Dress shoes for work that aren't heels but still make you look 'polished'

[SoTiredNeedHoliday]

Looking for some dress shoes to wear to a new office job. Haven't worn anything other than trainers for as long as can recall as current job is creative and casual.
What can I get that will be
a. comfortable
b. look polished and professional
c. make me look ok without heels in an office

@WhoWasThatMaskedWoman i think they’re really nice!

I also have the leather loafers from M and S. I have the patent leather ones in both navy and black. I get loads of compliments on them! And they are super comfy.

My heart sank a bit when I bought them because of the tedium but actually they've been a godsend, and I'm coming to love them (also I had a 20% off shoes Sparks offer which helped).

I wear loafers, brogues or ankle boots. Basically anything a smart man could wear!!

I like Moda in Pelle for work flats or Dune. Neither are that expensive that you can’t have a few different colours.

www.modainpelle.com/shoes-c1/brogues-and-loafers-c96

Loafers.

Patent ones can look smarter but can also wear quicker. I think the ones with a bar or something across the tongue add a nice look and make them look smarter.

https://www.dunelondon.com/greenfield-leather-snaffle-trim-loafers-black-0076508510007804.html?glCountry=GB&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3ICI-8mm-gIVVe7tCh0rqg6jEAQYAyABEgIasDD_BwE

Something like this but you can get cheaper ones!

Kitten heel pointy toes with an embellished buckle etc are another option. I've a pair with a very small heel and they're pretty comfy but look v v dressy.

I'm not sure how formal your office is but chunky boots with a nice dress are also very comfortable but might be considered too casual for a law firm, finance or estate agent for example.

You'd be surprised how casually people dress in some offices!

I bought these 2 a few months ago for specifically this need. I didn't keep either in the end as they didn't suit me, but I think they're fantastic and IMO much better in a creative work environment than loafers. I do have a real hatred of loafers so might not be objective.
Don't know if these specific ones are still available anywhere but an extra idea to add in?

www.johnlewis.com/l-k-bennett-pembridge-platform-wedge-leather-shoes/p5570253?s_share=jlappdroid

www.johnlewis.com/l-k-bennett-drew-wedge-brogues-black/p6243017?s_share=jlappdroid

I have recently splashed out on these which I appreciate are trainers but I’ve worn them with trousers, midi dresses, pencil skirts, skater dresses at work, and they are fab. I’m on my feet a lot on building sites so can’t do with heels of any sort but don’t always need rigger boots as I’m in head office half the week too.

Brogues and loafers are getting more stylish, PPs have posted some great options. These are lovely.

I wear smart boots or dolly shoes and smart sandals in the summer. I’ve literally never worn heels to work because I’m in my 20s and who does that anymore.

I don't know anyone in my office who doesn't travel in trainers (and then quite often forgets to change into their work shoes). I also have some sketchers Cleo shoes which are super comfy flats, they don't look like trainers and they're not too hideous.

I had no idea R&B offered this service @Katrinawaves. I've used Timpsons! Off to give blood tomorrow which is near their store in my home city so will take them in for some love and attention.

If I could justify the cost I’d get something like these vintage-style shoes. I covet almost everything on this site!

memery.co.uk/collections/1940s-shoes/products/everyday-walking-oxford-shoes-30s-40s-brown-emily

I have these (though in beige as I don’t wear black shoes)
www.dunelondon.com/hippy-leather-snaffle-trim-ballet-pumps-black-0075504510008484.html
They are a ballet/loafer cross, very firm soles.

Dune have loads of options.

Brick lane brogues
embassylondon.co.uk/products/brick-lane-black-black?_pos=5&_sid=333f903a6&_ss=r&variant=40282678165564

timberland flat black boots (often on sale in tk maxx)
www.timberland.co.uk/shop/en/tbl-uk/women-footwear-boots/hannover-hill-chelsea-boot-for-women-in-black-a2ksk001

Another vote for Moshulu

I’m also looking for this. Tend to wear longer dresses/skirts and whenever I try brougues/loafers just think I look awful ( particularly with tights).

Of all my shoes I have to say my Russell and Bromley pairs for years ago have definitely lasted and worn well. Found LK Bennett quite poor quality and not worth the money ( also seem to be narrower fitting).

Do you wear socks or trainer socks with the loafers? I worry I'll be cold with no socks

These look nice - elegant and inoffensive!