Ladies work shoes that can pass as business casual

September 20, 2015 8:54 AM

I work in events for a restaurant. Mostly, this involves office work or sit-down client consultations. Our business casual dress code gives me flexibility for what kind of shoes I can wear. I typically wear black leather low-heeled pumps. (Clark's is a brand I favor.) Semi-regularly, though, my work necessitates me being on my feet all day to manage events personally. On these days, I am in and out of the kitchen and I go back and forth from indoors to outdoors. The main thing is that on these days, I may not sit down for ten hours straight. I'm looking to find a pair of shoes I can wear on that will line up with my typical look but will also be both non-slip and kind to my feet when I spend the entire day hustling around. What are some sellers (online or real world) and styles you would recommend?
posted by Comrade Doll to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (8 answers total)

I wear a few pairs of shoes that look like this. Because I'm a runner, I refuse to wear heels anymore, and these look great.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:57 AM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]

I love Sanitas for support, but they tend toward a clog look, rather than a heel. You could also try Dansko, maybe the Fabrina? Both Sanita and Dansko make shoes for nurses; I've found them both kind to my feet, but prefer Sanita.
posted by MonkeyToes at 9:02 AM on September 20, 2015

shoesforcrews.com has what you're looking for. They make super comfortable shoes and heels for the restaurant industry. I've had several pairs and they hold up well
posted by smashface at 9:05 AM on September 20, 2015 [6 favorites]

I swear by Cole Haan Nike Air wedges, which have great support.

If your budget permits or you're a good Ebayer I can also enthusiastically recommend Arche shoes.

Some of the folks I know really like Crocs flats.
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 9:12 AM on September 20, 2015

Fly Londons are really comfy. There's a whole line where then names all start with the letter Y that are cute and walkable, with cushy rubber wedge soles. Some are kind of overly whimsical but plain ones like this or this might do the trick.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 9:17 AM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]

Seconding Shoes For Crews. Use the insole of your choice for comfort.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 9:21 AM on September 20, 2015

Taryn Rose might be up your alley. They're pricey but I think there's a cheaper diffusion line.
posted by padraigin at 11:31 AM on September 20, 2015

Google "character shoes"...they're what people wear on stage to look like they're in pumps (they do have heels, they're just lower/thicker) and usually have the benefit of being non-slip. They're designed to be worn for a long time and for safety while running/doing stunts.
posted by sexyrobot at 11:40 AM on September 20, 2015 [5 favorites]