Shoes for office - can't wear high heels, don't want frumpy...

[Isol]

I'm back into the office and desperately need new shoes having been working from home six months. Prior to that I had some plain black heels but they were so tatty and I hated them anyway that I threw them back in March. I've only worn trainers or flip flops for six months. The only other shoes I own are some snow boots and welly boots.

For the office it is semi casual but I nearly always wear a mid-length skirt. I'm an overweight apple shape (despite my best efforts) with revoltingly muscular calves that I hate. My lower legs look like chicken drum sticks. I'm 5"2 and have clown like size 8 feet. I've slim ... bordering on dainty... ankles but in boots all you see is thick calves.

What shoes do I get.... anyone?

What about a Clark's loafer, dark purple patent or black patent?

I'm not keen on loafers. I think I only seem drawn to shoes that wouldn't suit me or would be impossible for me to walk in!

Try Gabor, Hotter or Fitflop.

Brogues, or ankle Chelsea boots.

gabor or ecco court shoes

Ankle boots that are snug to the ankle? By the way I know you’re not keen on your calves but they sound awesome to me! What about a shorter length skirt. On the knee or just above, show off the calves and the knees for balance, little ankle boots?

Low cut flat or low heel ankle boots for cooler days and with crop trousers

A pointed flat for skirts and warmer days

I can't wear heels yet wear them in the office as I'm not going far and it's mainly carpet. Wear trainers or flip flops to walk there though

I suffer with sturdy calves too, and my best suggestion is a dainty clog with a shapely low heel. It looks neat, and flatters the narrowing run of your calf to the ankle. You need to ensure that your hemlength is slightly below the widest part of your calf muscle.

Pointed flats are a good call although they can get a bit overwhelmed by weather. But maybe change at work.

I would go pointed flats, ballet shoes or slouchy calf boots

Thanks everyone.

Hotter is what my 80yo MIL swears by, I’m sure they have some nice shoes but I can’t bring myself to wear her favourite brand!

I’ve ordered several pairs of pointed flats and a few new skirts that look like they will with hot just below the widest point of my calves as suggested, and one that is just above the knee, as well as a pair of ankle boots to try.

Just looking at Gabor, they have a few nice options. I’ve spent a fortune tonight... hoping that 90% of it gets returned for the sake of my bank balance!

Toms espadrilles are comfy and the black ones are suitable enough for work

M&S have a nice mid heel court shoe in navy, black and tan. There's an offer on too.

Block heel.
Leather or non leather.
Pointed or more square toe.

I like the idea of Chelsea boots. Will get you through all kinds of weather and are nice with a dress/skirt and tights or trousers/jeans. I fancy a pair in a nice chestnut colour.

Toms espadrilles are comfy and the black ones are suitable enough for work

Please come back and say what you kept - I’m 5”2 Apple s18, and with WFH ending in a week, I’m struggling with what to buy with winter coming. I’m trying to break out of trousers, so something I can wear with dresses would be good. Like you, I can’t wear heels (bad ankle, misspent youth), but don’t want to be dowdy. Black leather preferred.

I was going to start a thread like this, but I'll hop on.

My entire wardrobe is built around heels- pencil skirts, column dresses, pleated skirts. But I'm doing upward of 6000 steps in.work and have to walk a fair distance between rooms.

I have brochures and loafers, but I think they look better with trousers. Do I have to wear ballet shoes, or are there alternatives? I've always gone glam and flats just don't do.it for me.

Don't wear ballet shoes - they offer no support for the foot.

I’m the same as you @Asuitablecat - I just can’t see brogues or loafers with a dress or a skirt, so I buy dresses and skirts that sit in my wardrobe waiting for the perfect footwear. I look at wedges or block court shoes but unless they’re 3” high, I wonder if they’re dowdy or matronly. I don’t (can’t) wear 5” or even 3” heels so options please!?

I find a lace up shoe/shoe boot or Mary Jane, if they suit you, is better than a court shoe/pump slip on for comfort, and definitely a block or wedge heel rather than a pointy heel.

Some mid heel ankle boots which are a good close fit/lace up may very well do the job, I have a black suede pair which aren't the most durable but they do go with everything. You might be able to go a bit higher if they are a good fit - what I think of as "Men in Black" boots e.g. Timberland Allington boots.

A lot of the challenge with dresses is getting the right length/tights/shoe combo so the proportions work.

at your size, looking at school shoes might be an option.

My skirts need to be around knee length, really. That limits my options somewhat. I.wear my loafers with a shortish skirt and black tights, but age is not on my side. I just want to be able to spend the day in one or two rooms that are close to each other. I can stand in heels, just not march around quickly and carrying stuff.

What about fitflop, they do some nice structured ballet flats.