If you have dodgy knees what shoes do you wear when you need to look smart?

[DemiZen]

I live in hiking shoes or stability trainers (e.g. asics Kayano ) as my feet and knees have a tendency to collapse inwards as I walk. With these types of shoe, I can walk all day and it's not a problem. What is a problem, is that I've been invited to a restaurant with a dress code...and trainers are not permitted. On top of that, I will have been walking around all day with the DC and want to continue being able to walk around with the DC the following day.
Short of carrying a spare pair of shoes with me all day, which seems ridiculously impractical, what do you wear as smart shoes if you've dodgy knees?

Honestly I would carry the spare pair of shoes- pair of smart ballet flats (as will be lightweight) and a cloth bag you can put your walking shoes in later. Change round the corner from the restaurant. Way easier than trying to find smart comfy shoes!

Foldable ballet flats would fit the bill for easy to carry, but not sure how your gammy knees would go with them.

Lace up leather dress shoes

Ballet flats will presumably be hell on your feet, but for the few steps from the front door to the table, and maybe one trip to the loo you should be OK. They don't take up much space.

The alternative would be brogues or really solid loafers.

I think it depends a bit on what sort of walking you are doing. If in a town, and the boots won't be muddy, I would probably wear my comfy, clompy, black leather Clarks boots to the restaurant. Hiking-style clompy boots have been quite fashionable in the past few years.

If I were to need to carry a glam change from muddy boots, I have a pair of gold, cushioned, Pavers flip-flops that don't take up much space but manage to look quite glam and I find them comfortable.

I don't like ballet flats any more as they aren't cushioned enough for my feet.

I have leather ballet pumps from Lands End. They aren't dead flat but are a normal sole.

I have similar issues and I’d have to just carry my trainers with me and slip on a super cheap pair of ballet flats for the restaurant and change afterwards.

Hiking style shoes/boots are forbidden (else I wouldn't have an issue) as are flip flops!
Spare pair of shoes it is then... I feel like I'm back at school colouring in the labels on my shoes, can't believe places have such rules for adults!

I think the restaurant policy is shockingly ableist!

what would they say to someone who has to wear prosthetic leg and as a result, big wide trainers !?

I would have contacted the restaurant beforehand and told them exactly this! I’m not going to knacker my knees even further just for a rigid policy and a few hours-id be too stressed to enjoy it anyway