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Formal enough to wear, soft enough to keep on

A dress shoe is built to look sharp and be removed at the end of the day. An office shoe has to be kept on, which means padding underfoot, a sole that flexes rather than clacks, and an upper that does not pinch across the instep when you sit down. Ours keep the leather and the last, and change what is under the foot.

The leather question

Leather uppers mould to the foot over the first week or two and then stay there, which is why they look better the longer you wear them. They also need a conditioning cream now and then, and they should not be left wet. If you want the look without the upkeep, a good synthetic upper in the same style works and washes.

One pair or two

One pair works if it is genuinely comfortable. Two works better, because leather needs a day to dry out between wears and because alternating two styles stops the same pressure points taking the same day after day.

Are these formal enough for a dress code?

They are office-appropriate rather than black-tie formal. If your employer specifies a formal leather shoe, choose accordingly; these are built for a working day rather than an event.

Do they need breaking in?

Leather styles do, and a short wearing-in period is normal. Wear them for a few hours at a time at first. The break-in is much shorter than it used to be, because the footbed already conforms.

Can I wear them for walking as well?

For the walk to the office and a normal day on hard floors, yes. For miles of walking, our Walking Shoes will serve you better.

If the pain is persistent, getting worse, or you have reduced sensation in your feet, please see a podiatrist or your doctor. Footwear is one part of everyday foot comfort — it is not a treatment.