shoes for comfort or style? my downfall.
Comfortable shoes don’t start as a priority for everyone.
I confess – when I was in my early 20’s, I was not good to my feet. I would stand for full workdays in heels and buy the cheapest flats that provided zero cushioning and pinched my toes – all because they ‘looked cute’. My mother would warn me, but I didn’t care.
Slowly I started to notice my feet were sore, more and more, then all the time. I can’t remember exactly when it happened, but slowly and surely I began to care about the quality of my shoes and how comfortable my feet were. I only wish I had started sooner, as it may have saved me from developing several long term problems I now live with daily.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Please see my disclosure for more details.
why do we put up with the discomfort?
Sometimes it’s hard to know at first try-on if these shoes will be comfortable or not. There is often the ‘break-in period’. You know, where we wear them around the house before an event so our foot can imprint to the shoe? Or we just accept the first few wears will be far from ideal?
Whether it’s in the name of fashion, professionalism, saving money, or simply not knowing what brand/style works for you – there are many reasons we might be counting down the hours until we can get home and kick off our shoes.
heels are not always the issue
I just want to be clear about one thing – I don’t believe heels are always the devil. Yes, many are horrible for our feet, legs, and back, but there are also many amazing heels out there! That being said, the good ones can be few and far between. If you wear heels often or would like to, my best advice is to invest in a pair that makes you feel like you wearing slippers. Yes – they are out there!
Sometimes you’ve got to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince 😉 Try on a million pairs to find the perfect heel. But I can certainly get you pointed in the right direction!
Why are there so many uncomfortable options in the first place
Fast Fashion is the biggest culprit here. Many companies that are fashion giants churn out new styles as often as every 6-8 weeks. To ensure the biggest profits, the production costs are kept to an absolute minimum, and style is king. Comfort is often a very minor factor. Generally, the materials used will be the cheapest they can find, while still maintaining the visual standard of their reputation. Our market is saturated with these products, and it makes finding a quality shoe that much more exciting!
Another factor is that everybody’s foot is different. Some are narrow, some are wide and anywhere in between. A shoe that is uncomfortable for me, could feel like walking on a cloud for you because of the different shapes to our feet! If you struggle to find a good fit, try playing around with some different brands that offer more customized selection.
the 5 best shoes that are comfortable and stylish
#1 – LifeStride – Pretty
Price point – $
LifeStride as a brand has an original take on shoes – they keep comfort and style equally in view and have a unique ‘soft system’ shell and sole. These shoes actually flex with your foot as you walk, instead of remaining stiff like most heels I’ve tried on or owned.
The Pretty Pump is my go-to anytime I need a simple, classy look. Perfect for the work or dinner with the girls, I own these in black and treat them as my ‘little black dress’ for my feet 😉
The price point of these is incredible, especially for how much wear you get out of them. I have no problem working a full day (mostly standing) in these heels, and would highly recommend them. They are great if you need a grab and go pump in your wardrobe!
#2 – Clarks – lafley rosen
price point – $$
This wedge is at the top of my list for my summer wardrobe. It is incredibly versatile and comes in a few great color options. I personally own these with the black upper, because it is more versatile with my workwear.
I bought my first pair last summer and plan on adding another color into the rotation this year because I just got so much use out of them over the last year!
And how comfortable are these wedges you may ask? Enough that you can work, then go do the grocery shop on the way home and your feet aren’t even on your mind!
Since you can literally wear these anywhere, I consider them a staple item, and they will truly keep you comfortable all day! Dress up a t-shirt and jeans, wear them to work, or at the next family gathering. You’ll just feel that extra elevation in your look thanks to these beauties!
#3 – naturalizer – emiline
Price point – $$
Naturalizer is probably the most common brand of shoe in my closet because the quality and comfort are just out of this world.
Now, are all their styles young and modern? No, in fact, my mother jokes that it’s an old lady store whenever I go in there to look at a new pair of shoes! That being said, there are several pairs I own that are very classic silhouettes and some that are just flat out adorable!
the perfect loafer
I chose the Emiline for this list because it is a good-for-everything, classic loafer. I won’t bother counting the ways and outfits you could wear this will, because we would be here for a while. If you aren’t a fan of loafers, they also have some excellent ballet flats I have worn and loved as well.
The leather sole and upper mean these last for a long time. I can personally vouch for them as I’ve finally bought another pair after wearing my last ones into the ground. This took a couple of years of almost daily wear. They are an excellent investment and an incredibly comfortable day shoe.
#4 – Dexflex comfort – rue
price point – $
These little ankle booties are perfect for the fall and are incredibly affordable. I own two pairs of booties, and these have been part of my autumn wardrobe for the last 5 years. I don’t anticipate retiring them anytime soon, and love to pair them with a cozy sweater and my favorite pair of jeans.
Dexflex Comfort has a great range of comfort footwear including flats, heels, and booties, and each item is great value for the longevity you will get.
Note: This particular brand was carried in Payless ShoeSource, which has gone under restructuring. Since then – they only sell on Amazon, and the Canadian prices are quite high, however, the pricing in the U.S. remains similar to when you could purchase it in-store.
#5 – Joan Oloff – Deborah
price point – $$$
I am not an affiliate of Joan Oloff Shoes, but I am a huge fan. I truly believe there is no other shoe like these on the market.
Founder and designer, Joan Oloff, is a podiatrist and developed these shoes in an ergonomically correct fashion, so your feet get treated with all the love they deserve. They are made in Italy by expert artisans and with top quality fabrics and leathers. The sole also has an antimicrobial lining, a feature that I love!
While these shoes are a serious investment in your wardrobe, they are also an investment in your long term health. If you wear heels often or notice your legs, back or feet are feeling more stressed at the end of the day, definitely consider these shoes.
my favourite shoe
I am going to link the button below to a beautiful classic 75 mm pump called ‘Deborah’, however, I encourage you to check out the rest of the selection. There is an amazing range of style and color so whatever your ‘staple shoe’ is, I believe you will find it there!
For a little more information on Joan Olaff Shoes, check out this video:
FAQs on staying comfortable in your stylish shoes
what height of heels are comfortable?
That is a very personal question! Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to heels, so my suggestion would be to start with something lower. A kitten or low heel is perfect if you’re new to everyday wear. If you are comfortable wearing heels, perhaps any hight would be ok for you, however, I find most people’s comfort (myself included) ends at a mid-heel.
- Kitten Heel – 2″(52mm) or less – LifeStride Pretty = 2″ heel
- Low Heel – 2.1″-2.5″(53mm-64mm)
- Mid Heel – 2.6″-3.4″(65mm-89mm) – Joan Oloff Deborah = 75mm heel
- High Heel – 3.5″-4.5″(90mm-115mm)
what is my feet are wide or narrow?
In my opinion, Naturalizer has some of the best customizations out there! With lots of options for wide and narrow feet, you will always find shoes that fit you like a glove!
what are the easiest heels to walk in?
Generally wedge heels (like the Clarks- Lafley Rosen) are the most comfortable and stable to walk in because of their wider base.
are flats considered professional?
Absolutely! A nice ballet flat or loafer is definitely considered professional, but certainly, look at your environment to evaluate which style would be the most appropriate. For example, if you work in a more conservative, corporate environment and your female colleagues wear blazers or suits, it is most likely a loafer would be the best choice of a flat shoe.
Stay comfortable!
I hope you’ve found some shoes you feel would be a good fit for your wardrobe! Always remember to buy something you love, not something that’s on sale, and do prioritize your comfort! By purchasing a quality item we love, we will wear it more and take care of it better. This doesn’t only save us money long term, but can also save another item from ending up in a landfill.
Don’t forget to find a great shoe repair shop in your area so you can keep your favourite pair in top condition!
What are your most comfortable – but still stylish! – shoes you’ve ever worn? Let me know in the comments below 🙂
If you’d like to get to know me a little better, check out my About page!
