askchapo

Not sure about their manufacturing sources, so I can't speak about "child slaves".

Etnes, but they might be a bit on the pricier side. I can ususally find something that looks decent and fits my feet for around 70$ US if I keep an eye out on the "Sales" page.

I've had three pairs in something close to 10 years so they're pretty long lasting. A few of the styles are "Vegan" friendly.

One note, you'll need to choose a size that is ONE FULL SIZE LARGER than what you normally wear. If you wear a US size 8, you will need to look for size 9.

Commenting to check back later. My guess is that it’s a “pick two” situation between high-quality, ethical, and cheap.

Is this a riddle?

If the sneakers are made in Vietnam the working conditions are usually okay.

NOT made by child slaves

Nothing is inexpensive, fashionable and free of the garment industry’s ills.

Cheap stuff is cheap because it is made thousands at a time by people paid nothing and shipped as low weight/value containers on giant cargo ships leaking bunker fuel into the ocean as they go.

If cheap and fashionable are most important, get a secondhand pair of shoes and put in new insoles. If it’s fashionable and good you want there’s a bunch of brands targeted at avoiding the particular ill you see in the world. If it’s cheap and good, hippies will tell you who the real criminals are.

The least bad sneaker brand I can think of is Veja. Generally you don’t want to cheap out on sneakers since you want them to last a good couple years.

As a rule with sneakers: you want something that’s minimalist and white as it’s the most versatile. The trick is to find reasonably priced versions of common projects achilles low. They’re an expensive rip-off, but that’s generally the style you want. But the beauty of white minimalist sneakers is that they’re unisex and go with so many things. Get them in canvas if you’re vegan. Unfortunately, vegan leather is nowhere near good enough to replace real leather, as it’s just shoddy plastic.

IDK about any of those other things, but if you want wide toe Altra shoes are my go to.

I've loved the last 4 gens of Paradigms, but the current gen 7s are garbage so don't buy them. They only last me 8 months to a year but I also walk a lot so I get my moneys worth. They make other shoes that maybe look good but IDGAF I want comfy.

I usually check out thrift stores (especially the ones around the rich towns) for shoes

A lot of times you'll find decent stuff and since it's secondhand, it can be pretty unique

Found some decent chuck taylor's just last week

A little scuffed on the soles but otherwise immaculate

I can recommend Novesta (here), from Slovakia. They often have sales and if you are not located in the EU you might find a vendor of the brand in your area in order to save on shipping. I do find the sizing to be a bit on the large size, I usually wear EU 44/45 and have a pair in size 45 that is slightly larger than comfortable.

Durable and cheap isn't really an option. Sometimes the Vimes Boots Theory of Economics is very literal.

Idk if they're ethical (no) but Adidas sambas are durable and they make a vegan version

Edit: just go thrift something decent or buy used on eBay

I have horrible feet and gait but have been incredibly happy with Hoka. Actually, my current pair doesn't even require me to use orthotic inserts like I usually do. They also offer wide sizes. Not sure about the child labor though

I'm wearing motorcycle shoes, specifically a pair of Icons. I figure anything with a ce protection rating is gonna be more durable than average, and this has mostly borne out in my experience.

I don't know where they're made though so I assume something bad.