2017 Update: We still think these are really cute strappy pumps for work, but you may want to check out our latest roundup of sleek strappy pumps for the office.
Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I find classic pumps challenging in tights (damn my narrow heels!). As the weather gets colder, though — particularly if you’re commuting in rain boots or snow boots — tights become more practical. My way of dealing with this has always been to keep strappy pumps at the office. They’ve become some of my favorite shoes over the years because I find them much easier to walk in. We haven’t talked about strappy pumps in almost a while, though, so let’s discuss… Readers, what shoes do you wear with tights in the winter? Are you a fan of strappy pumps for this purpose — or do you prefer to wear booties and shooties? Bought any great ones recently?
First, a round up of some broad categories (most links, unless otherwise obvious, go to Nordstrom or Zappos):
- Hall of Fame (shoes we’ve sung the praises of for years!): Sam Edelman, Sole Society (Anneke, Olyvia, Tamra), Manolo Blahnik
- Under $100: Sole Society (Anneke, Olyvia, Tamra), Halogen, Anne Klein, Adrienne Vittadini, Naturalizer, Seychelles, Lifestride, Sofft
- Extended widths: Trotters (NMW), Rockport (MW), Naturalizer (NMW)
- Extended sizes (4-13): Naturalizer (4-12), Naot (4-11), Clarks (5-12), Halogen (4-12)
- Comfort: Børn, Sofft, Rockport, Lifestride, Clarks, Dansko, Naot, Trotters, Pikolinos, Aravon (don’t forget to check out our entire guide to comfortable heels)
- Under 2″: Trotters, Dansko, Pikolinos, Aravon
- Flat options: Eileen Fisher, Halogen, Steve Madden, Boden, Chloé, Aquazzura
- Pump/bootie hybrids: Bella Vita, Vince Camuto, Tahari, Nine West, Donald J. Pliner, M.Gemi, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman (kinda sorta)
 Ok: these may win for the worst name (AKFion?!) but I like the look of these classic pumps enough that I’m including them (and hey, Anne Klein shoes have been some of the most comfortable heels I’ve owned). 3″ heels, and for a mere $79 — they come in four different colors. (Also in this price range, but not pictured because I feel like I’ve posted so many times about them: the $60ish Sole Society strappy pumps. They continue to go strong and win rave reviews, so if you’re on the hunt for a budget option they’re a great place to start. They have a lot of strappy options, but the main three styles are the Anneke, Olyvia, Tamra.) Pictured: Anne Klein AKFion |
 This pump is another one that’s rising in the Hall of Fame — I feel like the Marci style has been around for a while from Nordstrom’s Halogen line. I like the curve of the vamp and the placement of the strap, and I love the fun stingray print, pictured — it’s a great way to bring some matte texture to the party. The pump is currently available in four colors, sizes 4-12, for $99 at Nordstrom. (Also in this price range: this Naturalizer heel we’ve featured before, as well as this nice, low, sleek Trotters heel.) Halogen Marci Mary Jane Pump |
 Boden has two things of note today. First, a big midseason sale ending TODAY (up to 40% off, with free shipping over $49+), and two, a TON of cute strappy pumps and flats for work. These Lille heels look fabulous — the crisscrossy straps and fringe tassels are both very in right now, without being hit-you-over-the-head trendy — and for $118, it’s hard to go wrong. They’re available in three colors at Boden. Along similar trendy lines, I really like the fringe detail on these J.Crew heels, as well as the similar lace-up detail on these Weitzman heels; these Madden heels are a bit closer to the Boden price range. Pictured: Boden Lille Heels |
 I’ve been hearing great things about the Schutz brand lately, and like the look of these Mary Jane tie heels. (They remind me a lot of more walkable pumps from Ivanka Trump that we’ve featured before.) These are 4″, available in three colors (sizes 6-10) for $180. Schutz Kutia |
 I’ve drooled over SJP’s Phoebe pumps in the past, but these Diana pumps are much higher rated. Named after Lady Di, they have 3.5″ heels, an asymmetrical strap, and 18 positive reviews praising their comfort and quality. They’re $365. (These more affordable Calvin Klein pumps have a similar look with a wider strap.) SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker ‘Diana’ Pump |
 Ferragamo is a reader favorite as far as comfort and quality go — so I’m excited to see these peep toe Mary Janes, which are new to me. The placement of the strap is perfect (not too high, not too low), and while I’d prefer if they were closed toe, I do think the peep toe is small enough that you can wear it with tights without too much fuss. They’re $775 at Nordstrom. (They look super high here, but the heel is only 2.75″. If you want something similar, but lower/sturdier, check out the Anyi Lu Tulip pump.) ‘Mood’ Pump Salvatore Ferragamo |
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Rose
10/05/2015 at 2:30 pmI need someone to remind me that company’s that are hiring operate on their own schedules. Short take: Final interview on Friday, told I could hear as early as Friday afternoon or Monday (today). I know even being told that, that’s a highly compressed timeline and I need to sit on my hands and distract myself for at least a week. But it’s HARD.
Cimorene
10/05/2015 at 4:18 pmJust sit tight. And good luck!
NYNY
10/05/2015 at 2:34 pmI’m in the same boat as Kat; my heels are narrow in proportion to my forefoot, so in tights, pumps tend to fly off my feet. I’ve always done strappy heels or boots most in the winter, but I may have a new solution. I just put pedag’s “Girl” anti-slip pads in two pairs of pumps, and they are life-changing (despite the name)! I tried them with tights, although not for a full day, and I didn’t walk out of them. I’m getting pairs for all my pumps now.
SteelCityMagnolia
10/05/2015 at 3:45 pmThe anti-slip heel pads are awesome! I have them in nearly all my heels — whether I wear tights or not, my heels slip out of my shoes. I already wear a 6.5 which is hell to find to start with, so now I can customize pretty much all my shoes to fit! YAY!!!!
Which reminds me…. I should stock up for fall/winter. Occasionally you do have to replace the darn things.
bridget
10/05/2015 at 3:31 pmI just like how strappy shoes are cute and a bit different without going off the deep end.
Apropos of nothing, I love the “wear a suit at least once a week” advice. Had a big presentation today; wore a suit; looked both presentation-appropriate and like “me.”
heels
10/05/2015 at 7:49 pmI actually think most of these wouldn’t look good with tights — the ones without edges are too “summery” to wear with tights.