What kind of shoes for post covid return to the office?

[KeyboardWorriers]

I have had a fairly recent (during lockdown) promotion to senior management.
Pre covid I just about got away with leather converse etc in my role at thr time (it's a smart casual office) although most people dressed smarter.
At senior level pre covid everyone at senior mgt level seemed to wear high heels (well, not the men... )

I really don't particularly want to wear heels. I used to live in them in my twenties but had a knee operation in my early 30s and now don't enjoy wearing them.s

Sorry, a long waffly background but basically my question is what kind of shoes might work that will seem smart enough but also comfortable and not frumpy? I am guessing everyone will be more casual post covid but in a senior position I will still need to look and feel smart.

I am quite short and, due to medication, much heavier than I am used to being. I just struggle to imagine feeling comfortable or like myself in most of the flats I see. (I am a jeans, converse and t shirt kind of person outside work).

Galoshes or those waders fishermen wear would be safest and easy to hose down at the end of the day.

Clarks black leather flats. Not open pumps. Anyone comments on heels and you can suggest that if they are needed for your level, Dave can demonstrate.

@MinesAPintOfTea yes I totally agree, I'll wear heels when the (male) chief exec wears heels

But joking aside I want to feel confident and smart but also like myself. And i can't find anything that fits the bill. Dainty ballet flats worked when I was very slim, but I am struggling to find a style that works for my current shape.

Clarks have some nice looking black Mary Janes. I have been wondering the same myself.

I think the problem where I am short is that things like Mary Janes make me look like a (wrinkly) toddler!

I wear brogues, the shoe style of Dr martens (I have brown leather and black sparkly) or Mary Jane styles.

www.lkbennett.com/product/SFTINASHIMMERSUEDEBrownBronze~Tina-Bronze-Shimmer-Suede-Loafers-Bronze

I bought these they are fab. Also senior management. Don’t think they will work in winter or in the rain but for now they are great. I’ve been wearing them with cropped navy trousers. I also paid over £100 for them so I’m cross they’re now on sale

@Snoopsnoggysnog ooh yes I like those!!

I’ve always been a trainer lover but have swapped to wearing a chunky loafer - mine are DMs - and am a convert. Good with skirts and trousers. I’m quite fat so need something to kind of balance my leg out and isn’t too dainty

I've started wearing neoprene shoes [it's a grand secret]. They sound awful on paper but they don't sweat, stretch to your foot shape and are comfortable.
I haven't tried these ones but something like this? neoprene

So tricky post Covid! I honestly don’t know what the expectation is anymore. I changed jobs during Covid and everyone is really casual but is that just a Covid thing? Who knows!

Shoes are hardest of all. Easier in winter I think.

Brogues?

Am thinking DM lace up shoes or loafers might be the way forward for me. I also need something chunky!