Help me find COMFORTABLE non-frumpy shoes that go with dresses

[Salisburyspire]

I am about to start a new role - semi-corporate but also arms-length public sector. I will be working with a chief exec as well as creative types.
I am pretty huge so my staple wardrobe is Boden dresses (some wrap, but some structured A-line ones). I had a social lunch yesterday and trialled one of my dresses with my usual pair of Clark's boots (not much of a heel, usually comfortable). Dear reader, I was in agony by the time I got home. I am so used to wearing trainers. I cannot wear heels due to age and weight. Also I have huge legs so ankle boots outside of the winter season when I can make my legs blend in with dark tights that match the boots are going to be problematic. What flat (but padded sole) shoes can you help me find? Trainers I fear will be too casual. Are there are other shoes that go with dresses that are not boots or heels? I quite like platform type leather sneakers in black leather with a white sole but are these too casual? My usual staple is black but will consider a navy pair to go with blue dresses too...

• * [Thread title edited by MNHQ] **

Try Gabor, or Peter Kaiser

I have a pair of dolly shoes made by dr martens that I wear with "tidy" dresses - very comfortable but being DM they aren't "old lady-ish"

(they have the same air cushion soles you get in DM boots)

I was wearing loafers before covid, but with trousers. I don’t know if they are alright with skirts/dresses. They were smart black ones from M&S and were pretty comfortable.

I have a couple of pairs of Dune brogues that are comfy and I think go nicely with dresses.

Gabor is ultimate granny, opposite of what OP wants.

@BeyondPurpleTulips thank you! I have googled but can't see them. Can you describe them or link to a similar type?
Are loafers acceptable with dresses? Are lace up black leather trainer type shoes?

I think trainers are probably acceptable, clean smart trainers not old running shoes! I've only been back to the office acouple of times, I've been wearing my DM Boots. The whole vibe is much more casual now and I am in a very corporate business in the City.

Fly London?

I admit I wear the ballet style Crocs to work quite often.

These are my go to when I’m wearing dresses but will have to move around. I am also large and have always had horrible feet which seem to blister at the mere thought of a shoe (even when I was slim) but I can keep these on for most normal days.

amazon.co.uk/Crocs-Womens-Slingback-Closed-Toe-Sandals/dp/B072LQ5SQL/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3HX9FMANPKKAK&keywords=crocs+ballet+flats&qid=1647431681&sprefix=Crocs+ballet%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-3]]

I have “smarter” trainers and brogues depending on the occasion.

I think maybe brogues with a dress?
I find footwear for dresses difficult - boots are good in winter and sandals look great in summer, it's the in between shoes I struggle with

Can anyone recommend some black trainers that would look good with a skirt for an office?

It doesn't seem that they make them any more :(
Closest I can see for same type of fit in DMs are the Mary Janes (pic one)

But mine look more like the rocket dog version (pic two)

No idea why my pictures didn't attach!
Try again...

Stupid internet! 🙄😁

@lesgalettes

Can anyone recommend some black trainers that would look good with a skirt for an office?

Maybe Skechers

I'm wearing a pair of Clark's loafers with a dress today

@lesgalettes I have Adidas Superstars. I like them as they are all black, no white bits anywhere.

Posted too soon!
These ones, v comfy

M&S trainers - some of them - are both smart looking and comfy. I feel like a lot of women wear smart white trainer type shoes with dresses and look fine (I hate white shoes on me though).

I don't know if they're padded but Embassy London shoes are v pretty.

@lesgalettes

Can anyone recommend some black trainers that would look good with a skirt for an office?

Stan Smiths or leather Converse

I live in Airbirds Treebreezers...like wearing slippers all day. Extremely comfortable and low profile, and can be put in the washing machine (come out like new). Worth every penny. Even my teenage son put them on the other day to pop outside and said 'ooooh, I can see why you like these'.

www.allbirds.co.uk/products/womens-tree-breezers

Sketchers are super granny

Ecco might suit, they're really comfortable and have lots of flat styles
gb.ecco.com/en-GB/Women/Shoes?producttype=Flats