Comfortable dress shoes that don't look comfortable?
November 18, 2019 10:37 PM Subscribe
The company holiday party is coming up, and I have a slinky black dress and sparkly accessories, but find myself without appropriate shoes. I have problem feet and can't do any but the steadiest and gentlest of heels, and pointy toes are right out. Dress sandals are my fallback but wouldn't be quite appropriate. What's is your comfiest dressy black shoe?
Response by poster: Flats are definitely the way I'm leaning (boots/booties aren't very flattering on me when I'm wearing a dress). But to clarify, I'm looking for specific model recommendations.
posted by rhiannonstone at 11:07 PM on November 18, 2019
posted by rhiannonstone at 11:07 PM on November 18, 2019
Unfortunately all my comfortable dress shoes are old and no longer being made anywhere. My best tip is to shop at consignment stores and big thrift shops with a lot of selection because already broken-in shoes are hands down the comfiest, especially for things you'll only wear like once a year. Of course if you have an unusual shoe size this is added difficulty - I'm lucky because I wear medium width women's 6.5-7 and can often find shoes that fit despite my fussy ankles and finicky toes.
The three brands I've had the best luck with out of the box are Frye, Born, and Naturalizer. Unfortunately the first two don't really do dress shoes. You might like this T-strap from Naturalizer?
posted by Mizu at 11:41 PM on November 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
The three brands I've had the best luck with out of the box are Frye, Born, and Naturalizer. Unfortunately the first two don't really do dress shoes. You might like this T-strap from Naturalizer?
posted by Mizu at 11:41 PM on November 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
My perennial recommendation is this site: barkingdogshoes. Scroll through her site, many have been tried in person by someone with lots of foot issues. Some exact models may be unavailable, but it should put you in the right direction. (And maybe it’s just ok in california, but I always wear sandals for dressy/cocktail events.)
posted by gryphonlover at 12:50 AM on November 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by gryphonlover at 12:50 AM on November 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
My go-to shoe brand is Clarks. I usually wear their clogs, but have worn their flats and heels to bits as well. You could go for a Mary Jane for stability, dressier slingbacks, or fancy flats.
posted by bowtiesarecool at 12:54 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by bowtiesarecool at 12:54 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
I would go for something like these - they should be very comfortable but they're much more stylish than a ballet flat. These could work too but I'd guess they're better with trousers.
As a generic alternative, I'll say that my mum - who has always had beautiful shoes - had to switch to flats forever after surgery and has a great collection of oxfords and brogues she wears with dresses (as well as a couple of 1" heel sandals). I don't wear heels and don't have her flair, but it's very convincing.
posted by carbide at 1:22 AM on November 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
As a generic alternative, I'll say that my mum - who has always had beautiful shoes - had to switch to flats forever after surgery and has a great collection of oxfords and brogues she wears with dresses (as well as a couple of 1" heel sandals). I don't wear heels and don't have her flair, but it's very convincing.
posted by carbide at 1:22 AM on November 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
https://www.busstopboutique.com/collections/wedding
This store in Philadelphia might give you some ideas. Linking to their wedding shoe collection because they're the most festive, but they aren't traditional white satin.
posted by sepviva at 3:41 AM on November 19, 2019
This store in Philadelphia might give you some ideas. Linking to their wedding shoe collection because they're the most festive, but they aren't traditional white satin.
posted by sepviva at 3:41 AM on November 19, 2019
I also have a lot of foot issues and I find wedges are great instead of heels--nothing higher than 2". Something about the weight of the foot being more evenly distributed across the shoe instead of resting entirely on the ball of the foot, like in a heel, makes them more comfortable for me. Or even a low block heel with a rounded toe. I've had some luck with Rockport, Taryn Rose (pricier) and Naturalizer when it comes to more comfortable dress shoes. Or maybe a nice suede boot. A bootie worn with a dress also looks pretty modern and you can get more wear out of them. Good luck!
posted by Shazbot at 3:45 AM on November 19, 2019
posted by Shazbot at 3:45 AM on November 19, 2019
If you have nice-enough flats (especially fabric or patent), you can get some sparkly shoe clips to make them more festive.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 4:25 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 4:25 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
Here's a super comfortable, fairly dressy shoe with some holiday sparkle to it. I have a different sparkly pair than those shown as well as a black pair. Reikers are incredibly comfortable on my feet. Your mileage may vary.
posted by Elsie at 4:28 AM on November 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by Elsie at 4:28 AM on November 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
Don't laugh. Crocs has heels. Their strappy wedge sandals are literally the only heels I can wear without pain, they usually have more closed toe heel options but I suspect they might be between seasons, but if you end up going the strappy sandal route there is an option.
posted by wwax at 5:34 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by wwax at 5:34 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
I have fussy feet--bunions, fallen arches, hammer toes--and as a rule I don't wear heels anymore. But I recently had to go to a black tie event and ended up with these block heel strappy sandals, which were remarkably comfortable even standing for an hour before the dinner. They're also not expensive, so they may be worth a shot.
I also like looking to J Crew for festive shoes--how about smoking slippers in pink velvet or in black velvet with a bow?
Have fun!
posted by CiaoMela at 6:14 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
I also like looking to J Crew for festive shoes--how about smoking slippers in pink velvet or in black velvet with a bow?
Have fun!
posted by CiaoMela at 6:14 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
Taryn rose are more comfortable than most - not Born level but good. They are pricey though.
posted by domino at 6:19 AM on November 19, 2019
posted by domino at 6:19 AM on November 19, 2019
I like Rocket Dog fabric flats, along the lines of these. I can't find any new online but they also often have sort of limited edition versions at different shoe stores (like silvery, or sequins, or whatever). They have no arch support (if that is important) and they are not at all durable, but they're usually available for under $30 (I use a plain black pair as "work slippers" that I keep under my desk).
posted by mskyle at 6:46 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by mskyle at 6:46 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
I bought a pair of Geox heels at a charity shop and were shocked at how comfortable they were - mine are a thicker heel which i think really helps!
posted by ukdanae at 6:47 AM on November 19, 2019
posted by ukdanae at 6:47 AM on November 19, 2019
You want a low wedge with an ankle strap. Naturalizer has been good in my experience.
If you want to go for flats, Rothys pointed toe are great but you need to size up. They usually do a sparkly holiday collection this time of year.
posted by little king trashmouth at 8:26 AM on November 19, 2019
If you want to go for flats, Rothys pointed toe are great but you need to size up. They usually do a sparkly holiday collection this time of year.
posted by little king trashmouth at 8:26 AM on November 19, 2019
I typically have a lot of issues with heels, especially pointy, but I had a lot of success with the CC Cormo Corso brand. Nice looking but comfortable. Wore these to a wedding without breaking them in. Wore them all night without issues. I also tried these on and they were also comfortable, but didn't go with my dress.
I know you said pointy shoes are out, but try these on. They didn't compress the front of my foot or toes like typical pointy shoes do on me, so they might work on you too?
posted by vivzan at 9:08 AM on November 19, 2019
I know you said pointy shoes are out, but try these on. They didn't compress the front of my foot or toes like typical pointy shoes do on me, so they might work on you too?
posted by vivzan at 9:08 AM on November 19, 2019
Oh hai, we have twin feet I guess. My current go-to brands are Clarks, Dansko, and Born, so I'd suggest looking at all of those on Zappos to see if anything sparks your fancy.
Specific recommendations:
Born has many flats, including the Julianne. In my experience, these are very well made and will last a long time.
These Clarks are not flat but holy moly they are comfy with that sole.
Lastly -- hear me out on this -- I have, over the past several years, attended black-tie-level events wearing gorgeous dresses with boots similar to these. Honey, it's a look and I own it and I make it through the whole night without foot pain. Alternate: an absolutely off-the-charts Doc Marten boot (though you could also do plain black).
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:40 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
Specific recommendations:
Born has many flats, including the Julianne. In my experience, these are very well made and will last a long time.
These Clarks are not flat but holy moly they are comfy with that sole.
Lastly -- hear me out on this -- I have, over the past several years, attended black-tie-level events wearing gorgeous dresses with boots similar to these. Honey, it's a look and I own it and I make it through the whole night without foot pain. Alternate: an absolutely off-the-charts Doc Marten boot (though you could also do plain black).
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:40 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
Oh I'll also second the Rothy's recommendation, though I prefer the rounded toe. Pretty darn comfortable (though not as 100+++ comfortable as some people assert, IMO).
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:42 AM on November 19, 2019
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:42 AM on November 19, 2019
What is your budget?
No specific model recommendations, as they change very quickly, but Miz Mooz are supremely comfortable but very stylish in a "funky" kind of way.
posted by porpoise at 11:41 AM on November 19, 2019
No specific model recommendations, as they change very quickly, but Miz Mooz are supremely comfortable but very stylish in a "funky" kind of way.
posted by porpoise at 11:41 AM on November 19, 2019
I have Native's Audrey Bow, which is one of my absolute favorite comfy shoes ever. They are like Crocs, but....not? They do have a pointy toe but the shape does not require your toes to be in the pointy part, if that makes sense? At least, that's how mine fit. They have the Audrey in styles with bows, sparkly ones, velvet ones, glossy ones.....maybe that could be an option? There is also a Converse-like flat style that comes in sparkly, if you're able to pull that off. Good luck!
Naturalizer has a great flats section, the August, Emiline, and Samantha are all pretty cute and come in lots of colors. I also wonder if you might find something in the Cole Haan/Nike line that would work for you? I'm dying for a men's oxford from that line, but I believe they have women's styles too.
EDIT: These Cole Haans seem like they are pull-off-able with formal wear and are quite adorable AND on sale.
posted by cheese at 11:47 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
Naturalizer has a great flats section, the August, Emiline, and Samantha are all pretty cute and come in lots of colors. I also wonder if you might find something in the Cole Haan/Nike line that would work for you? I'm dying for a men's oxford from that line, but I believe they have women's styles too.
EDIT: These Cole Haans seem like they are pull-off-able with formal wear and are quite adorable AND on sale.
posted by cheese at 11:47 AM on November 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
I have a terrible time with heels and really needed to find something for work in a much more professional setting. The look of "comfortable" shoes is not going to cut it. So I have been doing a lot of research on various sites. I have Morton's Neuroma and a heel that slips out of everything. I found a brand called Trotters with some shoes that were recommended. I ended up with the Jamie style but there are a few others on this page that would also work. A wider, low heel is more comfortable. Maybe in a silver or patent black to make it a little dressier. I also like the idea of shoe clips. The man at the store (who has owned it for 50 years) said it is one of his top selling shoes and that the brand is very good.
posted by maxg94 at 12:12 PM on November 19, 2019
posted by maxg94 at 12:12 PM on November 19, 2019
I use Naturalizer "soft style" flats. They have black Mary Janes which look quite nice.
posted by joannemerriam at 1:56 PM on November 19, 2019
posted by joannemerriam at 1:56 PM on November 19, 2019
A slinky black dress might be paired with a flat/low-heeled, tall (knee or higher) suede boot. Some brands allow for custom orthotics, if decent support is part of the issue with conventional dress shoes.
posted by Iris Gambol at 2:06 PM on November 19, 2019
posted by Iris Gambol at 2:06 PM on November 19, 2019
Seconding the Cole Haan flats with the Nike soles so hard. They're not the most elegant of shoes, but from the top they look just fine, and if anyone is staring intently at your soles that hard... that person needs a hobby. They're the only flat that work for me. Don't go looking at them new, you'll just have sticker shock, but Poshmark has you covered.
(I can't remember if your feet are flat or high arched, but Rothys leave my high arches wanting to go barefoot. On the other hand, my bestie can walk miles in them. They seem to either really work or really not work.)
posted by joycehealy at 2:24 PM on November 19, 2019
(I can't remember if your feet are flat or high arched, but Rothys leave my high arches wanting to go barefoot. On the other hand, my bestie can walk miles in them. They seem to either really work or really not work.)
posted by joycehealy at 2:24 PM on November 19, 2019
The only heels I even try to fuck with are Cobb Hill. They're not glamorous but they have a vintage feel and they feel like basically sneakers. Here's the Angelina and the Salma.
posted by babelfish at 4:43 PM on November 19, 2019
posted by babelfish at 4:43 PM on November 19, 2019
Can they be funky? Fluevogs are my go to for this sort of thing. I need a lot of support, and they have an octagonal heel that’s really sturdy and comfortable.
posted by corb at 11:20 PM on November 19, 2019
posted by corb at 11:20 PM on November 19, 2019
Also suggesting Fluevog, if your budget allows.
posted by gingerbeer at 11:45 PM on November 19, 2019
posted by gingerbeer at 11:45 PM on November 19, 2019
Response by poster: Fluevogs are super cute and my style, but I've tried on many pairs in many styles and they've never been even close to comfortable enough to be wearable for me. And as for the boot suggestions, also super cute, but I don't like the way my particular legs look in boots while I'm wearing in a dress.
I ended up going with these low wedge heels from Trotters.
Because time was short I gambled and ordered several pairs that I wouldn't get to try on until I was getting ready the day of the party, and luckily one pair fit, and didn't even need to be broken in. I don't know if I'd call them definitely "comfortable," because most shoes that aren't soft, wide-toeboxed boots or Birkenstocks aren't really comfortable to me, but I was able to walk several blocks to the party, dance all night, walk several more blocks while rather intoxicated, and while I wanted a little more support for my high arches and my feet definitely hurt by the end of the night, they didn't hurt when I woke up this morning, and there was no chafing or blistering.
So I call it a success? I probably won't wear these regularly but definitely keeping them for future fancy clothing events.
posted by rhiannonstone at 3:17 PM on November 23, 2019 [1 favorite]
I ended up going with these low wedge heels from Trotters.
Because time was short I gambled and ordered several pairs that I wouldn't get to try on until I was getting ready the day of the party, and luckily one pair fit, and didn't even need to be broken in. I don't know if I'd call them definitely "comfortable," because most shoes that aren't soft, wide-toeboxed boots or Birkenstocks aren't really comfortable to me, but I was able to walk several blocks to the party, dance all night, walk several more blocks while rather intoxicated, and while I wanted a little more support for my high arches and my feet definitely hurt by the end of the night, they didn't hurt when I woke up this morning, and there was no chafing or blistering.
So I call it a success? I probably won't wear these regularly but definitely keeping them for future fancy clothing events.
posted by rhiannonstone at 3:17 PM on November 23, 2019 [1 favorite]
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