Do comfortable but stylish flat shoes exist?

[msfreud]

I've recently started walking a lot more (moved house and have a longer walk to station etc.) and my feet are not happy... My go-to shoes for style this time of year are usually ballet flats (but not the super flat cheap type, usually something like Clarks or Clarks Originals) or brogues. Both are too flat and not supportive enough for walking more. I have Ash Virgin hi-tops but they also feel too flat/hard to be really comfortable.

Is there a comfortable shoe for walking that doesn't look out of place at a smart casual work place? I wear a lot of skinny/slim leg jeans and trousers or when the weather cools down a bit more, knee length skirts (Boden, White Stuff) with opaques. I'm 31 and don't want to look like I'm wearing my mum's shoes although I don't exactly dress "young" either...

I can't very easily do the wearing trainers for the commute and changing shoes at work thing because my working week is currently split between 3 different locations, so would need to be carrying the flats etc. with me all the time and I'm sure I would forget them in the wrong place. I could get away with trainers etc. in the office but some of my work is literally client facing as I'm a counsellor/psychotherapist.

Just seen the new FitFlop F-Pop Mary Janes and loafers - lovely!

I buy flat in which I can add insoles - the issue for me is arch support and support on the ball of the foot. It limits some styles but means I can wear some cheap rubbish. Mainly I live in a pair from M&S, Skechers (which aren't as dorky as you might think!), and am now looking at a pair of Fit Flop pumps - I live in the summer in the flip flops.

I however would not describe myself as in any way remotely stylish.

I have been looking for ages and have just bought these from JL

www.johnlewis.com/dune-leland-leather-tassel-loafers/p1653211?colour=Black

and these which were reduced to £29 but have disappeared from JL website

www.lyst.com/shoes/kg-lexie-loafer-shoes-black-1/

Husband thinks the dune ones look like matron shoes! I think they are both OK - not outstanding but as I have looked in every shoe shop for months and they both fit I think I will keep them.

The KG ones would not be good for walking though.

Clark's brogues are so comfy. They are padded in the heel and also the ball of your foot so they don't hurt. I get lots of compliments on mine !

Also go walk or BOBS from skechers with the memory foam soles... Amazing !

Ugg boots... Amazingly comfy and they do a range of flat shoes and ballet flats all with the lovely sheepskin insoles.

I have arthritis and I'm 28 so I'm all about the constant quest for comfy and stylish flats !,

Lychee - thanks - would have never considered Clarks. I have just returned the Dune shoes I ordered (they were OK but I wasn't in love with them) and will go to Clarks for a look after reading your post!

I like the look of the Busby Folly Loafers but not sure I like the bobbliness of the brown leather so want to see them in the flesh.

I pretty much can't wear heels (or at least not for very long) due to my weirdly shaped feet, and I get a lot of nice flats/lower heels in Camper. Super comfy.

I have some fat face loafers which are like wearing butter on your feet ( my feet are very very difficult to please ) .. I have also just bought some ugg loafers which are not as comfy but are ok... I do sometimes wear new balance trainers which are comfy and ok to look at . Mostly I live in uggs or havianas .

Second R and B- same reason as Marsha. They have at least 1.5inch heel- which is more like a flat. I have their brogues and they are very comfy

I recently got a pair of Geox ankle boots from tkmaxx - can't believe how comfortable they are (and were only £35!)

Dragonflies I have some from Grenson with the thinner but still substantial rubber sole (Rose in jade green suede) which are ok but I think for me it's the lack of any padding in the insole that makes shoes not so comfortable for lots of walking. And my Clarks Hamble Oaks are similar to your JL ones, fairly thin soles so not good.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I'm looking at them all. I came across Josef Seibel Caspian which look comfy and look quite cute especially in the darker colours. Might get some of them to try...

I also have some Vivobarefoots because I run in their running shoes, but I'm never quite sure if I find them comfortable for lots of walking or not. For running they are brilliant, though.

"They have at least 1.5inch heel- which is more like a flat."

I don't class a 1.5 inch heel a flat shoe. The heels I wear to work have a 2 inch heel, and my high heeled shoes that I can barely walk in have a 3 inch heel.

OP, I have these flats:

www.marksandspencer.com/suede-pointed-toe-pumps-with-insolia-flex/p/p22309949?colour=Black

Both comfortable and stylish in my opinion.

Doctor Martens do good walking about shoes
www.drmartens.com/uk/Womens/Womens-Shoes/c/Womens-Shoes?q=:price-asc&page=4

and I have always found Red or dead comfy too

www.schuh.co.uk/brands/red-or-dead

finally kickers are very good for walking about in

www.kickers.co.uk/women-c3

heartshapedflux how do you stop shoes like that dropping off your heals when you walk? If I wear shoes like that, I either get cramp, as I flex my toes the whole time, or get blisters on my heals, as they flap on and off as I walk?

Yeah, I can't wear slip on shoes for the same reason - I think it's foot shape, to be honest. I have very narrow feet with a wide ball of foot and very long toes, inc a very long second toe - was told by a podiatrist to avoid slipons like the plague.

Interesting, leedy. I don't have narrow feet, but do have very long toes. And I have heels, not heals

Addictedtosugar I do find a lot of slip on shoes either scrunch at the toe or slip off at the back, but for some reason those M&S ones do neither for me. The only problem I think I would have with them slipping is if I wore them with tights. Also, they have cushioned soles, so are really comfortable to walk in compared to cheaper slipons.

I have narrow feet and have the same problem as addicted, I have to wear Mary Jane style shoes with a strap instead.