My fellow airline pilots… what shoes are you wearing?

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Bever22@reddit

If you’re into minimalist shoes, Vivobarefoot has good dress shoe, Chelsea boot, and winter boot options.

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zone_of-danger@reddit

Went from Ecco Chelsea to Amberjack Chelsea and I’m quite happy with the change.

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Galactic_Dolphin@reddit

I’ve got Ecco Chelsea boots and can walk for miles in them comfortably and they’ve lasted me 4 years so far. What’s better about the amberjacks?

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I started with a brown Amberjack and loved them so much when I switched companies that required a black shoe just got the same pair in black. Love them. comfortable and this pair has lasted me two years and counting so far. Weirdly enough the brown leather was much more comfortable and is now one of my nicer shoes when dressing up outside of work.

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No-Airport-797@reddit

Ecco citytray. I like them so much that I bought a second pair just in case

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BigBadPanda@reddit

Blundstone Chelsea boots since 2017. They look good polished.

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Silent_Possession861@reddit

Made in England Doc Marten Chelseas are also a good option along these lines. Im just a charter dog wearing polos but get lots of compliments.

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EdBasqueMaster@reddit

I’m surprised not many Johnston and Murphy’s in here. I have a slip on dress shoe from them and am really happy with it. Looks great, holds up well, super comfy.

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IndependentAlps9649@reddit

Does anyone wear cowboy boots?

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Fenderfreak145@reddit

Yes.

Ariat Ropers. They’re the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. Period. Once they break in you can get some of those fancy insoles if you want even more pillow feeling.

Also I’m 100% the opposite of who you’d think is wearing “cowboy” boots.

Am black. Comfort over anything else!

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woodfinx@reddit

Same

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AdParticular3832@reddit

Same

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Agent62@reddit

Yes, conservatives from red states that love rolling coal.

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Fenderfreak145@reddit

I’m as liberal as they come, from California, and they’ll have to pry my boots off my dead feet. Fight me!

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hartzonfire@reddit

Same. MAGA doesn’t own the rights to cowboy boots. I rock my Double Hs all the time lol.

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csc012980@reddit

Sooo 2023…now they have bright ass LED light strips to blind everyone and bright white lit wheel wells so they look like something out of a Spielberg sci fi flick.

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yourlocalFSDO@reddit

Southwest has entered the chat

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LikenSlayer@reddit

Cavenders Square toe when weather is rainy/cold. Ariat round toe for warmer weather

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OrganicParamedic6606@reddit

Yes. Dorks do

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xdarq@reddit

Ecco Helsinki

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Alpha-4E@reddit

Eccos are not only comfortable but it‘s insane how long a pair lasts.

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ApatheticSkyentist@reddit

I’ve had the same pair of Ecco for my entire career. Don’t know what model I just know they don’t sell them anymore.

I learned leather shoe care and polishing rather than trying to replace them.

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Right-Suggestion-667@reddit

I love my eccos

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LookoutBel0w@reddit

I’d give you Reddit gold if I could

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BitterMojo@reddit

Ecco Helsinki

They have a pretty strong "Dad going to church" vibe with the square toe box which may or may not be your thing. But that does add to the comfort.

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21MPH21@reddit

Your dad went to church?

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JagdTurkey@reddit

You had a church?

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Dangerous_Toe1356@reddit

You had a dad?

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yeshmate@reddit

I’m not sure there’s a dorkier shoe out there. They scream husband that only dresses up if the wife makes them. Leave the square toes for cowboy boots

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PWJT8D@reddit

Calm down, Delta.

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xdarq@reddit

What a weird thing to care about when you just want to be comfortable during a 13 hour duty day.

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Mustang_289@reddit

I’m at work. All I care about is does it fit the FOM guidelines and is it comfortable.

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yourlocalFSDO@reddit

The Helsinki Chelsea Boot is my go to

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Mr-Badcat@reddit

This is the way

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Funny-Muffin313@reddit

I like the Ecco shoes also. That’s all I have been wearing for 20+ years. The problem I find is the model and names change so I have to research to find the new model name equivalent.

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TopoMapMyWall@reddit

Ecco Helsinki for sure. No problems when you have to take them on and off for tsa, and I did 14.5 miles in sfo on call a few weeks ago with no blisters.

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rsquaredplt@reddit

Ecco Chelsea Boots

https://us.ecco.com/product/ecco-metropole-milan/523384/01001?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23552906328&gbraid=0AAAAAD9piRqj-Y9C59OesaHRP_AK3yEJ5&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhdaUlcvSlAMV4h9ECB37KS3sEAQYASABEgLsM_D_BwE

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Vincent-the-great@reddit

Doc martins heavy boots

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Ornery_Pirate_6042@reddit

Not an airline pilot but have 1000 hours in MSFS so I think I have some say here: crocs or barefoot depending on the day

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xdarq@reddit

This man is 100% correct, I would love to fly in Crocs

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Capable_Breakfast786@reddit

1000? Rookie

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HanaIea@reddit

Lems black Chelsea boot. The extra toe space is fabulous. I’ve walked so much more in these work shoes than any other I’ve owned. Still going strong over a year later

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a_provo_yakker@reddit

Barefoot or Tuff?

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HanaIea@reddit

I have Tuff. I do have other barefoot shoes, and I’ll probably purchase barefoot as a summer option. If you don’t normally wear barefoot style shoes, I’d 100% recommend Tuff.

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HanaIea@reddit

I have Tuff. I do have other barefoot shoes, and I’ll probably purchase barefoot as a summer option. If you don’t normally wear barefoot style shoes, I’d 100% recommend Tuff.

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llamachef@reddit

Lems Chelsea boot

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Veritech-1@reddit

Allen Edmonds Park Avenues.

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BassetCock@reddit

Doesn’t matter. Go try some on and pick the most comfortable ones. Ecco, Clarks, Johnston & Murphy, Florsheim…

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drinkswampjuice@reddit

Yes and no. My Allen Edmonds are very very comfortable, like sippers. But took around 3 months to feel ready good. Got them fitted but were stiff and uncomfortable at first until they got broken in.

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BassetCock@reddit

I have a pair of Allen Edmunds wingtips that I really like. If you’re asking online about pilot shoes you’re probably not spending $500+ on a pair though.

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39509835@reddit

Allen Edmonds Chelsea boots. Get them fitted at the store.

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drinkswampjuice@reddit

Allen Edmonds, but park avenues

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TrouljaBoy@reddit

Johnston & Murphy Chelsea boots (slip on) with an insole insert from Amazon. Been great for years, change out the insoles about once per year.

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Lensk@reddit

Skechers slip ins!

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IndependentDrink8@reddit

Amber Jack Chelsea boots, they are miles better than Johnstone Murphy. Took a gamble on an Instagram add and bought some. Show almost 0 signs of wear after 3 years. They polish up great as well, of course only get them shined in the Denver airport.

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ZealousidealSpend397@reddit

Couldn’t get a size to fit on them. Unfortunate. Seemed like a nice shoe

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Gabriel_Owners@reddit

19 years and I have never shined my shoes. Good for you, I guess.

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Aviator8989@reddit

This isn’t the flex you think it is…

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IndependentDrink8@reddit

You’re really missing out on the DEN shoe shine

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Gabriel_Owners@reddit

Am I, though? Why would I spend any more time than I need to in an airport terminal?

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Flimsy-Ad-858@reddit

CLT too, it's the one thing that place has going for it

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LootenantTwiddlederp@reddit

These are goated. Love my Amberjack Chelseas. They're stylish, comfortable, and don't look dorky.

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bbbbbbbbbbbbbbaked@reddit

Can’t say enough good things about my Amberjack Chelsea’s. Durable, comfortable, good looking. Their customer service is pretty solid too, they hooked me up with some new insoles despite it not really being a sellable item.

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Av8torryan@reddit

Whites MP boots . Pricey , but so well built that I’m going on 6 yrs with just a bit of polish and they break into your foot so most comfortable boot ever had. Can wear them all day !

If I was going to get a new pair I’d go with these. (Wait to the they have a 20% sale ) here

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Kemerd@reddit

Adidas ultra boost are the most comfortable shoes, with tread labs inserts. Solved all foot pain I’ve ever had, even if I’m walking or flying entire day.

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aleckify@reddit

RM Williams Comfort Craftsman

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TryOurMozzSticks@reddit

Found the Aussie

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Substantial-Good1174@reddit

He’s a good c$&@!

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Belowmda@reddit

Strewth mate, you misspelled cunt.

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boatsnhoehs@reddit

Another vote for RM Williams here! 3 years on mine and they keep getting better! Although I will say I’m very heavily considering adding a pair of Low top Ostrich skin Tecovas to the rotation to avoid wearing the same pair every trip!!! I just need to wait for upgrade so I don’t destroy the leather sole on walk arounds lol

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flyboy130@reddit

Plain black Ariat Ropers.

Very comfy, cool in the summer, warm enough and dry in the winter ramp slush.

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tomsawyerisme@reddit

yup and get a boot dryer to throw em on after trips. Helps get all the moisture out and eliminate smells long term

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Fenderfreak145@reddit

That’s a good idea!

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JewofTVC1986@reddit

Found the Texas based pilot!!!

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A_Squid_A_Dog@reddit

I know for a fact that no one is Texas is based

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flyboy130@reddit

Fuuuuuuuuuuuck no. I am the opposite of the guy you would think wears cowboy boots. I'm just practical and have a bad back so the tall boots are way more convenient than tying shoes.

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4Sammich@reddit

Uncle Sam blew my back out

That works on so many levels for MIL.

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150Echo@reddit

Second Ariats. Started wearing boots because whoever designed the Q400s environmental system decided there needs to be a gasper right at my ankle that blows artic air even with the heat on. Just got used to them and now it's most comfortable for me.

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Urinal_Cake_Day@reddit

Keeps the socks dry in the tropical downpours too!

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AK_Dude69@reddit

I swapped to boots in the winter because it keeps the snow off my socks when I walk in and out of the parking lot and have to shovel my way into the front door.

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Alternative-Cup4721@reddit

Eccos have lasted me two years and barely show wear. They are comfortable

I am considering tecovas however

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Wild-Language-5165@reddit

Cowboy boots so I can kick pax if I need to. But also, I think the biggest question is....what socks are you wearing? 🤔

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wheatthiccss@reddit

Bluntstone Chelseas with the extra chonky soles. I love my stompers

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Clem573@reddit

Finsbury shoes, available in Europe. So many different models, adapted to different shapes of foot, you’d find one that suits.

And then, my personal tip, customise them. Add some Amazon foam+suede stickers inside at the spots that hurt, if any, for the time to break the shoes in.

I’ve had my current pair 4 years now, feels great, looks like new

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TheClubsterFist@reddit

Ecco Chelsea. So unbelievably comfortable.

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Dangerous_Toe1356@reddit

I just pulled the trigger on Amberjack loafers. First trip with them this afternoon. Also have RM Williams and Ariat Chelseas. Sometimes show up in Air Jordan Black Cat 3s.

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Avlatlon@reddit

whatever I bought at target. Lasts me years, keep them shined. 20 bucks. Huge savings.

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blanc84gn@reddit

Allen Edmonds Chelsea and Tompkins zip up boots and the park avenues.

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McCheesing@reddit

Pikolino Bristol

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Silly-Ad5211@reddit

Cole haan boots. Most importantly water resistant for doing walk arounds on a wet or slushy ramp.

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doyouevenfly@reddit

Arait men’s booker

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Planeguy58@reddit

These! https://www.colehaan.com/products/mens-2zerogrand-laser-wingtip-oxfords-c23832

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motorslug@reddit

Bridlen Chelsea boots with the Dainite sole option.

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Initial-Pain8869@reddit

RM Williams.

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TheStoneSamurai@reddit

Hey Dudes cause why not

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BFLy27@reddit

Timberland Stormbucks, have been working great for rainy and snowy days

My company (big European) very recently introduced branded trainers for crew, so I am making the switch to those

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aftcg@reddit

Hookas. Bc I'm old and don't care what the "uniform" standards are anymore lol

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21MPH21@reddit

Hookas

Hokas?

I wish OC or Hoka would make dress shoes

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boganfromdownunda@reddit

Where’s the Blundstone chelsea people around here?

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FL060@reddit

I've been using Clarks for years.

I have a wide foot and their sizing works great for me. They also don't use any metal in the construction of the shoe, so they never ping going through the metal detector.

Any of the "step" versions of the shoes are slip on, so there's also no laces.

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scul86@reddit

My Clark Whiddon's always set off my home airport's metal detectors, but rarely do anywhere else except for Central American airports.

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the_warmest_color@reddit

I've also been using Clarks for years and like them however its like a 1 in 3 chance that they set off the metal detector for me lol

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yeshmate@reddit

There’s a lot of much more comfortable, good looking, longer lasting options out there

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vanillanuttapped@reddit

Frye Chelsea boots. Going on six years now and all I've done is shined them and replaced the heels. Buy once, cry once.

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strawberrycrepes@reddit

Literally every pilot I know wears RM Williams. Never tried them myself tho.

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takeoffconfig@reddit

Are you in AUS in or EU? I see a few of them here in the US but they love them over there. Decent boot though.

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FNGforlife@reddit

Doc Martin Chelsea boots w/o the yellow stitching. They are ok .

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4Sammich@reddit

Merrells

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DMarrero@reddit

Black Air Force one’s

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Imaginary_Amoeba3461@reddit

Ecco’s.

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blizzue@reddit

Johnston and Murphy Chelsea boot.

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Charming-Accident407@reddit

I wear the water proof ones but I think unfortunately they stopped making them? I don’t need new ones yet just someone told me in passing

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blizzue@reddit

I have two pairs and the newer ones I just purchased maybe 2-3 years ago at most. If they don’t make them anymore I’ll have to find a different brand I guess. But I love the Chelsea boot for all weather walk-arounds.

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TripNo1876@reddit

Sketchers

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Mazer1415@reddit

Rockford Folton and Chukka or Basic Clarks

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Unconformist85@reddit

Some black Campers

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naterthepilot2@reddit

Ecco Helsinki’s but I also bought a pair of Doc Martens a while back that I’ve been procrastinating on breaking in but been meaning to try

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JumboTrijet@reddit

Allen Edmond’s cap toe Oxford

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iamgravity@reddit

Ecco Holton. Round toe looks better than square toe on the Helinski.

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TryOurMozzSticks@reddit

Ariat booker square toe. Used to do Ropers but I prefer the low rise as the bottom of the pants always get caught on top with the regular boots.

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downwindsavage@reddit

35 dollar dress shoes from Ross.

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554TangoAlpha@reddit

Chelsea boots

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OrganicParamedic6606@reddit

Aldens

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GeorgiaPilot172@reddit

Lems 9to5, I need an extremely wide toe box so that my toes don’t hurt and go numb by the end of the day.

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A_Squid_A_Dog@reddit

Red Wing Postman Chukka. Designed for postal workers that need to walk in the elements all day. They keep slush and fluids out. Took about 2 months to break in but are now very comfortable. Shine them in Denver every few months. Coming up on year 3 and still look new. Little pricey but Union made in the USA.

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dishanw@reddit

I really like my Geoxx and whatever pair you get, recommend getting tieless laces from Amazon to just slip them on and off.

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dinnerisbreakfast@reddit

Amberjack

It took a few days to break them in, but they are super comfy now.

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

I want the most comfortable black pilot shoe I can find, that has all day comfort. Shoes that I could do a few laps around the terminals on standby and not be in absolute pain by 7,000 steps.

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