One of the lasting changes in designer fashion post-COVID, and specifically in work clothes and shoes, is comfort as the primary requirement, with the style quotient relegated to second place. Our Fashion Editor has the latest on the trend in the designer shoe for women for the office that’s both comfortable and stylish – the new generation of shoes for work, parties and everything in between, whether sneakers, flats, chunky or kitten heels.
12 chic stylish and comfortable shoes for women to wear right now
In a recent chat at the office, one of us was wearing Hokas. Another was in ballet flats. Two were in chic kitten heels. No one was in 4-inch heels, and no one was in discomfort. We all agreed that the days of tottering around on stilettos all day at the office are over. So, what has taken the place of the office pump?
Dear reader, ugly shoes are here to stay. The chunky, clunky and bulky styles from Uggs, Hokas, Crocs, Birkenstocks, and Blundstones have cemented their place on the shoe racks and feet of suburbanites to supermodels. And we are all on board for the comfort-first revolution! Yet still, certain occasions call for an elegant shoe that’s also super-comfortable because we can’t go back to blistered heels and toes. What’s a style-conscious woman to do?
We’re happy to report that comfort brand shoes have evolved from their dowdy reputation. We took on the challenge to find shoes that are built with comfort and cushioning in mind. While still looking as stylish as your favorite make-an-impression shoe.
The new trend in designer brands for the work shoe for women at the office is comfortable, whether sneakers, flats, chunky or kitten heels.
From tried and true brands like Vionic and Byrdies to modern luxury designer labels like Tamara Mellon and Marion Parke, here are our picks to stride through the world – and the office – like a boss.
12 brands for a comfortable on trend designer shoe for work for women
1. Essen
Essen’s collection of no-compromise staples have a timeless quality, produced responsibly in Italy by master craftsmen and their local suppliers. This is a sleek and chic alternative to the ubiquitous Birkenstock with polished metal accents that’s thoughtfully crafted on a memory-foam cushioned sole for maximum comfort and lightweight rubber sole for grip.
BUY NOW – $266.00.
2. Essen
We couldn’t resist another pick from Essen — check out this must-have pair of designer ballet flats that feel as good as they look, making them perfect for work. Each one is cut, sewn and crafted by hand from soft Italian leather and molds to the natural curve of the foot.
BUY NOW – $221.00.
3. Marion Parke
Desgined by American podiatric surgeon, Marion Parke’s eponymous line of luxury footwear designer combines intelligent design with an elegant yet edgy style. Case in point, these charming slides that are built with a proprietary, science-backed cushioning design that increases stability and reduces fatigue on the ball of the foot.
BUY NOW – $368.00.
4. Marion Parke
If you’re looking for a more neutral sandal, this one with a block heel is one Marion Parke’s best sellers. In addition to the most high end Italian materials, it features their twice-patented invisible insole for all day comfort.
BUY NOW – $550.00.
5. Dear Frances
Handmade and slow-fashion are the key to comfort in Dear Frances’ modern classics. Each shoe is made in Italy using age-old techniques that have been handed down through generations of highly skilled artisan shoemakers. This comfy mule has a flattering wide toe strap, softly scrunched leather mid strap and a 2” curved wooden heel.
BUY NOW – $480.00.
6. Dear Frances
This might be the perfect travel and walking shoe for all seasons. Modeled after the classic men’s driving loafer, this slip-on silhouette with a soft, rounded toe has a look of understated luxury. And best yet, the whipstitched details and grainy Italian calf leather is so soft and supple from day one.
BUY NOW – $550.00.
7. Charlotte Stone
Just because it’s a comfort shoe, doesn’t mean it can’t look modern and playful. Charlotte Stone’s namesake brand is all about joy and SoCal’s sunny lifestyle. This vibrant sandal is designed with memory foam insoles and tumbled leather uppers for security and comfort. And the 2” heel gives just enough lift without compromising your stability.
BUY NOW – $194.00.
8. Vionic
Informed by the expertise of some of the finest minds in health and lower limb biomechanics through the Vionic Innovation Lab, every shoe in this line comes with with supportive arch support technology to relieve aching feet and pain from plantar fasciitis or heel stress. This 90’s inspired sandal has a retro cool look and a dual-density midsole for optimal comfort.
BUY NOW – $129.95.
9. Birdies
There’s more than meets the eye to Birdies’ dainty-looking slippers. With an exclusive 7-layer cloud-like comfort technology, it’s more like a sneaker than a flat. This one is an ideal summer slip-on with a breathable, airy weave.
BUY NOW – $145.00.
10. Tamara Mellon
Brought to you by the co-founder of Jimmy Choo, Tamara Mellon’s pumps are all crafted to angle up at the toe. This, along with a perfectly positioned heel, are indicators that your weight is balanced between the ball and heel of your foot. Say hello to a sexy, all-day shoe. These sandals come with a pillow top insole, specifically 8mm of high-density memory foam so you can party all night.
BUY NOW – $695.00.
11. Vivaia
A cap toe pump works for so many occasions when you want to look sophisticated and chic. Not only are the shoes from Vivaia built with comfort in mind, they are also eco-friendly and sustainable. This block heel features a chic round toe, which provides ample space for toes as well as heel rebound, improved arch support and diamond padded design for a soft landing.
BUY NOW– $139.00.
12. Message
They may not be quite as fancy as designer sneakers, but for office work, consider the slide as your potential shoe of choice. Looking for the most comfy slides ever? Message slides were built to allow our bones to behave as they were meant to, uninhibited and fully supported. It’s the sweet spot between barefoot and high-performance, with a lightweight cork footbed and a firm and durable stretch knit that feels like hug. 
BUY NOW – $160.00.
comfort is the new trend in the designer work shoe for women
The new trend in designer brands for the work shoe for women at the office is comfortable – or “comfort first”- whether sneakers, flats, chunky or kitten heels. These are our new go-to brands for footwear that makes us feel like a boss.
