Comfortable, High Quality Work Shoes? (Flats?)

[MillenialMustache]

Hi all, I was inspired by a thread in the general discussion to ask a question: http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/the-captain-samuel-vimes-'boots'-theory-of-socioeconomic-unfairness/

I tend to buy similar work shoes over and over again, from Payless, Kohls and sometimes Rockport. I would really like to spend more on a pair of shoes, with the idea they will last a longer time and be more comfortable. Does anyone have any suggestions for a high quality brand to buy black work flats from? The kind of shoe I would repair instead of throwing it away? The work boots my DH has have been going strong for five years or so, with one repair. Someday we will likely resole them instead of throwing them away. Is that even made for women anymore? Also, they need to be somewhat stylish because of where I work, but not too much.

I am totally naive on this subject, and hope there is enlightenment.

[TrMama]

Clark's. Not a super expensive brand, but they are super comfortable, come in many widths, and last. I'm wearing a 4 year old pair right now. They look great and I've never done anything to them.

[4alpacas]

Clark's. Not a super expensive brand, but they are super comfortable, come in many widths, and last. I'm wearing a 4 year old pair right now. They look great and I've never done anything to them.

I purchased a pair of Clark's, and I hated them.  They're so uncomfortable.  I thought I was buying a sturdy pair of shoes, but they rub my heels raw.  I kept them for a few years and never wore them. 

I'm still looking for the special pair of flats that fit and aren't too casual.  I have a few pairs of wedges from Nine West that are really comfortable, but I haven't found a flat that works yet. 

[ohana]

Can you wear Dansko?  I love my pair; they are sturdy and very comfortable for standing.  They're 6 years old and just need some brown dye once in a while.

Maybe something from LL Bean?  Satisfaction guaranteed?

Good luck!

[purplepants]

I'm a big fan of Cole Haan flats.  They're quite expensive, although you may be able to find a deal from somewhere like 6pm.com or DSW. 

They use a sneaker style cushioning for the insole, so they are very comfy (if the style name has "Air" in it, it actually uses the Nike Air insole material).  I've picked up a few pairs on clearance for $60, and I paid full-price for a pair suitable for job interviews in my field.  They have held up for years and I expect I will have them for life.

[RunHappy]

I love my Michael Kors flats.  Been wearing them for years.  I usually wait until they go on sale and stock up on the colors I wear out most.

[NumberCruncher]

Do these shoes need to work with skirts/dresses? How formal is your workplace?

I mostly wear men's shoes for a number of reasons, and they work well with pants, but not skirts. I also have a friend who only wears dresses and wears Sperry's boat shoes pretty much exclusively, but the dress code is pretty casual.

There are a number of brands that have die-hard fans, but I think the best thing is to try a large number of brands to see what works for you. I can't listen to my mom's shoe brand recommendations, for example, since invariably whatever works well for her will never fit me right (and vice versa). You might try Zappos - free shipping and returns, and the reviews are pretty specific (like smaller than expected or wider, etc.)

[Jouer]

I second Cole Haan with the sneaker style insole. My wife has a couple of pairs that she loves and I have a pair of dress shoes. We bought ours at a Cole Haan Outlet for about the price of a crappy Aldo pair.....super comfortable and they last forever if taken care of.

[MsPeacock]

Cole Haan Nike Air dress shoes are really nice - expensive. I have to say, my favorite most comfortable dressy black flats are from Kohl's (Vera Wang) and I had sole protectors put on them and they have held up for 5+ years now. My second favorite are Nordstroms that I got at the thrift store for $11 also about 5 years ago. And I have a blue pair more or less like this http://www.zappos.com/clarks-candra-glow-nude-leather and they are fabulous.

Hate hate hate Dansko and don't know how anyone manages in them - but I know tons of people who love them.

In short - it depends on your feet, how dressy you need, how long you have to be standing, walking, if you want to be able to wear socks, if you need a slight heel or not, etc. Whatever shoes you get - take good care of them if you like them. Get the sole and heel protectors put on, don't get them wet, wear sneakers or boots if the weather is bad, etc.

Zappos has free shipping and returns - so you could order a few pairs and see what works for you w/ easy returns.

[garion]

I'm a fan of born shoes. They look cute but are also extremely comfortable. You can get them pretty much where ever: Zappos, DSW, Amazon, REI...

[Shipwreckgirl]

I have had good luck with Born, Clarks and Eco's.  Anything with a cushy insole that doesn't look too orthopedic!

[Pigeon]

Clarks used to be great, but the last couple of pairs I've had haven't held up well. I love Walking Cradles and Fitzwells, Zappos house brand. If you just need medium width, Naot shoes are great.

[wordnerd]

Clark's. Not a super expensive brand, but they are super comfortable, come in many widths, and last. I'm wearing a 4 year old pair right now. They look great and I've never done anything to them.

+1

[MillenialMustache]

Thanks for all the suggestions - I just bought a pair of the Cole Haan flats used on Ebay for $50. Hopefully they are exactly what I am looking for!