These are very plain, but they're classic enough to wear with many things in many seasons, and they're the most comfortable heel I've worn in a long time. I have them in nude.
Tahari Marie Peep Toe
They run between $80-90. They are basically TTS. If you're in between sizes, go to the higher.
My other suggestion is to look for Cole Haan shoes on sale and clearance. They'll be over budget at regular price, but some will be approachable with discounts.
Search Cole Haan on 6pm.com - They have like 335 pairs of Cole Haan women's shoes. I swear by their Air Bacara ballet flats.
Look for sales on Clarks shoes. You definitely have to pick through more unattractive styles with this brand. But, when you find something cute, it's usually comfortable.
Any time I am wearing closed toe dress shoes, I ALWAYS wear peds by HUE. They not only keep my foot from sweating to death in the shoe, they also make the shoe more comfortable. I get no rubbing on my toes like I would if I didn't wear them. There are many different kinds. Look for the ones that are most scant. http://www.hue.com/Socks/Shoe-Liners.aspx
I love the HUE Perfectly Bare Massage Liners (they really feel extra good on my feet!) and the Cool Contours Low Cut liners. IMO, these liners are essential. Plus, they keep my shoes from stinking, which is important.
-- Edited by pollyjean23 on Thursday 9th of August 2012 02:56:05 PM
I'm a teacher and I easily spend 8 hrs a day on my feet, walking and standing. My room is also tiled, not carpeted so any type of heel gets uncomfortable quickly but I don't want to wear "old lady" shoes either. I'm looking for a low heel or wedge shoe under $100 that will meet these criteria. Any suggestions?
I used to work retail in my late teens and early 20s. I put gel soles in every work shoe. They're relatively inexpensive and can be bought at places like Target or CVS.
I'd also start with a shoe that has built in padding and a classic shape. Certain brand are known for this, like Naturalizer (which can veer into old lady land if you aren't choosey) and MeeToo (a brand I really like.)
Lennox $69.50 (on sale at Piperlime) These are Naturalizers so they should have a lot of cushioning, but they also look like a good basic black pump. I really like the toe shape and the hint of a platform.
Paxton by Mee Too $62.99 (on sale at Zappos) Personally I think a grey shoe can be even more versatile than a black pump. It can go with black, brown, blue, and just about any color under the sun.
Indigo by Clarks $87.99 (on sale at Zappos) The heel makes this look easy to wear.
Abenzio by Bandolino ($47.99 on sale at Zappos) A can see these working for Fall, Spring and next Summer Maybe a pencil skirt and a tucked in blouse?
I was a teacher for 13 years...I feel your pain! Seriously, let me encourage you to wear flats or at least keep a cute comfortable neutral pair in your room to slip on in case you need to relieve your feet. Is there a reason why you want to wear heels? The kids don't care and your coworkers are all dealing with the same dilemma, so trust me, they understand.
With that being said, I swear that the only brand I am able to wear for an entire day are Aerosoles. Not the trendiest or flashiest or cutest but comfortable and they actually have a few that don't scream "old lady" so loudly. They are super affordable, way under $100, and they always have sales, coupons and clearance shoes.
Shoes are offered in various colors. HTH. Good Luck!