Any retail staff around who can advise on shoes?

[Papergirl1968]

I’ve just got my first job in retail, at the age of 52.
It’s initially a Christmas temp job so don’t want to spend a fortune but could do with some comfy shoes.
There’s no uniform but I’ll need to wear black, and trousers are advised as there’s a lot of restocking shelves.
I’ve been looking at Hotter, Padders etc. Do you think something like these would be ok?

They'll be fine, most go for comfort.

Congratulations on your job.

Congratulations on your job! 🎊 the Fearne ones are nice

Are they patent leather? Just asking because I had patent leather shoes and they were awful! They started bubbling and peeling and didn't last very long.

Good luck with your job @Papergirl1968

Sorry, I only saw the first picture! :)

I've worked in a few retail places and the first ones would be unsuitable due to the top of the foot not being fully covered but rules will vary by employer so worth double checking. The second and third look fine though. Congratulations on the new job!

Thank you! The Fearne ones are probably my favourite but good point about maybe not providing enough coverage.

I'd get some with leather uppers and inners if you can run to them price wise OP. Nothing worse than sweaty feet that can't breathe if you're standing up all day. Both of the ones you've posted look comfy though!

@Papergirl1968 flat sole and covered top of foot would be your best bet and should be fine in most situations 😊 rules vary depending on health and safety regulations in place. Been a retail manager for 8 years in various shops and that’s what we would usually advise 😊

The second or third pair would be best... cover your foot a bit!

Good Luck xx

I wouldn’t get the first ones either as the would rub my heal. I’d go with the last one then you can Velcro it to fit the best and not rub. If you are doing food retail (ie somewhere you’ll be in and out of walk in fridges) get something with a decent tread as a lot of women shoes are basically flat soles which are very skiddy on potentially damp floors.

Plus if you can afford leather rather than pvc they breath a bit better.

Honestly, nobody judges a retail worker by their footwear, especially when they work in retail themselves!

Luckily we're finally allowed to wear trainers where I work but before that, all the 'youngsters' wore Clark's lace up brogues or similar (I'm the same age as most of their parents )

I wear sandals similar to Birkenstock's most of the time but am looking
at these as their boots range is mega comfy.

Thank you all very much!
Some were out of stock in my size when I took a closer look but I found a Padders pair similar to the third pic so have ordered those.