We wear our work shoes every day, so it’s worth finding the perfect pair.
It’s a serious business, buying your new work shoes. Okay, not quite as serious as some of the terrifyingly serious and possibly apocalyptic stuff going on right now but, hey, we’re here to talk shoes, so let’s stay on topic. So yes, it’s important to get it right when it comes to your new office shoes.
We’re talking about your go-to, contestant companions every single day here. The pair that you slip on every morning. The ones that must look the part, but not be boring; timeless, but not tiring.
Whether you’re spending £50 or £500, your work shoes should be one of the most considered fashion purchases you make.
So how, exactly, to choose new work shoes?
Look beyond black
Black is a staple of office wear, but adding some colour to your footwear is definitely not out of the question. Blues and burgundy are every bit as versatile, both being colours that work year-round. Metallic shoes can work as a neutral, and not only do they look great with your workwear, but they make heading out for post-work drinks an effortlessly fashionable affair. Be bold: that fancy footwear might just be the ice-breaker you need ahead of a big meeting with a new client.
Lifestyle matters
A good pair of weekday shoes will migrate easily from one situation to another, so think about what you do and where you go on a daily basis. Need to drop the kids off before grabbing Starbucks, driving across town for your first meeting and then heading into the office where you’re giving a presentation and taking someone on a tour? If you’re on your feet for a lot of the day, you’ll need to pick something with a supportive sole and plenty of cushioning, that don’t scuff easily and are easy to clean.
Try them on properly
You’re going to be wearing them daily, so an ill-fitting pair just won’t do. When you get home, wear them about the house for a while to make sure you’re comfortable and confident in them – a towering pair of heels may look amazing, but if you can’t dash between meetings without wobbling, you might want to consider something flat.
The price is right
When picking a pair of work shoes that you’ll wear every day, you might want to stretch your budget that bit further to ensure quality and comfort. Investing in a high quality pair will not only keep your feet looking good longer, but can also help prevent any problems, such as fallen arches, further down the line.
For reliable quality at a great price, Clarks shoes offer a huge range of styles, with the kind of attention to detail you could easily pay a fortune for from designer brands. Then there’s Peter Kaiser, who are especially good at elegant, sculptural shoes that will carry you from cornflakes to cocktails with poise. If you need a little extra room, Van Dal offer a range of classic silhouettes with delicate details, while Gabor shoes have a great selection that holds something for everyone, with a wide range of sizes and a focus on blissful comfort.
If you are looking to splash out on a new pair, make sure you get the right ones first time by allowing yourself time to research. Take a look at our workwear Pinterest board for inspiration; scroll on to see our picks of the best shoes for work or shop the work shoes edit online.
