PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: TOP SHOES TO WEAR AT THE OFFICE (that aren't high heels)

Let’s admit it, wearing high heels to and from the office, as well as in the office all day, aren’t the most comfortable option to have all day! While they are beautiful, are there other options that are appropriate for the office, while keeping our feet comfortable?

I actually have a close connection that works in Clarks, and I have had the privilege of getting to know more about how our feet and posture works. While you may think that completely flat shoes are the best option, they can actually also cause back and knee pain, as well as discomfort in our feet. So having some sort of insert to give our instep support, or a small heel, are the best options for our posture, particularly if we’re running around all day.

As a stylist, I have seen more and more people ask me about the appropriate footwear for their outfits, in particular, what footwear can work for the office, other than the go-to of stilettos. Gone are the days when offices expect stilettos or nothing, but this may feel alien to you! So, here’s my guide to help you discover the top shoes to wear to the office, that are professional, yet aren’t painful.

Wedges & platforms

Wedges and platforms are the most comfortable options for our feet, if we still want that added height, but without the discomfort of stilettos. 

Wedges are a great option for the workplace as they can come in a huge range of professional-looking varieties. 

They can sometimes come in a more "beach" appropriate style with their woven heels, so make sure to look for styles that feel more office ready. Consider suede or leather, rather than espadrille styles. 

For a platform, you can find some beautiful work-appropriate platforms from designer sneakers by Stella McCartney, to a pair of navy lace-ups.

Pumps with a kitten or block heel 

If you just love the shape of your classic pointed-toe stilettos, but want to have a smaller heel, look for pumps with a kitten heel. 

While this pointed heel is the least comfortable of my selections, you will still get a little elevation, and the pointed toe look, without going over the 2-inches! 

A classic nude or black pointed pump can be perfectly paired with your wide-leg work trousers or a pencil skirt for a full-on classic office look. 

If the kitten heel is not quite right for your comfort levels, you can find many pumps with the pointed toe that offer a block heel, for a touch of comfort, with classic styling.

Loafers with a small heel

Loafers have long been a business professional shoe, but mostly with a masculine wearer in mind. However, designers are now offering this beautiful style to the smaller, feminine foot! 

With the added comfort of being slip-on, they can work beautifully for a professional that is on the go. You can slip a pair of small-heeled loafers with your cropped trousers and a blouse for a very classical look.

For a more modern touch, try a pair of backless loafers with a chunky heel, and a pair of leather trousers, to make the trousers look more business-appropriate. 

Depending on your office, or your business personality, you could even try a pair of metallic or patterned loafers for a touch of creativity and drama for your look.

Platform Sneakers

Depending on the office you work in, or if you run your own business, you may want to consider the most comfortable of them all – sneakers!

Platform sneakers are all the rage, and offer a bit of height, while catering for the comfort of your feet. I love the new styles and designs that have come around over the last few years for those of us who want to look professional, yet stay comfortable when it comes to platform trainers. Even the likes of Stella McCartney has launched her iconic metallic platform sneakers that are exquisite, and definitely steer clear of the gym shoe!

If metallic with embellishment is a little too out there, you can find simple white or black platform trainers to pair with your wide leg work trousers, or smart jeans and a blazer. Grab an iced coffee, and your over the shoulder bag with your laptop and you’ll look like you just came off the catwalk.

So, do you think you’ll be walking away with a pair of comfortable office shoes this year? If you’re not sure where to start, I offer a personal shopping experience, so you have me by your side advising and recommending options to you for your needs.

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS – THE KEY SHOES TO HAVE IN YOUR CUPBOARD

Shoes can be a fantastic finishing piece to an outfit, and I love seeing how many options we have on the market now. Whether you are looking to have an elegant trainer, a killer heel, a statement boot, or a simple dolly shoe, you can make your statement with your feet in this day and age!

The great thing about shoes is that they can last a lifetime with the right care, so I do recommend investing in a few key styles that can work with several outfits.

A pair of boots for Autumn/Winter outfits

I recommend investing in a pair of brown and a pair of black boots – these are excellent for Autumn to Winter. Now we are in Spring, you will find several stores are offering a great discount on their boots in store.

If you want a little touch of personality, you could break from the traditional black and brown, and invest in some colourful boots that work with your personal colour preferences. I love these white booties from Aldo, as they can be a great statement, but you could try maroon, purple, green, or even blue!

Comfortable Flats for every day

Alongside the boots, I recommend a pair of comfortable “every day” flats, these can be plain or with a touch of personality, but they are excellent for running between meetings if you prefer to be comfortable. There are a huge range of options available, but for a more smart look, I highly recommend the classic brogue or dolly shoe, as these can work well with any outfit, and you can potentially head to meetings in them without the need to swap your shoes around. If you need a little height, but don’t want the discomfort of your heels, a platform is an excellent solution.

And don’t forget about the trainers, one of the greatest (and most comfortable) trend in shoes at the moment! The can transform your outfit from formal to smart casual in an instant, making you look fashionable and stylish, while preventing sore feet!

The perfect pair of heels for any outfit

If you are a heels girl like me, then a pair of strappy heels can be great for the summer. If you want to show off a little flair when wearing your black monochrome outfit, then a pair of fabulous statement stilettos can be an fun piece in your shoe cupboard – there are these leopard print stilettos by Moda In Pelle, which are amazing, or for a little less statement, why not try these green stilettos by Hobbs of London. I also think a pair of nude heels can work wonders with a dress, jeans, trousers, or a skirt, so if you fancy treating yourself, I love the look of these nude shoes, as they are just the right heel for newbies and experienced heel wearers, and they basically go with everything!

Whatever your preference, you can truly show off your personality and style with your shoes, even if your business or job title require you to potentially stay a little more muted in your outfit choices. I hope these have given you some fun ideas for the essentials for your shoe cupboard, and I’d love to hear from you which shoes you love most to add a little spark to your outfit!