Comfortable Dress Shoes for Women

[MDtoBe777]

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I'm looking for some comfy dres shoes. I already own a pair of Klogs, but clearly those are not dressy enough if I have to work with a doctor in his/her office. I'll be an M1 in August and we have weekly meetings with your preceptors (so we basically follow them around in the office). Any recommendations? Thanks.

 

[Skaterbabe74]

My favorites for cheap, dressy, and comfortable are Franco Sarto and Linea Paolo. Franco Sarto you can find just about everywhere, Linea Paolo I always found at Nordstrom. I used to work 9-12 hours a day selling shoes with a two floor stockroom in my Sarto heeled loafers. One key is getting a couple pairs to trade out if you're having to wear them more than a couple times a week. Never wear the same pair two days in a row. They need to air out, and your feet need a break from the same pair. Other good ones that are a bit pricier are Munro and some Ecco's. And finally if you want to go all out and get a pair that will last forever too, yet still be comfy (also over $150 though) try via spiga, cole haan, and stuart weitzman.

 

[gunit07]

My favorites for cheap, dressy, and comfortable are Franco Sarto and Linea Paolo. Franco Sarto you can find just about everywhere, Linea Paolo I always found at Nordstrom. I used to work 9-12 hours a day selling shoes with a two floor stockroom in my Sarto heeled loafers. One key is getting a couple pairs to trade out if you're having to wear them more than a couple times a week. Never wear the same pair two days in a row. They need to air out, and your feet need a break from the same pair. Other good ones that are a bit pricier are Munro and some Ecco's. And finally if you want to go all out and get a pair that will last forever too, yet still be comfy (also over $150 though) try via spiga, cole haan, and stuart weitzman.

yay! someone who agrees with me about francos! woo!

 

[SoCuteMD]

I'm looking for some comfy dres shoes. I already own a pair of Klogs, but clearly those are not dressy enough if I have to work with a doctor in his/her office. I'll be an M1 in August and we have weekly meetings with your preceptors (so we basically follow them around in the office). Any recommendations? Thanks.

Honestly, all the physicians I've shadowed understand the necessity of comfy footwear. My preceptor had a TINY office with only enough chairs for parent, patient, and doctor (she was a pediatrician) so I stood the ENTIRE time. I strongly advise against ANY sort of heel higher than 1" and really 1/2". I bought a pair of Danskos and find that although not the MOST attractive footwear, they look just a bit more dressed up than other shoes. They work well with my dress pants.

 

[CMar830]

Are cute flats just not dressy enough? I'd so much rather wear them...

 

[erin682]

If you can't afford dansko's or the like or you want something to alternate with try Dillard's. The one I went to had a huge selection of 'comfort shoes'. There are also the dillards house brands (ask the clerk which ones they are) that are as comfortable as some of the others but less expensive. Some are even marginally attractive.

 

[SoCuteMD]

Are cute flats just not dressy enough? I'd so much rather wear them...

I just don't find flats comfortable enough for a full or even a half day on my feet. They are fine, though.

 

[Wee Free Woman]

Aerosoles is pretty comfortable and if you can get to an outlet store or if you get them on sale, they're fairly cheap.

They can easily be passed off on work-wear pant-shirt type outfits.

 

[akpete]

I agree with the Franco Sarto recommendation too!!

But I'm gonna disagree with no heel higher than an inch. There's no reason a QUALITY heel has to be uncomfortable.

Basically it comes down to trying on a lot of shoes (and who doesn't like that!). I'm a frequent customer of DSW! 🙂

 

[Skaterbabe74]

Honestly, all the physicians I've shadowed understand the necessity of comfy footwear. My preceptor had a TINY office with only enough chairs for parent, patient, and doctor (she was a pediatrician) so I stood the ENTIRE time. I strongly advise against ANY sort of heel higher than 1" and really 1/2". I bought a pair of Danskos and find that although not the MOST attractive footwear, they look just a bit more dressed up than other shoes. They work well with my dress pants.

And the Dansko's last forever. I have a pair of black professional finish that I'd wear even more when I was selling shoes than my Sartos. You'll love them for 3rd/4th year (once you get used to them), but for interviews and serious office days the Sarto loafers are definitely more professional looking.

Oh and the person who recommended aerosoles. They are comfortable but they also have no support whatsoever. You can twist any of them like a piece of elastic. Which is fine if you're sitting around all day and/or young, but in the long run you'll have more foot/leg problems if you're running around for extended periods of time in them.

 

[Chinorean]

I'm a HUGE fan of Naturalizer. I used to wear 3+ inch heels to make myself feel taller and it hurt, then I started wearing Naturalizers and I'll never go back.

These, for instance, would work really well:

http://www.naturalizer.com/shop_onl...asual&PID=bralex&variant_id=895P60&Size=%%%-%

Someone mentioned Stuart Weitzman earlier...I have a pair I wear to work, but while the heel is low the cut is slightly narrow and not great for a long day on your feet.

 

[ahumdinger]

Aerosoles is pretty comfortable and if you can get to an outlet store or if you get them on sale, they're fairly cheap.

They can easily be passed off on work-wear pant-shirt type outfits.

I second this with much enthusiasm. I've run 5 blocks (to make it to work on time) in my aerosole two-piece pumps without getting a blister. yay.

 

[Skaterbabe74]

I'm a HUGE fan of Naturalizer. I used to wear 3+ inch heels to make myself feel taller and it hurt, then I started wearing Naturalizers and I'll never go back.

These, for instance, would work really well:

http://www.naturalizer.com/shop_onl...asual&PID=bralex&variant_id=895P60&Size=%%%-%

Someone mentioned Stuart Weitzman earlier...I have a pair I wear to work, but while the heel is low the cut is slightly narrow and not great for a long day on your feet.

I actually meant to mention that stuart weitzman's run on the narrow side, but if you shop at Nordstrom's for them you can actually get wides instead of mediums to adjust for that. I have a pair of heeled brown suede loafers that I love, and for awhile I was a full wide foot when I was on my feet all day for work.

 

[BlondieMD]

Is it wrong that I swear by BCBGirls 3 inch stilleto heels? I have worked from 9 am-10 pm in them and never hurt. I guess it is what you are used to!

I'm probably in for a rude awakening in med school though...thats just my 2 cents

 

[Sammich81]

Is it wrong that I swear by BCBGirls 3 inch stilleto heels? I have worked from 9 am-10 pm in them and never hurt. I guess it is what you are used to!

I'm probably in for a rude awakening in med school though...thats just my 2 cents

Blondie more power to you if you can run around in those. My BCBG stilettos kill even after an average bar night, and stumbling on cobblestone pathways is not sexy!

A question for the rest of you...I have super flat arches, so my alignment is kind of funky. It also means I need wide-ish shoes because the front part of my foot is smushed down and fat. What works for you? I wear my danskos, mostly, especially for surgery, but sometimes they hurt my pinky toe. Not to mention they're hard as rocks, although I guess that's the price you pay for being supportive. They got me through all of 3rd year though.

To wear with skirts then- Naturalizer, Sartos, and Aerosoles seem to be popular at least for a typical clinic day?

 

[Brickhouse]

Funny I was just online shopping for shoes! I just started rotations and I'm dying.

do yourself a favor ladies -

BEST PLACE FOR SHOES EVER!

Dankso has like *300* different shoes - some are even 2.5 inch strappy heels! Check 'em out, each shoe is reviewed, some by med students/MDs. Only problem is price, but I have owned my other pair for years and love them still.

 

[vtucci]

Naturalizer and Aerosoles are okay but I highly recommend SAS. SAS is pretty expensive (about 100/pair) but very comfortable. You can get SAS in penny loafer style or open toe style.

 

[myodana]

check out fluevogs... peek around the site... great shoes (not all are appropriate for work though🙂)

 

[MollyMalone]

check out fluevogs... peek around the site... great shoes (not all are appropriate for work though🙂)

Wow... I'd never heard of them, but there are some excellent shoes on that site!

Me likey. 🙂 Thanks for the link!

 

[UCLAstudent]

Another vote for Naturalizers. 🙂

 

[needinformation]

I think what one finds comfortable is necessarily comfortable for all. For example, I can't stand Franco Sartos... My podiatrist brother told me it is because my arch is too low, and one day, I am going to have hammer toe! ARG!

Alas, I think along with the right shoes, you need the right 'socks'. I find it much more comfortable to wear some kind of socks with my dress shoes, unless I am wearing sandels, then I just can't bring myself to wear any kind of hose for fear of looking like a loser...

Also, I haven't done this, but I imagine supportive hose would help with standing up all day long.

I love my Danskos. I also like Bally shoes.

 

[smrtmom1]

I like to wear a good, wide 1" heel, with lots of support...Dillards and Nordstrom are gret places with good sales people to do the fetching for you...I have also found that the previous post of not wearing the same pair everyday is the way to do it...I have a high arch and WIDE foot, so I am hard to fit and sentitive to heels, and I love the bcbg...I plan on buying a great pair of Manolo Blhaniks with my first "real" paycheck though.... 😛 FOr now, Naturalizers and Bandolinos are my favs... 😉 Just my $.02

 

[nibrocli]

when wearing a pants suit, i like to wear ankle boots. i think they are much more comfy than dress shoes, i guess b/c they have more support? but they do have to be dressy. whatever you do, don't wear chunky ones!!!

 

[hattie]

for now, my 2 favorites are sofft "novella" mary janes in red http://www.sofftshoe.com/item.asp?style=1004601&Col=116 and aravon "faye" black dress shoes http://www.aravonshoes.com/p_sc_ec_faye.php that are supposedly by the same people as new balance, and they really are as comfy as sneakers!

I have narrow feet and slide around/roll my ankles in danskos if I'm doing anything besides standing in one place all day... also if you're not used to wearing heels they can kill your back.

wow, that fluevogs site is going to be dangerous!

happy shoe shopping, all!

 

[Sonora]

Love this thread! Now we are talking.
I love heals but at times when you have to be on your feet all day a pair of shoes with 1” heal from Franco Sarto, Bandolino, Aerosoles, and Enzo will do the trick. They are very dressy and comfy. You still can have pointy toe w/o the stiletto. For on-call days/nights – Dansko professional is my choice b/c of excellent arch support although I am not a big fan of chunky footwear and try to keep to minimum.

Smrtmom1: I am so with you on investing in designer shoe with 4” “take me here and now” heals when cash flow becomes more steady.

 

[Smitty3L]

I love this thread! I started off wearing all my favorite heels at the hospital while going through nuc med school, and I learned my lesson. I ended up just wearing scrubs everyday (something I swore I would never do!). So this time around I'm going to get it right, no more blistery aching feet.

I'm a big fan of wearing colorful dress shoes, especially pink and red, but with toned down dress otherwise. Do you think that would not be conservative enough?

 

[goodies]

i'm looking for some black COMFORTABLE shoes with at least 1.5" heels. most of my pants are long and i do not want to alter them.. so taller shoes would be nice. does anyone have specific recommendations (links would be appreciated) of some comfy shoes???? 🙂

 

[chanjurban]

i'm looking for some black COMFORTABLE shoes with at least 1.5" heels. most of my pants are long and i do not want to alter them.. so taller shoes would be nice. does anyone have specific recommendations (links would be appreciated) of some comfy shoes???? 🙂

As a "former" teacher who stayed on her feet all day long - NATURALIZER's. You can find dressy, casual, flat, high heels, low heels, and they're almost always comfortable.

I really dig them for the fact that they have size 4 shoes. I'm so small that if it weren't for Naturalizers and Petite Sophisticate (boy do I miss them), I'd look like a middle schooler in the clothes and shoes that I'd have to wear.

Try www.naturalizer.com. I'm sure you'll find something that will work for your pants.

 

[fleetgoddess]

As a "former" teacher who stayed on her feet all day long - NATURALIZER's. You can find dressy, casual, flat, high heels, low heels, and they're almost always comfortable.

I really dig them for the fact that they have size 4 shoes. I'm so small that if it weren't for Naturalizers and Petite Sophisticate (boy do I miss them), I'd look like a middle schooler in the clothes and shoes that I'd have to wear.

Try www.naturalizer.com. I'm sure you'll find something that will work for your pants.

I'm a bcbg girl in general but i have found naturalizer worked when i had really bad balance due to knee surgery. they have much wider heels so it was comfortable and i could actually not fall over.
i haven't worn them since though.

 

[R*ckstar]

What a great thread! I am in for the Manolo's with the first real paycheck!!!!

 

[temmie]

personally i get shoes from wherever. But you will be shocked that my fav are some that i got from wal mart 2 desperate summers ago when i was broke. Still rocking em 😎

 

[swimncsc]

personally i get shoes from wherever. But you will be shocked that my fav are some that i got from wal mart 2 desperate summers ago when i was broke. Still rocking em 😎

I would not be caught dead in ugly shoes. Shoes make the outfit. I would rather have feet that hurt than look like an 80 year old woman. Suck up the pain and look professional. No chunky boots. No mary janes that look like they are for 80 year olds. Cute colors.

Like someone on the page before said....BCBG heels. Love them and can't live without them.

 

[Samoa]

My favorites for cheap, dressy, and comfortable are Franco Sarto and Linea Paolo. Franco Sarto you can find just about everywhere, Linea Paolo I always found at Nordstrom. I used to work 9-12 hours a day selling shoes with a two floor stockroom in my Sarto heeled loafers. One key is getting a couple pairs to trade out if you're having to wear them more than a couple times a week. Never wear the same pair two days in a row. They need to air out, and your feet need a break from the same pair. Other good ones that are a bit pricier are Munro and some Ecco's. And finally if you want to go all out and get a pair that will last forever too, yet still be comfy (also over $150 though) try via spiga, cole haan, and stuart weitzman.

Wow! Somebody else who likes Linea Paolo! I have a pair that I bought at Nordstrom. Not only are the most comfortable shoes I own, but I invariably get compliments on them from other women whenever I wear them. 👍

 

[Nerd]

Wow! Somebody else who likes Linea Paolo! I have a pair that I bought at Nordstrom. Not only are the most comfortable shoes I own, but I invariably get compliments on them from other women whenever I wear them. 👍

I love heels! I'm short so can't live without them. But when I tried to wear them in lab, after only few hours, my feet and legs were in a lot of pain. (well, that was expected but there must be shoes out there that can provide both comfort and height. I hope )

So, other than the brands, does anyone have advice on what style is good for working in the hospital/lab? for example, platform, wedge, etc.?

Thanks!

 

[Skaterbabe74]

Wow! Somebody else who likes Linea Paolo! I have a pair that I bought at Nordstrom. Not only are the most comfortable shoes I own, but I invariably get compliments on them from other women whenever I wear them. 👍

I was selling shoes for Nordies when they first started carrying the Linea Paolo's. Every single one of us (girl salespeople anyway) absolutely fell in love with them). I only have one pair - got laid off shortly after they started carrying them, but I literally live in them during the summer. It's a pair of cognac brown, chunky heeled, platform sandals. I travel by bus everywhere so I inevitably end up walking. These are one of the only pairs that I don't get blisters from lol.

Nerd - try the Linea Paolo's if you haven't yet. Also, definitely stick to platform or small wedges (ie. no 4" wedge), and round or square toes (or make sure the point is totally in front of your toes so that you aren't scrunching your toes at all). You don't want to be on your tippy toes all day. The other nice thing about the Paolo's (at least the paolo's at nordstrom's) is that they come in narrows and wides so you can definitely get a good fit. Dansko's are also awesome, and on a platform with round toes. They're just clogs (they have full backs, open backs, and mary jane stypes) but you can get a shiny leather finish - the professional style - so they don't look totally dressed down).

 

[amandil]

i'm looking for some black COMFORTABLE shoes with at least 1.5" heels. most of my pants are long and i do not want to alter them.. so taller shoes would be nice. does anyone have specific recommendations (links would be appreciated) of some comfy shoes???? 🙂

These Franco Sarto Nolans are AMAZING shoes:

Tall (2.5") and chic, yet super comfortable. ~$81. I love that they don't make your foot look clunky.

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/10525361/c/60.html

 

[2010WFUdoc]

If you like comfortable, nice looking boots, try White Mt. They are very hard to find (try famous footwear if you have those), but moderately priced (my boots were 60). I've been through two pairs of their black ankle boots, each lasting through about 2-3 yrs each of EVERDAY wear-walked 3 miles to lab (often in snow) and then was on my feet all day. I never even felt them- and they looked equally great with dress pants and with jeans. Another fellow labmate and I were talking about great shoes and found we had the same ones!

Now that I've moved and lost all my old shoe haunts, I have not been able to replace them. If anyone sees White Mt. shoes in the North Carolina area, please PM me! I may have to give up and try some of the other brands listed on this thread. 😳

when wearing a pants suit, i like to wear ankle boots. i think they are much more comfy than dress shoes, i guess b/c they have more support? but they do have to be dressy. whatever you do, don't wear chunky ones!!!

 

[samenewme]

If you like comfortable, nice looking boots, try White Mt. They are very hard to find (try famous footwear if you have those), but moderately priced (my boots were 60). I've been through two pairs of their black ankle boots, each lasting through about 2-3 yrs each of EVERDAY wear-walked 3 miles to lab (often in snow) and then was on my feet all day. I never even felt them- and they looked equally great with dress pants and with jeans. Another fellow labmate and I were talking about great shoes and found we had the same ones!

Now that I've moved and lost all my old shoe haunts, I have not been able to replace them. If anyone sees White Mt. shoes in the North Carolina area, please PM me! I may have to give up and try some of the other brands listed on this thread. 😳

If your size is consistent in this brand, I think you're covered. It looks like all the major online shoe retailers carry them. I can't try them; it looks like they don't make wide. Sigh.

 

[akpete]

Does anyone have any recommendations for boots for people with larger calves? I've tried on sooooo many taller boots to no avail and have ended up with only ankle boots. All I really want right now is one nice pair of dark brown boots. 👍

 

[Chinorean]

These Franco Sarto Nolans are AMAZING shoes:

Tall (2.5") and chic, yet super comfortable. ~$81. I love that they don't make your foot look clunky.

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/10525361/c/60.html

Amandil, I really don't think those will cut it on rounds. You're going to be so envious of me whilst I prance around fairy-like in my 1" heels.

 

[vtucci]

computer froze

 

[vtucci]

Does anyone have any recommendations for boots for people with larger calves? I've tried on sooooo many taller boots to no avail and have ended up with only ankle boots. All I really want right now is one nice pair of dark brown boots. 👍

You do not have to be overweight or a plus size girl to buy the boots at the avenue or lane bryant. Look online at their websites. They are the only manufacturers that seem to grasp the concept that not all women have tiny calves.

Good luck.

 

[Skaterbabe74]

Does anyone have any recommendations for boots for people with larger calves? I've tried on sooooo many taller boots to no avail and have ended up with only ankle boots. All I really want right now is one nice pair of dark brown boots. 👍

Naturalizer makes wide shaft boots. I have the same problem having been a figure skater/dancer most of my life. Sudini also works for some wider calfs (I can wear some of their wides even though I don't have a wide foot anymore). I found one pair of tall shaft Donald Pliners that worked for me too (it had a bit of elastic cut into each side). Mostly I do stretch boots though. Franco Sarto does a lot of stretch boots, and I don't know if they'll do it this year but they've done a chocolate brown suede stretch that were to die for in the past. Also, if you're relatively close to getting them up (I can't get far so it doesn't work for me) you can have the leather stretched. (I know Nordstrom does this, but any shoe repair place will probably have the stretchers too). My ex-boyfriend's sister has to have all of her boots stretched because she's an aerobics instructor, and I've stretched hundreds of pairs of boots over the years that I worked at nordstrom. It does work, but only if you can get them halfway up to start with. Some stretch boots unfortunately look cheap, but there's many out there that are good quality.

 

[akpete]

You do not have to be overweight or a plus size girl

The first time I read this, I was like "hey, what exactly are you implying," but I gotcha the next time around. But I still feel like I should reiterate that I am of average weight, with more muscular calves. But I know what you were saying and thanks for the tip!!

Skaterbabe, thanks for the advice too. I didn't realize that you could get the leather stretched, which could possibly work for me (depending on the brand). Thanks!!

 

[goodies]

Amandil, I really don't think those will cut it on rounds. You're going to be so envious of me whilst I prance around fairy-like in my 1" heels.

awwwwwwwwwwwww, I really like the way those look. I was thinking of getting them, but do you really think those will not cut it on rounds???? I need something comfortable and tall just like what Amandil suggested.

 

[amandil]

awwwwwwwwwwwww, I really like the way those look. I was thinking of getting them, but do you really think those will not cut it on rounds???? I need something comfortable and tall just like what Amandil suggested.

hahaha she's just ribbing me 'cause we know each other 🙄

In any case, I can't vouch for these shoes 100% because I don't own them, I only tried them on at the store and fell in love with the style (but not the price tag *sigh*). However, I thought the reviews on Zappos were phenomenal, so it seems like most people find this shoe to be very, very comfortable. There was even a review by a doctor who's on her feet all day! So they must be pretty decent...

 

[BooMed]

Born shoes are super comfortable and some of them are really cute.

Born Women's Shoes

Naots are a good brand too.

It's so hard to find comfortable shoes that aren't ugly, especially with skirts. But I can't stand being in pain. When the weather is nice I like to walk instead of drive so I have to find footwear that is really cushy. I think sleek sneakers are cute with scrubs, and I have Danskos that I've been wearing for years.

 

[anamarylee]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Clarks. They are the most comfortable ones I've worn. The clogs are ideal for dress pants and to go to the OR.

 

[Chinorean]

So I Google-searched "podiatrist recommended shoes for rounds" and I came up with this link

http://www.allheart.com/nursematesshoes.html?gclid=CIzJr6qVnoYCFSGTWAodaXGCww

What really got me was the "Support and Fashion Hosiery for Medical Professionals"--do we really need special tights? 😕

 

[Skaterbabe74]

So I Google-searched "podiatrist recommended shoes for rounds" and I came up with this link

http://www.allheart.com/nursematesshoes.html?gclid=CIzJr6qVnoYCFSGTWAodaXGCww

What really got me was the "Support and Fashion Hosiery for Medical Professionals"--do we really need special tights? 😕

I can't believe they actually sell Keds tho. Those things are pieces of crap, with no support whatsoever. Sure they're ok for walking around sightseeing for some people or running errands but for 9+ hours on your feet everyday they suck.