Commuting shoes

[thinkfast]

I start a new job in 3 weeks time. During the day I wear either a trouser suit or (mostly) a smart dress and jacket with medium heels.

I'm going from a 15 minute drive to work to a one hour packed commute in the city of London involving a 10 minute walk and a 20 minute walk at either end, so I'm thinking I will need shoes to commute in and then change when I get to the office.

Do I wear trainers? Or comfy flats? What do most people do?

[MsHippo]

Lots of people wear trainers and keep their shoes under heir desk. Personally (although I am very tell so perhaps this makes a difference) a just wear flat/comfortable shoe to work: brogues, smart boots, loafers etc but always perfectly clean an polished.

[MsHippo]

*and!!!

[MsHippo]

*I....I'm not doing well this morning!

[thinkfast]

Thanks Mrs hippo. I'd rather wear something different for the commute so my smart shoes don't get ruined. I just can't quite envisage myself in a dress with trainers...

[AnguaResurgam]

Then don't pick trainers!

Try a traditional walking brogue.

[TooDamnSarky]

Clarks Hamble Brogues are the most comfy shoes I've ever worn!

[mamado]

I have a similar commute and tend to wear boots in the winter and ballerinas/sandals/converse in the summer. Not sure I've got it right though! Plenty of people wear trainers but I just can't bear too!

[MsHippo]

Then how about some comfy Chelsea boots or leather lace ups for your walk, and keep your heels at work?

[empirerecordsrocked]

Clarks Hamble Oaks - I do the school run, run for the train and then 15 minute walk to office. Love them.

[empirerecordsrocked]

Meant to add - I gave up on ballerinas as I was sick of getting wet feet when it rained!

[TSSDNCOP]

Trainers, just like everyone else.

[hollyisalovelyname]

Fitflop do lovely, comfortable, smart looking shoes.
They could be worn with a dress, suit or trousers.

[DressageNut]

Lots of people do wear dress with trainers - there's a general recognition that the trainers are commuting shoes, so don't worry too much about that. I would say that even if you go down the "comfy flats" route you might want to get something with a softish sole as walking briskly on hard pavements in very hard-soled shoes can take its toll after a while.

Agree, no ballerinas. Not substantial enough.

[hollyisalovelyname]

Fitflop F Pop loafers.
Fitflop Ballerinas (supportive for the foot)
Foot Therapy shoes
Sketchers Go Walk
Sorry I can't do links but google them

[eurochick]

I don't like trainers with office wear. I have flat boots for winter, loafer type flats for spring and when it's really hot I tend to wear birkies or flip flops. I have a row of smart shoes in the office.

[thinkfast]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone - fitflop loafers look as though they might fit the bill - not quite as clumpy as trainers. Will try some on

Don't think clarks hamble brogues will work on me with a dress - plus the leather may get ruined quite quickly in bad weather I would think

[Toffeelatteplease]

Sketchers go walk sweet peas

Look like a ballet flat, feel like a trainer

[SwedishEdith]

I wear trainers.

[sparkler10]

Trainers! Nobody else but you will care what you've got on your feet, and you'll just want to be comfortable.

[ChishandFips33]

I saw loads of smartly dressed women in office dresses and trainers when I was in London - it was obvious they were commuting shoes

Comfort is most definitely a priority here!

I often wear my DMs regardless of what else I have on just to get from our office car park to my desk. Nobody bats an eyelid and when you glance round as you walk in, others do similar

There's s couple of trainer threads on the go atm might be worth a look

Or MBTs to give your legs a work out at the same time

[bingohandjob]

I walk about 3 miles a day - I wear Ecco waterproof trainers during winter/autumn, bog standard trainers when dry and warmer. I would definitely recommend leaving shoes in work and going for comfort/practicality when commuting. Most of the women I see on way to work do exactly the same. Backpack, too - I leave a smart bag in work for meetings etc. Your back and shoulders will thank you (and you can shove shoes in if you can't leave at work). It might not be the most stylish look but it means you look and feel better IN work during day!

[Littlemissindifferent]

These Next loafers are really comfy for commuting in and will keep your feet dry unlike ballerinas.

[MrsMozart]

Whatever you choose, make sure they give your feet protection from size eleven clodhoppers on the tube! Had one bloke stand on me (not his fault) and my foot was bobbered for weeks.

[silkpyjamasallday]

Zara have some ballet flats in leather, suede and satin fabric that fold flat into a little pouch at the moment. They have elastic all around the foot and flexible sole so they won't go flying off your feet in a rush and good for driving too