Starting a new job next week after a LONG time as a SAHM. Biggest concern is footwear as I’ve basically been wearing sneakers for the last 10 years and I even find those uncomfortable after awhile. Not sure what I will wear on my feet for 8 hours a day and be comfortable. Job is mostly at a desk but I will be walking around the office (2 story office) a fair amount as well. Can anyone recommend some flat shoes that are actually comfortable? Something I can wear some type of a sock with as I can’t stand bare feet in shoes. Also open to sandal suggestions as well. Thanks!
I’ve had really good luck with Clark’s. I need a good amount of arch support and they have great flats. They aren’t cheap but hold up very well. They have good sandals too.
10 Likes
Look at Vionic. They are pricey but have a lot of styles and are very comfortable.
3 Likes
I love Rothy’s flats. They really are comfortable as well as washable and come in many different styles/colors.
Good luck with the new job.
4 Likes
Dressy loafers. Low-heeled, work with slacks very well. I cannot buy shoes online - I must try them on in the store. DSW and Kohls seem to have large selections of shoes that fit the budget. I try on until I find what size and style and brand work, then if they don’t have the color I need in the right shoe, I check while in the store to see if the store has it in stock online, and order it. Of course, if money, time, convenience of return are no object, you’ve got other options.
If you need good arch support, I would suggest Vionics or Clarks over Rothys. Look at All Birds too…I believe available only online but the doctors I know where them…and they are on their feet all day for 12 hours sometimes. Many many styles…some similar to Rothys.
3 Likes
Naturalizer makes comfortable shoes at a very reasonable price point. I have also liked Born and Sofft. And SAS!
Which brands work often depend on whether you are trying to deal with a specific issue (width, support, bunions, etc.)
If you are going to be on your feet all day and you want to wear socks, you might also consider style. I am a fan of oxfords these days as the ties may them easy to adjust and they are secure for walking.
I think some sites like Nordstrom or Zappos might do a section called “comfort shoes”. It’s worth perusing the brands there as well. (That was how I originally found both Sofft and SAS.)
The brands I like are Born, Naot, Sofft and Vionic. However, I dislike socks so maybe these won’t work for you. You could always order from Zappos and wear around the house a bit- I prefer that to trying on in store. Good luck with the job!
3 Likes
If you’re used to athletic shoes and your feet love them, I would look for shoes that are “close” to being athletic shoes but look a little nicer and you only wear them for work .
I have a couple of Keds loafers that I like. I don’t do flats but these have enough sole and arch support
I have these and love them
https://www.keds.com/en/double-decker-perf-suede/51412W.html?dwvar_51412W_color=WH66045#cgid=keds-suede-slip-ons&start=1
I wear them with dresses and skirts!
1 Like
Loafers and oxfords can be worn with socks. Ecco, Vionic, Sofft, Born as suggested by other posters are some brands that make reasonably priced business casual yet comfy shoes.
I really like SAS shoes, which I started years ago after a foot injury. Once I found some style/size combos I like, I bought more on ebay (often new or near new). SAS sizing is consistent within a style. For me, 7.5M works for tie shoes and loafers but 8N is better for sandals.
When working I bought had many pairs of these SAS WHISPER TIE SHOES (mostly ebay) in black and blue and a pair in tan suede. I used to order insert replacements when the foam got compressed.
Also some of these SAS WINK LOAFERS… they work ok with the little low nude foot sock thingies
https://www.ebay.com/itm/373844224813?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item570ada2b2d:g:inUAAOSwtadhzICO&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAAA4LeLKy5ndOAJdNarcNervUfcbw%2B3734YYyCo9I1Wx16uvlwbwzJPmj%2BWu3Xx9CdiB2ErbsYrmRFCy4cDL1NcTiYlDXLAs45I3mNxYT2HQoR6CFrmwCqcex0ls6■■62bueQdRJLH0Q0qLWng5y8SwvM9Y%2Bj0L5%2FuQBIHD4ZS7Jw%2BqMVKap8Ovf%2BydN6%2BHf3lM8mqNgaAyncWW4qkpQ7aQLn1SV3lYk5%2B1GMGHB7xtXHCLpzzCLLXOAXIhxMqSCb7dqZ0k1MI%2Foq2n%2F%2FCUbnyrOi92%2BZ3Yku1lleJNfjSLburH|tkp%3ABFBM2qa59ZNg
and these SAS SAN ANTONIO SANDALS (Clark had similarly), mostly worn outside of work
https://www.ebay.com/itm/294952764415?epid=1364222285&hash=item44ac8e03ff:g:lssAAOSw~w5gqkdH
1 Like
There have been some great suggestions here. One that hasn’t been mentioned yet is Skechers. They have some flats that look professional and work really well. I’ve even used them when going to Europe and walking 7 miles a day on their streets. They have various styles with various amounts of foot coverage, depending on what your preferences.
5 Likes
I have a couple of pair of Aerosole loafers that I find very comfortable.
3 Likes
I have to have lace up walking shoes if I’m walking any distance. I buy black leather SAS walking shoes and swap out the laces for black elastic and wear them with Thorlos or wool socks. Never get blisters. Have to wear long pants though. If I want to wear a dress, wear sandals from walking company or SAS.
1 Like
I have done best with Dansko, Naot, and Sanita while my daughter feels more comfortable in Natural Soul/Naturalizer. I haven’t owned any Rockport shoes in a while, but their low pumps were really comfortable. The Walking Company’s Abeo line is really great, too. Good luck!
1 Like
Josef Seibel Naly 24, low, flat soft leather boots. Hard to get, but Zappos and Nordstrom you can buy them online. I generally wear nothing but tennis shoes, but I had to have a work boot that I walked around in a lot, even in the snow, slippery situations. These are so comfortable, you can walk for miles in them. And they’re light and classy, you can wear them with jeans or dress pants. Your thread just motivated me to go online and purchase another pair!
I’d usually never spend $180 on a pair of shoes, but these are worth it.
6 Likes
I own four pairs of Allbirds - very comfortable! They’re not the dressiest shoes, but you can choose a dark color with a dark sole.
2 Likes
These All Birds are comfy. And would be fine with slacks, dresses, or jeans! They come in a lot of different colors.
2 Likes
I been wearing Dankso clogs since 1997. I bought my daughter several pairs of Dansko (not clogs) to wear with slacks in business casual setting for future internships. Beatrice Black Burnished Nubuck – Dansko and Tiffani Tan Milled Burnished – Dansko Quality Arch support is essential to us.
2 Likes
Hey how do you get your posted links to come in that box?