Looking for a good pair of kicks
 

When purchasing a good pair of shoes for the job, what exactially am I looking for? I'm kind of thinking along the lines of trying to make it through security with no problem. Or will any pair be fine? Thanks!

I'd consider Rockports. They aren't the best looking but are airport friendly (no metal shank), comfortable and last for a reasonably long time. Whatever you go with, if you're an FO make sure they have a decent grip. You don't want to fall on your a** doing the walk around in the snow...;)

Deer Stags get my vote. Very comfortable, durable, inexpensive, look great and security friendly. Slip resistance is reasonable; deicing fluid and clear ice is about the only thing that gives me trouble. I've had mine for almost 2 years and with a little polish they look good as new. You can get em online or at most department stores.

Deer Stags have always been the best for me as well. I have always had luck finding them at Burlington Coat Factory for about $50.00.

If you get the Vegas style, they are slip on's and actually make for a good pair of shoes to wear out on the overnights .

Johnston and Murphys, my friend...$100 a pop but look fantastic, shine up real well, and best of all, airport-friendly!

It seems like I agree with ExpAB a lot, so I'll put a plug in for the shoes I wear:

http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/catalo...On&PLOID=54504

Good grip, look good, slip on, and the only pair that has been as comfortable as them has been another pair of J&Ms that I have. Running between flights really is a lot more enjoyable with them.

The biggest suggestion I'd have for you, however, would be to go to a local men's (or women's) shoe store (dedicated, not one that's just a minor part of a larger department store) and spend the time to try on shoes, because everybody's foot is different. The shoes that may be God's gift to feet to me may feel like medieval torture devices to others, so simply go in and have an expert take you through all the "easy to get on and off, most comfortable, black, good looking shoes". You may spend $50, you may spend $150, but shoes are incredibly important for both comfort and time reasons (don't want to spend 3 minutes trying to get your shoes on during a 30 minute turn!), so whatever you spend is going to be worth it. I've had mine for quite a few years, and the only reason I ever replace my shoes is because I get them too scuffed up (scratches+gouges=professional!). Check with your airline to make sure you get the exact requirements for your shoes, and once you get them, get as nice as you can.

Oh, and get nice socks too.

I have had good luck with Ecco. Good quality. Spendy, but they last a long time.

Chuck Taylors. Black.

You could do what someone at my old company does.....black Crocs with black socks under them......pretty sure those are "airport friendly." :rolleyes:

Who does that? The same guy who had his greasy hair shoulder length and tied it up under his hat? No, not J.E. from ORF either! The guy who had a pony tail under his hat. :D

I got a pair of Black Justin Ropers from Rual King for about 40 bucks
Nice shine, for me good ankel support, and if you take them to a shoe repair or leather smith, they can pull the soles off and take the metal shanks out for about 20 bucks.

Works for me

Reeves

have a couple pair of dockers pro style, one with laces the other without, both are airport friendly, and nice rubber soles that don't make your feet die after being in them for 14 hours.

Good thread. I was actually just on my way out to find a new pair. One trick I've used in the past is to bring a stud finder. Just run it over the sole and and if it lights up you got a shank. No light and your good to go. ;)

PS If you don't want to look like you belong in a straight jacket don't try this.

I have a pair of Dockers that I like. They are airport friendly but were a bit of a chore to break in. My girlfriend says they look good and she has a lot more fashion sense than I do. $60.

I do not know who it is.....it is an FO I had seen in the PHL crewroom a couple times.....you really don't notice it, the only reason I did was cuz he had put his shoes up on the coffee table....

Ecco's are my favorite, they are soft-soled (thin) so you get excellent feel for rudders, they are comfortable and last forever. However they are pricey. No steel inside and light weight.

Sketchers makes a pair of airport friendly plain black shoes. I love em/

If your shoes are airport friendly does that mean TSA won't make you take them off to get through security or do you still have to like everyone else?

Sandro Moscoloni


Hands down the most comfortable pair of shoes out there. Gel sewn underneath the inside of the sole and they are airport safe. I've worn them everyday for 16 months and they are just now starting to wear down.

Go one better and get a pair of black Ariat ropers. Will set you back about $100, but for better leather and more comfort, it's worth it. I see lots of guys that wear Justin, as well, so different strokes...

Plus, no metal in the Ariat roper to begin with...I walk through security with mine on all the time. Also, if the sole wears out, it could be replaced easily.

If in uniform you will not have to take them off.

Get a good pair of Air Jordans...........

HAHA...and get yourself a multi-million dollar Nike deal while you're at it ;)

Or the ability to leap long security lines in a single bound!

I have a pair of non-slip shoes (State Street is the brand, FWIW) that I picked up a couple years ago when I was waiting tables. I had never owned a pair like that before, they're great for walking around on slippery surfaces, and I'll pick up another pair when they wear out. They're very comfortable, security-friendly, easy to polish, and were $30 at Payless (about the most expensive shoes in that place, I might add).

I'll have to second the state street vote... I waited tables for a few years, and those got me thorugh that. Any shoe that can be comfortable after a 10 hour shift waiting tables is a good shoe in anyone's book. Currently while flying I wear whatever the men's warehouse guy gave me when I was buying the suit for my interview, and they're ok, but are not the most comfortable things I've put on my feet. I've been meaning to get out to get some more state streets...

Also, Wal-Mart has some shoes geared towards foodservice as well that lasted longer than my state streets, but I can't remember the brand.

Even better LoL

Deerstags work for me, $50, comfy and TSA friendly. Just don't wear white socks please, it looks so bad and I have seen it too often.

Unless they're not "airport friendly" and set off the metal detectors...then you're either taking them off to run them through the x-ray or taking them off for your government sponsored gate rape...

http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/722001347/page/1.html

Great website, take your pick

Exactly what I meant. Thanks for clarifying.:)

That's why I own a pair of Sorel Mounty II :D

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/18325276/c/3.html


Nevertheless, if you like boots like I do. Timberland Oppland Chelsea works perfectly for me.

Airport friendly nylon shank provides support, stability and shock dispersion and will not set off airport detectors.

Smart Comfort® system technology for all-day comfort and support.

Just got a pair of Rockports that are extremely comfortable. They look sorta like suede and are water proof for all you FO's out there. Very professional looking and seem to be holding up very well. No shank so you can walk right through and only cost around 60 bones.

tough enough to kick alter egos in the rear as well.....

hope it helps

which model of deer stags are people using besides the vegas. I like the "FM" or "Buy" models but im not sure if they're airport friendly

The Times model is probably the most popular.

ropers? haha there are so many things i could say right now about pilots wearing cowboy boots to work but id offend too many people, plus some people can pull of the look so its cool. from a practical point of view though if youre travelling out of uniform its hard to pack those boots away.