Very comfortable professional shoes or foldup ones for handbag?

[walkingtheplank]

I have a week's conference coming up next month and I'm dreading it because of my feet. Having attended before I know that some days will start at 8am and I'll still be on my feet at midnight. Last time I actually had to come home early because of my feet.

So, I need very comfy but professional shoes to go with suit or dress. I'd rather be in a pair of trainers but it will need to be courts unless there is another alternative. Are there any particular brands/styles to go for?

I've also been thinking of having something more comfortable in my bag so I can hobble back to hotel. I think you can get some fold up ones so would be interesting to know if these are any good. I recall them being expensive so only want to buy them if they are any good.

Any tips gratefully received.

Russell and Bromley, real leather and quality stitching. But they are investment pieces. Extremely comfortable shoes in my experience.

Gabor shoes are most comfortable I’ve ever owned. Like gliding on air.

For fold up I've found butterfly twists very comfortable - can normally get a discount code and a pair for £30-£40 or check on TK maxx as they sometimes have them for 10-15

I would wear all-black Asics trainers with long, wide-leg trousers. Add jewellery and nice hair.

I find the Fly London Yaz are good for this.

Otherwise Skechers sometimes have some which might work for trouser suits

ECCO shoes are amazing. Most comfortable ones I've tried, most of my shoes are ecco now. They do black courts etc. Gabor is good too but ECCO is better.

Can they actually insist you have heels? I’m guessing the men at this conference wear flats! I feel more confident in heels but I feel less confident when I’m hobbling..

I wear Skechers Mary Janes with wide leg trousers - would they work?

I was thinking Gabor so will try to find a high street stockist.
Was also thinking Butterfly Twists.

Longbar - no one is telling me how to dress. The majority of people there will be men (of all ages) and a about 20% women, most of whom will be younger than me.

My real struggle was evenings. I tried to do the trouser suit thing last year, that would accommodate comfy shoes but in the evening functions, all the ladies were looking far more dressy i.e. in dresses and I don't want to be the resident frump.

Are Sketchers Mary Janes as squidgy of sole as the trainers? My feet really don't like squidgy sole.

I am a teacher and wear these all black Skechers to school.

These might not be sufficiently formal for your conference. Perhaps something like these loafers from Marks and Spencer , with a padded inner sole for extra comfort?

Definitely take super comfortable shoes in your bag to wear to and from the event.

Brogues. I have given up on “feminine” work shoes ever since I realised a) that I can think and work better when I’m not thinking about my painful feet, and b) no one else really cares. Honestly they don’t.

I go to a lot of conferences and my best shoes are Clarks wide wedges. They have padding under the soles of your feet, the wedge is kinder to your ankles than heels, and open toes mean they don't knock your toenails. All my colleagues wear sparkly fit flop type things to go to and from the hotel. The sweet relief of doing that can't be understated.

I was at a big meeting in the US last week, and was on the company stand 8-5.30 everyday, and our 'off booth' meeting rooms were the other end of the convention centre so I would have to belt down there a couple of times a day as well as standing lots. In the evening I wore maxi dresses with my 'nice' fit flops and was still able to dance and look good. I've learnt that a black maxi looks great and can be endlessly dressed up with comfy shoes

Hotter shoes have a padded insole, a friend of mine swears by them.

I'm loving all the suggestions - and busy Googling!

Similar to this picture, memory foam so comfy but not squidgy

Some loafer types are quite comfy. Also I swear by the gel inserts - they do make a difference and cheaper in wilkos/pound shop.

Long term go to a podiatrist just in case they can suggest things that can go inside your shoes and check for trapped nerves etc.

Have a look at Fitflops- they do loads of styles not just flip flops.
They are all so comfy and a pair of their brogues or Mary Janes would look very smart.

Gabor or Geox. My most comfortable heels in the world are geox but I wear Gabor most days.
Also have butterfly twists - I have the suede ones and they feel like slippers. I find they come up a little small though.

Having gone to some local shops and found nothing I'm goung to go to Oxford St today. There's an Ecco there. Presumably have to go to department store for Geox and Gabor. Any suggestions?
Are Butterfly Twist online only?

I bought some geox heels for comfort and although initially they seemed really comfy they are still not all day heels. I always carry other shoes or sandals with me as well.