit

How’d you get into my closet?

[-]

ER_Support_Plant17@reddit

I was already there

gif

[-]

sumbozo1@reddit

Air Force Ones. I'm an old white dude and still wear my fresh white AF1's

[-]

chicadeaqua@reddit

Then: Nike and Reebok Now: Clark’s, Roxy. Birkenstock

[-]

NeverDidLearn@reddit

I go for the On-Clouds the past few years.

[-]

chicadeaqua@reddit

Those are cute!

[-]

Hedonistic_Yinzer@reddit

Hi Tec, Tony Lama, Ariat.

[-]

Chitown_mountain_boy@reddit

On man I miss my Hi Tec boots.

[-]

magicbullets@reddit

Doctor Martens, Adidas Samba, Converse All Star, suede desert boots, and some kind of high top scuzzy originally white basketball boots.

[-]

Beneficial_Equal_324@reddit

Today: Hoka, Brooks, Teva.

[-]

Laredoan-Puertorican@reddit

Hola Ascis and Teva

[-]

mikey_ramone@reddit

Chucks, a work boot and some form of army boot.

[-]

sev45day@reddit

Vans, Vans, and now New Balance.... Because the Vans ruined my feet!

[-]

Reverend_Chaos@reddit

For me, it's Chucks, Vans, and Docs. Even my "dress" shoes are a pair of Doc Oxfords for when I need to wear a suit

[-]

DoctorHelios@reddit

Spaulding, Spaulding and Roos

[-]

Most_Maintenance5549@reddit

Still can’t get that damn quarter back.

[-]

SomeBlueDevil@reddit

PUMA (mostly suedes), Adidas High Top and NIKEs. 😆 Air.

Still wearing them NIKEs, stone washed Jeans, Tee and Ray-Bans. ✌️😎

[-]

ItsLikeARewardAZ@reddit

Nike air, flip flops.

[-]

Taskerst@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Jordans

[-]

ONROSREPUS@reddit

Red Wing's, Lacrosse and Thorogood's for me.

[-]

Delicious_Quality_95@reddit

Vans, Dic Martins, and flip flops. Grew up in a beach town

[-]

smooth-move-ferguson@reddit

Docs, Airwalk and Simple

[-]

Novagurl@reddit

Reebok, Vans, Docs

[-]

wmartindale@reddit

Chucks, Docs, and something from the thrift store or army surplus.

[-]

Express_Towel47@reddit

Brooks, Birks, Blundstones

[-]

alexdelicious@reddit

Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.

[-]

Express_Towel47@reddit

You got it.

[-]

hug0rhill@reddit

ProWings

[-]

warningproductunsafe@reddit

Vans, Jordans or Redwing workboots!

[-]

akillerofjoy@reddit

Chuck’s, Docs and Adidas Superstars. Lately it’s been nothing but Chuck’s, and only the street cab type, like Malden Mid, because I can’t be bothered with the laces.

[-]

kosmonautbruce@reddit

Are you me? That basically describes the life of my feet, Chucks, Docs, and Birks.

[-]

Yaboze@reddit

Jordans, vans, docs (this covers 70-90s)

[-]

Last_Blackfyre@reddit

Docksiders aka boat shoes.

[-]

Good_With_Tools@reddit

Specifically Sperry's. Still a favorite in the summer for me. I will say, I seem to be the only one, though. They're not real popular in landlocked states.

[-]

UtahSpartan80s@reddit

Wearing them for gardening in Utah. Originally from MI. The leather (mine are suede) is so thick I can drop almost anything on my feet and stay protected.

[-]

2workigo@reddit

For me Chucks, Birks, and chunky loafers.

[-]

apeygirl@reddit

I always thought it was Chucks, Docs, Vans. Then again I was on the East Coast and sandals just weren't the thing.

[-]

BabySea674@reddit

Chucks, Docs and Vans!!!

[-]

EricSrRox@reddit

Yessir!

[-]

VonPaulus69@reddit

Vans, Docs, Birks.

[-]

EricSrRox@reddit

Chuck Taylor’s gotta be somewhere! Yet, I fully agree with your post!

[-]

PV_Pathfinder@reddit

Docs, Jordans and those Adidas indoor soccer shoes.

[-]

Deckpics777@reddit

Vans, chucks and work boots!

[-]

somePig_buckeye@reddit

For me it was Sperry CVOs, Eastland Mocs, and Justin Lacers. Today it is Ariat boots, Sanita clogs, and various SeaVee, Sperry, and Adidas sneakers.

[-]

DeFiClark@reddit

Docs are absolute crap now. Haven’t been any good in decades, most of them have glued soles and fake welts. Danners have been my go to since the 90s, their rebuildable boots are worth the premium. I have a pair that are thirty years old still going strong after a rebuild.

Chucks are still timeless, but Palladium have better traction and arch support and have taken over that role in my wardrobe.

LL Bean handsewn moccasins. Don’t think I’ve ever had a summer without a pair. Current pair is probably a decade old, and the retired previous pair are still kicking around somewhere even though the seams went after a couple decades

[-]

FuggaDucker@reddit

+1 for Danner..
I wouldn't know what the new ones are like.. my "Fort Lewis boots" are 35 years old now and still like new.

[-]

DeFiClark@reddit

New ones you need to verify if they are rebuildable. The rebuildable models are worth the premium price and will last forever; the non rebuildable ones are decent boots but not worth the $ vs alternatives

[-]

Tberd771@reddit

We're the first generation of Air Jordan's, Nike Air, Reebok Pump, and sneakers as a sports athlete endorsement blowing up exponentially.

[-]

wrenchedups@reddit

True. These are what my basketball shoes looked like circa 1982. I wore them with knee-high white socks.

[-]

UtahSpartan80s@reddit

And shorts with a 3” inseam?

[-]

Penguintx@reddit

Wore a lot of Tevas in college. Did go to a college that had a river running through it and worked on a different river renting rafts and tubes so water shoes were needed

[-]

tgv1138@reddit

Vans, Tevas & Addidas clam shells

[-]

bean0bean@reddit

I ran track and wore ASICS gel. I owned a pair of Tretorns once and a pair of painful, blister inducing jelly shoes for summer. But to be honest I think mostly what I wore were cheap canvas shoes from Caldor

[-]

Coixe@reddit

Nikes and Flojos

[-]

StandardSwordfish777@reddit

Back in the day it was Tretorn, Adidas Samba and Docs.

Now I wear Birks, Uggs and OnCloud.

[-]

ImmySnommis@reddit

Sambas! Man I miss the OG Sambas.

[-]

StandardSwordfish777@reddit

Yes! They are not the same now. I tried them when they reissued a few years ago. The comfort is gone.

[-]

ImmySnommis@reddit

Yeah definitely different and I hated the big tongue.

[-]

ImmySnommis@reddit

Same with Timberland. I wore the Pros with titanium toes for years. Just after they got bought out I bought a new pair and the hurt my feet something terrible. Every step my toe knuckle popped!

Went to Carolina Boot. Been great for like a decade but my last two pair fell apart prematurely. Bought one last pair (I needed them immediately) but shopping for a new brand in the meantime.

Hate most of the "better" brands like Red Wing (overpriced and don't last in the environment I work) and cheaper boots wear my feet out quick.

[-]

Odd-Ad-9858@reddit

Vans, Chacos, Saucony

[-]

norfolkgarden@reddit

Birkenstock flip flops. I'm in heaven.

[-]

DaddyOhMy@reddit

I can’t believe only one person has mentioned Tevas so far.

[-]

FuggaDucker@reddit

This became my 90s goto. I still wear them.

[-]

No_Purpose_4731@reddit

Here in Colorado during the winter = Moon Boots

[-]

Quietus76@reddit

Chucks, Docs, and Jordans.

[-]

ditchdiggergirl@reddit

Docs and birks still, but my back and knees are too old for chucks. Brooks for me now.

[-]

bigrobb26@reddit

Chuck Taylor Allstars still my daily and Merrill boots for yard work and camping since my teens. Neither last more than year now.

[-]

Parking-Explorer6802@reddit

Chucks in my teens but all about the Brooks now

[-]

magicpenny@reddit

Do you mean holy Trinity from my youth or holy Trinity as an adult?

Holy Trinity from my youth were Chuck’s, Reeboks, and Nikes. The holy Trinity now are Hokas, Vans, and Keens.

I’m super blister prone so I never could get Docs broken in enough to wear.

[-]

somePig_buckeye@reddit

A couple of years ago, I bought a pair of Docs with a soft pebbled leather. They required no breaking in. They felt like a putting on a pair of lace up cowboy boots. The only problem is the sole sometimes squeaks. I only owned a pair of Oxford Docs before.

[-]

Oolon42@reddit

For my wife and I, it was Doc Martens, pointy Fluevogs, and sometimes Chucks.

[-]

cupofblackhorsesoup@reddit

Vans

[-]

AaronTheElite007@reddit

K-Mart special

[-]

ParticularBed6338@reddit

Vans, PF Flyers, Pro Keds… Dr. Scholls Inserts are required for some of them now.

[-]

dope_mantra@reddit

Adidas, Vans, and Fila

[-]

txmascot01@reddit

Doc Martin, chucks, and Nike for sports.

[-]

I_am_Sancho555@reddit

Chucks, Adidas Gazelles, and Air Jordans

[-]

Bromodrosis@reddit

Keds for girls in HS for sure.

I've been wearing Sambas since the 90s and I wore docksiders in the 80s and early 90s.

[-]

MLgrdn@reddit

Mine were buddies. My folks wouldn’t pay for Keds.

[-]

KrustyKohn@reddit

Whatever they had at K-Mart.

[-]

cilibar7@reddit

Jelly shoes. So painful but required.

[-]

StandardSwordfish777@reddit

Jelly shoes, keep trying to make a comeback.

[-]

Billm77@reddit

Jordan 1 low, air max’s and now in my old age there’s Brooks in the rotation.

[-]

Draterus@reddit

Vans, Vans and Vans

gif

[-]

unicornsdreamofpizza@reddit

Word. I have at least a dozen in different colors in the low top version. Only two pairs of high tops. As I’ve gotten older, I much prefer the “skate” versions - and not because I skate - because they have more supportive insoles! I do have a pair of docs for rainy season though.

[-]

Fritzo2162@reddit

I've always been a bit fussy with shoes so never fell into the whole Chucks thing. I DO own a pair of leather special edition Chucks high-tops I wear once in a while. I think I was big on Adidas and Nike back then. We had to wear dress shoes to school so I wore a lot of Clarks and Florsheims (which I still do 😄 )

[-]

Ok-Street7504@reddit

Money was tight growing up but my parents always spent well on shoes. I grew up wearing Converse ,which I hated. In the '80s I wore kangaroos, British knights and Nike. Now I have sketchers slip ons, best shoe ever.

[-]

soleiles1@reddit

Kicking myself for selling all my Docs about 15 years ago. Still wear Chucks. New Birks hurt my back.

All three are inferior to the original product.

[-]

Maleficent_Data_1421@reddit

Vans, Dr. Marten’s, and Chuck’s

[-]

shake-dog-shake@reddit

For me it was Chucks.

[-]

waxboy1997@reddit

Vans, Doc Martins & Converse Chuck Taylor high tops

[-]

Narrow-Scientist9178@reddit

Chucks & Docs forever. I’ve never owned Birks- for me the third is Merrell’s for hiking and everyday wear. I haven’t been without a pair for 25 years.

[-]

Cold-Inside-6828@reddit

Hmmmm mine were Doc Martens, Airwalk, and Nike

[-]

Practical_Cat_5849@reddit

Jelly’s

[-]

AngelHeart-@reddit

Adidas. I had Stan Smith’s before Doc’s and Chuck’s.

RUN DMC - My Adidas (Official Audio)

[-]

GimmeMyMoneyNow@reddit

Penny loafers. Keds.

[-]

Sitka_8675309@reddit

Docksiders, K Swiss, jellies.

[-]

ResponsibilitySea327@reddit

In chronological order

Kangaroos Chucks Converse (the ones you could slide in color changing strips) and pumps Patrick Jrs Air Jordans Vans Sambas

[-]

Apawling_Behavior@reddit

All the distant past. Now my holy trinity is Skechers hands free. i’m all in on those.

[-]

Gottagettagoat@reddit

Whatever I couldn’t afford to buy.

[-]

disco008a@reddit

Adidas Gazelles, preferably blue.

[-]

No-You-5064@reddit

all ugly AF and I've never owned any of them 😄

[-]

pinchenombre@reddit

Op, you nailed it! Those are my three then and now.

[-]

JCo1968@reddit

Vans...........lots and lots of Vans. And some Chucks, and Olukais.

[-]

OriginalBogleg@reddit

The Minnetonka Moccasin must've been a local thing.

But one of the things I recall from the 80s is the popularity of suede leather hiking boots with red laces. Danner, Vibram, etc.

[-]

ScienceJamie76@reddit

Chinese, Vans, Sketchers

[-]

Both-Statistician177@reddit

Jordans- vision street wear (all black) - Chucks

[-]

canitouchyours@reddit

Airwalks

[-]

Ancient_Trip6716@reddit

As a wannabe mod: Creepers & Fluevog.

[-]

R0CK1TMAN1@reddit

I don’t dress like you squares.

[-]

Gajax@reddit

Chucks,Docs,Nikes.

[-]

nicupinhere@reddit

90s reissued Converse One Star. I bought a new pair in 2021 or so… the toe is narrower, which was a disappointment. I wanted it to be super rounded like the 90s version.

[-]

TheBeachLifeKing@reddit

Chucks, Vans and Docs

[-]

615lauren@reddit

This is the correct answer

[-]

Imsoschur@reddit

Vans, Docs and Sperrys

[-]

StOnEy333@reddit

Adidas shelltoes

[-]

Diddydawg@reddit

Adidas superstars, Vans & Airwalk.

[-]

Shankar_0@reddit

Jordans

Docksiders

All-Stars

That should cover most people

[-]

Lickford@reddit

Crocs in sport mode of course. /s

[-]

n1ghtw1re@reddit

vans, docs and jordans, maybe a samba classic in there too

[-]

Careless-Two2215@reddit

I loved my Timberlands and wonder why they never made a comeback. K-Swiss. Vans.

[-]

penandpad5@reddit

Nike Air Force 1s, Vans, and Converse All Stars

[-]

MaintenanceCapable83@reddit

if i'm paying, walmart house brand.
if someone else is paying, sketchers

[-]

origsketch@reddit

Converse, Docs, Adidas

[-]

Kiwiatx@reddit

Converse rub on my little toes, I cannot wear them due to my foot shape. Docs I haven’t worn since the 90’s (aside from borrowing my daughters Docs once or twice in the last few years) and Birks I have three pairs.

[-]

Substantial-Stage-82@reddit

Vans, docs, Birkenstocks

[-]

DasArtmab@reddit

Back in the day, Nike. Now, Cole Haan

[-]

Wild_Peach075@reddit

Converse, doc marten, and keds.

[-]

AnarchiaKapitany@reddit

Vans, Getta Grips and Converse mids

[-]

wantavant@reddit

K Swiss

[-]

mspuffins@reddit

vans, keds , bass weejuns, candies ankle strap 👡 sandals, top siders, flojos

[-]

Spear_Ritual@reddit

I loved my flojos!

[-]

flabackyardgarage@reddit

Vans and Reef flip flops

[-]

LesPolsfuss@reddit

this question is going to very greatly based on your race and culture and where you were raised.

no, people weren’t being wearing Vans or chucks in washington dc in the 80s.

[-]

CBus660R@reddit

Vans were not common in the Cleveland area then either. A few skater or BMX types had them, but not the gen pop the way they are common now. I always wanted a pair as a BMXer, but dad said they were too expensive. As an adult, I always have a pair or 2 in rotation though.

[-]

LesPolsfuss@reddit

are we … related? 😆 couldn’t afford him as a kid, have three ready to roll right now

And a quick story, one of those pair of vans, are custom nice gray with leather shoe strings, the interior of the shoe is like a red plaid and has a bunch of other little cool details, I bought them for $9 freaking dollars at a thrift store, and they were absolutely brand new. I mean never worn before. How wild is that? Fit perfectly.

[-]

atomickristin@reddit

Thank you! I feel like OP listed some shoes that are social signifiers \~now\~ and not at all applicable to the majority of people.

[-]

grayomen@reddit

Checkerboard Vans

[-]

thecuriosityofAlice@reddit

Tiger ASICS, docs and Birks. Lots of birks. I actually took a job in high school because I could get docs and birks 50% with my employee discount.

[-]

Temporary_Lab_3964@reddit

Chucks for sure

[-]

I_love_Hobbes@reddit

Chucks for me.

[-]

fluorowaxer@reddit

Jordans, Vans, Reebok. Chucks are from the previous generation.

[-]

Ivotedforher@reddit

What were the ones from Walmart with the velcro straps called? Those.

[-]

Head-Student-1141@reddit

Payless XJ900

[-]

Icy-Chard-379@reddit

K Swiss classic white

[-]

ColdHandGee@reddit

Jordans. All day everyday.

gif

[-]

Lectito21@reddit

What about Stan Smith’s? Adidas

[-]

Miserable_Jacket_129@reddit

Stan Smiths and Sambas here.

[-]

stannc00@reddit

Puma Clydes

[-]

WTM73199@reddit

My favourite shoes in my 20’s were my Doc Martens Oxfords.

The problem with Doc Martens is that it takes a while before you work them in until they are actually comfortable to wear. However, once you wear them in, they are so comfortable. You just have to be patient.

My go-to shoes at the moment are my pair of Toms Alpargata sneakers. I wear them everywhere.

[-]

serendipitykayla@reddit

Jordans, Reebok Pumps, BKs

[-]

drinkslinger1974@reddit

When I was a kid it was Zips, Hush Puppies, and I want to say they were called Buster Browns (maybe??). Now, it’s sketchers, new balance or whatever I can find at Costco.

[-]

atomickristin@reddit

This is a very one-style list of shoes IMO.

For a lot of people, the styles were much different than those three - it's one of the things I truly miss about the 80's. I would say for me personally, huaraches, boat shoes/penny loafers, and espadrilles were more of my thing. Boots (not combat boots but fashion boots) and those lace-up oxfords were huge.

In terms of brand names, Candies, Keds, Vans, Reebok, and Nike were all more of a thing than Docs or Birks.

[-]

freesoloc2c@reddit

I've never owned chucks or docs and at 55 my wife bought me a pair of Birks. I definitely didn't grow up in thos brands.

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ChappedAss@reddit

Air Jordans, Reebok pumps, and Converse Allstars.

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WhoKnewCheckItOut@reddit

The Shell top Adidas

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ImmySnommis@reddit

No one is gonna mention Winners from Sears?

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CrumblinEmpire@reddit

Vans, Converse, and Doc Martins. Winos and creepers get honorable mentions.

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Taekwonmoe@reddit

Just discovered Hoka shoes. Recommend them highly.

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TemperReformanda@reddit

None. I hate shoe brands as a status symbol. Usually it indicates a grown person with the maturity of a teenager with the maturity of a 6 year old.

I'll buy whatever fits my feet, protects my feet, lasts long enough to justify the price, and doesn't draw attention unnecessarily. As far as I'm concerned you can't get more GenX than that.

Currently this is Saucony walking/hiking shoes, and for work, Georgia Boot Company. Both have served me well the last 8 years.

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Carrera_996@reddit

There are far more accurate measurements of maturity than enthusiasm for shoe fashion.

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TemperReformanda@reddit

Agreed. Totally agreed. But as I said, it's an observation. Not a law.

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Yikesish@reddit

I really liked Saucony for running. Nice toe box, comfortable sole.

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TemperReformanda@reddit

I don't run much but I agree..... I've rucked, hiked, and walked so many miles on my Saucony, I just found them to be the best value out there.

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cmparkerson@reddit

I guess it depends on if you are talking Bout high school in the 80s or everything since then or not. I miss pumas though. Haven't seen a pair in decades.

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Empty-Relation-3284@reddit

Pumas are still around. Journeys had them awhile ago and so does Amazon.

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63crabby@reddit

You can still buy all types of Pumas online at Zappos or Amazon.

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sane-asylum@reddit

I have never owned any of those. When I was a kid I was allowed $20 to buy a pair of sneakers before school started, usually Puma. As an adult it’s Nike or Skeetcher

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wilcojunkie@reddit

Chucks, Doc Martens, Keds

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demona2002@reddit

Skechers. /s

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Jimmy_Aztec@reddit

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Awe3@reddit

If you didn’t wear Trax don’t talk to me. Lol

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PunkDoubt@reddit

Vans, Chucks and Docs

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Yes_chefff@reddit

This is the answer

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sunbleach_happypants@reddit

Nike bought Converse in 2003 so Cons have been a no-go for me since then. Docs changed manufacturers around the same time, bringing quick enshittification. We're in a different world this century but I'm glad your shoes still mean something to you

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wengla02@reddit

Docs still have a classic line made in Britain. Not available at the mall, but still available. Hm. I should order a set while I have some money left from the tax refund.

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attaboy_stampy@reddit

I wore Chucks for a while, but that was because you could buy them for like 15 bucks.

It was Reeboks and Nike for the most part. Not a big shoe guy. Never into Vans. Nor Docs. I don't even know anyone who wore Docs when I was growing up or in college.

My big ones now are Merrell. Really hardy walking type shoes.

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dcamnc4143@reddit

Chucks, Jordan 1, Air Max

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Historical_Project86@reddit

In the UK I'd say Docs and Kickers.

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padall@reddit

I know everyone says this, but I never wore any of these as a kid. I wore Reebok's, LA Gear, and Keds. Lol

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yarn_slinger@reddit

Earth shoes were popular for a couple of years when I was in high school.

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ColoradoAfa@reddit

I always loved Kangaroo shoes.

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bigt197602@reddit

Simple

Nobody seems to remember them but they were everywhere in the 90s.

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sevenselevens@reddit

I remember them! They were super comfy!

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cataliciously@reddit

Keds, Reebok, and jelly shoes

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Grunge4U@reddit

Converse cons or Aerojams in the 80's and 90's. Today it's Eco's

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Jimrockdiamond@reddit

Redwing. Hoka. Timberland.

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wengla02@reddit

First mention of Timberland! They were a few years after me (graduated 1990).

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TraderValen@reddit

Jordan 1, magic converse weapon, Adidas ewing.

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RG1527@reddit

Clark's Desert Boots

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Anonymo123@reddit

never liked the Chucks, no padding.. def had the Vans esp the ones with the ollie pads. It was whatever my mom would get until i got my own job. Then it was def Docs and skate shoes for a while.

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No_Garden5644@reddit

Jordans, all-stars, Docs

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k8freed@reddit

In the 90s--Doc, Birks, Pumas, and Steve Madden platforms. These days, I need arch support. Cole Haan makes nice "work shoes." Otherwise, it's boring Saucony running shoes as my default. Even with inserts, Adidas hurt my feet.

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SuitablyFakeUsername@reddit

I have lived Cole Hasn loafers since the 80s. Fabulous shoes.

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hlv6302@reddit

Docs, chucks, checkered vans

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annarbor-guy@reddit

Hoka, hey dude, birks

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Impossible_Emu5095@reddit

I was in 7th grade when the original Air Jordans dropped. They were so cool. And of course I had a huge crush on the boy in our class who was the first to get them.

While the boys were scrambling for Jordans, we were wanting Sorrels and Tretorns.

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HTLM22@reddit

I'll just add that I was bullied mercelessly in middle school for wearing Hush Puppies ONE TIME!

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Ray_The_Engineer@reddit

Posts like this remind me that 1) My parents were justifiably cheap and 2) I didn't give a crap about brand names, style or fashion when I was a kid..or really now. I wore whatever cheap tennis shoes my parents bought me, and didn't know the difference.

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SuitablyFakeUsername@reddit

Dansko - if a job or lifestyle has you standing on your feet all day, especially on concrete floors, you owe it to yourself to try Dansko. Like everything, they were better 20-30 years ago but I find that they still last many, many years.

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PigletVonSchnauzer@reddit

Vans (those iconic checkerboards), Reebok, L.A. Gear

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arioandy@reddit

Docs,
Chucks and trickers for me

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geardownson@reddit

K Swiss baby

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gulogulo1970@reddit

Vans, Sperry Boat Shoes, and Doc Martens.

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Impossible-Company78@reddit

Sperry topsiders.

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troglodyteoflove@reddit

Reeboks

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ArtexBonesinger@reddit

Loved my BKs

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ohbroncofan@reddit

Vans

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TheRododo@reddit

Yes. Vans, docs, and barefoot. Those are the three that held true through the 90s.

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FuturamaRama7@reddit

Jelly shoes and more jelly shoes, of course.

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FerretPrestigious306@reddit

Where da clogs at!? Danskos in the winter, Birks in the summer.

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SaintsSmileShyly@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Sperry Top-siders (in the US)

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Deufuss@reddit

Docs, 5tens, Sidis. (Where my mountain bike peeps?)

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Hellafied@reddit

Birkenstock rock y’all

gif

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Prestigious-Cap-78@reddit

True. Now what we also must remember. Socks and Birks are a crime!!!! 😆

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toddFpacker711@reddit

Today’s Xers are aged 45-60. With age I’ve realized the importance of good shoes. I wear Birks daily. Rocking a pair of Bostons right now. Most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned

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missrachelifyounasty@reddit

Docs, Birkenstock’s, vans.

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xczechr@reddit

Kangaroos, LA Gear, British Knights from back in the day

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Romanmir@reddit

Another vote for British Knights.

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digital_mystic23@reddit

Definitely Jordan’s imo. Also for the heads, Troop? 😁

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Full_Mission7183@reddit

Jordans have always been iconic for our generation.

I remember the shock at the price tag, and then they couldn't keep them in stores.

The original Jordans remain my favorite sneaker to this day.

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Sea-Sherbet-6338@reddit

British Knights, K Swiss and Nunn Bush

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Instimatic@reddit

BK’s were so hyped up (I had a pair) and then they dropped off the face of the map (as a brand). I wish someone did a deep dive into that because I still find that arc, fascinating

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TheVioletEmpire@reddit

I used to wear Doc Martens everyday. Now I wear Allen Edmonds everyday.

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Gwarnage@reddit

These are all valid, but i feel like Air Jordan's gotta be in the running. If for nothing else but the cultural relevance

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No_Gap_2700@reddit

Doc Martins have been a staple along with Adidas. Was never a sandle guy. Tons of various work dress shoes though. Josef Seibel's were always solid when I wore a suit everyday. Come to think of it, I was the most poor when I wore a suit to work everyday. I make good money now and wear hoodies, shredded jeans/chinos/cargos and Docs. Strange.

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Lenn_Cicada@reddit

Airwalks, Keens, New Balance. (This is more of a list of brands I’ve worn in adulthood)

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TheJDOGG71@reddit

You forgot Keds!

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Rude_End_3078@reddit

Those Converse all star ankle high "boots"
Chinese slippers
Docs

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Bad-Luck1313@reddit

What? No love for Kaepas?

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Tinyberzerker@reddit

Jeez I forgot about these. Haven’t seen ‘em since the 80’s.

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Far-Internal-9377@reddit

Reebok pump, checkerboard Vans, and Doc's

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boilersnipe@reddit

Sketchers slip ins . 🤘🏻😂🤘🏻

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austxgal@reddit

I'm still rocking Docs 60% of the time.

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FredOaks15@reddit

Reebok Pumps. British knights. Docs

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Few_Whereas5206@reddit

British Knights, Adidas, Nike Air, Brooks, Puma.

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Lenn_Cicada@reddit

Was waiting for a British knights mention.

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DreadGrrl@reddit

I replaced my Docs with Fluevogs, as the quality of Docs has declined so much.

Chucks, Fluevogs, & Merrell for me.

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JuJu_Wirehead@reddit

Agreed. The PU ribbing they use on the top of the boots now started to break up and shredded several pairs on my socks

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eirinne@reddit

Solovair is the factory that used to make Docs in the UK, they have their own line you’ll feel redeemed.

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CaffeinatedGeriatric@reddit

Doc Martens, "karate slippers", sneakers.

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DubiousSpaniel@reddit

Those flat soled $2 black “karate slippers” I totally forgot about them

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j_richmond@reddit

Back in the 90s? Doc Martens. Now? I still rock Chucks from time to time.

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EmbarrassedAge7612@reddit

The checkered canvass shoes from Payless have got to be there. Even as fashion changed, they kept putting them on the shelf.

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DPax_23@reddit

I like Vans but I have an awful lit of Adidas.

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mjh8212@reddit

Can’t wear my docs anymore so for me it’s two adidas and vans.

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Hambone76@reddit

Current day is very different than before:

Sneakers: Hoka

Casual: Docs

Dressy: Tecovas

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DubiousSpaniel@reddit

I recall Ll bean camp Mocs/bluchers or topsiders/ Birkenstocks / canvas sneakers (many times converse or Trevor’s)

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rimshot99@reddit

Connie’s, Docs, and desert boots.

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JuJu_Wirehead@reddit

Vans, Docs, and Birks. I had some Converse but they always seemed to breed athlete's foot.

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reycabra007@reddit

Vans, chucks, docs

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SummerBirdsong@reddit

Huarache sandals

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SergeantBeavis@reddit

Payless.

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666ForMySorrow@reddit

This is the only answer here I relate to.

Now I love barefoot shoes though (not the toe kind, those are weird).

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SergeantBeavis@reddit

You mean NO shoes? Those were the 2nd most popular of my youth.. 😂😭

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666ForMySorrow@reddit

Haha, sort of like that but they cost $90-$180. 😂

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Panem-et-circenses25@reddit

So, I used to wear shell toe adidas while I was in the navy stationed in Italy in 1992. I found these sweet pair of lotto soccer shoes in a local shop, and they turned out to be my favorite pair of shoes. Coming back to the states, the only shoes comparable were Sambas. So I’ve been wearing those since, but always searching for those Lotto shoes. About a year ago Lotto got nostalgic and reissued them with some Genx flair. Check these out…

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KalistoCA@reddit

Vision street wear

Sperrys

Docs

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itstrueitellyou@reddit

Buster Brown, Vans, HiTec

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AyeHaightEweAwl@reddit

Chucks, Docs, and those red Reeboks. You know the ones.

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Auslander808@reddit

Vans, Docs, Tevas.

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Far_Egg2721@reddit

Vans, Docs, Birks

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nakedreader_ga@reddit

Anyone else where Sebagos? Those were the "in" shoe at my high school.

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jellitate@reddit

Ohmygawd I had a white pair that were absolutely AWFUL because I had big feet and long skinny legs… I thought I was sharp back in 10th though

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JonesinforJonesey@reddit

I wish you could get earth shoes, they were very cool. My Docs are 20yrs old. I’m starting to like Keens with the big toe box haha.

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eulynn34@reddit

Three different colors of Vans

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Yikesish@reddit

Any black boot with a rounded toe and a chunky heel lol.

Whatever running shoes were good to run 10k in.

Any amazing sandals as soon as it turns warm.

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Ginger630@reddit

Vans, Docs, Steve Madden

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shedwyn2019@reddit

Depends on which group you were in, right? I had maroon docs. I am a solid Birk girl now. I worked at a licensed and authorized Birkenstock store in Portland Oregon in the 90s. Good times. You know they had a cobbler who could mount vibram soles on your birks? And he could do a FULL lift - not just a heel lift. Skill.

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deconstructedsouls@reddit

Replace the birks with adidas shell-toes

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cleverest_handle@reddit

Docs, Vans, Chucks

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Ancient-Parfait6106@reddit

Jellies, Bass loafers and Hi-Tec hiking boots

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Wise_Quality_5083@reddit

Birks, Hokas, and a good pair of Red Wing boots. Blacksmiths or Iron Rangers are a good investment and super comfortable and versatile once broken in.

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timberwolf0122@reddit

Nike air Doc Martins jelly shoes

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304libco@reddit

Those are mine!

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Zargoza1@reddit

Red, white,and black Jordans.

Black and red Jordans.

Blue and grey Jordans.

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Key-Cattle-2866@reddit

Dr. Martens, Puma/Adidas, Converse

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ImpossibleValue9105@reddit

sambas

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Difficult_Cake_7460@reddit

Reebok freestyle (high ankle for aerobics), Doc Martens (illegal requirement), Chucks

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RobbieBlackmore@reddit

Kangaroos, Keds, and New Balance.

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Impedimentita@reddit

I would love to get my lavender Kangaroos back. Still need that pocket to hide a quarter in, though now it’s for Aldi instead of milk money.

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KyrisAvarra@reddit

Chucks, Adidas and Nike.

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defStef@reddit

Bass loafers, Reebok hightops ,and Doc Martens

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MoogProg@reddit

Sperry Topsiders have been a through-line of shoewear over my lifetime.

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Mammoth_Ad_483@reddit

Jordan 4s will always be the pinnacle for me

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fennecphlox@reddit

Chucks, Docs and adidas shell toes

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Skid-Vicious@reddit

Adidas Superstars (shell toe), Converse Pro’s (1-Stars in suede), Puma Suedes.

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pixelgeekgirl@reddit

I had chucks or docs. Now I have mostly chucks with some running/walking shoes in the mix if I’m going to be on my feet for a long time, i’m buying some Hokas before our next multi-day music festival.

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Nissir@reddit

I started wearing New Balance when I hit about 40 man I love those damn things.

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Cazmonster@reddit

Until I needed 'urban hikers' with more ankle support, New Balance were my jam.

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Benzomatic@reddit

Monkey Boots need to find another pair…

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the-dutch-fist@reddit

Vans, Chucks and Sperry Top Siders

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Cigarrauuul@reddit

Chucks, Docs, Sambas and Vans.

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Coop_4149@reddit

Army surplus Vietnam combat boots.

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Nissir@reddit

I had a pair of these that my dad brought home from Vietnam but I wore them every year when I went deer hunting until I was crawling over a barbed wire fence and they split right at the seam.

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tpt75@reddit

Air Jordan’s or Reebok Pumps. Or Adidas Rome

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introvertednurse75@reddit

Vans, docs, birks. I have knee ans back and everything else issues and have had to ditch heels and cute strappy sandals in gavor of comfort. But I can wear all of these. For work I wear athletic shoes but those 3 are my day off go tos.

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-Granby-@reddit

I was always partial to Airwalk.

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weaselroni@reddit

Candies, Keds, Capezios

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BetterGoogleit17@reddit

Forgot Vans. Also, remember Adidas Phantoms?

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Dextropic@reddit

My big 3: Chucks, New Balance 515/574, Army issued boots.

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slartybartfast6@reddit

Ecco so much comfort

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Sonoran_Dog70@reddit

I still wear Creepers.

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echo1-echo1@reddit

doc martins, desert boots and moccasins

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SomePeopleCallMeJJ@reddit

KangaROOS, Chucks, and Vans.

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draven33l@reddit

Depends on the era and where you live. Jordan’s or Nike Air was the status symbol for my school as kids. Then it was Chucks or Vans as a teenager/young adult.

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