"Invisible" business formal comfortable shoes

To my surprise, I have discovered a wardrobe hole and am hoping that someone out there may have some suggestions WRT the shoes part of it. I have a series of gruelling speaking engagements to dress for, that involve being actively on my feet for a large part of each 14-hour day, for 3 days back to back each time. There is a specific dress requirement of business formal that is invisible, such that my clothes and shoes will in no way distract the audience from what I'm saying.

Normally, for speaking engagements I would wear my most conservative pointy-toe slim heels, but after wearing those for 14 hours recently, my feet hurt for several days afterwards, such that I needed to wear Dr Martens for the next week. Dr Martens would of course be comfortable but they do not in any way meet the criterion of "invisible business formal". I realised that despite my large footwear collection I do not own any suitable shoes, and I wonder if anyone here can recommend any soft leather super-comfortable (no pointy toes) invisible business formal (boring) shoes rather than ones that are trendy or eye catching in any way?

My feet are wide and shallow, BTW.

Sarah

7 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

For 14 hours: lace-up, block-heeled oxford 'pumps' with an insert (!)

I'm thinking of myself, because that long... my own feet would need more support than a slip on shoe...

DonnaF

Would it be at all possible for you to carry one or even two pairs of shoes so that you can switch shoes part way through the day?

I second rachylou's suggestion of lace-up oxfords. Oh, and BodyGlide.

Suz

(website)

Will you be wearing pants or dresses/ skirt suits, Sarah?

I think perhaps a formal flat (if flats are comfy for you) OR a wedge with a bit of a lift, or a small block heel would be best. It depends on your feet. Do you have some go-to brands?

The toes on a few of these might be too pointy, but you get the idea. Note that you might be able to take a slightly pointier toe if the heel is not high. Less pressure on the front of the foot.

If wearing pants, a dressy oxford could be your solution.

Nordstrom

GREY CITY Tweed Square-Toe Pump

View Info

Top Pick

AGL Split Heel d'Orsay Pump

Aquatalia by Marvin K Polly Weatherproof Pump

Paul Green Margo Cross Strap Flat

Clarks 'Candra Blush' Flat

L'Amour Des Pieds 'Bane' Wedge

$197.95

Ecco USA Shape 35 Pump

LaPed

I would be looking at Munro, hands down. Conservative look, huge size range, and very supportive and well-made. Find a local dealer who can do sizing and try-ons.

Greyscale

I've been impressed by the style : comfort combination of Gentle Souls shoes. I haven't owned any though.

Or you might be able to fit a high quality insole into something like these Vince flats.

Vince 'Maxwell' Flat

ClaraT

I have a pair of low heeled pumps from Clarks that are invisible (I think that is the perfect term for low heeled black pumps). They come in wide and were the precursors to this one: http://www.clarksusa.com/us/wo.....leather/p/
Fashion forward? No. But if you get them in wide, they will not pinch and you can wear them with pants or skirts. I would also recommend hush puppies in general. One more strategy is to search Zappos for black pumps that come in wide and have a heel under 1.75 inches (https://www.zappos.com/pumps-w.....IGAcPFQ.zs). I used black pumps as the search term, but of course you can use "metallic" or "tan" or whatever. Then check out the ratings/reviews...
PS I like Rachy's oxford suggestion, too.

Jenn

Aerosoles work really well for me for comfortable, but still formal shoes. They have several styles, at every heel height, that might work.

http://www.aerosoles.com/store...../MAJOR-ROL

http://www.aerosoles.com/store...../MOUSE-PAD

http://www.aerosoles.com/store.....?color=004

binkle

Naturalizer.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I second LaPed's suggestions of Munro. I think the steel shank makes them particularly supportive for long days on one's feet. I used to have the Cindi--it's been around for ages--and it was super comfy. It was great for business travel and lots of walking. I also wore that style in my first year in retail, standing on concrete for 8 hours.

Munro 'Cindi' Pump

Munro 'Emma' Pump

Munro 'Mara' Block Heel Pump

Gaylene

Munro and Beautifeel would be my first choices. Both served me well when I was on my feet for 10-12 hour teaching days week after week. Switching heel heights during long days was also a help, as well as a well-padded, supportive insole. Beautifeel shoes are pricey but their styles were usually more elegant than the Munro styles IMO.
http://www.beautifeel.com/en/fall-collection-2018

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I echo Suz, Firecracker and Gaylene.

stella belly

Active Member

What i like from the selection wish to get it. Beautiful color, to offer style suits on any color dress. Love it.

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MovingFashionForward

Thank you SO MUCH, everyone, for all these wonderful suggestions. I really appreciate it.

Suz, I will be wearing dresses or skirts, not trousers. My go-to shoe brands (to the extent that I have any) are Vince Camuto, Dr Martens, Topshop and Valentine Gauthier, but I'm not sure they would be a source of nondescript/invisible business formal shoes.

I will probably buy a few different pairs from these terrific suggestions -- thanks!

You might find something from Vince Camuto, but I would try on some of the comfort brands and see what your foot likes best.

Bijou

I have had Munro and Beautifeel shoes and can vouch for how comfortable they are. I also love Ecco and Paul Green shoes. The Paul Green's would have to be low heeled, but their shoes are well constructed. I would also take more than one pair of shoes.

The Cat

I suggest round-toe black ballet pumps, either with built-in support or roomy enough for inserts.

Anonymous

If you are willing, Dansko carries some basic dress shoes that would blend well with a skirt or dress pants. Their are known for their arch support, roomy toe box, and comfort for several hours so that may also be a brand you would want to consider. Their loafer and oxford styles are classic and would blend with many neutral colored items. Some also have a removable insole which would help if you needed to add orthotics or a different footbed for comfort.

Thanks so much for these further suggestions. I will do some experimenting and I may report back later if I make any further discoveries that might help someone else here.

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