For so long during the Great Lockdown(s) due to the coronavirus pandemic, our commute to work has been from the bed to the kitchen table and back. If we left our beds at all . . . But now we seem to be approaching a New Normal, in which even hybrid working arrangements require a commute to the office. Remember that? The standing, the waiting, the walking, the inclement weather. So, what’s the best footwear for the return to the office? Our ace correspondent Jillian Tangen has curated a list of 12 of the best shoes for women for the commute to work that are both comfortable and chic as we embark upon the Great Return to the office this fall 2021.
what are the best shoes to wear for the commute to the office in fall 2021?
Back to normal, back to the office, back to needing a pair of comfortable shoes to commute in.
best shoes for women to commute back to the office work
Ahh commuter shoes. The very thought of them brings to mind Melanie Griffith’s Working Girl character, Tess McGill, and her infamous pair of white high-top Reeboks that she changed out of and into heels under her desk at work.
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Thankfully for all of us, a lot has changed since 1988. Work dress codes have relaxed, allowing us to step down from high heels and into something a little more comfortable. Shoes like flats, loafers, wedges and in some cases, even sneakers are acceptable footwear options for the workplace, making the days of changing your shoes under your desk all but a thing of the past.
But that doesn’t mean you can necessarily walk into the office wearing a pair of chunky, comfy Birkenstocks. Whether you work in a creative field or on the more corporate side, there’s a slew of comfortable yet chic options for women to be found in the realm of office commute shoes.
From low-heeled ankle boots to block heel pumps, we’ve found 12 work-appropriate, yet still very stylish shoes that will take you to the office, into your meetings and to whatever else comes your way during the day – all while keeping your feet comfortably happy.
comfortable chic shoes best for the work commute as the great return to the office unfolds
1. everlane the italian leather day glove
A slightly modern take on the traditional ballet flat, Everlane’s The Italian Leather Day Glove ($105) is perfect for minimalists. Featuring a buttery soft leather upper that molds to the shape of your foot and cushioned insole, the style will fit as seamlessly into your wardrobe as it does your foot.
BUY NOW – $105
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2. sara flint ellie boot
Sara Flint’s Ellie Boots ($525) were made for walking. Handmade in Italy, they feature an anatomical arch support plus a wider toe box to help prevent squishing your toes.
Ellie Boots – $525
3. phillip lim alexa loafer
You can never go wrong with a classic loafer like these Alexa Loafers ($425) from Phillip Lim.
BUY NOW – $425
4. isabel marant thalie studded leather clogs
There’s a reason that both hospital and restaurant workers don Dutch style shoes as part of their daily uniform. Click clack your way to work with these chic Isabel Marant Thalie Studded Leather Clogs ($430).
BUY NOW – $430
5. loewe soft derby flats
These Soft Derby Flats ($690) from Loewe are a softer, more feminine take on the oxford style shoe. Plus they go with practically everything.
BUY NOW – $690
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6. vivaia stella kitten heels
Unlike pairs with leather uppers, Vivaia’s Stella Kitten Heels ($99) knit with recycled plastic bottles won’t rub or cause blisters. For further comfort, they’re set atop a short, waved kitten heel and include a latex foam insole to cushion your every step.
Comfortable yet chic commuter shoes. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $99
7. sorel joan uptown wedge boots
Rain or snow, these Sorel Joan Uptown Zip Wedge Boots ($200) will take you where you need to go while keeping your feet dry.
BUY NOW – $200
8. larroudé lee flats
Larroudé Lee Flats ($250) are both office-worthy and easy enough for your commute.
BUY NOW – $250
9. tod’s block heel pumps
These Block Heel Pumps ($665) from Tod’s will definitely put a stable spring in your step.
BUY NOW – $665
10. stubbs & wootton slippers
Stubbs & Wootton Slippers ($500) will add some color – and a bit of joy – to getting dressed and out of the house.
BUY NOW – $500
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11. clergerie brook platform wedge derbies
Made with supple, soft leather, these Brook Leather Platform Wedge Derbies ($595) by Clergerie will mold to your feet, while the subtle platform wedge will provide some commanding height.
BUY NOW – $595
12. the row marie sneakers
With post Covid office dress codes relaxing, maybe you are lucky enough to wear a pair of actual sneakers to the office? Channel your inner VP and pair these Marie Suede Low-Top Sneakers ($820) from The Row with a suit.
BUY NOW – $820
BONUS: Another great reference for comfortable shoes is Rothy’s: Washable Shoes and Bags Made with Recycled Materials | Rothy’s (rothys.com)
comfortable shoes for women for the commute to work 2021
There you have it, our picks for the chicest and most comfortable shoes for women to wear commuting to the office. Which one will be your new fav?
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For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier and a former Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in New York and is married with three young children. She loves cross-country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.
