Footwear for Corporate Camouflage and Real Work

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logangrantgray

logangrantgray

Member
I’m on the hunt for daily footwear that lives at the intersection of office-worthy and homestead-ready. By day I play the corporate guy; part cube, part manufacturer sites, part boardrooms… but a lot of those days include a quick run for supplies for the homestead, a stop at a meat processor, changing out batteries on cameras, dropping off corn, etc.

So while I’ve got a pair of loafers I’ll bust out for the one wedding a year or a client dinner, that’s not the shoe I want to be wearing every day.

What I’m after is something that:
  • Looks presentable in the hall or in a meeting (trying to build influence in the company for that next role but doesn’t look like he wandered off a trail),
  • Handles real-world stuff on gravel, concrete, dusty job sites, pasture edges, etc.,
  • Is comfortable for daily wear (lots of walking/standing),
  • And doesn’t feel like a fashion gimmick.
What’s everyone rocking that fits that blend?

Boots? Sneakers that don’t scream “gym”? All-terrain casual shoes? Specific brands/models that have held up over time?

Lay it on me, what’s on your feet and why you like it.
 
The Sorel Madson II is a decent water resistant lace up chukka that comes in a few different leathers and styles. I have a suede pair that I’ve had and Worn regularly for about 7 years and have held up well. They’re comfortable and look good.
 
I'm white collar in a blue collar environment and these straddle the line well. I can wear them in the office, as well as out in the shop and not get clowned on by the guys out there. They're fine for chores around the house too, though I find myself wearing the Xtratufs more for that considering I'm in Washington state.

www.danner.com

Bull Run Chelsea 6" Brown Wedge

A Rugged Design With Lace-Free Ease Whether you're making service calls or working in the wood shop, you can count on the Bull Run Chelsea for durability and comfort. It has the same rugged design as the original Bull Run, updated with slip-on construction that makes it convenient for...
www.danner.com www.danner.com
 
logangrantgray said:
I’m on the hunt for daily footwear that lives at the intersection of office-worthy and homestead-ready. By day I play the corporate guy; part cube, part manufacturer sites, part boardrooms… but a lot of those days include a quick run for supplies for the homestead, a stop at a meat processor, changing out batteries on cameras, dropping off corn, etc.

So while I’ve got a pair of loafers I’ll bust out for the one wedding a year or a client dinner, that’s not the shoe I want to be wearing every day.

What I’m after is something that:
  • Looks presentable in the hall or in a meeting (trying to build influence in the company for that next role but doesn’t look like he wandered off a trail),
  • Handles real-world stuff on gravel, concrete, dusty job sites, pasture edges, etc.,
  • Is comfortable for daily wear (lots of walking/standing),
  • And doesn’t feel like a fashion gimmick.
What’s everyone rocking that fits that blend?

Boots? Sneakers that don’t scream “gym”? All-terrain casual shoes? Specific brands/models that have held up over time?

Lay it on me, what’s on your feet and why you like it.
Click to expand...
Courteney Safari's or Selous will last forever, if you take care of them, and are actually more functional than they are good looking. They def look the part around the office, but they are lighter and feel much more athletic than Jim Greens. I've got 20 years on a pair of Safari's and 3 years on a pair of Jim Green Razorbacks (which, I am convinced, they named for the manner in which they break-in) I swapped the soles on the Green's out for Cristys and it was a vast improvement. I recently grabbed another pair of Courteney's as they are just superior. Westley Richards website is the best place to buy them currently, they re-stock out of stock sizes every couple weeks, it seems. Even with the over the pond shipping, they're better/easier to work with than the option that exists here in The States. Personal opinion, but, based on experience. The only bug-a-boo with the Courteney's is the tyre tread sole on gravel...it will pick up small rocks. They offer other sole options, but, I prefer the tyre tread for everything but gravel, so I just deal with it.
 
Blundstone boots are a popular option for something that work in the office but are also going to work for tasks around the field.
 
This post made me pull the trigger on some JG Buffalo Rangers. Been sitting on the fence so was the push i needed. Wanted a catch all for trails, pasture, and in office which luckily is a casual environment. Look forward to reporting back.
 
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