Dear Diana,
I work from home and spend a good part of my weekdays around the house. I’m also a fidget so leave my desk 100 times a day to do little jobs around the house, up and down stairs, etc. I tend to wear slippers for comfort but I’m realising this is not good for my feet. My home is cool, even in summer, so I’m looking for a recommendation for a ‘house shoe’. Here is my wish list;
Essential;
- Comfortable – for all day wear
- Supportive – for all day wear
- Suitable to wear socks with
Nice to have;
- Modern style (neutral and inconspicuous)
- Light outdoor use for taking bins out
- Washable
Kind regards,
Anna Everitt
Phew! Anne this is a bit of a tall order but I have a few suggestions. Like you I work from home spending my time at the PC and taking regular breaks to do a few chores around the house and garden. Consequently my requirements are somewhat similar to yours so I look for shoes made of natural, supple, durable leather with a fabric lining. Leather allows the foot to breathe and can provide long term comfort and gentle support. Shoes need to have a generous space in which to be able to spread your toes naturally, with soles that are shock absorbing, non-slip and provide underfoot cushioning. Probably like you I don high heels and dress up for special occasions or conversely fall into the habit of slopping around the house in non-supporting “ballet type” light, flat shoes.
Neither shoe is good for feet if worn over long periods and both can cause back pain, so look instead for comfortable shoes with posture correct heel height to encourage a good walking position. Feet vary in both length and width, but happily many of the great shoes around this season have adjustable Velcro fastenings or laces to ensure a great fit. These comfort shoes are no longer just practical and fuddy duddy, but come in exciting colours and designs to suit most tastes and can look great with both trousers and skirts. The best selection of shoes and sandals I have discovered recently are by Padders, Hotters and Clarks.