Reader Question: Comfortable Yet Chic Shoes

Posted on | October 18, 2009 | 44 Comments

Shoes!, originally uploaded by academichic.

We recently received this reader question in our inbox:

I am a graduate student at a large Northeastern university. Since my teaching duties are arranged so that I only have to interact with professors and students three days a week, I decided I would attempt to forego my usual casual wear and try to dress up at least these three days. I don’t mind the dress pants and skirts, its the shoes! I have tiny, narrow feet that get blisters from wearing just about anything (flats, heels, sandals, wedges, peeptoes, etc.). The problem is made worse by the fact that it’s not uncommon for me to walk four or five miles throughout the course of the day just getting around campus (I teach two classes on the same day in buildings that are half a mile apart). Do you have any foot/shoe advice for someone who wants to look professional but has to do a lot of walking?

This reader’s sentiments echo a lot of other reader emails or comments we have recently received regarding attractive yet comfortable footware. The unique thing about working on a college campus is that you’re not likely to spend your day in one building or office but have to commute between buildings and sometimes even campuses on any given day. So while an attractive professional shoe is important, a comfortable walkable professional shoe is key!

In the past, we’ve recommended garments or shoes based on their looks or online reviews, but for this particular question, we felt that first-hand experience with the items in question was paramount to answering our reader’s concern. So we have pulled together a list of attractive and comfortable shoes from our own closets that we can confidently suggest to anyone looking for a professional shoe in which to cover a lot of ground (literally and figuratively)….

Flats:

My favorite velvet flats, originally uploaded by academichic.

When it comes to walking and commuting by foot, the most obvious choice in footwear is a flat shoe. Although heels or wedges tend to be seen as more professional of a shoe, the right flat can also look polished while being easy on the commuter. S.’s favorite “professional flat” is the above velvet and leather pointy-toe shoe by J.Vincent. In her words: ”I’ve worn this shoe to conferences, to teach in, with skirts or pants and I’m always pleased with how professional it looks while allowing me to stand or walk for hours on end. While I have many comfortable flats, this pair ranks highest in meeting the demand for both comfort and professionalism”.

SE Boutique Yellow Snakeskin Flats, originally uploaded by academichic.

Similarly, E. has chosen her SE Boutique pointy-toe yellow snakeskin flats as her first pick in terms of comfort and professionalism. E. chose this pair for its comfortable shoe bed and for its sleek and polished exterior. Both the above flats make a great professional shoe due to their shape (the pointed toe) which mimics the traditional professional pump, and their higher end material (leather, suede, snakeskin opposed to cotton or canvas).

Shoe Detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

A. has offered her green snakeskin Banana Republic flats as her “professional flat” of choice. In A’s words: “These shiny, faux snakeskin, green flats are fun and functional! Slipping these shoes on can completely change the look of an outfit, adding the perfect pop of color, but, more importantly, I could walk for miles in these round-toed flats”.

Wedges:

New Shoes!, originally uploaded by academichic.

When it comes to heels, we unanimously agreed on wedges as our favorite comfortable heeled shoe. S. chose her gray Report “Calico” wedges as her first choice: “The neutral gray makes them easy to pair with any color or pattern, while the 3 inch height offers the perfect lift without being too high. These shoes have more than proven their worth as I’ve worn them to teach, for long evenings out on the town, and even for sightseeing and touristy activities!”

Red Wedges, originally uploaded by academichic.

E. has similarly gotten a lot of mileage out of her red Naturalizer wedges, which she’s worn for teaching, to professional engagements, and while pregnant: “While these red wedges may seem high, they have a soft footbed and good ankle support and, once broken in, let me walk even long distances blister-free. The wedge is deceptively slender and surprisingly stable, enabling me to wear these shoes through my pregnancy right up until the day I gave birth!”

New Shoes!, originally uploaded by academichic.

A.’s favorite wedges are her recently acquired brown Kenneth Cole Reaction wedges: “The rather high heel on these shoes, had me doubting their practicality when I purchased them. But, as you may have noticed, these have become one of my favorite go-to pair of shoes! They are unbelievably comfortable but give me a confidence only a great pair of heels can give. I plan on paring these with tights and continuing to wear them as the weather gets colder”.

Boots:

2 October 2009 , originally uploaded by academichic.

Once the weather turns colder, we live in our boots! Boots are the perfect tackle-the-weather yet look-chic-while-doing-it footwear. A comfortable boot with no heel or small heel can make commuting around campus a cinch while still looking polished and professional with pants or skirts. S. was torn between her brown Frye knock-off boots or her black Banana Republic boots, but chose the latter for a more professional looking choice: “My black BR boots are flat and perfect for long treks in all sorts of weather, while still looking great with skirts or pants for professional or teaching ensembles. Their pointier toe and slimmer cut give them less of a rough boots look and more of a sleek professional air”.

2 April 2009 – A Day Without Belting, originally uploaded by academichic.

E. chose her cognac colored Steve Madden Iriss Boots as her go-to boots choice: “The mini-wedge and almond toe make these boots the epitome of stylish functionality. They slip on and off without fuss, making them great for traveling as well. I’ve walked across many a campus and through many a city in them and worn them equally with skirts, dresses, and jeans“.

2 February 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

A. offered up another pair of Banana Republic riding boots for her first choice: “These are comfortable, warm, practical, but also qute stylish, if I do say so myself. While they can only be so dressed up, I love the way these boots look with skirts, dresses, and jeans and you will see me wear these over and over from now until the end of March!”

We hope this selection provides you with some ideas and inspiration for footwear that looks both professional and stylish while still being nice to your feet! When choosing a pair of shoes, comfort should never take back-seat to style. And if you, wonderful readers, have a pair of your stylish yet comfortable shoes to add to this list, your input is more than welcome!

Category: Our Best Flatware, Q&A, Reaching New Heights

Comments

44 Responses to “Reader Question: Comfortable Yet Chic Shoes”

FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com
October 18th, 2009 @ 4:05 am

Great suggestions!!

I am an IT consultant who is constantly on her feet all day, and I second all the recommendations!!

Flats, Low Wedges and Boots are incredible for looking chic but lasting the whole day

I also wear one inch heels that are quite comfortable.
tastymoog
October 18th, 2009 @ 4:05 am

I can vouch for the comfort of those green AK loafers, and also Palladium shoes. Additionally, I have walked all over the place in my Naturalizer mary janes!
Sadie
October 18th, 2009 @ 4:14 am

I have narrow feet with particularly narrow heels, which means that I can’t wear slip-on shoes at all. I’m disappointed that your shoe recommendations don’t cater at all for those of us who have problem feet. Boots are wonderful, but even in the UK climate they can only really be worn for seven or eight months of the year.
Franca
October 18th, 2009 @ 4:28 am

I don’t really have anything much to add, except that I’ve found Clarks shoes to generally be much more comfortable than comparable designs from other companies.
Andromeda
October 18th, 2009 @ 4:45 am

As someone who also has narrow feet (which have some other problems as well), and who has literally never in her life been able to wear pumps or ballet flats because they make my feet bleed…

First, it’s important to know exactly why your feet are blistering. Is there something unusual about the shape of your feet? In my case, my heels are much narrower than my toes, so I haven’t found shoes in some styles that both fit my toes and stay on my heels (hence the chafing/bleeding). I can solve this by wearing the right style (Mary Janes, ankle straps, etc. to keep my heels in). OK, I would still love to have a pair of ballet flats, but I will probably need a cobbler for that, and at least I’ve figured out some styles I can wear.

Second, it’s important to go somewhere that actually has a selection in your style. I typically order shoes off the internet because so few stores carry narrows, and that’s fine for sneakers, but for something that needs to be stylish *and* comfortable you really need to try it on first, which means going someplace that regularly stocks narrows, which admittedly may be impossible depending on where you live or your budget. (The only place I’ve tried on shoes in the last decade is Nordstrom. And when I get out of grad school and have a job, I am going to go give them several hundred more dollars for shoes. But that is not practical right now.)
Andromeda
October 18th, 2009 @ 4:48 am

Where by “selection in your style” I mean “selection in your size”, of course.

Sadie, since we have the same problem, what sort of styles/brands have you found that work for you? (I only put together that I secretly have AAAA heels a few months ago, so I haven’t got this figured out much yet…)
Liliana
October 18th, 2009 @ 5:09 am

I also have narrow feet; my heels are specifically the most narrow part of my foot. I have a lot of trouble finding footwear that works for me. However, over the last year or so I’ve been using removable insoles in different areas of my shoes. I also recently found out that my right foot is half a size larger than my left, which was complicating things even more. Insoles have saved my feet and the agony in my life. =)

I think your recommended selection is great and offers quite a bit of diversity. I am looking forward to the season of boots, which offers the best support for my feet!
jfount
October 18th, 2009 @ 5:20 am

I have wide feet rather than narrow ones, but Naturalizer is a good start for anyone with problem feet. I find their regular sizes a touch narrow but the wides are perfect.

I have boots from Miz Mooz and Timberland that are very comfortable. For flats, I think Palladium is a little hit or miss; I like the pair I have but I had another that took an actual chunk out of my heel. I have a pair of loafers from “Sofftspots” that is kind of underwhelming; they fit tight and the padding isn’t contoured at all. As far as heels vs flats, a lot of the comfort brands have 1-inch wedges that they categorize as “pumps” or “heels” but, really, at least in the larger sizes, that’s effectively a flat. Restricting a search to “flats” on a website can sometimes filter these out.

BandAid (and I’m sure other companies) makes an anti-blister stick that is shockingly helpful. I’ve heard it’s the same product as the anti-nipple-chafing stuff runners use. I apply it on the whole “rim” of my feet, all over my heels and toes etc, and it definitely helps with the raw spots.

There’s not a magic bullet for comfortable shoes, unfortunately; you just have to try them, buy them, and see how your feet feel about it. At the change of every season when I switch to a new set of shoes or sandals my feet get tore up in the transition — on shoes I’d worn for months the previous year! It really has to do with your individual feet.
Sadie
October 18th, 2009 @ 5:46 am

Andromeda, it sounds like we have very similar feet – mine are a B/C width but definitely narrower at the heels, and just to make things even more fun one of my feet is about a five and a quarter (UK) and the other is a five and three-quarters, so most 5s pinch my toes and most 6s are like boots, while half sizes are really, really hard to find. About the only high-street place I’ve ever been able to find reasonably smart shoes is Clarks – they don’t do narrow widths but they do do half sizes and I can generally wear Mary Jane-style shoes without too much blistering. I’ve also heard good things about some of the German brands – Rieker, Wolky – although they don’t do half sizes and I have yet to try them. I see US bloggers singing the praises of Fluevogs, but I can’t get them in the UK and am reluctant to pay international shipping without being able to try them on!
Jenna
October 18th, 2009 @ 6:18 am

I have a pair of Naturalizer Akins that I wore daily for call making until I wore the tips off of them. Had them replaced and wore them some more.

I also purchased the A2® by Aerosoles Big Ben Dress Heels shoes for walking around making calls all day. I see they are no longer available but I would guess that the brand carries other super comfy shoes. (Don’t be scared off by the heel. TRY THEM ON! Heel height doesn’t set the comfort level.)
Emily
October 18th, 2009 @ 6:49 am

I just want to give a shout-out to some Target flats that I’ve been living in lately:

http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Supply-Co-Odell-Ballet/dp/B001HXF3FQ/ref=sc_qi_detaillink

They require a little breaking in (but didn’t give me any blisters during that time) and then afterwards they’re super comfortable!

I know they’re not really professional, but if anyone wants some simple & super casual ballet flats in fun colors, I would totally recommend these. Plus they only cost $12.99! Again, obviously they’re not the height of shoe construction… but they have held up pretty well for me!

Also, Clarks makes some super comfortable heels/wedges as well. I got these on sale for $30 (!) and they’re really comfortable:

http://www.zappos.com/clarks-erda-black

The best deals I’ve ever found on Clarks are at department stores, not at their own stores.
Sweet Machine
October 18th, 2009 @ 7:16 am

I third or fourth the recommendation for Clarks; they make heels and wedges that are quite comfortable, and for those of you who need an ankle strap, they have some great Mary Janes. http://www.6pm.com/ is a good place to look for them on sale.
D.
October 18th, 2009 @ 7:35 am

I am a teacher and understand the perils of looking stylish yet being able to walk miles (literally) through the hallways and campus of my school.

I religiously wear Dansko Professional clogs. Some think they are ugly however, I like the sort of quirky look to them. Plus, they are crazy comfortable.

Other good comfort shoe brands that are stylish are:
Clarks (and their other sub-brands), Earth, Keen, Pikolinos, Birkenstock and Taryn Rose. Try any one of the above brands and you can’t go wrong. Take a breather before looking at the price tag for any of the brands I mentioned; remember, you are investing in your foot health!
Caro
October 18th, 2009 @ 7:54 am

I am a slave to my feet because shoes often rub and cause blisters. I, too, am a fan of Clarks, which come in many stylish colours and designs. I also love Dansko and Ariat clogs, which come in various styles and shapes, including somewhat clunky versions. New finds for me this year have been Romika, El Naturalista, and Pikolino, all of which I recommend highly. I think if you have problem feet of any sort you should invest in a good pair of versatile shoes (or as many as you can afford). I always remember this motto when a pushy salesperson is trying to get me to buy shoes that aren’t a great fit: if a shoe is uncomfortable from the beginning, it will never grow more wearable.
Anna
October 18th, 2009 @ 8:30 am

I’ve found nothing works better in preventing blisters than wearing some kind of socks or hose when you’ll be walking a good distance. The little nude peds work well when you want to have bare legs. Also, instead of buying the fancy blister sticks, just get an extra tube of antiperspirant that you use just for your feet. It’s the same thing as in the blister sticks (and works great!)
iris
October 18th, 2009 @ 8:55 am

So, you addressed what shoes are comfortable for normal feet, but not for people with unusually sensitive feet (a problem the reader and I share). I’ve basically found that shoes made of canvas (i.e., tomsshoes or Palladium ‘Kassel’) are pretty comfortable for my delicate feet.

Aleternatively, if your shoes are giving you blisters, search your pharmacy for a special ‘blister band-aid’ they’re an amazing temporary fix for sore feet. I mean really amazing.
admin
October 18th, 2009 @ 10:00 am

Thank you for all your really wonderful additions to this post, everyone! Especially for those of you who can speak to the concern of narrower feet! We, of course, can only speak for what worked for us and we don’t share the particular concern of narrower feet, so we have little experience to offer in that department. So thanks, again, to those of you who came forward with more advice!

- Chics
Wendy
October 18th, 2009 @ 11:33 am

I have high arches and am prone to bouts of plantar fasciitis if I don’t take care of my feet. I’ve learned the hard way that you can rarely find fashionable comfort shoes at good prices, but it pays to invest in the health of my feet. I try to buy one good pair per season and I’ve finally built up a decent shoe wardrobe. This season’s pair will be knee high boots if I can find some I like.

I am another big Clarks fan. I particularly like their Artisan line with the Active Air technology. Clarks has some frumpy styles and some fashionable styles…you just have to look at the entire line, especially the Artisan line. I agree 6pm.com has some great deals on older styles, and if you have a Clarks outlet store near you, I’ve even found some current season styles for a lot less than retail. If you get on the e-mail list, Shoebuy.com has very frequent 20% off sales if you want a newer style, and they carry many Clarks.

I can tell that unfortunately most of the shoes pictured in this post (including all the flats) would not work for me. I need more padding and good arch support to be able to walk any distance comfortably. For those who need more padding like me, in addition to Clarks, look at Sofft for dressier shoes and heels, Softspots, and sometimes Ecco.
Andromeda
October 18th, 2009 @ 12:09 pm

(Oh, and if anyone’s curious, boots work for me, but the shoes I really *love* are these: http://www.sofftshoe.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=1656 . Nope, they weren’t cheap, and yes, they’re 3-inch heels, but with the strap they stay on my foot, and I can (and have) walked comfortably most of a mile each way to the subway in them. And hey, I’m 5’3” so I can use those extra 3 inches, especially at work…)
admin
October 18th, 2009 @ 12:21 pm

Wendy – I actually have high arches too and have special orthodics for my running shoes for that very reason. So perhaps the shoes that I have suggested would work for you, since they provide enough of a shoe bed and insole to work well for me. S.
T
October 18th, 2009 @ 12:43 pm

Your readers should check out this blog

http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/newshoe/

I actually found her blog through a comment she left on one of your flickr photos.
Astra
October 18th, 2009 @ 12:57 pm

Like Sadie, I have narrow feet and shoes never fit me properly. I’m lucky to live in Scotland where I can spend most of the autumn, winter and spring in boots. In summer I wear flip flops as much as possible, but obviously I can’t wear them in the rain or for a smart/professional occasion.

A few people have mentioned Clarks which is fine if you can afford to shop there, but as a student it’s well out of my budget.

The only place which sells slip-on shoes I can bear to walk in is Primark. One of their designs is surprisingly narrow pointy-toed ballet flats in soft fabrics – soft is the key. Shoes like the ones in these pictures are the kiss of death for narrow feet – far too stiff.

Another tip is to pounce on anything with straps. Ankle straps are good but my personal fave is T-bar shoes. Because they’ve got a buckle holding them on, you can’t step out of them as you walk like you would with the shoes in the photos. Plus there are a lot of smart styles out there with straps – just make sure the strap is close enough to your ankle to actually keep the shoe on!

And finally, keep a record of what works. Short of having shoes custom made for you, your chances of finding a perfect fit are slim-to-none. Plenty of places do “wide fit” shoes, but nowhere that I know of caters to those of us with narrow feet. But you can find solutions that make almost-right shoes bearable to wear. For example I have a pair of boots that give me blisters if I wear socks, but not if I wear tights – by experimenting & writing down the results, I found the best way to wear them.

Personally, I find it quite stressful and limiting to have to jump through hoops to find bearable shoes so I’m always looking for advice from other narrow footed women :)
huzzahvintage
October 18th, 2009 @ 1:20 pm

Miz Mooz wedges are ridiculously comfortable. I sometimes even find myself slipping them on instead of my moccasins at home.
Maria
October 18th, 2009 @ 1:58 pm

@ Sadie: Have you tried wearing insoles in shoes half a size too big? My left foot is a 4.5 while my right foot is about a 5, so I usually need to cover up on one side that way. I’ve figured out it works pretty well for me, allowing me to wear shoes which would usually make my feet bleed.

Other than that, I’d agree on Clarks being pretty comfortable (though quite expensive here in Germany) and really worth the buy. I love their Bombay pumps which look great with skirts, jeans and whatever you’d like to pair them with. :)
admin
October 18th, 2009 @ 2:41 pm

Thank you everyone for your input and tips! I’ll second the shout-out for Sofft shoes. My very stylish mother-in-law loves her Sofft sandals — they have good cushioning and the straps give good support. I have my eyes on a few pairs as well.

- E.
Luinae
October 18th, 2009 @ 3:44 pm

Great reccomendations. I need to find myself a pair of flats I really love, I’m thinking a bright colour and I really want a pair of wedges. I want grey wedges like the ones S. has- beautiful!
Kari
October 18th, 2009 @ 3:51 pm

I love your list of comfortable footwear. I have also had good luck with Me Too flats and Sofft pumps due to the padding in the soles, and I have a pair of Chinese Laundry pumps and Clarks pumps with a moderate to low heel and an arch shape that perfectly suits my foot. I duplicated each pump in multiple colors.

Now that I’ve found several pairs of comfortable boots that fit around my calves, they are quickly becoming my go-to look for chilly weather.

Strangely, I haven’t got very into wedges as a heel substitute even though I love the look. Maybe I ought to focus on finding a comfortable pair of wedge heels before I invest in any other footwear choices.

I used to be an undergrad student & later worked on a college campus, and the main problem I ran into is that the campus was covered in loose bricks. They would get very slick in the rain or ice, and it was easy to trip or scuff up a nice pair of shoes while walking around. Wearing comfortable shoes that would not slip off my feet and kept traction on the bricks was essential.
Viola
October 18th, 2009 @ 6:18 pm

I agree with the Clarks recommendation. I have two different styles from their “Indigo” line, which I wear for teaching and conferences, and they’re very comfortable. One is a mary jane, and the other is a regular patent pump.

I want to second/third that Target suggestion. Some of their Merona flats are wonderfully comfy!

Also, I think it’s important to figure out where and why you blister in certain areas of your feet. I’ve invested in some foot petals and other cushiony pads that you stick in your shoes to keep them from rubbing. These paddings (i.e. behind your heel, at the ball of your feet) have transformed some painful pairs of pumps into shoes that I can wear for hours now.
Kat
October 18th, 2009 @ 6:48 pm

Great post – it’s always a challenge to find the cute yet professional AND tolerable for the long days on your feet. Some of my current favorites are the Sofft pumps already mentioned, and La Canadienne boots for the cold weather months.
MsAmanda
October 19th, 2009 @ 6:07 am

Ecco Bouillon ballerina flats and Mary Janes.

http://tinyurl.com/7vqc93
http://tinyurl.com/7vqc93

I wore my Mary Janes all over Italy and Switzerland last November. Dressy yet can be casual, awesome little wedge that isn’t noticeable and a really comfy footbed. I wear them to work all the time with skirts and pants. They are worth the price and I always get compliments.
Rebecca M.
October 19th, 2009 @ 7:41 am

I have the opposite problem of many here: I have very large, wide, flat feet, which are prone to foot pain after walking long distances!

For dress shoes, my go-to is a Naturalizer. They’re a bit pricey but can be found on sale in plenty of places. They make wide sizes, are fashionable looking, and are made of leather (which breathes and expands).

For casual shoes, it’s Rockport, paired with a special hiking boot insole for heel stabilization. An orthotics doctor clued me into this after my freshman year in college, when foot pain from walking a large campus had me limping!

And I second the suggestions of others to use a deodorant and/or blister stick to prevent rubbing problems!
Lauren
October 19th, 2009 @ 8:52 am

Great post, ladies, thanks! I am considering trying some of the Report Calico shoes that S has – I’ve always loved them whenever you wear them, S, and if they’re comfy too that is great.

@Wendy – I too need more support than flats usually offer.

Comfortable, professional AND cute shoes are so hard to find. My husband just doesn’t get it. Many times we have stepped out for a walk or on a trip with what I *thought* were comfy & cute shoes, only to find out that with extended walking, they don’t work for some reason (even if they’re supremely great for shorter trips).

My go-to shoes these days are Softspots Oreon: http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-softspots-oreon-cedar-maestro-p_id91138 They work with pants or skirts, have a little height to them but are amazingly comfortable for walking and standing for long periods of time. However, I do have to wear them with tights or trouser socks – the one day I tried to wear them barefoot, I regretted it! Maybe some of the foot petals or blister sticks mentioned here will help that!
Sarah Jane
October 19th, 2009 @ 10:26 am

My feet are wide at the ball of the foot (not so much the heel) and I’m not very good at walking in heels. I’m also remarkably bad at focusing on anything else when my feet hurt. My current go-to shoes are Dansko mary-janes and Clarks sandals, and the other brand that I would buy again in a heartbeat are Rockports.

It has taken me a long time to realize that spending money on good shoes is an investment in my own happiness. A cheap sweater just can’t breed misery as fast as a poorly-fitting pair of shoes! I prioritize my spending accordingly — and don’t own very many shoes. ;)
BarkingDogShoes
October 19th, 2009 @ 10:49 am

You all are smart to be kind to your feet now when you’re young. I bought my first pair of Danskos after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in my late 20s. Back then (late 90s), there weren’t as many stylish options for women that needed foot-friendly shoes. Now Naturalizers are pretty darn hip and don’t look like granny loafers! And I must commend Clark’s for making fashionable, yet walkable, 2 1/2″ heels. I love their Indigo line for slightly wider feet.

Take a look at J-41′s new pumps for fall/winter. The “Fabulous” pump is very cute and is getting good reviews for comfort http://www.zappos.com/j-41-fabulous-dark-grey

Great post ;-)
Kirsten
Jingle Bella
October 20th, 2009 @ 6:49 am

I also agree with people who’ve recommended Clarks – almost all my shoes come from there now. For the problem of price – if you can spare a bit of time, trawl their sale racks whenever there’s a sale on! I’ve got several pairs of shoes that were originally £40-£45 each, but bought for £13-£25 on sale, which makes it a lot more affordable.
Erika
October 20th, 2009 @ 10:46 am

I also love Clarks and have picked up a couple pairs at their store for $50–not much for such comfort and quality. They have a lot of sales.

I have a wider front of my foot, but a normal heel, and this peep-toe shoe is very comfortable (and perfect for autumn with tights):
http://zapp.me/7506630
20 October 2009 – Secrets Revealed : academichic
October 20th, 2009 @ 2:58 pm

[...] today. While I was happily settling into my fall wardrobe, it’s nice to be able to wear my favorite wedges with bare legs (perhaps one last time). New Shoes!, originally uploaded by academichic. As I got [...]
Reader Questions: Shoe Week! : academichic
October 21st, 2009 @ 5:12 am

[...] making this week officially shoe week! To check out our post on chic yet comfortable shoes, click here, and also take a look at the really great comments full of more tips and reader recommendations on [...]
linda grant
October 22nd, 2009 @ 2:29 am

I have a piece in the Guardian today on this very subject. I have wide feet that are narrower at the heels and very tight achilles and calf muscles so flat flats are agony. I’m pleased to hear that so many others have the problem of finding stylish shoes you can actually walk in. Clarks is the answer. Next year they are introducing sports shoe type sole cushioning into their fashion shoes, their PR tells me.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/oct/22/women-flat-shoes
HistorySpice
October 22nd, 2009 @ 1:08 pm

I normally wear heels and shoes with a pointier toe since I’m comfortable in them. However, I just ran my first marathon and it looks like I’m going to lose a toe nail. In an effort to prevent this from happening, I’ve been wearing shoes with less heel and rounder/larger toe boxes. I’ve been relying a lot on a pair of Me Too flats that are very comfortable and a pair of John Fluevog Mary Janes since the race. I just ordered a pair of grey and yellow sketchers to hopefully add to the mix until the weather gets a bit cooler and/or my toe nail makes a comeback.
Jess
November 6th, 2009 @ 9:08 am

I skimmed the comments and didn’t see anyone ask this. I apologize if this is a repeat question/issue.

My doctor recently recommended lower heeled shoes as I’ve had knee surgery and have a bit of curvature in my spine. I would love to try flats, but all of my dress pants (I do not tend to wear skirts or dresses…ever) and jeans are too long. I’ve already had them all tailored once. If I have them tailored to be the length short enough to wear flats, then they are too short should I decide to wear something with a heel.

Do you have this problem? Someone suggested have different pants of different lengths. That seems like a lot of pants and a lot of tailoring.
Canadian
November 11th, 2009 @ 8:06 am

I guess I have a problem similar to many other readers. My feet are wide at the toe area, but my heels are definitely narrower than average. Shoes that fit the heel area are unbearably tight at the front of the foot, and shoes that fit my toes properly don’t stay on my feet because they slip off at the heel. My only solution is, unfortunately, to never wear slip-on shoes. All my shoes must have a strap or laces. That often doesn’t leave much selection. :( And for comfort when walking, I prefer low heels and lots of cushioning.

Shoe shopping is a big nightmare for me. Everything either hurts or falls off. I wish I could have lots of cute shoes, but I have to settle for the one or two comfortable pairs I can find, and then wear them with everything.
Goals: Week of March 8 « Musing Maps
March 8th, 2010 @ 7:55 am

[...] are inspiring and they also have good tutorials on color. Plus they have a wonderful list on “Comfortable Yet Chic Shoes” that I’m going to base shoe selection on in the future. In their honor and to get myself out [...]
Active Wear Shoes – Latest Active Wear Shoes news – Reader Question: Comfortable Yet Chic Shoes : academichic
March 29th, 2010 @ 4:56 pm

[...] Reader Question: Comfortable Yet Chic Shoes : academichic [...]