My fellow airline pilots… what shoes are you wearing?
Posted by kyleth3pil0t@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 138 comments
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.
Bever22@reddit
If you’re into minimalist shoes, Vivobarefoot has good dress shoe, Chelsea boot, and winter boot options.
nwmountaintroll@reddit
Grant Stones for me.
zone_of-danger@reddit
Went from Ecco Chelsea to Amberjack Chelsea and I’m quite happy with the change.
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?
Cadet_Cape@reddit
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.
No-Airport-797@reddit
Ecco citytray. I like them so much that I bought a second pair just in case
BigBadPanda@reddit
Blundstone Chelsea boots since 2017. They look good polished.
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.
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.
IndependentAlps9649@reddit
Does anyone wear cowboy boots?
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!
woodfinx@reddit
Same
AdParticular3832@reddit
Same
Agent62@reddit
Yes, conservatives from red states that love rolling coal.
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!
hartzonfire@reddit
Same. MAGA doesn’t own the rights to cowboy boots. I rock my Double Hs all the time lol.
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.
yourlocalFSDO@reddit
Southwest has entered the chat
LikenSlayer@reddit
Cavenders Square toe when weather is rainy/cold. Ariat round toe for warmer weather
OrganicParamedic6606@reddit
Yes. Dorks do
xdarq@reddit
Ecco Helsinki
Alpha-4E@reddit
Eccos are not only comfortable but it‘s insane how long a pair lasts.
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.
Right-Suggestion-667@reddit
I love my eccos
LookoutBel0w@reddit
I’d give you Reddit gold if I could
BitterMojo@reddit
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.
21MPH21@reddit
Your dad went to church?
JagdTurkey@reddit
You had a church?
Dangerous_Toe1356@reddit
You had a dad?
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
PWJT8D@reddit
Calm down, Delta.
xdarq@reddit
What a weird thing to care about when you just want to be comfortable during a 13 hour duty day.
Mustang_289@reddit
I’m at work. All I care about is does it fit the FOM guidelines and is it comfortable.
yourlocalFSDO@reddit
The Helsinki Chelsea Boot is my go to
Mr-Badcat@reddit
This is the way
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.
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.
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
Vincent-the-great@reddit
Doc martins heavy boots
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
xdarq@reddit
This man is 100% correct, I would love to fly in Crocs
Capable_Breakfast786@reddit
1000? Rookie
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
a_provo_yakker@reddit
Barefoot or Tuff?
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.
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.
llamachef@reddit
Lems Chelsea boot
Veritech-1@reddit
Allen Edmonds Park Avenues.
BassetCock@reddit
Doesn’t matter. Go try some on and pick the most comfortable ones. Ecco, Clarks, Johnston & Murphy, Florsheim…
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.
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.
39509835@reddit
Allen Edmonds Chelsea boots. Get them fitted at the store.
drinkswampjuice@reddit
Allen Edmonds, but park avenues
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.
Lensk@reddit
Skechers slip ins!
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.
ZealousidealSpend397@reddit
Couldn’t get a size to fit on them. Unfortunate. Seemed like a nice shoe
Gabriel_Owners@reddit
19 years and I have never shined my shoes. Good for you, I guess.
Aviator8989@reddit
This isn’t the flex you think it is…
IndependentDrink8@reddit
You’re really missing out on the DEN shoe shine
Gabriel_Owners@reddit
Am I, though? Why would I spend any more time than I need to in an airport terminal?
Flimsy-Ad-858@reddit
CLT too, it's the one thing that place has going for it
LootenantTwiddlederp@reddit
These are goated. Love my Amberjack Chelseas. They're stylish, comfortable, and don't look dorky.
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.
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
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.
aleckify@reddit
RM Williams Comfort Craftsman
TryOurMozzSticks@reddit
Found the Aussie
Substantial-Good1174@reddit
He’s a good c$&@!
Belowmda@reddit
Strewth mate, you misspelled cunt.
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
flyboy130@reddit
Plain black Ariat Ropers.
Very comfy, cool in the summer, warm enough and dry in the winter ramp slush.
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
Fenderfreak145@reddit
That’s a good idea!
JewofTVC1986@reddit
Found the Texas based pilot!!!
A_Squid_A_Dog@reddit
I know for a fact that no one is Texas is based
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.
4Sammich@reddit
That works on so many levels for MIL.
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.
Urinal_Cake_Day@reddit
Keeps the socks dry in the tropical downpours too!
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.
Alternative-Cup4721@reddit
Eccos have lasted me two years and barely show wear. They are comfortable
I am considering tecovas however
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? 🤔
wheatthiccss@reddit
Bluntstone Chelseas with the extra chonky soles. I love my stompers
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
TheClubsterFist@reddit
Ecco Chelsea. So unbelievably comfortable.
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.
Avlatlon@reddit
whatever I bought at target. Lasts me years, keep them shined. 20 bucks. Huge savings.
blanc84gn@reddit
Allen Edmonds Chelsea and Tompkins zip up boots and the park avenues.
McCheesing@reddit
Pikolino Bristol
Silly-Ad5211@reddit
Cole haan boots. Most importantly water resistant for doing walk arounds on a wet or slushy ramp.
doyouevenfly@reddit
Arait men’s booker
Planeguy58@reddit
These! https://www.colehaan.com/products/mens-2zerogrand-laser-wingtip-oxfords-c23832
motorslug@reddit
Bridlen Chelsea boots with the Dainite sole option.
Initial-Pain8869@reddit
RM Williams.
TheStoneSamurai@reddit
Hey Dudes cause why not
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
aftcg@reddit
Hookas. Bc I'm old and don't care what the "uniform" standards are anymore lol
21MPH21@reddit
Hokas?
I wish OC or Hoka would make dress shoes
boganfromdownunda@reddit
Where’s the Blundstone chelsea people around here?
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.
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.
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
yeshmate@reddit
There’s a lot of much more comfortable, good looking, longer lasting options out there
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.
strawberrycrepes@reddit
Literally every pilot I know wears RM Williams. Never tried them myself tho.
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.
FNGforlife@reddit
Doc Martin Chelsea boots w/o the yellow stitching. They are ok .
4Sammich@reddit
Merrells
DMarrero@reddit
Black Air Force one’s
Imaginary_Amoeba3461@reddit
Ecco’s.
blizzue@reddit
Johnston and Murphy Chelsea boot.
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
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.
TripNo1876@reddit
Sketchers
Mazer1415@reddit
Rockford Folton and Chukka or Basic Clarks
Unconformist85@reddit
Some black Campers
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
JumboTrijet@reddit
Allen Edmond’s cap toe Oxford
iamgravity@reddit
Ecco Holton. Round toe looks better than square toe on the Helinski.
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.
downwindsavage@reddit
35 dollar dress shoes from Ross.
554TangoAlpha@reddit
Chelsea boots
OrganicParamedic6606@reddit
Aldens
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.
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.
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.
dinnerisbreakfast@reddit
Amberjack
It took a few days to break them in, but they are super comfy now.
fallingfaster345@reddit
I just bought some Clarks. They are giving me mad blisters but I’m holding out hope that once I break them in they are going to be the excellent, long-term footwear that everyone swears they are.
Cool_83@reddit
I do walkaround’s, so caterpillers for me. I love laced boots.
VolubleWanderer@reddit
I was using Cole haan postman’s. They lasted like 3 years and I was comfy in them.
dubvee16@reddit
Cole Haan Zero Grande chucka. Light and very soft.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XFZHX9F?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1&psc=1
DirkChesney@reddit
Love my Cole Haan Chelsea boots. Great in the winter
Old-Equipment2992@reddit
Align Erwin, very comfortable shoe.
IllPlatform4801@reddit
Ecco Helsinki
indianmcflyer@reddit
Ariat Ropers
DefundTheHOA_@reddit
Ecco’s
/thread
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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