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Original poster

I like shoes but they are ALL uncomfortable to wear!

42 replies

makinglemonade · 15/02/2013 20:48

I have a good shoe collection but have lots that I never wear as they aren't comfy!

My biggest problem is workwear. I'm ok at the moment as I wear dresses with black tights and black ankle boots with a medium heel. They are marco tozzi and super comfy. So comfy I bought the same in a tan colour!

But I have lots of lovely trousers I'd like to west to work but can't due to footwear. If I do wear them then I can only wear them with flat pumps which makes me feel frumpy.

I work in fashion retail and need to be smart and reasonably trendy. So any suggestions on nice shoes that won't kill I've I wear them all day?

OP posts:
libertychick · 15/02/2013 21:52

Same problem! I like brogues with trousers, comfy and lots of them give you an inch or so of extra height. Currently hunting for the perfect pair of loafers - want something chunky and 'manish' rather than too dainty.

In fashion retail would you not get away with leather converse type shoes?

JumpHerWho · 15/02/2013 22:02

Have you tried M and S? Their heels are so comfy. I swear by them for workwear. Not granny ish, honest guv.

check em out the £15 mid heels are good as are the £19.50 ones, so comfy with a padded foot area

ivanapoo · 15/02/2013 22:02

Cuban heels are in at the moment so they might be a good option as they're not too high, depends on your trousers... are they skinny jeans, peg leg, wide leg etc...?

The styles are a bit hit and miss but I have some sandals from the M&S range called something like Footglove Fashion and SO many people have asked where I got them/said how much they liked them. They also do the Insolia range.

I would also recommend looking at Clarks and Jones - again some styles are a bit hideous but they are starting to be more fashion-forward and are loads more comfy than other makes.

Stickwithit · 15/02/2013 22:13

I could have written your opening post OP, I'm in the same trade do am under pressure to look chic but I really really struggle with footwear.

I too have several pairs of shoes that I love, but which I find soooo painful.
Part of my problem is having wide feetBlush, which forces lots of pain onto my toes.

Thank you for the Clarks suggestion. It's do obvious now I think of it, I'm going to check them out.

It's time to admit that I need a compromise between gorgeous shoes and shoes which I can actually wear.

lurkingaround · 15/02/2013 22:14

I recommended this blog earlier tonight, the blogger only likes flat shoes, and the whole blog is dedicated to flat shoes. Worth a browse. enbrogue.com
And no, it's not my blog, and for the life of me I don't know how I came across it.

Whydobabiescry · 15/02/2013 22:17

Take a look a rockport, they make some gorgeous heels but they are über comfy. Apparently they are part of Adidas and use the same technology for the insoles.

Stickwithit · 15/02/2013 22:18

lurking I will take a look thank you. I wish I could get into the flat shoes thing, I do like ballet flats and long flat boots, but somehow feel much more 'together' in heels- well until I'm crippled by pain anyway....

buttercrumble · 15/02/2013 22:25

Dorothys friend from office , the most comfy heels i have ever worn . Brilliant shoes for work or a night out, if none left on office they may have some on ebay.

Original poster
makinglemonade · 15/02/2013 23:38

Thank you for all the suggestions! It's high end retail that I'm in so unfortunately wouldn't get away with leather converse.

My trousers are mostly straight or peg leg.

I'd like a revamp if my work wardrobe for spring summer and I'm sure people are sick of seeing my dress/ankle boots combo!

Sad thing is I work with a department store that carries quite a few if the suggested labels Blush. I see all my trendy colleagues wearing their cute irregular choice / guess / poetic licence heels and always admire them but can't for the life of me think how they wear them whilst on their feet all day!!

I hadn't thought of Marks so will have a look in there and try and be more open minded when browsing the other suggestions.

OP posts:
TigerseyeMum · 15/02/2013 23:43

Clarks shoes are proper shoes in that they are made to fit rather than fashion brands that don't make shoes you can actually wear.

Once when stranded I had to walk a few miles in the snow in a pair of Clarks heels and my feet felt fine and the shoes survived the ordeal too! I have back problems so stick with flats usually but their heels are the only heels I can wear.

They have some lovely brogues in at the moment and some very sexy heels.

TigerseyeMum · 15/02/2013 23:45

Oh and also their free delivery and returns means you can be more 'open minded' and order shoes without worrying if they will be suitable. I find what might look frumpy on the website can look really trendy on and I get loads of compliments by people who are very surprised when I tell them It's clarks!

deleted203 · 15/02/2013 23:47

Oooh. I could have written this thread! I'm a teacher, so I'm on my feet for about 8 hours a day, and never get to sit down. I'd love to be able to wear heels - but have never found any I can wear for that length of time. I wear Clarks that are flat and slightly trainer like. And they are jolly comfy - but I now find that I can't wear heels at all - not even for the odd night out as I've got far too used to my comfy flatties.

I did try some lovely navy suede heels from Marks that were called 'Footglove' and supposed to be uber comfy. But after a couple of hours my feet were killing me! I can't imagine how anyone can wear heels all day - but all suggestions duly noted!

ShotgunNotDoingThePans · 15/02/2013 23:49

The Ash Jalouse or Pistols are gorgeous and look good with skirts or trousers - not wide-legged styles, though. Will see if I can find a link.

ShotgunNotDoingThePans · 15/02/2013 23:51

Meant Ash Spirals not Pistols. The Jalouse are the same but without the zip.

fossil971 · 15/02/2013 23:58

The Hush Puppies Philippa and related styles are really pretty and comfortable, a bit retro style with a round toe. Not sure if they're cutting edge enough for fashion retail but they come in gorgeous colours.

mumat39 · 16/02/2013 00:10

No advice on what sort of shoes, but watching with interest as I have problems with shoes too!

I hurt the arch of my foot about 9 years ago and used to find flat shoes difficult to wear after that point. I can't wear heels as the bones in my toes just feel like they're being squished together and the balls of my feet just hurt o much.

Since may 2006, I have lived in MBT's, the same pair. They are so comfortable and I really find it difficult o wear any other shoes. When I bought them I was stil working so although expensive, I could afford them. I stopped working about 5.5 years ago when pregnant with my dc1. I used o wear my MBT's into work all the time and felt very conscious of the fact they are trainer like.

My MBT's have finally worn out at the front and they let water in so need some new shoes. Ideally not trainer like. I'll probably end up buying MBT's again, maybe in the shoe rather hadn trainer style, but I'm going to have o save up for a while before I do.

Not sure if this helps OP, but thank you for posting this question.

ChablisLover · 16/02/2013 07:16

Rock port will be your friend.

Got a pair from amazon and they are so comfy. The only pair of shoes I can wear all day and not be bothered by

Seriously check them out - they won't do you wrong

Also do you have any independent shoe shops near you? They generally are very good for specialist comfy shoes.

SilverSixpence · 16/02/2013 07:40

I have had some really nice heels from Miss L Fire, some of their styles are a bit too retro or bizarre but they also have some nice classic pairs which are very comfy.

If you have more money to spend, Chie Mihara heels are designed to be comfortable and are gorgeous.

SilverSixpence · 16/02/2013 08:06

Miss l fire

Zoomania · 16/02/2013 08:15

I have some really soft shoes from Jones that are made by camper. They have a heel and don't pinch or rub and can walk in them all day at work.
They are from a few seasons ago but look on their website...I think that the Kim model looks the same. They are currently on sale. Mmmm tempted now by a lovely chocolate pair.....

Snowkey · 16/02/2013 08:18

Feel your pain! Sandals or anything worn with bare feet are almost impossible. Cheap shoes are a definite no. Clarks are not great. I often have a look at Shoon - among the granny styles, they sometimes have gems in unusual Spanish & Italian brands worth a look if you have a store nearby. But god yes - how many pairs of shoes have I discarded because I end up with blisters. Banana Republic pumps are quite comfy, padded with soft leather.

edam · 16/02/2013 08:23

Thank you for starting this thread and loads of gratitude to everyone who has posted. I had given up trying to find bearable heels and you have all renewed my hopes that there are shoes I can wear out there! Smile Off to hunt for your suggestions...

PS I've been given a pair of Hotter shoes. They are a company that does comfy shoes for middle aged and elderly ladies but are trying to do 'younger' styles (i.e. younger than 50-somethings) so this pair I've got are a little prettier. Not good enough for anyone who is fashion forward by a long chalk but as a 40-something Mum with a job where you can choose how fashionable you want to be, I'm going to try them out... will report back!

deleted203 · 16/02/2013 11:42

Inspired by this thread I've been shopping this morning and bought two pairs of Clarks shoes (in the sale, what's more Grin). One pair of my usual 'trainer' types and a pair with a small heel that seemed comfy as I pranced round the shop in them.

I'll let you know after half term if they stand up to a days teaching!

mintymellons · 16/02/2013 11:46

I agree.

I'm a large 8 or 42. I live in Converse mainly. I need a nice pair of flat everyday stylish shoes, perhaps loafers or brogues. Ordered a great pair from Johnnie B (Boden), size 42 loafers, but they were too stiff and tight which was annoying as their shoes usually fit well.

ivanapoo · 16/02/2013 17:46

Oh I thought of another brand - Pikolinos. About 90% of the styles are foul but if you can find one you like they're really comfy.