Footwear update - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 07-18-2003, 03:13 PM

The Birkenstock felt clogs have been replaced as the work shoe by...

The Clarks Desert Boot

Damn these are almost as comfortable as the Birkenstocks, except fully enclosed. Wool wasn't exactly ideal...

To replace the Birkenstocks in the daily wear clog role, I have a pair of Birkenstock black Boston clogs (same shoe, black leather) on order. Most likely to be the daily wear shoe, won't be as hot as the wool.

Those desert boots seem pretty damn tough and durable, although the gum sole picks up everything.

Snibble · #2 07-18-2003, 05:04 PM

Sorry guys... but to me those are some pretty fugly boots. The sandals are OK.. but the boots are wack. The finishing doesn't look nice and it looks as if you were to wear these for a long time you will end up with sores on your feet. It may not be the case since I never owned this brand before... but the appearance gives me this feeling.

suginami · #3 07-18-2003, 05:25 PM

Is the finish on the Clark boots suede or felt?

If so, I gather they won't be very durable. They'll pick up dirt like a magnet.

I do like the look of them, though.

jamesnj · #4 07-18-2003, 05:27 PM

The shoe reminds me of a Birkenstock but in hush puppy form and a higher heel, not that low non-existent heel some Birkenstocks have.

By the way, do you guys build up calf muscles by wearing Birkenstocks? Some Birkenstocks just look so uncomfortable and as I understand it they're not very cushiony

#5 07-18-2003, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jamesnj
Some Birkenstocks just look so uncomfortable and as I understand it they're not very cushiony

With my knees, I can't wear anything that doesn't give decent cushion under foot.

That said, I've been wearing Birkinstocks for over two years now (same pair) and can walk in them all day without fatigue or pain in my knees! I think it's a combination of the cork and the way it forms to the shape of your feet pefectly!

suginami · #6 07-18-2003, 06:02 PM

I think it's the difference between a Mercedes seat and the seat in an old Cadillac.

The Cadillac seat (or any GM bench seat for that matter) are soft and cushiony, but provides almost no back support.

The Mercedes seat, on the other hand, has relatively no cushioning, and is hard to the touch, but provides excellent support.

Same concept. If it keeps your back (or feet) in proper alignment, you do not get sore.

#7 07-18-2003, 09:52 PM

The clarks are a suede leather, and they have a gum sole, and suprisingly enough I wore than for four hours today at work, where I am on my feet all day (produce clerk, moving about bananas etc on carts) and they were almost as comfortable as my Birkenstocks. And oddly enough, they have a great reputation of being extremely durable.

The Birkenstock clogs will be in sometime next..Tuesday or Wednesday, I will probably wear these about 60 percent of the time, with the Clarks and other various Birkenstocks taking up the rest. They desert boot is surprisingly comfortable, and has an interesting story...

It is the same boot British troops under Montgomery used in the deserts while fighting Rommel during WWII, they were much lighter than the leather standard issue boots, and were durable as well. Hence "desert boot"

Also, Birkenstocks in general are IMO the most comfortable shoes in existence. They sometimes dont even feel like they are there. Initially, they are firm and sort of uncomfortable. But as the cork molds to your foot, after about 2 weeks, they are very comfortable.

I poked a hole in my felt clogs kicking open the door to a truck that was delivering peppers. Thats when I decided I needed something else.

But I have worn the clogs on eight hour shifts, never off my feet, and my feet have never, I repeat, never ached since I started wearing Birkenstocks. Extremely good, durable, comfortable, long lasting shoes.

The Clarks seem to be similar, except they're British

R Leo · #8 07-18-2003, 10:55 PM

These are some of the best wearing, most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.

Funky as the day is long and weird to try and wear with socks but man, are they great to stand in. I can do 3-4 hrs at the workbench easy with my Jollys and I suffer with flat feet too. They felt strange at the outset but the cork insole has now conformed perfectly to my big 'ol paddles.

I highly recommend them to anyone who is on their feet a lot.

http://www.gardenclogs.com/fashion.html

suginami · #9 07-19-2003, 11:50 AM

Birkenstock does sell boots / hiking boots.

I have a catalog in front of me:

Carson, Footprints Collection - $184.95

Rockford, Footprints Collection - $259.95

Calgary, Footprints Collection - $229.95

I also very highly recommend Red Wing Shoes for high quality, comfortable work boots.

suginami · #10 07-19-2003, 12:18 PM

Good idea to go with the Red Wings, although they aren't cheap, either.

Also, Red Wing makes Sears brand of work boots. They might even be called "Craftsman" boots, but I don't remember. I remember seeing a Red Wings brand tag on some of their boots. It should be real obvious to tell which boots are made by Red Wing.

My Red Wings Boots are 10.5 4E. :-)

New2MBZ · #11 07-19-2003, 12:29 PM

Quote:

[i]Those desert boots seem pretty damn tough and durable, although the gum sole picks up everything. [/B]

I recall the gum soles of desert boots sliding like crazy and starting to dissolve in the presence of oil. Be careful around a shop floor.

Zeus · #12 07-21-2003, 02:01 PM

I love Clarks. My fav is the desert trek - similar to the boot, but lower cut. They last forever and are really comfortable. There's a reason Clarks has been making them for over 40 years...

mike690003 · #13 07-21-2003, 06:03 PM

I love Clarks and I also have those desert boots in the pic. I have:

1 beige pair
1 green pair
2 black pairs

I also have Clarks "Wallabees"

1 black pair
1 brown pair

The Wallabeees are my favorite and they are a lot more comfortable and durable than the desert boots.

My dad has way too many pairs of clarks, at least 20 pairs. Keep in mind a pair of Clarks goes for over $100.