Pavers shoes.
Immensely comfortable and very reasonably priced too.
I have very recently discovered these and I don’t understand where they have been all my life. I did used to think they were ‘old person’ shoes but certainly don’t seem to be that way anymore (or maybe being in my 40s puts me in the old person demographic!). They do seem to still offer the old person style but there are also lots of much more modern choices in a variety of styles (so if you search for them don’t be too put off by some of the sandals and the like!). That said, I’ve never seen anything Paver that would look at home in a nightclub, but plenty that are perfect for the office (or casual holiday if you persist). Some of them also look much better on your feet and with the right clothes than they do otherwise, I think it’s the comfy insoles that does it.
Let me also say, I am not a shoe person. I hate shoes. In fairness I’m not overly keen on anything on my feet but I would rather stick to trainers, walking boots, flip flops and comfy sandals. I’ve worn a uniform for years that meant I could get away with walking boots for work too.
Unfortunately I now work in an office environment where none of my go to footwear is appropriate.
I bought some very light ballet pump style shoes from various different brands but all of them would start rubbing my feet and feeling really uncomfortable. Winter brought me the opportunity to find smart boots for work - ended up with two pairs of the same Pavers boots in different colours, and never had any of the blisters, discomfort and all the rest that usually comes with smart footwear.
Whilst the warmer weather has been welcome in many ways, it has meant an end to my smart winter boots. I’ve now invested in some Pavers ‘ballet pump’ and ‘court shoe’ styles - prices of the ones I bought ranging from £30 to £40. So far no blisters or hurting feet.
I did check with other people (including some younger) that I wasn’t going to look like the office granny.
I’m not sure of your personal style, but here’s a few Pavers that are smart and comfy work-wear. I’ve never actually ordered from the Pavers website so can’t tell you what their service/returns is like. I have actually got all my Pavers from Next because I enjoy the luxury of being able to try them all on in the comfort of my own home and then return what I don’t keep, but I couldn’t find the link to share from the Next app - here’s some styles from the actual Pavers site.
https://www.pavers.co.uk/products/flat-ballet-shoes-jansp29009-314-145-black/black
(I have this pair - they’re slightly more casual than my others, but so far ever so comfy!)
https://www.pavers.co.uk/products/mary-janes-wbins37107-323-914-black/black
https://www.pavers.co.uk/products/cushioned-leather-pumps-virol41021-327-545-black/black
https://www.pavers.co.uk/products/leather-slip-on-shoes-simin37001-323-260-black/black
https://www.pavers.co.uk/products/slip-on-pump-wbins26029-310-595-black/black
https://www.pavers.co.uk/products/lace-up-brogues-rkr37511-323-715-black/black
(Slightly different style to the others and a bit more expensive)
https://www.pavers.co.uk/products/bow-detailed-two-tone-pumps-wbins41013-327-203-black/black
Also best of luck for your new job and happy shoe hunting!