Comfortable shoes?

[Bucky]

Does anybody have any suggestions for comfortable dress shoes?  I have got to re-enter the working world ( ) and need to find some shoes that are comfortable to be worn all day long.

Has anybody ever worn any of what they call "Character Shoes"?  These are shoes that dancers usually wear.  I'm thinking if dancers can wear them and dance, etc. that they might be something to consider.

I've only found two really comfortable shoes ever . . . one is a pair of sandals (which are falling apart, I have worn them so much - not appropriate for work), and a pair of short boots that I've worn out too.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Bucky

[Patze]

Hi Bucky,

I like to wear Easy Spirit, but they are a bit pricey in my area (I go to an outlet a few hours away to buy two to three pair at a time, and they do last a while as well).  They sure hope keep this ol' feet going in the right direction! 

Good luck and I hope that you find a comfortable pair soon -

Patze

[eyeamdry]

Bucky, I'm not sure where you live and what climate you're dealing with.  I''m in Michigan and sandals just wouldn't cut it just now.    Do you wear pants part of the time, or all of the time?  Do you wear skirts occasionally?  How old are you  "Solidly" built or a little more slender?

I'm thinking you can get a good pair for probably around $100.  I would go where they may offer orthotics, not that you need them, but they are likely to have sturdy, simple shoes that don't look like barn stormers.  I worked with a lady who had bad feet and she often dressed up for work and had a pair of Mary Janes which really looked nice with pants or a skirt.  If I'd stayed working, I might have bought a pair.

It matters is you sit all day, or have to walk a lot. Tell us more and maybe you can get more opinions.  I see that Patze just posted and I agree with Easy Spirit and if you have an outlet nearby.  One idea is if you find a comfortable shoe that you really like, buy it in another color. 

[Bucky]

Lucy - I'm in Central IL - yes, the sandals are going into moth balls until Spring.   

I don't have a job yet . . but, I have applied.  Depends on what I end up doing - but, I am hoping to get a Hostess job.  That means I will be on my feet quite a bit.

I'm not looking for any spiky heels that's for sure!       I'm not sure if there will be a dress code, but nonetheless, I want a comfortable pair of shoes to wear to church w/dresses, dress pants and also use for work.

I don't want any granny shoes but some of the styles today are u-g-l-y!!     I'm looking for a black pair of pumps (I think) or along that line.

My problem ends up being I am between sizes.  One size is a tad bit too tight, go up a 1/2 size and they are too big.  I've even stuck things in the back of the shoes and that's not comfortable either.  I've tried wide shoes and they don't work either.

I think there's an outlet mall within an hour of me.

Bucky

[Cheryl]

Bucky,
  I have trouble wearing dress shoes (especially heels) due to bunions and low back issues.  That makes it hard to dress up!  I stick mostly to wearing slacks for that reason.  I find comfortable shoes in Easy Spirit and Clark.  I do as Lucy suggested; when I find a comfortable pair that looks good, I buy it in different colors.  Summertime is easier, because it's easier to find sandals that look and feel good than dress shoes.  Good luck!
Cheryl

[Calli66]

I have worn "character shoes"---they are sturdy (dancers wear them on stage), are usually black, have a strap like a Mary Jane, and come in two heights--low 1.5 in and medium 2" . I wore them for tango classes. They do have leather soles, so you will wear them out quickly if you wear them outside in the street. I have a "bad" toe, and they worked for me, although I didn't wear them for 8 hours at a time.

C

[Joe S.]

All shoes seem to twist and contort your feet to fit them. Some just feel better after the pain than others.

[Scottietottie]

Hi Bucky 

If you do decide to buy 'character shoes' - buy them on the tight side. They stretch more than a size with not a lot of wear - or at least my daughter's did when she used to dance.

Take care - Scottie 

[Carolina]

Dear Bucky,

The best thing would be a shoe with a slightly higher back sole, not a huge wedge, but something that raises your heel a bit.  That is more comfortable than flat shoes. 

Soft Spots makes some comfortable shoes.   And they have non skid soles usually.   Naturalizers, Hush Puppies, Trotters, just Google Comfortable Shoes Women, and check out what's there.

This site lists quite a few, with styles:

http://www.footsmart.com

I have the dancing shoes for evening, one in black suede with shiny parts, and one in silver and gold glitter.  they ARE comfortable and low heels.  But not for wearing on the street, the soles are very soft leather, which makes them great for dancing (My dancing days are long gone, however).   They look marvelous with very dressy pants, for a wedding or special occasion.

I can't wear any heels, or high wedges, or mules or slings, now that I'm so unsteady on my feet.    I need a shoe that supports my foot and doesn't create problems that I don't already have!

Keep us posted on what you try and how they work.

Kisses

Elaine

[genko_b]

I agree that Naturalizers and Hush Puppies are a good place to start. You might also want to try one of the work uniform stores, to see what they suggest.

My husband has very small feet for a man and has to shop for boy's shoes. Hard to find nice yet comfortable dress shoes in his size. One place that has always helped us is Nordstrom's, a nice department store that started as a shoe store and still specializes in hard to find shoe styles and sizes. If you have access to one, they may be able to help. They have off-price stores called The Rack, where you can get fabulous deals.

Shoes are worth spending money on, if you will be on them all day. Good luck to you.

Genko

[Pisces24]

Oh Gosh I understand.
I have no problem with tennis type shoes but dress shoes are soooo hard to find that I can wear comfortably and look nice.
I have what I call "boat oar" feet.    Long, narrow but wide at the toe. I can't wear pointed toed shoes or heels for that matter. Sigh! 

[Bucky]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I did end up getting a pair of "character shoes".  I'll need to take them to a shoe repairman and get a rubber heel put on them as they don't have one and are really designed for adding taps.  No tap dancing for me!     (although, in my younger years always thought that would be fun!)

I also went to the mall and looked at some Easy Spirit shoes - they didn't have much of a selection, and not in my size.   

I'm going to check out some of the other suggestions mentioned as I could use another pair of shoes too. 

There were some cute shoes on that website that Carolina posted.  I'm just leery of ordering on-line - I have to try shoes on.  I also looked and the closest shoe outlet is three hours away.   

Thanks again.
Bucky

[Katybarstool]

Hi Bucky

Just wanted to add Echo shoes to your list - oh and Padders. I have arthritis in my feet and am flat footed, so I really understand the need for comfie shoes. In fact, in the winter, I stick to short boots, and wear trousers most of the time.

Kathyx

[SLEEPY101]

I think Dr scholls has a line of comfortable and styish shoes. Also check out  Schetchers they have several work shoes that are comfy and stylish.

[Patze]

Thanks Sleepy, I was thinking of Skechers!  Some of them can be so comfortable, and others not so much (feet ain't what they used to be ).


Patze