Buy It For Life
Shoes

Updated Jul 20, 2026

Buy it for life: the most durable shoes,
according to r/BuyItForLife on Reddit.
Recommended by people who have owned them for years. How we pick.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Mizuno Wave Rider 10

Retro-inspired running sneaker praised for exceptional comfort, durability, and long-wear support.

Very comfortable
Durable build
Long-lasting support

Wave Runners and Wave Riders have been my go-to running shoe for a while now. Built like tanks compared to a lot of other runners out there
– FeloniousDrunk101

I still wear these! My Ashamed to Wear in Public pair is lime green with hot pink soles and purple accents. My Public pair is white with a very bizarre plaid in the side stripe. They are so incredibly comfortable— 10-ish years old.
– Bobbsmomm

The Wave Runner 10 is still my favorite running shoe. I bought back ups.
– Allenies

Glerups wool slippers

Felted wool house slippers valued for warmth, comfort, and strong long-term indoor durability.

Temperature regulating wool
Comfortable for daily wear
Durable over years

Second Glerups u/_Throwaway_007_ as the wool self regulates temperature and I wear them all year long, hot summer and frigid winter, in our house.
– bspooky

Came to say this. I have a 5 year old pair that get daily wear. They are starting to show their age but could probably go another few years.
– TubeLogic

This. Most comfortable slippers I’ve ever worn.
– topher358

Haflinger wool slippers

Supportive wool house slippers frequently recommended for year-round comfort and durability.

Supportive fit
Good longevity
Year-round use

Thirds and fourths. Every time this question comes up in this sub this is the answer. Wool, rubber outer soles. Great choice and not terribly expensive for what you get.
– Actuator-Salt

I came to say this! I’m on my 2nd pair after retiring a 5 year old pair that I let the cork wear out on. The new ones are already sealed to make sure they are good and protected. I have not found a more comfortable and supportive slipper in my 43 years.
– jenv1982

Wearing my 4 year old pair now and got a new pair for Christmas. Can’t recommend them enough.
– Either-Bumblebee4372

Red Wing Iron Ranger

Heritage leather boot admired for longevity, sturdy construction, and comfort after break-in.

Durable leather construction
Can last for years
Comfortable once broken in

Those look to be Iron Rangers. 2.5 years into mine and I love them.
– Boston_Dangler

Hard to beat the 8111.
– veepeedeepee

Buying red wings is the single best clothing purchase I’ve ever made.
– and_days_go_by

Onitsuka Tiger Tokuten

Low-profile retro sneaker suggested as a durable alternative to Samba-style shoes.

Durable over years
Good for walking and travel
Low-profile style

Tokutens look a lot like my kind of shoe. thanks for the rec
– Proppedupandwaving

The onitsuka tiger tokuten is closer to the samba profile. Solid shoe, would recommend
– jomitiro

I have a few pairs of onitsuka tigers that are about 10 years old, I’ve worn them walking miles through cities and for all sorts of travel. Still holding up fantastic
– thisisallme

Available at www.farfetch.com

Birkenstock Boston Shearling

Warm shearling-lined clog with supportive footbed, commonly recommended for indoor wear.

Warm lining
Good foot support
Resoleable

Yeah honestly I got a pair of Birkenstock shearlings and they are FANTASTIC. Almost too warm sometimes.
– ArmadilloNo2399

Birkenstock Boston and London are available shearling lined (maybe others too). I have Shearling Londons and they are great.
– russkhan

Ask yourself if Birkenstocks with closed toes are warm enough for you. They are much better for your feet but not fuzzy slippers.
– thegooddoktorjones

Back to Footwear

Sources:
The best shoe I’ve ever owned
Having trouble finding quality sneakers
Pls suggest to me a good pair of house shoes that are good for ur feet and warm...
Finally went ahead and bought some Red Wing shoes.

Buy It For LifeShoes