Good Country Shoes - part 2

[chemist93]

I have some experience with Rockport, they're okay for normal wear. They do tend to need new insoles after 6 months. Cove-Corcoran Shoe has better stuff here in the states if you like black and 'sensible'. I'm still wearing a pair of Carolina Comforts, made by Cove's sister company. Plain toe, steel shank, firm support.

[English Bloke]

This is what I wear, I have a pair in Black too.



Not too cheap, not too dear. I like 'em anyway.

Nice to see you back Jock!

[zirrow]

This is what I wear, I have a pair in Black too.



Not too cheap, not too dear. I like 'em anyway.

Nice to see you back Jock!

Alright, but like has been asked of past-posters, "Who makes 'em?"

btw, they look quite nice and the inset in the sole looks like it may provide a bit of traction & durability while still looking like a leather-soled shoe from the outside.

[Panache]

As I have been doing more Scottish Country Dancing over the last year I have become aware of how important having good footwear is. Supportive comfortable shoes mean a huge difference in helping one's feet recover from the rigors of SCD. Having need of a good pair of country walking shoes I went down to my local Becks and found this "Un.Bend" model by Clarks from their Unstructured® line

http://www.clarksusa.com/eng/product/un_bend/85012


While not terribly flashy they were quite comfortable and seemed like they would be good both for the long walks my family enjoys on Sundays as well as looking acceptable with highland attire for most casual events.

Yesterday a 5 mile hike/walk in Santa Theresa County Park put them to the test





I'm not sure if they fit the OP's definition of a good country walking show or not but they proved very comfortable. While not terribly exciting looking I think they look fine with highland attire. They had good traction, and while I am generally dubious of claims of "airflow" systems like these supposedly have I do admit my feet felt cool and dry during and after the walk.

They were not cheap and as I have noted they don't really stand out style-wise. However as I get older, I realize that as far as footwear is concerned, comfort and quality is a lot more important than looks or thriftiness.

Cheers

Jamie

[Jack Daw]

Panache, that's an impressive-looking shoe.

[Santa Wally]

Panache, that's an impressive-looking shoe.

And that's an impressive pose in impressive scenery.

[Panache]

And that's an impressive pose in impressive scenery.

Wally,

I'd say "Hey what about the impressive mustache?" but there's no comparrison when you go up against Santa!* You probably think I just didn't shave that morning!

Cheers

Jamie





* I do have a Mom who organizes our Elementary School Holdiay Fair who has been giving me the eye and has informed me that I am a prime candidate for being the school Santa next year if I remain so hirsute! But I guess that isn't such a bad thing

[AKScott]

Has anyone had experience with Rockport shoes?

Registered nurses love Rockports. If they fit good, that is a good shoe. I have kind of an odd foot shape and they don't fit me, but the RN co-workers I got that are comfortable in Rockports, stay comfortable in Rockports.

Not quite the style we usually buy, but most likely a good shoe.

[Tobus]

Has anyone had experience with Rockport shoes? I just picked up a pair in my size that look pretty much like this (from their current catalog).


Only mine are a "previously owned" pair, still in great shape. I don't normally look for shoes in thrift stores, but when I saw these for sale for all of fifty cents, I thought it was worth the risk for two quarters (plus the four pennies I had to pay the government).

I have a pair of Rockports that my wife bought me about 3 years ago. They're very comfortable and have shown little or no wear on the soles. Granted, I only wear them once or twice a week, and mainly to my office. They see only occasional use for outdoors activities like Highland Games, and I would never wear them for true 'country walking', as they simply aren't designed for it.

I wouldn't classify them as a high-quality traditional shoe, since they seem to be built on rubber/polymer soles. I prefer a leather sole with Goodyear welting. So these can't ever be re-soled. They are light-weight shoes with a fairly thin sole, although the quality of the leather tops seems to be pretty decent. I think as long as they are used moderately, and treated with care, they should last quite a while. For what you paid, Matt, I think you did just fine!