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Teacher/work shoes needed

Melaine

(website)

hi guys! I can't believe August has almost disappeared and I have barely logged in this month. It has been such a busy time getting ready for school.

I am hoping for some recommendations for shoes. If you guys remember, I homeschool my three kids, so my days are filled with field trips, housework, errands and lots of standing at our kitchen table. We tend to go around town taking our school work to the park, zoo, museum, or YMCA....that kind of thing.

Two days A week, I work at our homeschool hybrid "school". Those days, I do tons of walking and a lot of stairs. Now that I have my fitbit, I know i got 13000 steps just the first day, and it was a pretty light day with more sitting the usual. I need better shoes, but money is an issue. What I am really hoping to find is some 4 season shoes that would be suitable with almost any kind of outfit. i am thinking Danskos, after trying a pair at DSW. I have been checking Amazon warehouse deals pretty regularly but haven't had much luck. If I can find something that would go with almost anything, I'm ok shelling out the cash. It's just tricky since I am not making a penny from this "job" so its hard to justify the expense. Athletic wear is out, otherwise I would wear trainers or something. Thanks for any tips!!!

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14 replies

Latest reply was from

BlondeAmbition

Danskos are a sure bet, I know a lot of teachers, doctors, dentists, and physical therapists wear them because they all spend a lot of time on their feet.

But don't rule out comfort shoes, canvas shoes can be quite trendy while still feeling like tennis shoes. Campos, Clarks, Born, Sofft, Naturalizer, Merrell, and Mephisto are all brands known for making comfortable and stylish shoes. I'm partial to Reiker shoes for comfort/style myself. Check them out!

abc

Veteran

I can understand your rationale about not wanting to spend money but you could look at it from different angles. You're obviously on your feet and need to take care of them. If you are like me and opt for something cheaper just because it is cheaper not more functional they could become orphans or you hate your feet every time you wear them. To me it sounds like you need a couple pairs of good quality comfortable shoes. To "go with everything" needs to be expanded on so we know what "everything" means.

I would start by searching Amazon or Nordstrom for comfort brands (I know on Nordstrom you can sort by this category). Read reviews. See styles and brands you like. Then start google searching to see if you can find cheaper prices. I've found some good deals by doing this. I got some Josef Siebel caspian sneakers for less than half on Sierra trading post. You just have to watch - but if you are short on time you may hVe to pay more. Good luck and keep us posted.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I am not sure about the climate where you live so am not sure what would constitute four season shoes. I picked up a pair of Sofft Bryce shoes over the border yesterday. They are leather lined and as comfortable as can be and they are on sale at amazon for about $50. They come in 3 color options. Would something like this work?

Söfft Sofft Bryce

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Joy

Veteran

As a former teacher always on her feet, I have bad news. One pair won't do. You need at least 2 to switch off so not to wear the same shoes 2 days in a row. Both your feet and the shoes need the break.
Comfort shoes for one person may not be comfort shoes for another. Try on lots and go to a place like Nordstroms where shoe fitting is an art.
You may find some DSW brands that work for you. Try Aerosoles, Me Too, and Dr. Scholls. I've found that I need to spring for more expensive, better made shoes, if I want the shoes and comfort to last. The DSW brands often need tobe replaced often, making them more expensive in the long run.
Note whether shoe flexibility or structure is more important for your comfort. This really varies from person to person. Soft real leather is important for your feet to breath and not rub. Wishing you luck.

Thistle

Veteran

I am not sure what to tell you. Have often found shoe quality and comfort go hand in hand up to a certain price point. Really hard for a $20 pair of shoes to be as comfortable as a $75 pair as there just isn't as much budget for materials.

I am going to second Joy. You really need 2 pairs as you shouldn't ever wear the same pair of shoes 2 days in a row.

Sounds to be like a traditional comfort brand such as Clarks or Easy Spirit might not work so well as this is really closer to athletic wear.

What about Rockport (using Addidas base) or Cobb Hill (using New Balance base)? You can sometimes find a good discount on these at Amazon. If you know your size so you don't need free returns, you can try 6pm as well.

kerry

Veteran

I agree with everyone who says not to wear the same shoes two days in a row but maybe your "hybrid" school days are not consecutive? In that case, I'm not sure what you wear at home (this is probably flexible?). The shoes you wear on field trips could be athletic? So you'd only need quality, non-sporty shoes for your 2 days at the school? In this case, you could get away with one pair. I'd check out which comfort brands fit you best and then try to find a pair on clearance online. I agree that cheap shoes are not going to give you the support you need for heavy days on your feet. I'm a teacher too. I'm excited to use my Fitbit app at school this year to see how many steps I clock in a regular day. I'd love it if it was close to your 13000 steps!

gryffin

Veteran

A comfort clog sounds great if they are comfortable for you. Danskos are not made for my feet, I find them excruciating, so don't forget to walk on carpet and test then thoroughly unless you've had good experience in the past. Second the Merrells. The encore veranda tie is something that could work wtih almost anything. http://www.merrell.com/US/en/v.....footwear-s... the shiloh clog is neat http://www.merrell.com/US/en/s.....footwear-s... also don't discount ariat if you are a bootie girl. I have the heritage II lacers for years, I have three back up pairs. Great ankle, arch support very comfy and work with everything if you like a paddock boot often mistaken for army boot. It's probably trendier than you like but they make super quality shoes that last many are water resistant or proof. Also a plus for all year http://www.ariat.com/HERITAGE_.....BLACK_DEER... they also do a dansko like clog http://www.ariat.com/PIEDMONT_.....38;prefv1=... but you've got great advice on brands, just find most practical style for your needs and then price check comparison. Good luck and you are totally awesome to homeschool!! Sounds like you have an amazing program set for you kids!! Kudos!

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Lisa W

(website)

Though for different reasons, I need the same advice as Melaine. So I made lists from the advice so far:

Brands:
- Dansko
- Reiker

-Campos
- Clarks
- Easy Spirit
- Born
- Sofft
- Naturalizer
- Merrell
- Mephisto

- Josef Siebel
- Ariat
- Rockport
- Cobb Hill
- Aerosoles,
- Me Too
- Dr. Scholls

Sources:
- Norstrom
- Sierra Trading Post
- Amazon
- 6pm

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I agree with all the advice you have received. There's no such thing as a true 4 season shoe in my climate, and if I only owned one pair of serviceable shoes, I'd wear through them in a season of walking more than 13,000 steps a day, anyway! (By the way, it's awesome that you are getting your daily steps so handily at the new job --- a bonus!!)

In other words, I suggest 2 pair, although you might be able to wait to make the purchase of the second one until the season changes.

Take a look at Ecco, too. It really all depends on whether a last works for your own foot.

Joy

Veteran

Another thought. If you want your shoes to go with everything, make sure that they bookend your hair (doesn't need to be a match, just in the ballpark) so that your outfit looks cohesive from a distance. Metallics are also quite versatile.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

When I stopped working at a paid job, I didn't spend money on things. Now, with hindsight, I realize that that several of my choices were a mistake. If you can find a way, buy good shoes.
Shoes are an item that I spend money on for two reasons. One, I am hard to fit and I insist on being comfortable. And two, our feet support our whole body, and bad shoes can lead to foot problems and back problems.
An unexpected bonus of more expensive shoes is that my shoes last much longer now.
I have luck with the Munro brand. At full price they range @ 150-200, booties are a little more. See what you can find on sale.

kkards

Veteran

No brand recommention, but a suggestion to try QVC, they carry many of the brands mentioned, and often will have something they call "easy pay", which allows you to split the cost over time (usually 3 or 4 months) so it maybe easier on the budget. Sometimes they over it on an entire brand or catagory, sometimes just on select styles. You don't need a special credit card. (And no I dont work for them)

Melaine

(website)

Thanks all of you! Some great info as well as places I hadn't looked and brands I didn't know about. A little more info:

The days I work are consecutive, but the first day is typically a half day. The second day is 8:00-3:30 and that is when I ran up those 13000 steps, which surprised even me. I am thinking that I need to work on wearing better shoes the rest of the week also as I just can't get away with the flip flops and uggs all the time...support wise. So I am definitely interested in more than one quality shoe purchase in the near future.

We are in a hot, snow free climate. I wear a lot of boots in fall and winter and sandals or flip flops all summer. I wear lots of dresses, skinny jeans, leggings and tunics with cardigans. Very casual but very far from athletic wear. Lots of bright colors and florals.

I found these in the amazon outlet for only $38 so went ahead and ordered them. I am not sure about how they will look but I figure I can at least wear them with jeans if they prove to be comfortable.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....ge_o00_s00

Anonymous

How about G.H. Bass shoes? Bass shoes are comfortable and reliable! I have and love the Bass(Sunjuns) sandals collection for warm months! Just look at my profile photo... ! Wearing my black bass sharon style flip flops.(they are so comfortable!) Good luck!