Whether you go into the office every day, or you need shoes to wear with your conference outfits, you will want comfortable, stylish shoes, particularly if you are on your feet for large parts of the day. This article has lots of recommendations for the most comfortable work dress shoes for women.
What to think about when choosing your work dress shoes
While an uncomfortable pair of shoes isn’t so bad if you are sitting down for dinner, for example, if you’re at work all day, there’s nothing worse than shoes that pinch, rub or give you blisters. Think carefuly about what you need from a work shoe.
Flats or heels?
This will depend on your personal preference, how comfortable you find heels, and whether you are standing up or walking a lot during your working day.
Your office ‘dress code’
Depending on where you work, you might have a uniform, a dress code, or perhaps you have complete freedom so you can choose any stye you want when searching for the most comfortable dress shoes for work.
Cathy @themiddlepageblog above (read her style interview here) chooses a pair of neutral shoes that would go with any of your work or weekend outfits.
Get her look with this exact shirt, blazer, jeans, pumps, bag and belt. Check out this similar necklace and sunglasses.
Do you need orthopedic support?
If you have foot problems, don’t forget about when when you choose your work shoes. Do you need shoes to support your arches, or do you have plantar fasciitis or bunions?
Materials
Natural materials such as leather are usually more forgiving and less likely to hurt your feet during your working day.
Nancy @nancysstyle above (read her style interview here) opts for classic knee high boots under her midi skirt.
Steal her look with this similar top, blazer, pleated skirt, high boots, belt and brooch.
Expressing your style personality
If you have freedom to wear what you want to at work, you can use your shoes not just to stay comfortable, but also to express your style personality. You could, for example, wear a bright pair of shoes with a neutral suit.
The most comfortable women’s dress shoes for work
Now that you’re thinking about what your work shoes need to look like and feel like, let’s move onto some specific, well-recommended shoes that you could wear for work.
Flats
First, some comfy, stylish, flat options for you. Shan @teachingonthegc above wears black shoes that would go with anything in your closet.
Check out this similar dress, blazer, tights (another option here), flats and scarf (another option here).
Nine west
A pair of neutral colored loafers will go with all of your day-to-day outfits. You could wear with a black suit, or perhaps with your jeans and a blazer. The metallic heel adds a point of difference to these Nine West pointed toe shoes.
Nine West Lallin Pointed Toe Flat
Website / Nordstrom
Nine West shops: website, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
Tommy Hilfiger
A pair of loafers is always a classic choice for work. If you like a designer look, you could choose Gucci’s horsebit loafers. Or, for a very similar look, that is more purse-friendly you could opt for the Tommy Hilfiger’s loafers (below), which will give your work outfits a polished, professional look.
Tommy Hilfiger Cozte Loafer
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Tommy Hilfiger shops: website, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
Vionic
Vionic is a great choice if you need arch support. If you want a funkier look for your work shoes, you could opt for the Vionic loafers (below) with their contrast sole.
Vionic Kensley Loafer
Website / Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Vionic shops: website, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
The Office of Angela Scott
Take inspiration from menswear with the oxford style (below). The stripes and wooden soles are sure to get these shoes noticed.
The Office of Angela Scott Mr. Smith Stripe Oxford
The Office of Angela Scott shops: Nordstrom and Amazon
Tory Burch
If you love a classic style, Tory Burch is a great go-to brand. The ballet flats (below) come in a choice of six shades.
Tory Burch Georgia Ballet Flat
Website / Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Tory Burch shops: website, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
Franco Sarto
You could try a pair of tasseled loafers for a hip, preppy look. The Franco Sarto loafers (below) come in a choice of colors, and are well reviewed from women who say they always receive compliments when wearing them.
Franco Sarto Carolynn Loafer
Website / Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Franco Sarto shops: website, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
Linea Paolo
Chanel is renowned for its toe-cap styles. But you could get a similar look from the LINEA Paolo pointed flats (below).
LINEA Paolo Niche Pointed Toe Flat
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
LINEA Paolo shops: Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
Massimo Dutti
Massimo Dutti is a good place to look for timeless classic looks so, it’s ideal for your work suits. You could add a pair of ballet flats to your look. The silver flats (below) will liven up your work style.
Massimo Dutti Leather Ballet Flats
Massimo Dutti shop: website
Mona Flying
You saw some menswear inspiration with the Oxfords in this list. You could also try a pair of brogues. The Mona Flying brogues (below) are 100% leather and come in a vast choice of colors.
Mona Flying Leather Perforated Brogue
Mona Flying shop: Amazon
Heels
Yvonne @funkyforty above (read her style interview here) chooses a timeless pair of black pumps to go with her check dress.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (other options here and here), pumps, handbag and sunglasses.
Naturalizer
The Naturalizer pumps (below) are completely timeless and will look good dressed up or down. They have comfort cushioning, making them a good choice to wear all day.
Naturalizer Everly Pump
Website / Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Naturalizer shops: website, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
Vince Camuto
Block heels can be more comfortable to wear than stilettos as they distribute your weight more evenly. The Vince Camuto pumps (below) come in a choice of neutral shades.
Vince Camuto Hailenda Pointed Toe Pump
Website / Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Vince Camuto shops: website, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
Margaux
If you prefer round-toed pumps, then take a look at the Margaux heels below, which have a slightly retro feel. Made in Spain, they come in a choice of nine colors, and they’re very comfortable to wear.
Margaux shop: website
Dune London
You could add a pop of color to your outfit with the Dune London slingbacks (below). They also come in black or beige if you prefer.
Dune London Cassie Block Heel Slingback Pump
Dune London shop: Nordstrom
Söfft
For a slightly vintage look, you could opt for a pair of Mary Jane heels. These happen to be very on trend at the moment. The Söfft Mary Janes (below) are great for a special occasion or everyday.
Söfft Petra Mary Jane Pump
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos
Söfft shops: website, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
Jeffrey Campbell
If you like the look of loafers, but prefer a heel, you could choose the Jeffrey Campbell loafers (below).
Jeffrey Campbell Happy Hour Pointed Toe Pump
Jeffrey Campbell shops: Nordstrom and Amazon
Cole Haan
Another heeled loafer option for you, the Cole Haan loafers (below) have a three-inch heel and a cushioned insole with support.
Cole Haan Chrystie Chain Block Heel Loafer
Website / Nordstrom / Zappos
Cole Haan shops: website, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
clarks®
Unless you have a particular work uniform, you don’t have to wear shoes. You could, instead, choose a smart pair of ankle boots like the Clarks® zip booties (below).
Clarks® Violet 55 Zip Bootie
Website / Nordstrom
Clarks® shops: website, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
aerosoles
For a block heeled choice, you could opt for the Aerosoles boot (below) which have a sleek minimal style.
Aerosoles Cinnamon Mid Calf Boot
Amazon / Zappos
Aerosoles shops: Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
Kenneth Cole
A pair of knee-high boots is another choice for your work wardrobe. Wear over slim black pants, or wear under a midi skirt or dress.
Kenneth Cole Justin Riding Boot
Kenneth Cole shops: website, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos
What are your favorite comfortable work dress shoes to wear? I’d love to hear your recommendations for the best women’s work shoes. Let us know in the comments below.
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Continue reading:
- Classy Business Outfits For Women Over 40 – Your Work Capsule Wardrobe Sorted
- The Most Comfortable Heels That Look Hip AND Are Comfortable To Wear
- How To Wear Jeans To Work And Still Look Professional
Feature image by Yvonne @funkyforty
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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