Where to buy decent work shoes?

Callie22

Hotter - they really aren't cheap, but they're fantastic shoes and last really well. The do some pretty good reductions in their 'last chance' section too. When I was working in catering, they really were all that I wore. Also in my experience they have really great customer service.

Hermia

I like Ecco and Hotter as they are well-made and comfortable. You have to wade through all the multi-coloured granny shoes in Hotter to get to the black stylish ones though! I avoid Clarks as they are expensive, but they are not as well made as they used to be. You also can't get them re-soled. I have a couple of pairs where the sole has worn down, but the tops are okay, but no shoe repairer will touch them.

Saturnalia

Soph - it's right in the centre of the sole that wears through, the part where your foot bends so there's probably most pressure on there.

I don't know why they wear out so quickly though as my work-days involve a 10-min walk from home to the station then another 10 mins at the other end, a bit of walking around in an office, and the same at the end of the day! It's not like I do work where I am standing or walking around all day so shoes should last.

Kaz - there's a Shuropody branch near me so I'll have a look at the weekend (never been in before). There are some nice styles on their website.

Callie - I did have a pair of Hotters but found they were very tight across the tops of my feet, although my feet are quite narrow they have quite a lot of fat on the tops. My mum bought the shoes & found them too tight and passed them on to me but I had the same problem - shame as they were lovely and probably would have been comfy if we had slender feet!

Fuzzy_Duck

I wear Clarks shoes (got them in the sale for £25 so not too bad). However I find them really uncomfortable walking to work as I have to go over uneven ground and the slight heel on them topples regularly.

I was really tempted by a pair of Kickers (there are a few cheap pairs on Amazon and Bargain Crazy) but I read too many reviews about the sizing being totally wrong and didn't want to risk buying them online.

I bought these a few days ago:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Demonia-Sassie-Black-Canvas-Shoes-Flower-Design-Sassie-06-/180821639046?pt=UK_Women_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item6fc63f6597

I'm pretty pleased with them considering the price. The seller was right about them being a bit big but as I have narrow feet I always have to stuff my shoes with insoles and make extra holes in the strap, so they fit quite well now. I walked to work in them today and they were really comfortable. The sole looks decent so I'm hoping they'll last a while.

If you have some extra cash to spend though I would definitely recommend a pair of Dr Martens. I'd love a pair of their leather Mary Janes and if you're under a size 6 you can usually get a good deal on them.

Februarycat

I find Fly Flots are very comfy, I usually get a pair of their sandals for summer, but they also do work type of shoes. Im looking for some flat comfy work shoes at the moment.

Caroline73_2

I'm another one for DMs. Worn them throughout my nursing career anew definitely work the extra money.

I think its vital to have two pairs of shoes which you alternate daily too. It allows shoes to dry out from foot perspiration, reducing the smell and risk of infection.

Lady_S

My vote is for clarks, love em, comfortable, last forever on me, and they don't half have pretty shoes these days.

Saturnalia

Been having another look at the DMs site and they have a range called For Life, the company will repair or replace them whenever they wear out, for the rest of your lifetime! Not bad when you think I've already spent around £80 on work shoes in 12 months.

maypole

Saturnalia wrote: »

I've been having a look at Kickers and Doc Martens, as I've had Kickers shoes & DM boots before and got about 5 years near-daily wear out of both. They're pricy - in the £60-£90 range for the ones I like - but maybe better to pay more as a one-off and not have to buy new every three months.

I might try taking this latest pair back to M&S and asking for a refund as I don't think shoes wearing out after 2 months of daily wear is acceptable, do you think I would have any luck? I was going to take the last pair back too but seem to have lost them somewhere. (Mind you, I suppose they'd only refund in vouchers if at all as I don't have the receipt and I don't want any more of their products if they are that useless, but I could use it for food or toiletries etc.)

I would take them back. You have to get fair wear and tear from a pair of shoes and 2 months is not fair wear and tear in my opinion. Even just getting vouchers, it's better than nothing.

Callie22

Saturnalia wrote: »

Callie - I did have a pair of Hotters but found they were very tight across the tops of my feet, although my feet are quite narrow they have quite a lot of fat on the tops. My mum bought the shoes & found them too tight and passed them on to me but I had the same problem - shame as they were lovely and probably would have been comfy if we had slender feet!

I have found that too with some styles. They used to do a lovely flat mary-jane type of shoe called Cloud, which was so comfy, but they they swapped it for something with a more wedgy heel that was really tight across the top of the foot. I think it's a case of trying, thankfully they are really good about returns.

I find I have the same problem with Clarks too though - half the time I wonder who they make these shoes for because they don't seem to fit normal people!