Father's Day gift guide 2009: The best comfy shoes for Dads (Part 1)

June 1, 11:14 AMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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Father's Day is coming up - June 21, 2009. So you've got just under three weeks from today to find a great gift for the special dads in your life.

Dads work hard for the family - whether they're stay-at-home dads or working in an office or on the road somewhere - and they need comfy feet so they can keep going long after the work day is done. To find the best, most comfortable shoes, I put my husband to work for me as a tester, on the lookout for great shoes for guys. The reviews below include comments from him about the shoes as well as my insights, if -say- the shoe didn't come in a size big enough for his big 'ol feet - size 13 to 14, depending on the shoe. For more comfy dad shoes of the sandal and slipper varieties, read part two of this article.

MBT - Lofa - "Wow! It really works wonders for your back," said my husband after wearing this shoe all day at work for a few days. "It is really weird at first, but you get used to it quickly. It's great for standing and walking. Improves my posture. I never thought I would say this but this shoe is worth the sicker price." He loves it so much he wants to buy a pair of sandals too. Despite the fact that he's 6'4" and this shoe makes you a good inch taller, my husband can't get enough of his MBTs. Though he did comment about it being weird to stand even higher above everyone else. MBT shoes are made to improve your posture, increase your butt, thigh, lower limb, and abdominal activity while reducing the stress on your hips and knees. You can watch an animation explaining how they work HERE.

North Face Hayden is "super light, stylish, and an all-around good summer shoe."
This shoe is an eco-friendly, super cushiony, form fitting shoe that feels like they re-cushion your foot with each step. Plus they have a great hip look. Perfect for work and play. They have a Cork EVA midsole with plant cellulose fiber heel cushioning, bamboo lining and 40% recycled rubber outer soles. Read more about their eco-goodness HERE.

Crocs makes more than those lightweight clogs that the kids love to wear about. Did you know they have a full shoes line for men and women that look like regular shoes with benefits? The new men's slip-on Tideline Canvas is lightweight like you'd expect from a Croc, with "a great inner sole that feels good on bare feet."

Terrasoles make several very different shoes that all fit the comfy category to a T and are eco-friendly. The Snowmass is "a slipper like, light shoe. Very different looking, but it's good to be different. Comfortable with or without socks.  Feet can get hot in summer, more of a winter type shoe." Terrasoles - Tuckerman has a cushiony sole and looks like a weekender shoe perfect for shopping the farmer's markets. The back of the shoe is actually a quarter size, not a full back, which can make it feel uncomfy if you don't get it big enough. So you should order a size up.

Merrell's Chameleon with GORE TEX "offers great support, is very lightweight (you'd never guess by looking at it but it is!), and is waterproof. Perfect for being caught in the rain at work or on a hike or other family adventure." They're breathable too so your feet won't sweat even though they're enclosed and protected inside.

 

Continue reading -> PART TWO sandals/slippers HERE.