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Original poster

Smarter shoes as comfortable as trainers? Or very smart trainers?

59 replies

Cinnamonandcoal · 23/02/2023 08:24

I have a work event for several days which involves loads of walking.

I'll be wearing skirts and dresses. Definitely no heels. But from experience loafers, brogues etc even with no heel are still torture after the first couple of days. I'm walking back and forth between venues and otherwise standing, and the hours are long - plus going to and from accommodation.

Anyone recommend a shoe which works with business clothes but feels as much like a trainer as possible?

Or do I just need v smart trainers?

Men will be in suits or in blazers and chinos, there will probably be some jeans and blazers too, to give an idea.

OP posts:
mdinbc · 24/02/2023 21:33

Ok, these aren't the prettiest shoes in the world, but are businesslike and will work with dresses and dark tights.
www.johnlewis.com/hotter-trust-buckle-ballerina-pumps/black/p5814314

Or some nice chelsea boots, with a good insole. You might also bring a pair with you to change at lunchtime just to give your feet a break.

Flounder2022 · 24/02/2023 21:38

I have these. Really comfy

www.clarks.ie/c/Dash-Lite-Strap/p/26170436

MustDust · 24/02/2023 22:00

These brogues are so comfortable I could walk miles in them

@Babymamaroon I really really want those zebra print sloafers now but the price is way out of my range 😭

BeeBB · 24/02/2023 22:15

Maybe try Fitflop, Gabor or Strive?

ponyinmud · 24/02/2023 23:37

I love Chelsea boots when I have to dress smart at work.
I can wear them with socks and tights and stuffed with padded shoe insoles.

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 24/02/2023 23:49

I know they won't win any style awards but I'm a huge fan of Skechers work range for comfort.

www.skechers.co.uk/women/shoes/skechers-on-the-go-dreamy---nightout/136210.html

www.skechers.co.uk/women/shoes/cleo-2.0---love-spell/158343.html

www.skechers.co.uk/women/shoes/cleo---bewitch/48885.html

NatashaDancing · 25/02/2023 01:02

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 24/02/2023 23:49

These are the nicest suggested, the second ones in particular. From the point of view of being smart, they are all proper shoes- not trainers.

NatashaDancing · 25/02/2023 01:18

BeeBB · 24/02/2023 22:15

Maybe try Fitflop, Gabor or Strive?

Gabor has some very smart black patent comfy shoes.

RockGirl · 25/02/2023 01:30

Fitflop, all day every day.

www.fitflop.com/uk/en/

katscamel · 25/02/2023 05:43

Not to everyone's taste but I love Irregular Choices Rambling Rose and the Ragtime Ruffles. I've worn them to work and walked for miles in them. Unfortunately because I've worn them so much they're now very nearly ready to go to the magical shoeshop in the sky.

Original poster
Cinnamonandcoal · 25/02/2023 07:07

Sketchers and the fitflop loafers definite possibilities. I'm going to find some time this week to try on as many as possible in Oxford Street to avoid ordering loads online and having to return.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cinnamonandcoal · 25/02/2023 07:08

I will take more than one pair for the week, but don't want to have to carry shoes around all day and there's generally not time to go back and change before all the evening events so I usually just wear something that is ok for both day and night. It's very full on!

OP posts:
Thighdentitycrisis · 25/02/2023 07:50

Gabor shoes are very comfortable and you can get some classic and neutral styles
www.gaborshoes.co.uk/

JingsMahBucket · 25/02/2023 07:57

I’d say no matter what, make sure you have shock absorbing insoles in the shoes. They make such a huge difference.

NatashaDancing · 25/02/2023 08:07

Thighdentitycrisis · 25/02/2023 07:50

Gabor shoes are very comfortable and you can get some classic and neutral styles
www.gaborshoes.co.uk/

Yes there are some lovely Gabor shoes. They're definitely the smartest option.

Nannyamc · 25/02/2023 08:15

Another vote for gabor. Rolling soft range should fit your brief. Best shoes ever.

PenguinLove1 · 25/02/2023 09:30

www.russellandbromley.co.uk/park-up/105193

Original poster
Cinnamonandcoal · 25/02/2023 09:56

Right, Gabor on the list and will consider buying a size up and getting great insoles. Any shock absorbing insoles recommended?

I'll have to update once I've found the perfect shoe.

OP posts:
AdoraBell · 25/02/2023 10:02

Definitely get smart trainers, some of these linked look good.

beachcitygirl · 25/02/2023 10:05

I have Skechers wedges in nude. They look smart but summery. Depends on what you're wearing with. But they are as comfy as trainers

www.skechers.co.uk/women/shoes/rumble-on---night-out/119149.html

TheDead · 25/02/2023 10:09

Given you've said this is a big work event I'm really surprised by some of the recommendations here!

Hope you find the right shoes OP

NatashaDancing · 25/02/2023 10:15

TheDead · 25/02/2023 10:09

Given you've said this is a big work event I'm really surprised by some of the recommendations here!

Hope you find the right shoes OP

Gabor is the best choice. There's several there I'd buy just because they're nice, smart shoes, not because they're comfy.

iwantavuvezela · 25/02/2023 10:20

I love ECCO shoes, extremely comfortable

CharlotteStreetW1 · 25/02/2023 12:26

I have these and they are supremely comfortable (feel like Skechers). And they're reduced now. They're as close as I'll get to white trainers.

www.clarksoutlet.co.uk/p/261574654

Thighdentitycrisis · 25/02/2023 14:31

I recommended Gabor as I hardly ever wear heels but they allow me to have a classic blackcourt shoe in the wardrobe I can grab and wear when needed with no pain