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.
This page was last updated September 2023 except where otherwise noted.
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?
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!
Our Latest Favorite Strappy Pumps for Work
Great Strappy Flats for Work
Use the arrows to see all of our latest favorite strappy flats as of 2021 — or click here to see recently-featured strappy flats. (Also this one!)
Some Specific Strappy Pumps for Work We Love
Easy Spirit
I primarily think of East Spirit as a comfort brand, but they do have cute shoes from time to time — such as this strappy heel! Not only are they affordable, but you benefit from the comfort — there’s arch support and a cushioned insole.
The heels come in 9 mostly neutral colors, but as of this writing there are the red patent heels as well as silver and tortoiseshell options.
The shoes come in sizes 5-12, in regular and wide sizes (in some colors), for $49-$99.
Calvin Klein
These Calvin Klein pumps with an asymmetrical strap look great — the way the strap crosses the vamp of the foot is really flattering, and I like how the outside of the shoe has a d’Orsay look.
The shoe comes in 9 colors at Zappos (including two beiges and a brown, if you’re hunting for nude-for-you heels). They come in sizes 5-11, and are $99.
Jennifer Chamandi
These green lizard-effect heels from from Jennifer Chamandi are stunning. It seems so simple but I honestly can’t remember a strap clasp being on the top of foot instead of on the side — I like how it almost takes the place of a minimal bow or other decoration.
The brand has a lot of strappy heels in neutral colors, but these green ones jumped out at me. Gorgeous, gorgeous.
They’re available in Italian sizes 36-41 at NET-A-PORTER for $840.
Vionic
These low, affordable, comfortable heels from work only have a baby Mary Jane strap — but they could be just what you’re looking for if you need a higher vamp. These shoes have been a reader favorite for years and years but are getting harder to find — right now Amazon has the biggest selection of colors and sizes, starting at $27. (Also keep an eye out for them on resale sites like eBay!)
Valentino
Valentino’s Rockstud shoes have been around for years, and they’re definitely distinctive, with a bit of a “tough girl” vibe. If that appeals to you, go for it — they’re one of the most reliably stylish T-strap pumps with a closed toe. You can find them at any upscale department store (Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks) as well as on resale sites like eBay and Etsy.
Manolo Blahnik
I think Manolo Blahnik’s classic Mary Jane has been around since the earliest days of this blog — and it remains one of the most sophisticated iterations I’ve seen of the Mary Jane. It comes out in different colors and textures — keep an eye out at spots like Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, and Net-a-Porter. (You can also sometimes find it at resale shops like eBay and Etsy!)
Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Rose
I 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
Just sit tight. And good luck!
NYNY
I’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
The 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
I 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
I actually think most of these wouldn’t look good with tights — the ones without edges are too “summery” to wear with tights.