Comfortable, casual but non-dorky shoes...?

[Wigeon]

Help! I need a pair of shoes I can wear for walking around all day, which are comfortable but not totally dorky. And possible to wear in the rain. And ideally a little bit supportive as I have very flat feet. And I’ve just turned 40, so don’t want to look too old/too young (I know, I know).

I have a pair of black ankle boots but they aren’t comfortable enough to wear all day.

I have running trainers with nice squishy heel inserts, which are very comfortable but surely mega dorky if you’re not running (I currently only wear them for actually running).

Vans/Converse seem a bad idea if it’s at all damp underfoot (ie most of the year in England).

I have ballet flats but they’re not comfortable for a whole day.

What do people wear?! What should I get?

This is the trainer's heyday, there are so many styles that aren't athletic at all but are very comfortable. Shop around!

Take a look at fitflops website - lots of options that aren't horrible!

www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/lena-knot-leather-loafers-p-Y47

I realise that my username might not inspire confidence in my sartorial advice 😂

I think there are a lot of trainer options between running shoes and vans/converse. I have quite a few leather (or fake leather) pairs of smart trainers which are generally okay in the rain. I do also wear vans/converse in the rain quite often but I appreciate not everyone wants to have damp feet!

Maybe try out some different boots/spend a bit more if necessary to find some comfortable ones. Should surely be possible to find some ankle boots that you can wear all day?

I swear by my Stan Smiths trainers, I can do 20,000 steps per day in them with ease, they are sooooo comfy.

These. I was dubious but the most comfortable shoes I own and lots of compliments. They have a non-lace up version if you'd prefer. Other colours too

No laced

I have two pairs of Clark’s that are very comfy

@dudsville - ah, but I don’t trust my own judgment as to what isn’t dorky!

@FarmerFrump - will take a look (despite your name!!)

@mynameiscalypso - ah, genius, I think leather trainers might be the way to go. Hadn’t thought of that, altho my sister has some cool ones in silver.

@MelanieFrontage - - but white isn’t very practical, hm?

@Fridaysgirl - love ‘em! Especially the metallic ones. Is it ok to go to Clark’s then? (I’ve had several pairs of shoes from Clark’s but always a bit worried).

@myidentitymycrisis - do you know what sort?

Do NOT go to Clark's. Definitely too young!

Trainers are the way to go depending on your style. Take a look at Office or Schuh for inspiration. What's your budget?

@SunnySideDownBriefly - what, even those metallic ones posted by FridaysGirl? 😬

Budget - well, anything really (short of silly designer prices), in the quest for comfortable casual shoes I can wear a lot!

Oh I have those Sharon Noel shoes, although I didn't know they were called that! Sharon noel !! Sharon Noel! I am dying here, who tf named them??

But they are lovely, very comfortable, hardier than runners but can be styled the same way. I feel like they will get nicer as they age, rather than wearing out.

I'm only 5'1 so I like that the sharon noel shoes linked a bove give me an inch more height than a pair of runners would. But that's just me. If I were average height I wouldn't care.

I got mine in the pewter colour shown.

Why would you not go to Clarks? My 22 year old trendy teacher daughter gets most of her shoes from there. They are not frumpy at all. Her school heels are even from there.

I like the clarks ''hero brogue'' @Wigeon

I find fitflop shoes frumpier than clarks. Not saying I've NEVER had a pair, cos I have but I always felt frumpy when I put them on and I only ever put them on when comfort was the only consideration and even then I wished they could have been a bit nicer!

I love these

I like the python ones too but I sense {gypsy intuition} that all things snake, python, leopard, tiger, cheetah are finally about to look dated in 2020

Skechers make all kinds of trainers, shoes, boots etc and all extremely comfortable. In schuh Fly London are very comfortable boots - though may not be to your style.

I don’t love those Clark shoes TBH.

Vans have leather versions which are great for winter. I have sheepskin insoles so they are super cosy cosy.

This winter I have been constantly wearing my white Adidas Classics which are heaven to wear.

Vans do waterproof/resistant ones

Yes I'm still trying to find the perfect, what I would call all in one pair of shoes. Looks good, comfortable and waterproof. I've had a pair for twenty years, which are also slip on's (a bonus), which are now outdated, and a bit worn out, so consigned to gardening in, plus I need more cushioning underfoot. I've ended up with several pairs, and have to switch about as they've all got their faults!

Vans and Converse would be the worst of all trainers!!! Very flat (ideal if you're skateboarding??) no support/ cushioning. Similarly, thin soled ballet flats- ok for half an hour or so but not when you're on your feet all day.
I think Fitflop are the most comfortable and have the widest choice of styles/ materials available. I'm also a big fan of Skechers for comfort- but their styles are definitely casual, and so many of them are fabric- completely unsuitable for cold/ wet weather.
I really love my Birkies but obviously only good when it's warm and dry- and their style is not for everyone!!

I have these they are clarks narrative but i dont know if they are still available

Also Mariella Busby which are a narrow chelsea boot with a flexible sole,
I used to wear these all day when I worked in school

What do you wear clothes wise that your every day shoes need to go with?

yy to leather trainers
I live and die in my Stan Smiths, but Air Force 1s are probably even more supportive, as there's a thicker sole and lining.