Help needed! What should I be wearing on my feet?!

[peasando]

I have recently realised that I am completely and utterly lost in the shoe department.

I spent the whole of summer alternating between two pairs of TOMS (no socks) but clearly this is not the weather for that now (and anyway, they look as knackered as I feel).

So what should I be getting? Budget is not massive but reasonable. I think I need:

• Trainers - what is comfortable in right now? Quite like the look of Vejas but oddly DH told me they're old hat (how would he know?!)

• Something to wear to work (I have a professional job but the vibe is v much smart casual)

• Boots? Do I need boots? They'd have to be ankle length as my calves are practically cows. I used to live in my DMs as a teenager - are they still having a revival or would that be tragic?

For context I'm early 40s, chubby, spend a lot of time either working or running round after kids and definitely need a wide fit shoe.

(I am a bit overweight and my feet are wider than they used to be. They're a size 6-6.5 so not teensy delicate little things, but im only 5 foot 4 and don't want to look as though I'm wearing clown shoes.)

I cannot wear heels.

Any ideas gratefully received!

I'm mid thirties and on the cusp of the permanent switch to my winter footwear now. This is in no way a statement that I believe I'm demonstrative of high fashion but tend to wear:

Black leather biker boots. DM's aren't quite my style and I've found they rub when I've tried them. I prefer a slightly slimmer shape with chunkier sole as I find that look (for me) works better with dresses or skirts if I need to be smarter, as well as looks good with jeans. I always think DM's give a slightly grungy and more casual vibe than goes with my wardrobe.

My lace up black zara brogues which form a similar function to the boots really and go with most things, good for smarter days and smart casual trousers that hit above the ankle and anything boots don't look quite right with.

Otherwise I'll be in trainers. I don't overly like the white trainer with dresses look and am lazy so don't find white trainers overly good for a UK winter. At the moment I generally switch between my black New Balance and some Adidas Retropy trainers if I'm wearing jeans/trousers/leggings even or need to walk a lot or on walks.

Buying and trying on with a variety of outfits is a good idea OP. Best to find things that are versatile and you can just reach for.

Great idea, thanks!

M&S are pretty good for footwear. On trend and at surprising prices. The ones I've bought from there over the years have lasted well. I liked the boot and bootleg look.