Dressy, Comfortable Work Shoes

[BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN]

I've been looking through the numerous threads about shoes (as I have done in the past on AN over the years), so I KNOW there are many of them. I also know that everyone has a different preference (I, for one, cannot wear Nike's- I have flat feet, and my feet feel like they are being squeezed in them, even the wide widths), so I'm looking for someone who may have had similar experiences with shoes.

I am looking for a comfortable shoe I can wear with business casual attire (as an Educator); either dress pants or with a skirt/dress and leggings/tights. I don't mind a clog (definitely not a CROC style or white in color). I wore Danskos in the past- swore by them for years, while working 12 hour shifts. Then, I started teaching (up to 4 hours at a clip standing for lectures, with minimal pacing/walking around the room) and I suddenly lost my love for them. I had a particular pair for a long time (do they wear out, or did I just get old and they no longer worked for me?). My back, as well as my feet suffered as a result.

I saw a thread where someone said they liked the Grey's Anatomy softwalk shoe (I did not know these existed). Reviews are standard- some love them, some hate them. I like the idea of the cushioning in them, and they have a lot of colors to choose from (that work with dress clothing). I'm also considering Skechers (work shoe/clogs, not sneakers), as I have had luck with their sneakers in the past.

Anyone have any suggestions, based on my past-shoe-history? I plan on 'mixing it up' (for variety of style, as well as not letting my feet get too used to a particular shoe).

[llg, PhD, RN]

I might be spelling this wrong ... but I often wear a brand called Allegria -- or something like that. They have good arch support and a wide, boxy toe that doesn't pinch.

llg ... Nursing Professional Development Specialist

[elkpark]

I work in "business casual" street clothes, and walk a lot in my work. I wear nothing but Crocs -- but other styles besides the ugly clogs. They make lots and lots of different styles that look like "regular" shoes, and it's like walking on clouds all day.

[BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN]

I don't think I knew that Crocs had non-clogs. I will look into those and the Allegria brand. Thanks!

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

Try L.L. Bean - The only problem is that it's an on-line store - But they are very gracious about returns.

Women's Casual Shoes | Free Shipping at L.L.Bean

Hppy

[LunarpaddlerBS]

I bought a pair of white Allegria Palomas for nursing school. The fit and support are amazing. I don't even add my orthotics, but I could if I wanted to.

They are styled like maryjanes, and they are available in many different colors. The soles are pretty thick, which could give them a sort of orthopedic look, but the multiple colors/finishes might make up for that.

You may want to check them out on a site like Zappos. Depending on where you live, they may be difficult to find locally.

[Khaan]

ECCO Loafers in black. Feel like slippers. Look like business casual.

[nrcnurse]

I have "not-off-the-shelf-feet" and the Grey's Anatomy Softwalk Clogs are the most comfortable clogs I have ever worn.

[nrcnurse]

Try L.L. Bean - The only problem is that it's an on-line store - But they are very gracious about returns.

Women's Casual Shoes | Free Shipping at L.L.Bean

Hppy

LL Bean is based in Maine and there are numerous stores in New England states. Their mail-order service is terrific, though.

[Wuzzie]

LL Bean is based in Maine and there are numerous stores in New England states. Their mail-order service is terrific, though.

They have stores in the mid-west too. They've been around for what seems like a thousand years. Their service and return policy can't be beat (although Zappos is pretty much on par with them). I've ordered stuff from them for years. Never, ever had an issue.

[LunarpaddlerBS]

Just an added note (re: my previous post):

1) I misspelled the brand name. It's Alegria with one L.

2) I have been wearing this single pair of white Alegria Palomas to every clinical and lab day. The outer shoes have held up well. Last week, my toes and legs started to ache at the end of my clinical day, and I noticed that the shoes were fitting a bit loose. I usually remove the insoles to air out the shoe. Yesterday I removed them and after some examination, I realized that the areas beneath the toes and the heels had compressed. (The insoles are made of a thick cork combined with plastic and covered with suede.) Fortunately, I'm able to extend the life of my shoes with a new pair of insoles for about $25. If necessary, I could probably renew the insoles again in 6 months.