For those that don't know, after a reasonably successful winter self-employed in Italy, I was offered gainful employment with a former boss & some other people I know in Lake Garda for the summer. Given the lack of interesting things to do in this country and the appalling weather - I've accepted.

I will be leaving in 10 days and I'm very excited to continue to improve my Italian, make new friends and see another new bit of Europe up close. However, as part of my uniform (all supplied) I'm required to bring "plain" white trainers to wear for work. This leaves me in a quandry as I'm constantly striving to shrink my metaphorical wardrobe and I had already planned a purchase for the summer. Depending on the climate I reside in and the situation I'm experiencing, I tend to live in one of three pairs of shoes:



For most of winter, with ski pants, Haglofs climbing pants (my daily driver trouser year round) and very occasionally "out" with jeans if the snow is that bad. Perfectly waterproof in rain or snow, reasonably warm and great grip and stability.



Ultimate daily driver shoe. Covers almost any scenario from out with jeans and smart t-shirt (shirt at a push) to snow/ice/volcano walking. Well built and have lasted me 3 years and 3 countries so far.



Something vaguely approaching this. And we all know what these do.


When travelling with a suitcase and then living out of that suitcase for months at a time, shoes take up valuable space. Between these three pairs I have most scenarios covered. In summer destinations - I also take some brown sketchers that are a little smarter with jeans/shirts, as the tolerance for outdoor gear is a fair bit lower than in the Alps! I was intending to replace the middle pair this summer as they are becoming quite worn and may not last the summer. But also, because GoreTex is simply a waste of time and money when it doesn't rain or snow and will be too hot and heavier in a summer climate. I was considering something along these lines for all round, everyday use:



Right that puts in the picture for the current shoe situation. Now for the opinion part. For work, the options I see it are roughly these:



Gash to look at, uncomfortable, probably won't endure the beating they'll likely take over the summer being worn 5.5 days a week minimum. Very cheap though.


or


I personally think these are just as bad to look at, but some people like to wear this sort of shoe out with a "smart" "going out" outfit. So I don't know. Marginally more expensive.

Finally there's this:


or variations on a theme. Far more expensive, but will actually have a practical use beyond work and easily the most comfortable and durable.

Thing is, if I buy "proper" running shoes, I have to get largely white ones (which I would normally never do) and it also means due to the funds situation that I probably can't also get my new trail running daily driver shoe. Opinions please?

Lonsdale ones look alright.

I think you should live on the edge, and buy the ones you tried on the other day.

I wear K-Swiss which are like the Lonsdale ones, wear them pretty much all week and they are comfy enough as casual trainers for me

All I know about trainers is that I essentially batter the [LIFTED] out of Adidas pairs and they take it

In terms of comfy trainer/boot type-things, Timberlands.

Oh to only have to worry about a few pairs of shoes lol.

I have found shoe-trainers to be comfortable in the past but I wouldn't wear white ones or where them to work. If they said bring trainers, I'd buy cheap to midrange as it may need to be disposable/replacable. Max £50 spend and I'd go for whatever's comfortable.

Yes women have a much bigger problem to deal with when it comes to shoes. For me, it is the Doc Martins for daily use, the Timberlands for hiking and wellies when it is wet, the Time cleated cycling shoes for cycling. I do not need more than that.

I would love to have more pairs for different occasions and outfits, that would be loads easier. But with my chosen lifestyle and priorities, less footwear (and clothing) is a must. Thanks for all the help so far.

Caz, as a woman do you have an opinion on the wearing of white trainers by men - particular when going "out"? I find it's a practice that is common throughout Copenhagen and in towns here too and I don't like it.

WTF cleats
No.


(ymmv)

Have you never tried cycling with cleats? It is tough to start with, and you need to practice getting out quickly otherwise you topple over, but they are so much better to cycle with that toe clips.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=1074

I shall discuss this no more. Toppling under a bus would be my main concern with cleats, I need instant foot re movability also as I tend to go down mountains very close to cliffs and trees.

Mountain biking is very different to road cycling. Though for that purpose cleats would be problematic for many.

Though these are what I would be using

And people think **I'M** specific with my requirements!

Today, I purchased these from Sports Direct in town:



They're not anywhere near as comfy as either my boots or my walking shoes, but they were £22, so that'll do!

Now just gotta find something to replace the Hedgehogs for my casual/everyday wear...

I found that I really like the Doc Martens shoes, comfy and do not look like bovver boots.