Flats for office wear - and how to style them

[sycamore54321]

On medical advice, I need to stick to flat shoes, including for work. I am struggling to find anything other than flimsy ballet flats, which are fine for summer but seem a bit insubstantial once summer ends.

My work wear is usually knee-length sleeved dresses, skirt suits, sometimes wide leg trousers with a shirt. I can easily make the trousers look ok with flats ; the others look a bit frumpy. It seems that flats look better with a shorter skirt length, which doesn't really sit for work...

Anyway, any advice gratefully received on how to make my new flat-shoe regime look well, both for nice flat shoes and what to wear them with. Thanks.

Have you been advised to wear COMPLETELY flat shoes, cos that would be unusual. Usual advice (even in the absence of a medical problem) is it's better to wear a very low heel as completely flat causes foot problems, as anyone who has developed plantar fasciitis will tell you. Also ballet flats don't support your feet so long term use of them isn't recommended. Will also be extremely cold in winter.

Fit Flop is the go-to recommendation for people with plantar fasciitis so you could have a look at them online. A few shops stock a small selection but they tend to be sandals. The shoes are on the chunky side but you might find a loafer that works with skirts. Look out for a discount code if you buy online.

You could also consider lace-ups such as brogues, which could work with skirts if you can style them well.

I have the same problem, been advised to wear supportive 'flat' shoes with additional arch support due to Achilles' tendon issues and appallingly flat feet. I've been wearing a pair of Clark's brogue type shoes, think they're called Griffin or Mabel? They have been fab but I need to replace them and also add more for variety so I'm hoping to see suggestions too!

I love Clarks Hamble Oak

www.clarks.co.uk/c/Hamble-Oak/p/20346713

Brogues.

I'm recovering from a broken ankle and need to wear supportive flat shoes. Ballet flats don't give me enough support but brogues are perfect. I have Clarks Hamble Oak.

Another vote for the Hamble Oak. I have a black patent and a tan pair.

They go with so much and are comfy too.

Pretty much most of the flatter shoes from Clark’s have some sort of support built into the bottom. I would go for something from there. I can’t wear any of the mainstream ballet flat type shoes. It’s like just walking on the pavement!

Blowfish do some nice sturdy flats. I have a pair that are 2 years old and still going.

www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,30/1615004789070?gclid=Cj0KCQjwn4ncBRCaARIsAFD5-gVNSYoOB2MGqzmAI4J3dxPokNbkHlQmAKMdEpTB3bQHnVO7l87ejVgaAq71EALw_wcB

Skechers are comfortable but not fashionable.

Sometimes you only need a very slight shortening of a skirt to rebalance proportions. Opaque tights help too. This sort of strap shoe is around at the moment. Also I saw these (Aldo) a bit more feminine than classic brogues, great as they are.

I like a loafer.

What about neat ankle boots?

I would get leather & something flat with a bit of support or 'give' to it. Ballet flats are not enjoyable to wear - I used to wear cheap Primark type ballet flats all the time and they were just a pain in the arse

Also look up companies or designers that do more orthopaedic ones - they don't have to be Hush Puppies but for instance I work next to a shoe shop that makes that kind of podiatrist approved shoe but they're pricy as they're quite stylish

I'm in the same boat for work shoes and I'm embarrassed to say I've carried on wearing my ankle boots this year.
I fancy some brother though. I wear mostly navy or light grey tailored trousers for work. Would tan brother be too "Top Man boyish? How about black ones?

I don't fancy my brother ☺
BROGUES obviously

Try brands like hotter, Gabor, Josef Siebel, think!, some Clark’s styles.

I never wear heels and always wear shoes in this sort of style.

www.hotter.com/gb/en/shake-shoes-shakes-product?fit=Standard+Fit&colour=Maroon%20/%20Navy

I have to have the extra band across the top of my foot, can’t wear ballet pump styles at all!

Loafers - the smarter end, rather than moccasin type. Try M&S?

Another vote for Hamble Oaks! I also quite like loafers from Clarks, and they had a slightly strappy style of shoe called Taylor something or other that looked nice with skirts. Depending on your style DM do some great flat shoes too - I have a great oxblood pair of laceups.

www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/low-block-heel-mary-jane-shoes-wide-e-fit/LZ181/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=8010#colour:Navy,size:6,?promo=1811&cm_mmc=email--JDW--SE_020_CSO_ORDER_CONFIRM_NEW-_-prodimage

I've just bought these in blue and black for work.

I had this problem and have resorted to Gabor... they are pricey though but v comfortable. My last 2 pairs (one blue one black) lasted 2 years

I have to wear flats (with a bit of a heel) due to wearing orthotics and pronation so I'm always on the look out for nice flat shoes (usually unsuccessfully unfortunately, as most are too unsupportive). I've had some success with Boden I am currently lusting over this site Julia Bo that offers a range of brogues, mary janes and boots that can be customised in loads of colours and textures. Prices are more than Clarks but pretty reasonable all things considered. Haven't used them yet but the reviews are great.

(PS Jones has a sale on ATM due to being taken over by Pavers)

This is a real problem ; if you are young with slim legs maybe you could wear H amble Oaks or loafers with a dress or skirt, but personally I feel like Miss Trunchball in those!
I wear sandals or boots- haven't managed to find any flat shoes that work with a dress.

I've got the Clarks Hamble Oaks. Very comfy, sturdy but still look nice rather than clunky.

I wear them with slim fit ankle grazer trousers.

I absolutely love Gabor Indiana flats, smart, comfy and not flimsy. They aren't cheap but last. Definitely worth the investment.

In the winter I switch to flat leather knee high boots or ankle boots with trousers.

I have neat ankles and find the just-above-the-ankle style quite flattering. This is pretty in vogue at the moment.

I find that flat shoes are much easier to wear with this than with knee length skirts.

Boden have a good range of stylish flats, although I am very awkward and want padded soles and lace up fronts if possible as well. A roomy toe box is also preferable (Morton's neuroma).

Fitflop are good, also Joseph Siebel and Chie Mihara (need a discount)