12 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

If it HAS to be for sneakers only - I'd tell them to save $170...the one's I'd want only cost $30

 

If it's for shoes in general

Pair of Sneakers.

Pair of steel-toe work boots (mine are getting a little ratty).

Pair of dress ankle boots (gives me two pair).

Pair of good quality sandals.

 

I would never spend $200 just for a pair of sneakers...I don't run, I don't cross-train...so why do I need those specialty sneakers?

Depends on your foot. I have a wider foot with higher arch so most tennis shoes kill me after a few hours. I found the perfect tennis shoe for my foot about a decade ago but they cost about $150. Truthfully I’d spend double if I had to 

39 minutes ago, GReb said:

Depends on your foot.

I wear a 10 Wide...but I've found shoes at decent prices that fit me just fine.

3 hours ago, BassWhole! said:

Is this a research question, or just another pointless hypothetical? Either way if you follow the advise you are going to end up with the wrong shoe..., I mean stick

This is a research question. right now I have Abu Garcia and shannon, and Lews rods. I am wanting to get two great rod brands and have that to be my arsenal. st croix and a few other rods like Millers are out there and are pricey. my wife and I have agreed that I can buy a new rod ever other month till I can get my set ups the way I want them. In all I will be getting about 4-6 rods. And before I start this in Aug I want to get opinion from people who us different rods. I am good with my reels just looking to change my rod set up. I am a disabled vet and had emailed the guy that makes rods for vets and he was backed up. Haven't heard from him in a while.  So that where I stand right now. 

Man, probably a *** Akylos 7'2" Medium.  I bought a few this winter and they are really nice for the price.

Right now I would buy a Kistler KLX FNR 7'2 MH while they're on sale for $199.

St. Croix Avid for the rod.  

 

As far as the side shoe debate above....  Years ago I managed a shoe store.  Here is my two cents on this.....  So.....  If at all possible don't buy sneakers.  They are designed to fail, all of them regardless of price but some do last longer than others.  If you do buy sneakers, buy two pairs.  They are designed to absorb your feet's sweat and break down.  If you can give a shoe 24-48hrs to let it air out, it will keep it's correct shape and last potentially for years if aren't a avid runner.  My final thought, buy hiking boots, again two pairs.  Personal favorite, ASOLO.  I have had some last 5 years or more and I beat these things up at work, fishing, hiking, and whatever. 

I would spend less than half of the $200 on a rod and save the rest for something else. 

 

The chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In my case that is rods. I. consider myself a careful guy but in the past few years alone I have broken or damaged rods in doorways, hitting trees, ceilings or the ground. If the rod were more than $100 I would have had a stroke.

I'd buy a shimano slx and an slx reel or some baits or put 100 in my pocket.  I've never seen a need for a 200 rod and if I never buy one I dont know what I'm missing 

I cant see myself but possibly putting that much in but one one rod. The rest maybe combos or less on a rod and get bait or stuff for the old ranger!!!!!

i would buy my favorite rod, the E6X MBR903c, a 7'6 MH casting rod, its an awesome all purpose rod, the MBR taper combined with the 7.5 foot length is great.