Footwear Insight

footwearinsight.com November/December 2019 ~ Footwear Insight • 43 gardening shoes and they destroyed my feet and I got plantar fasciitis. They need to have grip and support, and I don't want all the dirt pouring in. And they should be waterproof and breathable. Is outside-of-work style important? Style is important to me — I still like to look nice. But the features are what attracts me. Do you buy your own shoes or are they provided through work? I buy my own. Where do you shop for your work shoes? I discovered REI, and recently I went into Fleet Feet Hartford and got fitted with sneakers and it changed my life. [Outside of those places], I'll never buy anywhere else again. How often do you replace your work shoes? I keep about five pairs going at a time for different needs. The hiking boots last way longer — about two seasons. The sneakers last one season. How much do you generally pay for on-the- job footwear? I generally spend between $120 and $160 — the Merrells weren't over $100, the Oboz were $140. How could your shoes or work shoes for your job in general be improved? What I would love is a shoe with the quality of my New Balance sneakers, that fits me really well, and has a lugged sole but not super super rugged. The main thing that drives me bonkers about my hiking boots is that they hold dirt and if you walk over the client's yard or patio all the hunks of dirt fall out of the treads. It would be lightweight, waterproof but breathable and not too hot, and would keep out dirt and water. I'd love it if it was more flexible, and more athletic. I've been searching for the perfect boot for 10 years and I don't believe there's a perfect gar- dening shoe that exists. Kylee LaBollita, 20 | Middleboro, MA Waitress at Dave's Diner What's an average day like for you? I'm on my feet for six to eight consecu- tive hours, walking continuously from the small kitchen — which often has wet, slip- pery floors — to the dining area. What footwear do you wear to work? Nike and Vans. I have two pairs in the rotation. What qualities are critical in your footwear? Support and comfort. Do you buy your own shoes or are they provided through work? I buy my own. Where do you shop for your work shoes? I bought the Vans at the Vans' store in Braintree, MA. I went to Famous Footwear for my Nikes. How often do you replace your work shoes? Every other month. How much do you generally pay for on-the- job footwear? I spend around $50 to $80, and I expect them to last at least six months. How could your shoes or work shoes for your job in general be improved? They could provide more slip-resistance on the outsole, or provide more fashion- forwardness in a slip-resistant styles. We are running around a lot during our shifts. We want to look good, but we don't want to fall. Danielle Jigerjian, 37 | Middleboro, MA Waitress at Dave's Diner What's an average day like for you? I'm on my feet for 35 hours over five days a week. What footwear do you wear to work? Two pairs of Sauconys. I'm on my feet for six to eight consecutive hours, walking continuously from the small kitchen — which often has wet, slippery floors — to the dining area. Kylee LaBollita A couple of years ago I discovered hiking boots, and they're amazing. Jen Mooney Waitress Kylee LaBollita

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