Office shoes that my feet won't walk out of / that won't blister my Ehlers-Danlos skin

[dontshootmessenger]

I have just secured a new job after a redundancy earlier this year. It's actually a big step up and being a new job, I don't want to go in wearing trainers like I did in my old job after covid happened.

I have a lot of issues with finding shoes that work for my feet. I have suspected Ehlers-Danlos and my feet blister like crazy in most court shoes, even though I wear tights. I also have fairly small feet (4.5) with skinny ankles, but wide toe box (I sound like a hobbit). I think this causes me issues with my feet slipping out of office shoes.

Has anyone found a soft leather, low heel, pair of shoes that won't slip off their feet, that are not hideous? I have worn Gabor court shoes in the past, and they don't blister me, but they do slip off my feet even with heel grips.

I'm thinking a pair of Clarks shoes might be my best bet. Mary Janes or brogues. Potentially with a low block heel.

Are things like these a fashion offence? I'm 40 and don't want to look like a twat, but after not wearing heels since March 2020, I just can't be arsed with sore feet anymore.

Here's the shoes I think I'll resort to if you stylish ones don't have any suggestions. 😱

They look really hard and uncomfortable! I wear wallaby's for work. So comfy.

A relative with the same condition, swears by Vivo Barefoot they do have smart work shoes in stock from time to time. Not cheap though. Also Revivo, refurbished shoes:

I have EDS so I feel your pain (literally!) I can't wear courts at all, it has to be very low heel with either a Mary Jane style strap or lace-up brogues, and ideally a memory foam inner sole.

It's hard to find shoes that fit the bill without looking like you've just had an orthopaedic prescription filled, and I don't have much of a budget so I can only recommend cheaper brands, but I mostly wear Heavenly Feet (the DM-style boots more than the shoes, although you do occasionally find the odd decent pair of shoes). Pavers aren't bad - they've currently got some decent chunky-soled Mary Janes in. I do resort to Skechers occasionally even though I know they're not great for support overall but they're the comfiest thing for my feet. I have an all black fabric pair that are neither too trainery nor too orthopaedic-y.

I have very blistery feet, which are wide and I tend to step out of shoes. Sargasso and Grey do pretty shoes with straps and very soft - they are also well described if they are overall wide or wide just in the toe box. Ones like these are good as the strap stops the shoe moving on your foot.

Lovely, thank you all for your comments, I will look at them all. It looks like they're not ALL doom and gloom.

I'm sorry you all have similar issues to me, but at least we aren't all alone?

Bring on autumn, when I can get my Chelsea boots out :)

I do agree the shoes I put up look painful. Bet I'd blister in no times in that hard patent..

I meant to add OP, congratulations on your new job!

I have problem feet that are sensitive to most shoes, not for the same reasons as you.

I recently bought some shoes from this brand, the leather is buttery soft and so very comfortable to wear from the off.

www.pikolinos.com/uk-en/women.html

The style I have is Formentera.

Have you tried Gabor shoes? I have low wedges in black with a kick-ass grip sole and a pair of navy blue low heeled courts. I wore both with bare feet, not a single blister or any discomfort at all.

Not sure if that's what you're looking for but I would recommend a look at the Gabor site definitely.

I like your fall back shoes!

I have hotters like these which are my fall back 'I need comfort' shoes but yours are much cooler I think!

I had some sketchers black Mary Janes for the office when I was pregnant, very comfy! They do a lot of smart trainer type shoes.

Oh no. I rush into these threads and then prepare to spend a fortune on all the other suggestions...

Ecco can be good.

I have foot problems.

I have also worn plain black sketchers with memory foam which are technically trainers but very supportive.

I have issues with one foot following a stroke. I got a couple of pairs of skechers as they do some smarter shoes and they are super comfy and very kind on the feet.

Do you have to wear heels?
These are absolutely the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn and look quite formal on. Also I can keep them in my briefcase when going to something like an expo and change when me feet are crying
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greatonu-Foldable-Comfort-Portable-Slipper/dp/B06XWB2BMQ/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2OHO6I8YN8UD2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wF8HZaagbFY5xR--j-66Ao3v1mGbqw6kOzp6WgR3Au7aA7DKz3dTXGPPqXxBDYxZVGtpPZt-RPkQ2Rd9ymqLpWSIs-megQFWMOT8NBiLAP-_ffnCReDmD8IVVkWPqP-NYu7Q8adiUrLt8ENZ1yl407stTKu3a8vhH6oXtail5_qcfuLd2ZHuZ9fkEa5fjdVjaADmgXUIBGYXZgMkoXKfXruXdwUVDDNKEjdfT3OVUwMKbzJ-vg5OlmaEvzd_T-G-UO9gaPCFFj0vYDcV1lYWWRiHNOKcqEknf5PwnWqg_DA.l_8LgUvaI12EYUu_tFqbx4sAzGpwKBmVngErTxDs5FY&dib_tag=se&keywords=greatonu%2Bballet%2Bpumps&qid=1720529025&sprefix=greatonu%2Bballet%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-6&th=1

@dontshootmessenger I'm in a similar place with added ankle surgery (I can't even wear Chelsea boots now) I wear Marks and Spencer school shoes! I've got a leather pair of Mary Janes that cost £30 and look virtually identical to DMS bit are souch more comfortable I've had them a few years now ,still in great condition & polish well

There are also some brands that supposedly contain specialist inserts
Flexi fit - "healthy step: orthopedic sandals for the perfect hold" – Original Fashion (original-fashion.shop)

or sole bliss- but they have a lot of pointy toes that I would avoid
Next also do a range called forever comfort
Buy Navy Blue Regular/Wide Fit Forever Comfort® Round Toe Block Heel Court Shoes from the Next UK online shop

Camper right and camper peu might be worth looking at. You might need an additional insole for extra comfort. Narrow fit but with a wide toe box. Absolutely tonnes of wide toe box barefoot shoes out there but the soles can be thin and maybe too flexible for you, I don't know best what would suit.

I'm on my feet all day, a lot of people who do my job wear sketches but I prefer something a little more formal. The clarks comfy range are good if expensive. I've got these one's at the moment.

https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/hope-roxanne/26137200-p

I feel like these one's where a softer fit.

https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/nalle-lilac/26172531-p

Before anyone criticises me I can't wear Sandals for health and safety or that could be an option at this time of year.

I have similar problems (bunions so need a wider shoe but rest of foot is narrow so they slip off). My mil told me that she gets the shoe repair guy to put a strap on court shoes to keep them on. It might be worth exploring if you have a pair of courts that are otherwise comfortable.

Sophia – solid slip-on shoes with a flat sole – Original Fashion (original-fashion.shop)

Could you wear barefoot shoes? They don't have a heel, so I don't know if that's an issue for you, but they go well with trousers and are very comfy because they have a wide toe box. You can get a cheap pair to try them out on eBay.

Ah I hope your ankle heals soon! I have been tempted by M&S or similar school shoes, given my small feet

Oh I have had many Gabor shoes in the past, even in my early 30s! I agree they are super comfy. The only issue I have with them is that my feet come out of them.