Recommend me a shoe?

[Lostinagoodbook]

I have 3 pairs of boots, no other shoes. I'm useless at buying shoes and am fed up of buying cheap new look pumps repeatedly. My mountain warehouse trainers fell apart last week. I'm happy to spend more but not sure wear to start.

I need some black pumps for work (primary teacher) also some trainers for wearing with jeans. Normally i buy hiking boots but I quite like Vans..... are they any good? I do a LOT of walking round town and and parks etc but don't want to live in standard trainers really!!

Any help gratefully received!!!

For work shoes, I can really recommend Russell and Bromley. I always used to get those and they would last years vs New Look/Next etc being completely knackered within a month.

I haven’t had a pair of Vans since I was a student but DH likes them. However, he finds that they don’t have much cushioning at all so he doesn’t wear them when he needs to walk several miles. On the longevity front, mainstream brands like Nike or Adidas do a great job and they do plenty of lifestyle designs for wearing day-to-day rather than sports.

I buy north face/ Merrell etc walking trainers (in black when needed)

For my smart work shoes I have some similar to these from M&S. I've had mine a few years and the toes are squarer.

I think they're smart enough, I don't wear heels generally but can wear these when I have to walk a lot or be on my feet all day and they're really comfortable. They have other shoes in the 'pumps' category but none of them look sturdy or supportive enough for daily wear.

Skechers and keens. Both incredibly comfortable, and last well. I had Skechers bobs and go walk (I think they are called) for work and it was like wearing my comfiest slippers all day. I use keens (sandals and shoes) for walking.

I have 2 pairs of Skechers- one white pair of pumps that look similar to vans lace ups and some trainers. Both have memory foam insoles. For teaching the go walks would be ok if you're with little ones on the floor as they're flexible on the sole . Smarter shoes I usually buy Clark's. For trainers maybe try karrimor or as mentioned above the Skechers bobs.

For work shoes I like the Un Loop shoes from Clarks. They are so comfortable, hard wearing and waterproof.. I have found Sketchers to be great for trainers. Again they are super comfortable, although mine are not waterproof. They might sell some that are. I also had to go down a size with Sketchers.

Have a look at Wonders. I've not got any but understand they are very comfortable. wonders.com/GB/en/?gclid=CjwKCAjwyo36BRAXEiwA24CwGdMepAeuH26AV0_6VexpdM371rRbQ9pPJaXmv5dCQ5rRacVGtMoephoCrv8QAvD_BwE

Ladies redwing iron rangers.

Pricey but you will still be wearing them in 10 years and they only look better the more beat up they get.

You need something with more support than Vans for wearing all day. Very flat shoes can cause foot problems.
I got plantar fasciitis from wearing ballet pump type shoes for work. It was SO painful and took 2 years to get rid of.
You need something supportive like a trainer with a good sole.

There are two very distinct schools of thought about the role of 'supportive shoes'. I found this approach very helpful to finally sort out why my feet were sore and what to do about it

https://www.nutritiousmovement.com/product/simple-steps-to-foot-pain-relief-e-book/

Teacher here too, rather than pumps why not buy black brogues - they have better support and go with everything, I've had some from sainsburys, next and Clarkes (all different colours) which are all very comfy. For trainers, I just bought some Adidas hiking trainers and tested them in the lake district, they were excellent for hiking and wandering around. I bought the Adidas TERREX Foligan but they have loads of different types /looks /colours.

I absolutely love Vans, I wear mine everywhere I can, I prefer the slip on versions to the trainers, they are fine for me even when walking for around for hours a day.

Thankyou very much- I'll read through these again properly later and go on a hunt. Sketchers sound like a good bet and it will be great to find some alternatives to ballet pumps too :-).

Maybe I'll get some vans next year after I have basic footwear sorted as it sounds like they wouldn't really suit me for day to day use.

Have been stuck in a rut of boots/trainers and jeans or boots/ leggings and jumper dresses for so long lol. Returning to work after second maternity leave in 5 years and have no suitable clothes or shoes..... eeek

@Hyperion100 I love those but definitely too pricey especially just coming back off maternity leave sadly!!!!! Might ask for them as a joint birthday/xmas gift one year though from dh :-)

I got sketchers- arya/airy black pumps. Really happy with them thanks ladies!!! Will look at karrimor/sketchers/ keen for trainer/casual walking boots next month :-)