Pampered and Elegant Toes That Work Hard

April 19, 2008 1:48 PM

Waitress Shoe Filter: What shoe would you advise this Canadian to buy, online, that she can return easily if it doesn't fit?

I need a new pair of black work shoes. I have size 9(US) feet, which means depending on the model of the shoe, I range from 8-12. The city that I live in has six or so shoe stores and the only sensible black work shoe I can find are these ugly nurse shoes that look like plastic rubber boots. Online seems to be the only way to go.

Can you help me find feminine shoes that are black, formal, versatile and easy to return, while being good for working retail and service?

For an example of my taste in footgear, I really like Maryjane style shoes or shoes with girly details like bows or leather punched to look like lace. I can spend a bit more than $200 for the right shoe. And I’m 22, so a young-ish but classic shoe would be perfect.

posted by Phalene to clothing, beauty, & fashion (16 comments total)

I don't know if you can do better than Dansko.
posted by caddis at 2:03 PM on April 19

Sounds like you could use some Earth, Born, or Dansko mary janes.

I have a pair of earth shoes which I love. And one of my friends who is diabetic (sensitive feet) loves her dansko and born shoes.
posted by nerdcore at 2:05 PM on April 19

OK, it lacks the girly details, but after eight hours on your feet you will likely find the comfort of these shoes outweigh any lack of feminine details.
posted by caddis at 2:05 PM on April 19

Nerdcore, the Dansko line's maryjane and 'lotus' cuts are perfect, but they don't seem to be available online. Help?
posted by Phalene at 2:12 PM on April 19

I think Dansko has discontinued their classic Mary Jane style, but Sanita now makes them: the Marcelle. Do a search for "sanita marcelle" until you find the retailer with the best price and shipping terms for you.

I wish these had been around back when I was waiting tables! They're super comfortable and I get tons of compliments on them whenever I wear mine.
posted by chez shoes at 2:18 PM on April 19

caddis' link is to the regular Zappos. Dansko isn't carried on Canadian Zappos.

I don't have any suggestions. Just wanted to say that I've ordered from Zappos Canada with no problems. Never tried returning/exchanging though.
posted by quoththeraven at 2:25 PM on April 19

My wife informs me that you may wish to check out Mary Jane crocs.
posted by danhon at 2:40 PM on April 19

Whatever you get, make sure it has an oil- and grease-resistant sole. Just about any sole material that isn't specifically designed to be so (and I'm especially thinking here about rubber) will become a serious hazard if you get oil or grease on it.

Personally, when I was in the biz, I wouldn't let appropriately shod people in the wait station, let alone the kitchen, and if that meant you didn't work that night, well then you could just come back when you had something safe on your feet. I've seen too many people destroy $50 worth of filets and their own ulnas on kitchen tile to even joke around about it any more.

Because it has the most everything-resistant sole I've ever had the pleasure to walk on (in addition to its hard-core lineage and oh-so-subtle "Yes I wait tables but the only reason is so that I can finance my screamo band's next college tour" self-advertising) Doc Martens are, at least in my experience, the official shoe of the restaurant industry.
posted by ChasFile at 2:45 PM on April 19

re: danhon

Wow, yeah, see Crocs are exactly what you shouldn't wear. They're all rubber!
posted by ChasFile at 2:48 PM on April 19

Another brand to take a look at is Keen -- less formal, but very, very comfortable.
posted by Forktine at 3:34 PM on April 19

I recommend Shoes For Crews. Oil and grease resistant, non-slip, inexpensive and come in a host of styles - AND they do ship to Canada.
posted by seancake at 4:03 PM on April 19

Oh yes, and there's this, too:

"For 60 days, you can wear your Shoes For Crews, and if you are not completely satisfied, you can return them for an exchange or a full refund of the price of the shoes."
posted by seancake at 4:18 PM on April 19

I wear the Dansko Madrigal and frickin' LOVE them. Seriously, I've never worn a pair of shoes that I loved more. I've had them for about 4 months and worn them nearly every day and I STILL love them.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 5:54 PM on April 19

Shoes for Crews has cute Mary Janes that are grease and oil resistant and half the price of Danskos, etc.
posted by DarlingBri at 7:19 PM on April 19

Another brand to consider is Ecco.
posted by netbros at 8:53 PM on April 19

Golly gee, guys! Metafilter never ceases to amaze. You gave me exactly the info I wanted!
posted by Phalene at 5:11 PM on April 21