Driven crazy by women’s shoes in the high street

[Menora]

I want a pair of black shoes for work. Smart, comfortable, modern looking, will go with trousers or a dress.

However, it seems that my options via the high street are:
-5inch rubber soled loafers that weigh 2.5kg each
-Square toed heels with a triangular heel in lime green, neon pink or some kind of sparkly glitter
-Pointy toed slingbacks
-trainers
-ankle boots that resemble wellies

if you want to try anything on there is barely ever any sizes on the shelves and no shop assistants to help you either

I have had feet for over 40 years, and a job wearing black shoes for over 25 years and never had such a problem. What in the Kanye West is going on? I know my DP thinks I am making it up when I tell him I’ve still not found any shoes.

I’ve looked in Clarkes and I cannot afford their prices in all honesty. They have a decent loafer but it’s £80 😑

Any recommendations?

I have these (I know you said not patent, but at least they’re not chunky) … though they have gone up £5 since I bought them 😬.

I’m not sure loafers go as well with dresses, but I do llke them with thick tights and a tweedy skirt.

https://www.johnlewis.com/dune-global-leather-tassel-loafer/black-patent/p109919388?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios&size=4&_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

Footwear fashion is godawful this season. TK MAXX might have something.

I'm hanging onto my old boots for another winter.

Ok I found these on new look I do like them maybe I will get these and keep looking for flats

TK Maxx have some nice shoes, often have Zara old stock too. I spotted some Zara loafers in there recently.

Also, don't dismiss Vinted - you can search by BNWT which is helpful.

TU sainsburys, schuh and Matalan all have similar to these, if you need to try on just click and collect 2 sizes and then send back what you don’t want to keep!

What are ankle wellies?

I’ve always struggled with shoes for work. And in general. I live in ankle boots and men’s Puma trainers. I never thought I would see the day I considered a pair of loafers, but they’re growing on me especially the ones with a bit of chunk

I agree you have to move with the times, as hard as it is. I begrudgingly bought a pair of straight leg jeans for the first time since 2004 last week, but they’re growing on me already.

OMG you are in for a treat. Would you like to see some of the boot horrors? Just think ‘what would I need to work in an abattoir’ and you will be right there

I have bought 2 new pairs of new brogues on Vinted recently. Nice brands for not much money.

Oh phew, not what I’ve been wearing then. More plastic shite for the landfill. Just, why?

Some more beautiful examples of ladies shoes on sale currently that I have seen today. Enjoy

And via my online exploits ‘women’s loafers’ just beautiful

Try being a size 9... 😢

is It all abattoir boots and workman boots did you? I do feel for you. A lot of shops just have the worst sizes in stock. How is anyone meant to try shoes on.

Have you tried the Forever Comfort range at Next? Some nice lace ups and loafers. Think you might have to bite the bullet and order in though - I gave up on in-person shopping a few years ago due to lack of range and sizes.

Agree. I hate shoe shopping. In the end I bought some ankle boots from moshulu which are not exactly what I wanted but they are at least comfy and reasonably smart. I once had some amazing comfy sturdy ballerina from fit flop called superbendy ballerinas. They were perfect. Sadly they no longer do them. They now offer very thin soled ballet flats or the most hideous shoes I have ever seen in my life.

Got a perfect fitting pair of smart work shoes on vinted, brand new, £10 from principles. Bargain! Xx

Tesco: don’t do shoes anymore (gutted)

I know right? I was shocked too. I got all my best work shoes from Tesco in the past.

They've done away with changing rooms too, so I'm not buying clothes from them either now.

Have you considered a timeless pair of Mary Janes?

Hotter have some presentable shoes, though I live mostly in my Allbirds these days.

I love Mary Janes. My fantasy shoes are often found in SeaSalt and look like school shoes from my childhood. It's only the fact that so many old women wear them where I lives stops me buying them.

M&M Direct sell Clarks too.

What’s wrong with old women?

Nothing at all@BIossomtoes but I don't want to dress like people 20/30 years older (or younger) than me.

@Menora

shoezone are great. Worth a special trip if you don’t have one nearby. I got size 8 boots there on Saturday that fit perfectly for £45. Loads of shoes available, loafers included.

https://www.shoezone.com/Womens/Shoes

also M&S but they sell out quickly.

I'd suggest Moshulu - you might have one of their shops nearby? But they are all nearly £100 but very good leather:

www.moshulu.co.uk/womens-shoes-c4/black-t224