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] **

“Dated” works. “Sensible shoe” works.

"Sensible" could mean anything though. My doc marten shoes are sensible in that they're very comfortable and can be worn for hours. I can't see anyone asking for recommendations but wanting to avoid anything sensible. Equally some of the styles posted aren't dated because there would never have been a time they were actually current.

My mum (in her 80s) would probably call them "old fashioned", I suppose.

I’m sure by putting different words together it’s possible to convey meaning and still avoid ageist, racist and misogynistic language.

Old fashioned or unstylish works.

Imagine if we used ‘30-something’ to express clothing and footwear in this derogatory way? ‘Granny’ has nothing to do with S&B - it simply means your child has given birth to or adopted a child, nothing more.

What would be a more appropriate descriptor for that type of shoe?
I would have probably said something along the lines of: 'Any suggestions for a comfortable, contemporary shoe that would be appropriate in a quasi corporate working environment?'
Aside from the ageism angle, I find you normally get more helpful responses if you try and describe what you do want as opposed to what you don't.

Fitflop pumps, loads of different colours, very comfy!

I would surprised if smart trainers don’t work - thinking Stan smiths, superstars or sleeks not your dog walking old running shoe ones. I would also suggest campers if you don’t want to go the trainer route!

Floisme Me too although I would have ended it with “that aren’t fugly” because, my Lord, some of the shoes suggested are!

@TomBradysLeftKneecap

Floisme Me too although I would have ended it with “that aren’t fugly” because, my Lord, some of the shoes suggested are!

Yeah “fugly” does the job.

Loafers. Or brogues all the way! I have bad knees and have had a back operation so I can’t tolerate heels any more, so I try to get some loafers or brogues in metallic, patent or a colour.
Those trainer type ones wouldn’t be appropriate in my corporate world but a lovely yet comfy loafer or brogues would be.

Personally I wouldn't use 'fugly / not fugly' because a) that's down to individual taste and b) it's throwing a negative into the mix again. I'd rather keep it positive and then go through the suggestions and decide for myself what I liked or didn't. But yeah I think there are plenty of alternative ways of asking.

it all depends on one's perspective. I am thinking the OP is after shoes that make her look and feel relatively young and fashionable, rather than looking like she is purely dressing for comfort, when of course, that is what she is doing. (like a no make up make up look?!).

I came on this thread in the hope of finding same, but sadly am disappointed at all the suggestions. (I quite like the LKB option). Love the heart decorated brogues also mentioned, but they definitely aren't my style.

I was looking for similar.. I had my 12 Yr old daughter with me who is NOT in anyway into clothes or fashion and would comfortably wear a bin bag and wellies. I found some I liked and asked her what she thought... she pondered and told me they looked like a granny going exploring in a jungle... I will not offer you my choices !!!

www.heavenlyfeet.co.uk/collections/fresh-arrivals

Anything from Heavenly Feet.

They have memory foam insoles and are like walking on little clouds!

I’m surprised that people are turning their noses up at Gabor! I love Gabor, so comfortable and (I thought) stylish in an understated way. I’m mid-30’s and on my feet all day at work and I’d happily wear them. They last ages. I’ve had compliments. They’re also the only brand I’m happy buying online because their sizing is so spot on.

As you can tell, I’m heartbroken that my favourite brand of shoes has been called “granny”

[quote Salisburyspire]Damn it Whitney you are so right.
Are these just too ghastly?
www.johnlewis.com/hotter-elevate-leather-slip-on-loafers/black/p5803569?size=7-5#product[/quote]
As you were looking at hotter, I'd try something like www.johnlewis.com/hotter-trust-wide-fit-buckle-ballerina-pumps-black/p5814322

Arche or mephisto brands work for me.

I can't wear any shoes without socks. I can wear trainer socks with trainers, but what do people wear with loafers and a shirt in the summer?

I wear these low footsie things - M&S do good ones

www.allsole.com/footwear/clarks-women-s-orianna-leather-chunky-derby-shoes-black/13137706.html

I would try the Russell and Bromley flatform trainers with tailored trousers and some interesting tops. The Fold does some nice capsule wardrobe style workwear. Keep the whole look minimal with something to draw attention to your face like a statement necklace.

Have you dug around on Clarks shoes? I have bought shoes with super comfy soles from them that don't look too terrible.

I have some shoes with soles similar to these www.clarks.co.uk/c/Appley-Walk/p/26162446 and I can stand and do training/presentations in them all day. Also check the clarks outlet website for older styles.

Though as I have small feet - my fear isn't the comfort over style vibe, but more that it might look like I've mugged a small child for their shoes on the way into the office.

I wear Clark’s lace up brogues with a chunky sole - comfortable and look good with skirts/dresses or trousers

I would go Clark's .. a t-bar should be flattering and if you are semi creative you can get away with more geeky type choices. Come in Matt and patent.

Or if you where wide leg type trousers I'm sure you could get away with trainers.

*I don’t get these posts, OP said no granny shoes and has been suggested Gabor, Ecco, Crocs and Shuropody.

I have some of these for work, they aren’t particularly glamorous but have an special sole.*

And then suggests Toms which my 78 year old mother wears - 'granny' is in the eye of the beholder