Comfortable dressy walking shoes....for women?
December 7, 2010 9:30 AM Subscribe
Looking for women's shoes that are somewhere between casual and dressy that are comfortable enough for lots of walking.
Inspired by this question, but this time for women! I have the Keen Presidio's, and I really like them, but I'd like to find something a little more professional/dressy. Thanks!
Inspired by this question, but this time for women! I have the Keen Presidio's, and I really like them, but I'd like to find something a little more professional/dressy. Thanks!
I have been very pleased with the amazingly comfortable Patagonia Maha.
posted by k8t at 9:36 AM on December 7, 2010
posted by k8t at 9:36 AM on December 7, 2010
Sofft makes an excellent shoe. Very comfortable and stylish. 6pm.com has them on sale often. I'd link but I'm on my phone.
posted by ACN09 at 9:44 AM on December 7, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by ACN09 at 9:44 AM on December 7, 2010 [2 favorites]
I've had good luck with LifeStrides, particularly the loafer-like models-- regularly did the two-mile walk back and forth to school in those with nary a blister or a twinge. They're not especially high-fashion, but most of the styles are perfectly acceptable for neutral office wear.
posted by Bardolph at 9:51 AM on December 7, 2010
posted by Bardolph at 9:51 AM on December 7, 2010
I am wearing Keen mule mary jane's as I type. They're not exactly these, but quite similar. I just got another compliment, too. They're less supportive than the Keen Brigg's that I adore, but they work a lot better with the skirt I'm sporting, and they're still great for walking.
posted by ldthomps at 9:56 AM on December 7, 2010
posted by ldthomps at 9:56 AM on December 7, 2010
I have these Naturalizer t-straps and they are by far the most comfortable dress shoes I have ever owned.
posted by elsietheeel at 10:01 AM on December 7, 2010
posted by elsietheeel at 10:01 AM on December 7, 2010
I have a pair of I Love Comfort pumps, and they are stupidly comfortable, and ridiculously cheap.
posted by specialagentwebb at 10:11 AM on December 7, 2010
posted by specialagentwebb at 10:11 AM on December 7, 2010
Dansko has a pretty wide variety of very comfortable shoes in the dressy-casual range. Their Professional clogs are their most famous product, beloved by nurses and chefs, but they make shoes that are dressier and prettier, too. I have the Sally and the Ingrid and they're both incredibly comfortable for standing and walking in all day, and look great with jeans as well as professional clothes. Be aware that some of their styles tend toward being very narrow in the toe, though, so if you have wide feet you may want to go up a size or even consider a different style.
posted by rhiannonstone at 10:22 AM on December 7, 2010
posted by rhiannonstone at 10:22 AM on December 7, 2010
I found a pair of Merrell's Mary Janes similar to these that I absolutely adore. I just wore them to a conference in Scotland (they go both with jeans and with dressier pants) and got lots of compliments. I also spent several days tromping around on long city / castle tours and they were oh so comfy. I think I got mine at Marshalls for $45, but originally were around $90 or so.
Another big plus - I spend a lot of time flying and they're great for airports - easy to pull on and off, the wedge platform are easy on your heels for those hard floors and long walks between terminals.
posted by HeyAllie at 10:29 AM on December 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
Another big plus - I spend a lot of time flying and they're great for airports - easy to pull on and off, the wedge platform are easy on your heels for those hard floors and long walks between terminals.
posted by HeyAllie at 10:29 AM on December 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
Seconding Sofft and Naturalizer as good labels to check out (though the latter is more hit or miss).
If you want something way funkier, Fluevog is awesome.
If you want something more office-classic, Rockport and Hotter are worth checking out.
posted by Sidhedevil at 10:32 AM on December 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
If you want something way funkier, Fluevog is awesome.
If you want something more office-classic, Rockport and Hotter are worth checking out.
posted by Sidhedevil at 10:32 AM on December 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
I have these Clarks, and I love them. I wish I would have bought them in black, but they seem to go with just about everything (that I wear, at least).
posted by LyndsayMW at 10:40 AM on December 7, 2010
posted by LyndsayMW at 10:40 AM on December 7, 2010
Naot! Also Rieker and Camper. Durable, too -- years of use out of all of these brands.
posted by kmennie at 10:43 AM on December 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by kmennie at 10:43 AM on December 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
I asked a related question a while ago that might have some helpful answers.
posted by pluckemin at 10:56 AM on December 7, 2010
posted by pluckemin at 10:56 AM on December 7, 2010
Seconding Dansko and Clarks. I buy a pair in black, wear them to death (several years), and then buy another. Clarks has lots of fun styles; Dansko is maybe a bit more stodgy (but very comfortable).
posted by torticat at 11:03 AM on December 7, 2010
posted by torticat at 11:03 AM on December 7, 2010
If you have a narrowish foot at all - I love the look of Mary Jane's, but I have narrow ankles (but generally am too wide for narrow sizes) and find that I eventually step out of most styles. I'm a huge fan of Sofft for dressy comfortable and Munro's for more casual. I don't think I would have ever tried the Munro's had I not had 2 separate sales people at different stores recommend them to me. They are cuter on my foot than on the shelf... They are quite a bit more expensive, but are perfect for my feet.
posted by snowymorninblues at 11:06 AM on December 7, 2010
posted by snowymorninblues at 11:06 AM on December 7, 2010
I have some Naot shoes that suit my high arches, but the styles they make that I like best are far too narrow for my feet. The ones with the removable footbed are very comfortable, though. Avoid metallic colors as they scuff easily.
posted by oneirodynia at 11:10 AM on December 7, 2010
posted by oneirodynia at 11:10 AM on December 7, 2010
I hadn't found Clark's at all comfortable until I tried their "Bendables" line, but now these are my office shoes I have to remind myself not to wreck by wearing everyplace on weekends.
posted by aimedwander at 11:30 AM on December 7, 2010
posted by aimedwander at 11:30 AM on December 7, 2010
Seconding Merrill and Danskos. My partner and I both have foot/ankle issues so shoes are one area we do spend money on. The shoes last longer and don't kill our feet.
In addition to Merrill and Dansko, Born shoes are very comfy. I have a pair similar to the Suzy . Mine are 4 years old and are no longer on their list of styles :) I've had luck comfort-wise with Naturalizers as well, but they don't seem to hold up as long. I tend toward the Mary Jane styles because that extra strap seems to give more support and loafers don't always cut it in the dressy/girly style days :)
Anyway yes the place I've found to look for my shoes are brands that began with sport shoes (Merrirll, Keen, etc) or work-shoes (Dansko).
One of my favorite stores to drool is The Walking Company. I also find these brands at Nordstroms and Nordstrom Rack.
posted by Librarygeek at 11:39 AM on December 7, 2010
In addition to Merrill and Dansko, Born shoes are very comfy. I have a pair similar to the Suzy . Mine are 4 years old and are no longer on their list of styles :) I've had luck comfort-wise with Naturalizers as well, but they don't seem to hold up as long. I tend toward the Mary Jane styles because that extra strap seems to give more support and loafers don't always cut it in the dressy/girly style days :)
Anyway yes the place I've found to look for my shoes are brands that began with sport shoes (Merrirll, Keen, etc) or work-shoes (Dansko).
One of my favorite stores to drool is The Walking Company. I also find these brands at Nordstroms and Nordstrom Rack.
posted by Librarygeek at 11:39 AM on December 7, 2010
You may want to check out the Barking Dog Shoes website, which reviews and links to numerous comfort shoes. These will vary from ugly house shoes to boots to sneakers to nice dress shoes.
posted by Logic Sheep at 12:14 PM on December 7, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by Logic Sheep at 12:14 PM on December 7, 2010 [2 favorites]
Danskos have historically been my go-to shoe, especially as they expanded their line from the rocker-bottom to other sole styles.
However, they've reorganized so that they're now made differently, and I've been pretty disappointed in the past few years. The sizing in the same model I've always bought (the classic Professional) was awfully variable, making it difficult to order online, and their materials have gone downhill as well (the edge is covered with fake leather, which makes those little strings show when they wear down, which then looks cheap). Worst of all, my Professionals do not sound professional at all, since I make a squeak every time I step with my left foot.
Sanita, which made Danskos for years, has many of the original Dansko styles and some new twists of their own. I haven't gotten any of them since the changeover, but from all accounts they've got that old Dansko durability and style.
Honestly, if you can get away with them where you work, you might try some cowboy boots. They might not be full of cushioning, but they're made to hug your feet. I've been pretty happy with my Charlie 1 Horse (Lucchese) and Abilenes, and the more modern and single-colored ones look pretty classy. Don't avoid the pointy-toed ones; those are actually very comfortable on me.
posted by Madamina at 12:16 PM on December 7, 2010
However, they've reorganized so that they're now made differently, and I've been pretty disappointed in the past few years. The sizing in the same model I've always bought (the classic Professional) was awfully variable, making it difficult to order online, and their materials have gone downhill as well (the edge is covered with fake leather, which makes those little strings show when they wear down, which then looks cheap). Worst of all, my Professionals do not sound professional at all, since I make a squeak every time I step with my left foot.
Sanita, which made Danskos for years, has many of the original Dansko styles and some new twists of their own. I haven't gotten any of them since the changeover, but from all accounts they've got that old Dansko durability and style.
Honestly, if you can get away with them where you work, you might try some cowboy boots. They might not be full of cushioning, but they're made to hug your feet. I've been pretty happy with my Charlie 1 Horse (Lucchese) and Abilenes, and the more modern and single-colored ones look pretty classy. Don't avoid the pointy-toed ones; those are actually very comfortable on me.
posted by Madamina at 12:16 PM on December 7, 2010
They don't have the particular shoes I have on the website right now, but I've been very happy with Cole Haan Nike Air Ballet Flats in various iterations. They're definitely the most comfortable work shoes I own, and I have persnickity feet.
posted by wuzandfuzz at 2:30 PM on December 7, 2010
posted by wuzandfuzz at 2:30 PM on December 7, 2010
I'm not sure how easily you can get the New Zealand brand Ziera (formerly known as Kumfs) in the US, but if you can, I'd recommend checking them out.
Their styling can be a bit hit-and-miss, but if you find one you like, their shoes are so comfortable. I have a pair of their 1950's-style T-strap shoes that I love. (They appear to be discontinued.) They also do about a dozen mary jane styles, which would be my first choice if I needed a dressy walking shoe.
posted by Georgina at 2:45 PM on December 7, 2010
Their styling can be a bit hit-and-miss, but if you find one you like, their shoes are so comfortable. I have a pair of their 1950's-style T-strap shoes that I love. (They appear to be discontinued.) They also do about a dozen mary jane styles, which would be my first choice if I needed a dressy walking shoe.
posted by Georgina at 2:45 PM on December 7, 2010
I'll second Barking Dog Shoes for shoe reviews. I adore my PG lite Alegrias (I have the mary janes and the clogs). Here's a review of the PG Lite Paloma Mary Jane. I own and love several pairs of Keens and Danskos but my Alegria shoes are hands down the most comfortable and best even for long walks. They cater heavily to nurses and other folks who may spend a lot of time moving around on their feet so they have some fun and wacky colors and patterns but also some nice classic colors and patterns. I get complements on them all the time too. The rocker sole is amazing. And Arch Support - plenty of it!
posted by rosebengal at 3:35 PM on December 7, 2010
posted by rosebengal at 3:35 PM on December 7, 2010
I work in a DC law firm, and wear LL Bean Insulated Comfort Mocassins. Best money I have ever spent on a pair of shoes. The suede finish makes the black color look extra dark and professional (the shoes actually appear much darker than the picture indicates). In this cold weather I'm always wearing trousers, so the zipper portion is usually hidden.
But the dual winning factors are really the comfort and warmth they provide. Note: as the description indicates, they are really designed to be worn with a midweight sock (unless you have wide feet, in which case they may be a perfect fit).
posted by invisible ink at 5:48 PM on December 7, 2010
But the dual winning factors are really the comfort and warmth they provide. Note: as the description indicates, they are really designed to be worn with a midweight sock (unless you have wide feet, in which case they may be a perfect fit).
posted by invisible ink at 5:48 PM on December 7, 2010
I cannot shut up about how much I love my VivoBarefoot shoes. Now that I have a pair I want at least three other styles, but for me they take some saving up. If you don't like any of the styles currently available, they seem to offer new ones every few months.
posted by audacity at 8:59 PM on December 8, 2010
posted by audacity at 8:59 PM on December 8, 2010
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posted by peachfuzz at 9:36 AM on December 7, 2010 [3 favorites]