2020 Update: We still think this is a fun discussion of stylish high-heeled boots for work, but you may want to check out our more recent post on stylish booties for the office.
Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work 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.
There have been so many boot styles lately that it kind of makes one’s head spin — block heel boots! sock boots! shooties! lace-up boots! Chelsea boots! Western style boots! — so we haven’t gone on a Hunt for a while for boots. Still, there are a ton of these very sleek, professional-looking stiletto booties right now — so let’s take a look at what’s out there on the market. (Looking for flat ankle boots for work? Just a few months ago we did a roundup of flat and low-heeled options…)
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- Usual Suspects (reliable brands or stores to check first): Clarks, MICHAEL Michael Kors Flex, Cole Haan, Naturalizer
- Under $100: Dexflex Comfort, Franco Sarto, Clarks, Sam Edelman, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Alfani Step n Flex
- Extended widths (AA, C, W): Dexflex Comfort (W), Sudini (W), Bella-Vita (N, M, W, WW)
- Extended sizes (4-13): Dexflex Comfort (5-13), Sam Edelman (4-10), Ecco (4-10), Naturalizer (4-11), Bella-Vita (5-12), Linea Paolo (5-13)
- Comfort: Clarks, Michael Kors Flex, Sudini, Naturalizer, Rockport, Dexflex Comfort, (don’t forget to check out our entire guide to comfortable heels!)
This one isn’t the sleekest, but it is $15, and still available in a ton of sizes 8-13 (with wide sizes also!) — that’s kind of hard to beat. (Amazon has a bunch of smaller sizes for $39 and Prime.) Readers have LOVED the DexFlex Comfort line in the past.
If you’re looking for a reliable brand for comfort, it’s hard to go wrong with Clarks — these heeled booties have a bunch of solid reviews at Zappos, and are marked 50% off (down to $60 today!). They’re available in sizes 5-11. Nordstrom has a very similar style for $139, but with a zipper.
Sam Edelman doesn’t market itself as a comfort brand, but their soles are usually packed with comfort features — and these kitten-heeled booties (above) look great to wear with tights and trousers. Note that this one comes in a ton of colors — if you’re on the hunt for white, red, or gold leather booties, this may be the solution you’re looking for. Note that Amazon has even more colors (leopard! shiny silver!) and some colors and sizes are Prime Wardrobe eligible and as low as $51.
Sudini has long been one of my favorite brands for comfortable kicks in sleek packages — these pointy-toed booties with kitten heels look fabulous. They’re only $159 and available in black and cognac suede, sizes 6-11, in medium and wide sizes.
If you’re going for a very sleek look, these DvF stilettos are well-rated, with some colors and sizes on sale for $240 (down from $348). These also come in a variety of colors, including cherry patent, silver, and ivory leather — the vertical details really look fabulous on the ivory pair if you’re on the hunt. Unfortunately the matte black (pictured here) seems to just have lucky sizes left.
Readers have ALWAYS sung the praises of Aquatalia — particularly for waterproof boots — and these pointy-toed styles are a polished and sophisticated way to keep your feet warm and dry. Zappos has the black matte pair for $237.50 (50% off!), while Nordstrom has the black patent still full price at $475.
Like this feature? Check out other recent installments! Looking for older versions of this roundup of boots for work? Here’s 2018 (flat boots), 2017 (boots to wear with tights), 2016, 2015, 2010, and 2009 (yikes).
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Candidate
Could you also do a round-up of very low-heeled or flat black booties? More and more, anything over 1/2″ hurts my knees, and I’m struggling to find stylish booties (outside of Chelsea boots) that have low or no heels. (This is particularly important as I’m staring down the barrel of a re-election campaign!)
Kat G
I’ll add a link to the post — here was our most recent roundup! https://corporette.com/the-best-ankle-boots-for-work/ Good luck on the campaign!
Candidate
Awesome thank you!
Amy
I’m wearing five-year-old La Canadiennes right now that have worn like iron. Both flat and high heel styles, and many styles are waterproof. I particularly like the extra padded sole, which provides warmth and makes them more comfortable than others on the market. Pricey but worth it, especially since they’ll last for years.
Anon
I think there was a post sometime last week that touched on issues of elitism in the workplace and feeling out of place when certain elitist topics or hobbies come up – am I totally misremembering or did that happen? I feel like I saw it and wanted to go back and read it later, but then I forgot and now I can’t find it.
Anon
I do remember that, but I couldn’t tell you exactly when or the specific words that were used (so you could search). But it does exist!
Senior Attorney
Part of the discussion was about how odd it was that people kept asking OP what her father did for a living. Maybe that will help you search.
ApplesOranges
Oh, I think I found it in the comments here: https://corporette.com/alphabet-pendant-charm/
the post starts with “Any stories or tips about dealing with a workplace that can feel exclusive?”
ApplesOranges
Hm, I think there’s more to explore if someone wants to start a different thread about it or if we want to discuss it more here … like my parents are both blue collar workers … and it is weird that people ask and try to sniff out class. It’s so weird. I used to think “what do your parents do” was an innocent getting to know you kind of question, but sometimes it is really loaded. Those people are rude.
But there are also some who ask/are participating in the group who have blue collar roots and are then more comfortable/friendly/open once they know your background …
Anonymous
I remember; it’s this thread: https://corporette.com/alphabet-pendant-charm
Anonymous
Anyone have a favorite lip gloss that has build-able color? Is that even a thing? Thinking a nice berry color.
anon
I have the Mac patentpolish lip pencil in ruby. I run it lower lip only and rub my lips together for a light coloured gloss effect, run it on both lips for more colour, I think you could blot and reapply too. It’s a wide pencil, moisturizing, doesn’t last super long but is very forgiving if applied without a mirror. I keep it in my pocket.
Dog Grinch
Just need to vent a little bit. DH and I bought a new home in the last month and two, I said TWO of the people who normally spend Christmas with us can’t seem to manage on their own what to do with their dogs. I know I am not unreasonable to say know to a total of four dogs in my house (we have cats!) for the holidays but now my husband is looking for boarding and hotel options (at our expense) for our relatives. And, of course, one set of dogs is not up to date on their shots so boarding will probably not work. Trying to keep from having a big resentment!!!
Anonymous
So sorry. I would never expect to bring my pets to a relatives house when I visit. I know that doesn’t really help with the problem. Just wanted to chime in that you are not crazy to be upset about it.
Anonymous
+1
I’ve never heard of someone bringing their pets when visiting family that already has pets.
anon
Dog Grinch – not crazy at all, sorry – that stinks. why are undone tasks and assumptive behavior dumped on you? (arrrrrggggggghhhhhhh for you).
Not your circus, not your monkeys. They are adults with dogs, which are their responsibility – and on their bill.
Dog Grinch
Sigh. They are adults but one (MIL) is elderly and broke so DH is going to try to accomodate her visit in every way he can. The other is only 19, also broke, and had no business getting dogs that he can’t afford. He really has no other family, either. So, here we are. ARRRGHHH!
Ellen
Best to keep the pets apart, even if it means putting them up in a kennel. My dad let Rosa bring her pooch to his home last year with the kids, and he pooped all over the living room, and Dad slipped into it. What a smelley mess! After that, the dog was banned from the house, and Dad made him stay in the carrage house for the rest of the weekend.
PolyD
I am really, really tired of people who think their dogs need to go everywhere with them and the rest of us should just be SO delighted to get the privilege of spending time with their dogs.
I don’t much like dogs and I’m allergic. More so than I thought – went to a friend’s house and she has a dog. Usually I’m okay if I don’t touch the dogs (they make me itch) but this time I got very congested and wheezy and didn’t really feel like my respiratory system was completely back to normal until the next day.
Now, this is on me – apparently I need to premedicate with some allergy drugs before visiting people who have dogs. And that’s fine. But before you decide that your dog just MUST go to someone else’s house or all the stores and restaurants, or in the airplane, think about how that might affect other people. Taking your dog everywhere is a want; being able to breathe is a need.
Maybe, Rover?
I am so sorry that your hospitality has been met like this. And seconding that this is not your circus.
Relative might try Rover (like AirBnB for dogs) or try getting on NextDoor, and posting there. Or they might inquire at their vet’s about recommended boarders.
Hugs!
Dog Grinch
My husband is looking at Rover! Thank you!
Anon
Try to find an individual sitter on Rover.com. It’s pretty different than boarding – much nicer for the dog and generally no shots required.
Anonymous
Speaking of being sick for a day or two following a visit with pets:
Say it is a home where people smoke, and they want to host a holiday dinner, or really any get-together. I am a little sick for days afterward – I do take medication but can’t get the smoke out of my nostrils – even if they don’t actually smoke while visitors are over.
How do you nicely tell them how difficult it is to be in their house?
Housecounsel
I love dogs. I also think it’s utterly unreasonable to bring them to someone’s house or expect the host to pay for boarding. I have cats and there is no way I’d subject them to dog-guests. Just say no.
To Anon: at 4:29, why can’t you just say so? I have a good friend who is allergic to my cats, so we can’t hang out at my house. It’s fine with both of us.
Anon
You don’t. Why would you tell someone their house makes you sick when they can’t do anything about it? They can’t take the smoke out the walls and they’re not going to get rid of their pets or even be able to get rid of all pet dander no matter how hard they try. You suck it up and deal with the wheezing or don’t go.
The only thing that will happen if you complain to someone about their stinky house is never being invited over again at best or losing a friend at worst (you’re basically telling them their home is dirty – rude. They know smoking causes a smell you’re not giving new information).
Senior Attorney
You just say “So sorry, love you but can’t cope with the smoke smell. Can we meet up somewhere else?”
It’s not like there’s anything they can do about it. Your options are to politely decline or suck it up. Going over there and complaining doesn’t do any good.
Anonymous
If you want to soften the blow a little – “I’m very sensitive to lingering smoke odors, I’d be more comfortable at that new restaurant down the street”.
I mean, there’s not a “nice” way to tell someone their home has an offensive and overwhelming stench. But that doesn’t mean you should suffer for days, either. I have asthma and a variety of allergies so I usually (legitimately) blame that – I’m sorry but the lingering smoke really triggers my asthma and allergies, I’m going to have to step outside.
anon
I’m allergic to cat hair and dander. As in eyes swell nearly shut, have trouble breathing and am generally miserable. Very clean cats in very clean houses I can manage ok if not great with a massive dose of allergy meds. In-laws house has not one square inch that does not contain cat hair. And presumably cat dander. It is Cat Hair World. After years of in-laws complaining that I never visit despite knowing of my allergy, I’m just very matter of fact in stating that I cannot visit their home. I don’t try to hurt their feelings but I don’t try to be “nice” about it either. I just say “you know I can’t”. Repeat as necessary.
Anonymous
You absolutely do not. Decline invitations to their house and offer to meet at a neutral location or ask them over to your house.