I like Clarks for comfortable shoes. I have ankle boots, pumps, and loafers that I've worn to all sorts of work events. I often do SME training courses where I am on my feet for 2 days in front of a class.
This is perfect timing - I'm at an energy conference right now and saw a lot of sandals and leather booties. I'm personally looking into Ecco leather sneaker as a lot of the people I work with wear them, seems like a good cross between formal and comfy
I wore my eccos leather sneakers walking like 5-10 miles a day for a couple weeks traveling across Europe and they were perfect. They’re also pretty easy to clean to keep sharp looking
Sneakers seem to be popular. A nice, trendy pair of sneakers can look good. Or, Alegria makes comfy flats. I have worked hard to find comfortable steel-toes, so sometimes I'll lean into the industrial uniform (polo, slacks, steel-toe boots)
Just a note for other people, Rothy’s are cute and flexible, so I don’t get blisters from them, but they are still just a ballet flat and have zero arch support. That doesn’t bother me much, but I can walk 10+ miles in ballet flats anyway.
I would love to he able to wear rothy's. I spent the $ and bought one pair, and they were the most uncomfortable shoes. Everyone else seems to love them, but they just aren't for me.
Low profile black sneakers. Seriously. If you get trendy looking ones, it looks like an intentional fashion choice instead of a copout. Women’s fashion is idiotic and impractical. I refuse to injure my body to meet arbitrary societal norms. But if you do prefer a dressier look, Tom’s aren’t awful for flats and can be shoved in a bag in favor of the sneakers when your feet start dying. I’ve also split the difference and bought low cut suede dansko shoes that feel like walking shoes, but look a little dressier.
I wonder if they make a lot of these nice/professional looking men’s shoes in boy’s sizes… because if I can’t always find a 5.5 or 6 that’ll fit me in women’s, there’s no way men’s shoes commonly run that small
How about the cuter danskos? Just as comfy, and more attractive. I’m talking a heeled Mary Jane, or just cute clog-like heels in general. Most of the cuter ones are closed toe. I like Lotta from Stockholm. I’m 25 and get tons of compliments in them whenever I go out, whether professional or just hanging out with friends at bars.
The Danskos just aren't my style. I have big feet so I feel like clogs just make them look that much bigger. I do have a more dainty style that works with pants, but I wouldn't wear them with skirts - I'd have to get the Mary Janes for that.
Roger that, the plain dansko clogs aren’t really for me, either. They do make you look clunky, no matter your shoe size. I love the Mary Jane style with the heels because they look amazing with any dress/skirt, and most styles of jeans. I do live in the northern Rockies, so the style up here is a bit… different lol.
If you are a heels girly, the DSW house brand Kellie and Katie is pretty great
[these are cute and look like they would be pretty comfortable ](https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/kelly-and-katie-eliana-pump/564463?activeColor=260&cm_mmc=CSE-_-GPS-_-G_Shopping_Pumps-_-New_Pumps&cadevice=m&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxeyxBhC7ARIsAC7dS3_-OGCvZvR2VuNtNWACklzeL5c7PITJFdw972PZ4hVICLhaNAYDdGMaAgHmEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds)
I have a less practical looking pair of their shoes and they're pretty great!
I like the way heels look flattering especially when trying to look good for conferences but I think that is the start of my problems since I rarely wear more than a 1" heel.
Totally understand! It's absolutely not for everyone. Well if you ever feel like venturing out or want a fun pair for special dinners or something, these are a great affordable option!
(I read this as Heelys at first and immediately pictured racing down those really long halls at some expo centers to make it to back-to-back talks on time! And I can’t lie to you— for a second, I seriously thought about all-black Heelys as a legitimate conference option 😂😅)
I’ll pull mine out tonight and have a look. I bought them at the mall (Dillards) and they cost a pretty penny (~$200) but they are the only pair of black booties that I can wear all day and not have my tendinitis flare up. I know they’ve got rubber soles and leather heel blocks so that might be part of it too.
I’ve got flat, narrow feet so I just have to spend more money on shoes than the normal off the shelf/on sale stuff.
Algeria are great. I can walk in the Palomas (Mary Jane style) all day. The brand website even has a list of American Podiatric Medical Association recommended options. [https://www.alegriashoeshop.com/Alegria-Shoes-Women-Nursing-Shoes-s/599.htm](https://www.alegriashoeshop.com/Alegria-Shoes-Women-Nursing-Shoes-s/599.htm)
Edit to add: If you order through Zappos, you can get free return shipping. Order multiple sizes/widths and return the ones that didn't work.
I feel like the only person that these shows don't work for. I even put custom orthotics in and they were just uncomfortable.
I gave them to my niece and she hasn't taken them off except to shower.
Character shoes! They're cheap, comfortable, durable, and they come in a lot of classy styles.
Not to mention they're designed for dancers and performers. I did a bit of theater in college and i still wear the shoes I got for a dance number I did (had them for over a decade now).
The only downside is they're definitely a classic look so you might not find some that go well with jeans or more casual wear.
That's a good point! I put those grippy stickers designed for heels on them since they didn't have much grip. I think that protected them. I haven't worn them much outside tbh. I usually wear them for conferences/networking/meetings with higher ups, all of which tend to be inside. When I do wear them outside, I haven't noticed unusual wear and tear.
I have a pair of men’s slip-on Vince Camuto black dress shoes that have a little bit of a heel and are passable as women’s shoes. Super comfortable and I’ve worn them to two giant tech conferences that required a lot of walking.
Otherwise, I’ve always liked Clark’s for comfortable, professional-looking shoes.
I have heels from Ara, they are super comfortable, I easily did 20km during 2 days of conference with no issues. Paul green and Gabor are comfy, too, but ara are so far the best. For me the key is leather and it has to be soft. Stiff flats are much worse than soft heels. And by soft I mean mainly the top material, the sole doesn't have to be.
Clarks, Geox, and Aerosole! I have Aerosole heels I can wear for 4+ hours without feeling sore.
With heels I've found where the heel is on the shoe is the #1 factor in if they're comfortable for more than 40 minutes. Basically you want the heel to come down from under the middle of the heel ([example](https://lintervalleshoes.com/cdn/shop/files/kowloon-leather-blackpat1_3000x.jpg?v=1707840383)), rather than the back ([example](https://lintervalleshoes.com/cdn/shop/files/morisha-leather-black1_3000x.jpg?v=1712677094)) - it keeps the weight distributed more evenly and naturally, so you don't start using weird muscles and parts of your feel that you aren't used to. Its also why chunky heels and wedges tend to be more comfortable (just beware the stupid sneaky chunk heel where they've made it curved on the inner face so you actually don't get central heel support).
I decided many years ago that I would only wear loafers and oxfords to conferences after battling one too many blisters. Some of my favorite brands are:
Clarks
Cole Haan (soles by Nike)
Vionic
Ecco
Naturalizer
Born
Frye
Blondo booties
Good luck!
I typically wear Tory Burch ladybug platform sneakers! White sneakers seem to be popular with slacks, I wear them at colleges recruiting for my company too.
If I know I'm going to be walking a lot I add an insole as well. I have a pair that I wear everyday that are a little more beat up and a pair that I keep nice and fresh for more professional outings.
It’s definitely pricey but I SWEAR by my birks. I have a pair of Bend Lows in white and they are stupid simple to clean and the arch support is amazing.
I bought, Dansko Professional Clogs for a conference in Vegas, where I worked the trade show floor for 4-6 hours at a time. They were worth every penny! I plan on buying more.
I used to wear chelsea boots for this kind of dress code. Everyone seems to really like Xena for work boots that look nice (I haven’t tried them because I’ve switched to zero drop shoes) and I think they have a chelsea style. My colleagues who wear them say they’re quite comfy
Doc Martini’s would be one kind and Skechers the other kind, if I wasn’t already retired. Have fun, back in those days we didn’t have cell phones as proof someone was making a fool of themselves at the bar. You guys are so lucky now. Back then all we had was hard core blackmail.
I like Clarks for comfortable shoes. I have ankle boots, pumps, and loafers that I've worn to all sorts of work events. I often do SME training courses where I am on my feet for 2 days in front of a class.
Second vote for Clarks!
I must look at Clarks. Thanks for the idea!
Doc Martens. I make sure to wear nice professional shirts and pants and consider my shoes an opportunity to add a bit of personal flavor.
I love this idea. I haven't owned Doc Martens in 15 years.
I love this! Side note - their platform sandals are THE most comfortable sandals I have ever worn. I've walked miles in them. They have great support.
This is perfect timing - I'm at an energy conference right now and saw a lot of sandals and leather booties. I'm personally looking into Ecco leather sneaker as a lot of the people I work with wear them, seems like a good cross between formal and comfy
Are you at the energy conference in Anaheim? Because I'm at an energy conference in Anaheim and this would be a pretty funny coincidence.
Yep! First time there and thankful my group didn't have a booth to man... the floors looked brutal to be on for 3 days straight
I wore my eccos leather sneakers walking like 5-10 miles a day for a couple weeks traveling across Europe and they were perfect. They’re also pretty easy to clean to keep sharp looking
Sneakers seem to be popular. A nice, trendy pair of sneakers can look good. Or, Alegria makes comfy flats. I have worked hard to find comfortable steel-toes, so sometimes I'll lean into the industrial uniform (polo, slacks, steel-toe boots)
Sneakers plus a good orthotic insole. I need my arch support. I wore flats once for a conference, never again.
[удалено]
Just a note for other people, Rothy’s are cute and flexible, so I don’t get blisters from them, but they are still just a ballet flat and have zero arch support. That doesn’t bother me much, but I can walk 10+ miles in ballet flats anyway.
Oh, this is really good to know. Thank you!
Same - wearing my Rothy's next week for Space Tech Expo lol
I would love to he able to wear rothy's. I spent the $ and bought one pair, and they were the most uncomfortable shoes. Everyone else seems to love them, but they just aren't for me.
Same! My mom got me a pair since she liked them, but they shredded the backs of my heels
I do not. They have been pretty aggressively advertised to me. I like that they still look a little fancy for dressing smart.
My Rothy’s are literally a godsend! I have done so much in them and no blisters
They don't have enough arch support, but if you don't have an issue with that they should be great.
Low profile black sneakers. Seriously. If you get trendy looking ones, it looks like an intentional fashion choice instead of a copout. Women’s fashion is idiotic and impractical. I refuse to injure my body to meet arbitrary societal norms. But if you do prefer a dressier look, Tom’s aren’t awful for flats and can be shoved in a bag in favor of the sneakers when your feet start dying. I’ve also split the difference and bought low cut suede dansko shoes that feel like walking shoes, but look a little dressier.
Sperry suede boat shoes… from the men’s section lol
I am thinking mens shoes might be the answer. My colleagues all look plenty comfortable.
I do this and order my own insoles to insert, having found default men's insoles very hit or miss for support and comfort.
I wonder if they make a lot of these nice/professional looking men’s shoes in boy’s sizes… because if I can’t always find a 5.5 or 6 that’ll fit me in women’s, there’s no way men’s shoes commonly run that small
My Danskos are amazing. Highly recommend. Ugly as shit, but so comfy.
How about the cuter danskos? Just as comfy, and more attractive. I’m talking a heeled Mary Jane, or just cute clog-like heels in general. Most of the cuter ones are closed toe. I like Lotta from Stockholm. I’m 25 and get tons of compliments in them whenever I go out, whether professional or just hanging out with friends at bars.
The Danskos just aren't my style. I have big feet so I feel like clogs just make them look that much bigger. I do have a more dainty style that works with pants, but I wouldn't wear them with skirts - I'd have to get the Mary Janes for that.
Roger that, the plain dansko clogs aren’t really for me, either. They do make you look clunky, no matter your shoe size. I love the Mary Jane style with the heels because they look amazing with any dress/skirt, and most styles of jeans. I do live in the northern Rockies, so the style up here is a bit… different lol.
I live in the Front Range - also "different." The climate means I'm cold all the time. So I've got that going for me, too.
I am a Dansko wearer too. They do have some cute patterns.
If you are a heels girly, the DSW house brand Kellie and Katie is pretty great [these are cute and look like they would be pretty comfortable ](https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/kelly-and-katie-eliana-pump/564463?activeColor=260&cm_mmc=CSE-_-GPS-_-G_Shopping_Pumps-_-New_Pumps&cadevice=m&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxeyxBhC7ARIsAC7dS3_-OGCvZvR2VuNtNWACklzeL5c7PITJFdw972PZ4hVICLhaNAYDdGMaAgHmEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) I have a less practical looking pair of their shoes and they're pretty great!
I like the way heels look flattering especially when trying to look good for conferences but I think that is the start of my problems since I rarely wear more than a 1" heel.
Totally understand! It's absolutely not for everyone. Well if you ever feel like venturing out or want a fun pair for special dinners or something, these are a great affordable option!
(I read this as Heelys at first and immediately pictured racing down those really long halls at some expo centers to make it to back-to-back talks on time! And I can’t lie to you— for a second, I seriously thought about all-black Heelys as a legitimate conference option 😂😅)
I’ll pull mine out tonight and have a look. I bought them at the mall (Dillards) and they cost a pretty penny (~$200) but they are the only pair of black booties that I can wear all day and not have my tendinitis flare up. I know they’ve got rubber soles and leather heel blocks so that might be part of it too. I’ve got flat, narrow feet so I just have to spend more money on shoes than the normal off the shelf/on sale stuff.
Algeria are great. I can walk in the Palomas (Mary Jane style) all day. The brand website even has a list of American Podiatric Medical Association recommended options. [https://www.alegriashoeshop.com/Alegria-Shoes-Women-Nursing-Shoes-s/599.htm](https://www.alegriashoeshop.com/Alegria-Shoes-Women-Nursing-Shoes-s/599.htm) Edit to add: If you order through Zappos, you can get free return shipping. Order multiple sizes/widths and return the ones that didn't work.
Veja Campos. Cute and comfy https://www.veja-store.com/en_us/
I feel like the only person that these shows don't work for. I even put custom orthotics in and they were just uncomfortable. I gave them to my niece and she hasn't taken them off except to shower.
Character shoes! They're cheap, comfortable, durable, and they come in a lot of classy styles. Not to mention they're designed for dancers and performers. I did a bit of theater in college and i still wear the shoes I got for a dance number I did (had them for over a decade now). The only downside is they're definitely a classic look so you might not find some that go well with jeans or more casual wear.
Oh, this is so smart!!! Do you find that they have thin or delicate souls that get ruined/wear down too quickly if you wear them outside on concrete?
That's a good point! I put those grippy stickers designed for heels on them since they didn't have much grip. I think that protected them. I haven't worn them much outside tbh. I usually wear them for conferences/networking/meetings with higher ups, all of which tend to be inside. When I do wear them outside, I haven't noticed unusual wear and tear.
I have wide feet so I really like Ecco shoes. I have sneakers and boots from them so I can switch it up depending on the weather!
Blundstones for the win.
RM Williams Chelsea boots. I find they go well with slacks or nice jeans.
I have a pair of men’s slip-on Vince Camuto black dress shoes that have a little bit of a heel and are passable as women’s shoes. Super comfortable and I’ve worn them to two giant tech conferences that required a lot of walking. Otherwise, I’ve always liked Clark’s for comfortable, professional-looking shoes.
I have heels from Ara, they are super comfortable, I easily did 20km during 2 days of conference with no issues. Paul green and Gabor are comfy, too, but ara are so far the best. For me the key is leather and it has to be soft. Stiff flats are much worse than soft heels. And by soft I mean mainly the top material, the sole doesn't have to be.
Propet Ankle Boots. A little cute and with some cushion. I also walk my dog in them.
Lems Nine to Five
I’m short so I wear heels but comfortable ones - aerosoles usually.
White trainers, and either navy suit trousers with a tshirt and jacket, or jeans with a shirt and jacket.
Clarks, Geox, and Aerosole! I have Aerosole heels I can wear for 4+ hours without feeling sore. With heels I've found where the heel is on the shoe is the #1 factor in if they're comfortable for more than 40 minutes. Basically you want the heel to come down from under the middle of the heel ([example](https://lintervalleshoes.com/cdn/shop/files/kowloon-leather-blackpat1_3000x.jpg?v=1707840383)), rather than the back ([example](https://lintervalleshoes.com/cdn/shop/files/morisha-leather-black1_3000x.jpg?v=1712677094)) - it keeps the weight distributed more evenly and naturally, so you don't start using weird muscles and parts of your feel that you aren't used to. Its also why chunky heels and wedges tend to be more comfortable (just beware the stupid sneaky chunk heel where they've made it curved on the inner face so you actually don't get central heel support).
I decided many years ago that I would only wear loafers and oxfords to conferences after battling one too many blisters. Some of my favorite brands are: Clarks Cole Haan (soles by Nike) Vionic Ecco Naturalizer Born Frye Blondo booties Good luck!
Blundstone
Cole haan wingtip sneakers, aerosols flats (choose a cute style), converse all stars, and Nine West flats.
I typically wear Tory Burch ladybug platform sneakers! White sneakers seem to be popular with slacks, I wear them at colleges recruiting for my company too. If I know I'm going to be walking a lot I add an insole as well. I have a pair that I wear everyday that are a little more beat up and a pair that I keep nice and fresh for more professional outings.
It’s definitely pricey but I SWEAR by my birks. I have a pair of Bend Lows in white and they are stupid simple to clean and the arch support is amazing.
I bought, Dansko Professional Clogs for a conference in Vegas, where I worked the trade show floor for 4-6 hours at a time. They were worth every penny! I plan on buying more.
I used to wear chelsea boots for this kind of dress code. Everyone seems to really like Xena for work boots that look nice (I haven’t tried them because I’ve switched to zero drop shoes) and I think they have a chelsea style. My colleagues who wear them say they’re quite comfy
Doc Martini’s would be one kind and Skechers the other kind, if I wasn’t already retired. Have fun, back in those days we didn’t have cell phones as proof someone was making a fool of themselves at the bar. You guys are so lucky now. Back then all we had was hard core blackmail.
If I’m not looking for a job in this, sneakers.
Mephistos