Comfortable work shoes - do they exist?

[verdict]

For work, I dress for a business casual look and wear leather shoes. The problem is...I walk a lot in my commute to work, and walking up & down slopes in leather shoes everyday isn't comfortable.

However, I go to the gym everyday after work so I carry an extra pair of sneakers no matter what.

I have a few choices I can make:

1 - Wear my favorite running shoes with my shirt and slacks, then change to my leather shoes at work. (Easiest & most comfortable method, albeit the shoes are out of place)
2 - Buy a dark colored pair of New Balance sneakers so they don't look completely out of place with work clothes and still be usable at the gym.

3 - See if I can get away with something a little more casual, like some Sperry Top Siders.

I plan on wearing sneakers to work then changing when I'm at my desk.

What would you do?

[Mr.Oak]

wearing sneakers (whether dark or not) with business casual is always going to look funny. So if you must do it, wear whichever shoes you use at the gym as long as they don't smell terrible at your office when you switch them out with your leather shoes.

Top siders/loafers are up to your dress code on whether they are permissible for business casual, plus you will still have to bring your sneakers for the gym.

I vote number 1.

[rockviper]

Bata shoes fit me very well. Real leather uppers breathe much better than synthetic materials and will stretch to fit your boney bumps.

[Chiller]

I have to recommend Vans.
As an ex-skater, they are almost indestructible and extremely comfortable.
You will find plenty of types of shoe on there site and in the stores


http://shop.vans.com/catalog/Vans/en...men/shoes.html


EDIT:

Here are some sneakers they make which would pass as shoes:

http://shop.vans.com/catalog/Vans/en...tegoryId=91108

http://shop.vans.com/catalog/Vans/en...tegoryId=91108

http://shop.vans.com/catalog/Vans/en...tegoryId=91108

[Shaving_CHENG]

Ecco loafers - I have walked for days in them without a single issue

[Go Forth]

Ecco Seawalker - very comfortable! I've had 3 pairs, and they hold up very well over time.
There are three colors. For black, note that the light leather interior is a bit of an odd contrast with the black leather.

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-seawalker-tie

I did not get them here. You might find them for less elsewhere.

[DaveAri]

Allen Edmonds is the way to go. They are not cheap but they will last a lifetime with their redrafting service. Think of a pair a an investment. You will in time just as I own many pairs for business and casual. American Made and worth every penny.

[little Big feather]

When I worked in NYC for 6 months, I saw loads of women wearing tennis shoes and carrying their heels to the office. Great idea for them...It'll work for you.

[invizable]

[ScoutHikerDad]

As a teacher, I'm on my feet much of the day. I have been wearing Rockports for pretty much my whole teaching career thus far (15 years). When one pair wears out, I just get another. They may not be very fashionable, but they are extremely comfortable!

[Doc4]

A dress boot with a rubber sole (Vibram, that is) will do quite well for you. Or look at something like a Gentleman Traveller from Redwing.

[Gingerbread]

+1 on the Eccos.

[jb4647]

Here's what I wear, dressy and very comfortable!

http://www.rockport.com/BUSINESS-LIT...dyncatnew=null

[JeffM]

HS Trask used to be the most comfortable. Ecco's are comfy as well.

[coburn]

I personally recommend Ariat boots there made with high quality leather and have specially formulated soles to give you excellent support, i wear mine everyday at my profession.

[closer]

As stated already, leather shoes with rubber soles should, in general, be more comfortable. I've never had good luck with Ecco shoes, never found a good fit. I currently wear Johnston and Murphy XC4 oxfords - they are the most comfortable dress shoe I've ever worn. A few years ago I got a pair of black dress shoes from Banana Republic which were also very comfortable.

[Doc226]

You need a show with a leather upper and a rubber sole, much more forgiving on the feet.

[rearviewmirror]

Clarks

[mrmoonbeam]

As a teacher, I'm on my feet much of the day. I have been wearing Rockports for pretty much my whole teaching career thus far (15 years). When one pair wears out, I just get another. They may not be very fashionable, but they are extremely comfortable!

I was in the same boat and opted for a pair of LLBean Katadhin Engineer boots.
They are esentially rebranded Chippewa boots, and they are very durable, super comfortable, and coming from LLBean have a lifetime satisfaction guarantee.
Other brands and models definately appealed to me such as the Wolverine 1000 milers, and Red Wing Iron Rangers, but these were $100 or more above the Bean boots.
My only regret is that they do not make them in black, but rather only a deep chocolate apache brown.

[nannahill]

Johnston & Murphy's. Very comfortable shoes. Wearing these today:

http://www.shoes.com/en-US/Product/8...r+Bicycle.aspx