New back to work wardrobe - what shoes?!

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I am going back to wear after the summer - have had a few years out having dcs so now I have zero work wardrobe and have slowly been buying pieces in sales etc to fit my new mum bod!

My quandary is what shoes do I wear when commuting? My commute will involve train and tube and probably mad dashes home to pick up dcs from childcare so I will definitely be keeping my heels in the office (corporate stuffy job) but what to wear on the commute??

Pre dc I used to just throw on ballet flats and wear them out regularly but not sure that will cut it anymore and I like comfort nowadays! Also I've never personally been fond of the work dress and trainers look but is that the norm now? And if so what sort of trainers will go with everything from smart dresses/skirts to trousers etc? Please help this novice!

I have point toe flats with a thick rubber sole - sort of sporty looking - for this purpose. I would link but they are a few yrs old.

I wear ultra casual shoes/trainers and dresses but I do work somewhere really casual. Currently wearing Vans a lot (The marvel ones) and also Fitflop Uberknits. As it gets colder will wear my burgundy Fly ankle boots a lot.

I work in a law firm and almost everyone travels to work wearing trainers and swap into other shoes while at their desk. I wear my vans for the commute and change into flats when I'm at work. A lot of the other workers do as well. While on my commute, I'd say about 60% of people are earing smart clothes and trainers on feet. Much more comfortable!

I've got the navy version of these and something similar in black www.marksandspencer.com/leather-low-heel-bow-boat-shoes/p/p22483705?image=SD_01_T02_8294_F0_X_EC_90&color=NAVY&prevPage=plp&pdpredirect

Try ECCO or Clarks for leather trainer-ish-but-smarter shoes

Brogues, loafers, or good quality ballet flats with a strap. Ankle boots in late autumn/winter. If you buy really well-made shoes (there are lots of brands, most of them expensive and manufactured in Europe) then they can be as comfortable and kind to your feet as trainers, without the clumpy trainer look. They aren't cheap (c. £90-130 a pair) but can usually be resoled again and again so work out very reasonable per wear, with the added bonus of being stylish (if you choose carefully, that is!) and very good for your feet.

Thanks for all the replies. I am going to look into all of the suggestions.

I've been looking at vans - would the classic black and white pair be best to go with everything? (Although I'm wary of looking like I'm trying to emulate my teen DSD!)

Also any thoughts on these:
www.johnlewis.com/gabor-skipper-dual-texture-loafers/p3583168

Or these
www.johnlewis.com/dune-gessie-flatform-loafers/p3421373

Some of these look comfy and smarter http://www.landsend.co.uk/WomensBungeeBallets/pp/P_31386.html

They don't have to 'go' though, do they? It will be obvious you're going to change when you get where you're going. Like someone else mentioned, there'll be hundreds of other commuters with mis-matched footwear so nobody will give you a second glance. Good luck with the new job!

You know what you're right, they don't have to 'go', plus I've seen a few pairs of trainers I like that I could then wear with jeans on my days off too. Win win!!
Thank you @cowinthemeadow bit nervy as it's been years but excited too!!

Definitely trainers for the commute. You may find wearing socks over your tights more comfortable with your trainers but it's down to personal preference.

It doesn’t matter which shoes you choose as long as they are comfortable. Keep a pair of courts at work for important meetings but otherwise comfort above fashion.
We have a strict dress code but almost everyone wears ‘plodders’ most of the time.