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Original poster

The holy grail - comfortable, stylish shoes?

74 replies

YogiYoni · 29/08/2017 21:09

Please help! Back to work (teaching) next week and I'm having my annual 'WTF do I wear on my feet?' crisis.

My hand is hovering worryingly close to these but I know (I KNOW!) they're not stylish really. Can anyone help? I need shoes that are comfy enough to wear all day (standing for most of it, walking across a large site for the rest), stylish enough to make me smile and ideally under £75. I'm thinking navy, ruby or black, but could be swayed...

OP posts:
MoonlightandMusic · 29/08/2017 23:45

Step away from the "Hotters"! Grin

Have you had a look at Zara's current offerings? - they have some v. nice kitten heel sling-backs and low heel boots.

dirtyprettything · 30/08/2017 07:50

Clarks!
Always Clarks.
If I were on my feet all day I'd wear flats all the time (I do a lot anyway)

www.clarks.co.uk/c/Taylor-Palm/p/26128232

Or

www.clarks.co.uk/c/Taylor-Spring/p/26128243

sparklefarts · 30/08/2017 07:53

I think the Hotters you linked are very cute Blush I'm 29 Blush

sparklefarts · 30/08/2017 07:54

I also think the two Clark's ones above are proper hideous. Have I got my fashion all wrong? Blush

timeisnotaline · 30/08/2017 07:58

I think the Clarks ones are great. Brogues or ankle boots are options? Not those hotters !

Annebronte · 30/08/2017 07:58

Look at the loafers on the Geox website. They still have some sale stuff left.

wobblywonderwoman · 30/08/2017 08:01

I teach and wear sketchers. I have two pairs. One with a lace effect and another grey pair. They are not the usual trainer type.
Absolutely love them - not as tired in the evenings.

thisfalseinsight · 30/08/2017 09:06

I have recommended Shoe Embassy on here so many times people will probably think I work for them - I don't; they just make fantastic shoes. Lots of very cute and unique flats, a massive selection of boots, all leather and well-made, and everything is super-comfortable. I really can't recommend them highly enough. Only problem is that they don't really have brick-and-mortar stores, just sort of small pop-up looking shops (one in Westfield, one in Camden market), so online is probably the best option and sizing can be a little inconsistent (although the online chat people are really helpful). Plus you have to pay shipping and return, which is a pain if something doesn't fit. Still completely worth checking out, though!

EraArils · 30/08/2017 09:21

These have been recommended hundreds of times but I do think that Clarks Hamble Oaks you can't go wrong with them. I can walk around all day in mine and have them in 2 different colours. They go with everything with the exception of bikinis and ballgowns.

They are also a recent Mumsnet swears by.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 30/08/2017 10:20

I usually go for Clarks, but don't like much in there at the moment. I'll be happier when it's boots weather!

Those Hotter ones are truly horrible, imvho. Sorry.

Lancelottie · 30/08/2017 10:25

Nope, Hamble Oaks don't work if you have the sort of toes that go straight across your foot in a square line.

polyhymnia · 30/08/2017 10:54

Not a Clark's fan myself. Also have a horror of Hotters ( the one time I tried them they slashed my feet as well as being frumpy!) I second Geox - Italian, very comfortable and big selection so can find stylish choices.

ChilliMum · 30/08/2017 12:08

Have you tried art shoes?

I have no idea if they are stylish (in my 40s now but I don't think I have ever been considered stylish) but they come in a range of colours and designs and are soooo comfy! The only work heels I own are art ones.

ChilliMum · 30/08/2017 12:08

Have you tried art shoes?

I have no idea if they are stylish (in my 40s now but I don't think I have ever been considered stylish) but they come in a range of colours and designs and are soooo comfy! The only work heels I own are art ones.

Theseaweed · 30/08/2017 12:23

Loafers or brogues pref not from Clarks if you want stylish. Look at Russel and Bromley, pricey, but beautiful shoes, well made and comfortable. Also look at Geox if R&B are not for you.
Alternatively can you get away with a trainer?
The hotters are awful.

bingohandjob · 30/08/2017 14:33

Clarks Originals - hard wearing, long-lasting, comfortable from moment you put them on and I go for very plain, simple, classic style. I work in education, on my feet all day & they are perfect for me. Also like some of the very simple/plain Clarks Trigenic styles and Geox, Ecco and love the bright Shoe Embassy brogues.

dementedma · 30/08/2017 14:45

i quite clearly know nothing about fashion as those Geox ones are hideous! Good job we all like different things Grin

Deathraystare · 30/08/2017 15:04

I like the Hotters ones!

RicottaPancakes · 30/08/2017 15:08

Surely CUTE shoes are for children?

Theycalledmethewildrose · 30/08/2017 15:36

Brogues are your friend.

Personally I'd avoid Clark s gamble oaks. They can look very frumpy. A nice silver pair of brogues will go with everything!

Theycalledmethewildrose · 30/08/2017 15:36
  • Hamble obv.
Original poster
YogiYoni · 30/08/2017 16:12

Haha! This is why it's so hard. No one knows the difference between stylish and hideous! Thank you for the suggestions. I'll take a look.

OP posts:
Appuskidu · 30/08/2017 16:48

I don't really wear shoes at all-I go straight from sandals into boots! I usually wear DMs and Fly boots for work (teaching).

I like those Art shoes though-I've never heard of them! I'd like to try some on though-i wonder where stocks them!?

polyhymnia · 30/08/2017 18:10

I second R and B, as a long time fan. Some Geox shoes are indeed frumpy, but some are stylish if not cutting edge fashion - you really have to pick and choose as with most retailers.