Holy grail of black work shoes - do they exist?

[Rankellior]

I’m looking for what feels like an impossible ask with work shoes:

• Leather
• Flat or flat enough to walk in all day
• Work with trousers and dresses
• Suitable when it’s cold and wet so not too open

I have a variety of shoes - pointed flats, ballet shoes, chunky loafers but none seem to work across multiple outfit choices and are comfortable enough to wear all day. Any suggestions? Not looking for something very expensive but willing to pay up to £80/£100 for something that fits the bill.

Why black? Do they have to be black?
imo black shoes ruin an outfit and look heavy. I’d never wear black shoes. Choose a neutral that goes with everything but not black: leopard print, tan, cream.

what about Mary Jane’s? I like pointed flats but think MJs more modern.

lots of people wear DM shoes now at my work, seem to work with all kinds of outfits.

the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn are by a brand called Vivaia

If the op wants black, they want black. Some people seem unable to understand tastes differ

@Rankellior how smart do you want? Brand like ECCO or Legero do smarter trainers that are comfortable.

Frankie4 shoes are the most comfortable work shoes I have ever worn. Slightly over budget but worth every penny.

Trainers? I recently wore some with a dress to work conference however I’m mid-50s so reached the point of meh but blooming loved being able to walk at speed 20mins across the city from train, feel bouncy in them all day and walk back again, covered 15k steps that day and my feet were fine. So so much nicer than having to wear dressy shoes.

www.moshulu.co.uk/classic-leather-penny-loafers-p506#attribute%5B1%5D=9

What about these loafers? I have some shoes from this company and they are very comfortable.

I have a pair of black patent lace up kickers. I find them really comfortable and work with several outfits

Have you looked at any on Geox? Their shoes are stylish and comfy and have a few different pairs

I like mannish shoes and I find black lace ups or loafers work with everything. I wear trousers or structured dresses and black opaque tights with them. I have the DM Adrian loafers and had some great polished black lace ups with a slightly blocky heel. You just need to try things on to find the right look.
Something like these with a bit of chunkiness or a design feature so they don't look too school -like. https://www.hobbs.com/product/chelsey-lace-up-shoes/0224-MT52-052H010-BLACK.html

I don’t think they exist, OP!

I have loafers, pointy flats, ballet flats, court shoes and all manner of trainers and boots, but no one pair of shoes that work with everything.

I think your height & shape and general style matter, too. I see women making loafers or brogues work with dresses, but that look is awful on me as I’m tall with big feet and skinny legs. I look like a clown.

I’m here to be proved wrong, though! 😀

Thanks all

To answer the first question black because it’s easy and goes with everything. I also have some lovely tan loafers I love but they don’t suit dresses.

I like loafers and have several pairs but they never seem to suit dresses. Maybe I just need more shoes!! Doesn’t help I’m short and round so some shoes can make me look more dumpy than usual 😆

Something like this?

https://www.brownthomas.com/women/shoes/loafers/eagle-quilted-loafer/178230225.html

I have similar that I wear with skirts and dresses but also trousers.

https://www.gaborshoes.co.uk/womens-c1/shoes-c2/ballet-pumps-c84/gabor-sabia-womens-shoes-p48684#attribute%5B1%5D=35730

Something like this ?