SAS Shoes

The r/BuyItForLife community holds SAS (San Antonio Shoe Company) in very high regard, consistently recommending them for people who spend long hours on their feet. Users praise their exceptional durability, comfort, and American manufacturing, with many reporting 5–13 years of heavy daily use. The main caveats are price ($150–$300) and styling that skews utilitarian rather than fashionable.

SAS shoes offer exceptional durability, comfort, and resolvability that make them among the closest thing to a BIFL shoe, but buyers must accept a high upfront cost and unfashionable aesthetics.

Commenters overwhelmingly highlight SAS shoes as among the most durable and comfortable footwear available, particularly for people on their feet all day. Their resolvability, American manufacturing, and wide width options make them a standout BIFL recommendation.

• Extremely long-lasting — users report 5 to 13 years of daily heavy use
• Factory resole service available for approximately $110–$150
• Made in USA, primarily in San Antonio and Del Rio, Texas
• Available in wide and extra-wide widths for difficult-to-fit feet
• Exceptionally comfortable from first wear, especially for foot problems
• Highly recommended by nurses, factory workers, restaurant staff, and chefs

The most consistent criticism is that SAS shoes are not fashion-forward — multiple users jokingly call them 'granny shoes' or 'old man walking shoes.' Price is a secondary concern, though most users consider it justified given the longevity.

• Styling is outdated and unfashionable by most users' own admission
• High upfront cost of $150–$300 per pair
• Traction and slip resistance can be lacking on some non-slip models
• EVA foam midsole compresses over time; caution advised buying secondhand
• White leather colorways reported to wear faster than natural leathers

One long-time user described wearing his SAS Ambassador Oxfords for 13 years of daily factory and office use, then sending them back to the factory for resoling — calculating the total cost at roughly $30 per year.

A restaurant worker noted that after years of 80-hour work weeks, their SAS shoes outlasted every other non-slip brand they tried, only needing replacement when the soles finally wore through.

A self-described 41-year-old admitted he's been wearing SAS 'old man walking shoes' since his mid-20s, using them for hiking, beach trips, and city walking across four pairs over 15 years — and has no plans to change.

One commenter summed it up plainly: because shoes are inherently wear items, SAS comes as close to BIFL as footwear can get, with $200–$300 pairs lasting 6–10 years of constant use depending on care.