Recommendations for 8 to 12 hours on your feet closed-toe shoes - YouLookFab Forum

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Recommendations for 8 to 12 hours on your feet closed-toe shoes

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I keep spending my money on cute clothing that I don't have the time or occasion to wear. I think I have around 5 things cued up for my once or twice a week stylish outing IF the weather is not too hot. The heat (anything 90 plus) further delays my wearing of said cute clothes.

What I really need is new work shoes. I work in my family's restaurant, as a server and as a manager. I am on my feet 8 to 12 hours a day. Slip resistant is preferable. Stylish would be great but I know I may be asking too much.

I have been wearing Shape-Ups or work boots for the past year (work boots are winter only). I do believe they have helped tone my legs. So maybe another pair are in order.

But what else is there? Is there such a thing as 8 hour ballet flats with support?

Shopping

17 replies

Latest reply was from JayS

bj1111

Veteran

me toos. i got a pair at tj maxx. 8 hr walking in normandy for 7 days. cushiony goodness. stylish was a plus.

ibbi

Arch support inserts and compression stockings can make any (appropriately accommodating) shoe more wearable.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I use compression stockings and Borns.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I work 10 hr days & use the shape-ups. I see a lot of Danskos in the hospital, but they don't work with my high instep.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I use Reebok Easytones and Reebok DMX walker sneakers. I think my Dr. Scholl's Graduate ballet flats might actually be comfy enough for work but I bought them while I'm off, so I can't say for sure. I will say they were the shoes I wore when my ankle was tweaked and were by far the best fitting option in my closet. http://www.drschollsshoes.com/.....pg=5108503
I have also successfully worn Dr. Martens (both oxford shoes and 8 eyelet boots) which have great soles for our type of work. Do you walk on mats, carpet, wood, or an otherwise giving surface? Or do you have to deal with hard tile or ceramic flooring? That makes a BIG difference, as I found out when my golf course bartending job did not have the mats my pub job did!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Can you link to the footwear that you currently wear for work, Denise?

FoolOfATook

Do you like Cons? I wear mine with an insole and I can wear them all day.

san

Veteran

If your weather permits, the Aquatalia boots at the NAS right now are the most comfortable things I've ever had on my feet.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/aq.....ltback=298
Looks like they're running out of sizes. They may restock or have returns though.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

These are the shoes I am currently wearing the most.

http://www.skechers.com/style/.....-blast/bkn

I do not wear insoles with these. Below is a link to the shoes I wear in the winter. I wear them with insoles. I like to rotate my work shoes with different styles, it seems to be easier on my feet that way.

http://www.stompersboots.com/gtwy_laceup-111.php
(see the 10" Jobmasters)

My feet feel more tired in the Shape Ups than they used to be; I think this is a sign they are wearing out.

Malina -- I work on a commercial tile floor with mats in the kitchen but not in the dining room. I also work on a wood deck and a concrete patio. (60-30-10 ratio of time spent on different surfaces.)

I tried Me Too flats with insoles, two of them, but my feet got tired after 2 hours. The more coverage on my foot/ankle/calf, the happier my feet seem to be.

I have high insteps so lace up shoes work well for me.

The more I think about this, the more I believe a fashionable choice is just not an option.

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

Way back when I used to tend bar I mainly wore Doc Martens. They were more comfortable for a long day on my feet than even good sneakers.

I recently got a pair of Ariat clogs that I love. They actually look more like boots on. They are amazingly comfortable and they would absolutely have been a great choice if I was still in a restaurant.

http://www.zappos.com/ariat-arch-cinnamon
I got mine for way less at Off Broadway Shoes

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Mo

(website)

Veteran

Funny, I was about to post my Docs just now, too! The thick soles I think are why they work. I got mine on Zappos but it was several years back. Peanut Grizzly was what they were called.

They are a little heavy if you're really running around on a busy shift, though.

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Carole

Veteran

Staying tuned. Always on the lookout for comfy shoes for my bad feet.

lynne

Veteran

I love my Dansko and Ariat clogs. Have you checked http://www.barkingdogshoes.com? She has good reviews and pictures.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I will have to check out Ariat! I haven't owned Doc Martens since the 80s. Thanks, these are great suggestions.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Have you tried any SAS shoes? I have worn them for yrs and was on my feet for 8-12 hours a day with zero discomfort. I used mainly the Free Time style Oxfords in suede....good luck! PS- They are somewhat pricy (around $125) but you can buy replacement soles for under $20

Barbara

Veteran

I love Palladium and Privo ballet flats. I always put Dr. Scholl's arch supports in ALL my shoes and boots for extra comfort.

JayS

Veteran

Looks like some great suggestions here. I have 2 pairs of Gentle Souls. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. 6pm.com and zappos both have some on sale. I highly recommend them. Good luck!