When my heels left me with blister scars that lasted longer than my internship, I swore to myself, then 20, never to waste money on a pair of shoes again. uncomfortable work. Some of us are still learning our painful lessons, that’s why Marie Claire the editors are here to prove to you that comfortable (and stylish!) work shoes exist – and, yes, that includes #fancy shoes for those all-important meetings. Shop our editors’ personal desk-approved picks below.
1. Madewell Block Heel Slides
“These block heels are by far the most versatile and comfortable shoes I own. I can wear them to work, to the bar, to run errands, to picnics – the list goes on. I have them in black for go with everything, but the beige color would also match my whole wardrobe… so maybe I should get another pair?” —Morgan McMullen, visual designer
2. Acne Studios leather ankle boots
“The cost per wear of my Acne Pistol boots is down to pennies at this point. The stacked heel is sturdy and super walkable, the footbed is lightly padded so every step on hard NYC concrete doesn’t sting , and the heel step is just right, so I don’t feel like I’m about to tip over like I do in other work shoes All that and these boots fit well with everything: dresses with tights, bare legs with a skirt and black jeans, my basic workwear.” —Jennifer Goldstein, Beauty and Health Director
3. Rothy’s Pointed Toe Flats
“You’ve probably heard of these adult flats, maybe because they went viral on Pinterest, maybe because Meghan Markle is obsessed with them, maybe because they’re luxurious and machine washable. machine. I wish I could tell you it’s all hype, but I can’t. These flats look like you’re wearing Toms, but you look like you’re at a smart-casual work event. (An event you can definitely walk to from the office, by the way—those shoes made for walking, to incorrectly paraphrase Nancy Sinatra.) Advice to the wise: They’re about half a size up, so order a half -size above the size you normally wear.” —Jenny Hollander, Associate Editor
4. Sam Edelman Stanley Slide Sandals
“Working and living in New York requires a lot of walking and stairs. So many stairs! Unfortunately, I can’t wear sneakers all the time, so these super breathable Sam Edelman ‘Stanley’ mules have become my favorite babies .the short heel gives you the right height and encourages you to stand up straight, which makes your butt look much better.But what’s really great about them is the little stretchy part on the side that expands when your feet swell (you know, when you walk a lot or have a few cocktails). I put them up for sale, but I would 100% pay full price.” —Krystyna Chávez, Social Media Editor
5. Sabah Camel Slip-Ons
“Living in New York, I’ve pretty much given up on wearing sandals. Hot garbage, mysterious puddles, and subway rats have made me kind of a closed-toe girl, but I often yearn for ease and simplicity that comes from slipping on a pair of shoes and running out the door. That’s why I’m obsessed with my Sabahs. They fit like a glove on my foot, making them a snap to put on. eye, they go with everything from denim shorts to dresses (I’ve even seen men wear them with suits at weddings), and they’re polished and stylish enough to wear to work, and they’re also incredibly comfortable. ‚ rivaling my sneakers, and somehow never smell, despite the fact that i have never worn socks with them.the very favorite quality is that they are built to last, made to handmade in southeast Turkey.I used to wear at least a pair of flat s every year, but I’m in my third year with my Sabahs, and the more worn they are, the better they look.” —Kayla Webley Adler, Senior Features Writer
6. Golden Goose white and burgundy sneakers
“I’m in sneakers three days out of five at the office. If it’s not my white pair, it’s this burgundy one from Golden Goose. The brand is known for making shoes that are a little damaged (my boyfriend always laughs of me for having bought already “dirty” shoes), although personally I think it gives character to the sneakers. They give a dose of freshness to my outfits and I don’t have to worry about stains or stains scratches because they’re already a bit roughed up anyway! They’re stiff (in a strong, sturdy way), roomy, and perfect for a desk that lets you wear kicks.” —Marina Liao, Fashion Editor
7. Manolo Blahnik Leather Mules
“I’ll be living in these Manolo sandals this summer. They’re the perfect sandals for the office – the heel is just the right height to look polished and be able to run around town for meetings. Definitely worth it.” —Adrienne Faurote, fashion editor
8. Zara high heel mules
“I know what you’re thinking: not another shoe from Zara. But listen: these $30 jewels are far from basic, boo. They dress up any ensemble, and the transparent heel adds so much character to the design snakeskin.The length of the heel is high enough to feel like you’re killing it, but low enough to stomp around town when you’re on the go.I’ve certainly embraced the all-black mindset from New York when it comes to my wardrobe, but every time I put them on, they brighten up my whole look.” —Maya Allen, Beauty Editor
9. Botkier Chelsea Leather Boots
“I’m too lazy to change my dress shoes when I come into the office every day, so a pair of shoes that are comfortable and won’t give me blisters is essential. I’ve never had a pair of boots become my office down to these Botkier chelsea boots. They’re perfect with jeans, a short skirt or a cute dress and denim jacket if you have a more casual office dress code, like me. Considering it’s still 50 degrees in mid spring, I’ve used them a lot. Safe to say you can wear them in the summer too – the faux lining does its job, but it won’t make your feet sweat. Would also recommend wearing them at the bar – the soft leather makes them waterproof and the black will hide scuffs and dirt. It’s a dream, really. —Rachel Epstein, Associate Editor
10. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Tops
“My favorite comfortable work shoes are my worn black Chuck Taylor All Star hi-top sneakers. Since moving to New York three years ago, I quickly learned that function is as important as fashion here in the city. concrete jungle.My Converse are a cool addition to any outfit, whether it’s a bold utility jumpsuit or a matching ensemble.In other words, run it but make it fly. Ten out of 10 would recommend it.—Ineye Komonibo, Editorial Staff
11. Vardas Penny Loafer Shoes
“These Italian-made loafers are great because of their soft leather and they stretch a bit to suit the shape of your foot. They’re a bit Plain Jane, but that also means they’re never quite quite fashionable, they never quite went out of style either.The heel is high enough to make you look dressy, but short enough to comfortably walk around the office or home, out to dinner or running errands. —Bridget Burns, Visuals Editor
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