Do you guys have a favorite black shoe that works well for a passenger conductor at a museum railroad? I have been wearing regular black, polishable dress shoes, but they aren't made for walking on ballast and wear out quickly.

*I would like them to look like dress shoes, but with a more durable construction.

I bought a pair of these about 12 yrs ago for a few excursions when I filled in as a car host. I don't wear them often as I don't need to dress up but they are comfortable.
https://www.drschollsshoes.com/product/dr-scholls-work-mens-harrington-composite-toe-slip-resistant-oxford-5275572/black-leather-13860

I wore either black Red Wing steel toe work boots or black Red Wing steel toe safety shoes. Both have a professional look and will support your feet much better than ordinary dress shoes.

I just wear my black steel-toe Redwings also; if I'm going to be walking on ballast I want the ankle support. I did once find steel-toe wingtips on the internet, though I no longer have the link handy. If I was in a service that only required me to walk on the train and on boarding platforms I might get a set of those.

Thanks. I didn't think of Red Wing for some reason. I currently wear a regular pair of dress shoes and they have held up reasonably well so far, but they aren't very comfortable for as much time as I am on my feet - especially on the ground. I'll visit the local RW store to look for my next pair. As long as they look ok with the standard conductor uniform, they should be more comfortable, and the traction should improve a lot.