It's often the shoes you least expect that do the most damage to your feet. Those cosy loafers that rub the back of your heel, or the unassuming ballet flats with thin soles that exacerbate your plantar fasciitis, leaving your arches aching.
I've had enough bad shoe days to last a lifetime, so now I'm always on the lookout for cushioned soles and decent arch support. Which is why I keep an eye on FitFlop's new-in drops. With pillow support hidden in streamlined soles and arch contouring to support the body's natural alignment, plus buttery-soft leather and smart weatherproofing, they're designed with healthy, happy feet in mind.
The pre-autumn collection is filled with stylish loafers, ballet pumps, mules and trainers that will keep your feet comfy and dry all autumn long. So, I've rounded up the chicest styles to shop now. Your feet will thank you.
If you're looking for a pair of flats you can walk all day in, these soft, leather penny loafers are a stylish solution.
They come in black and silver, or leopard print and chocolate brown if you go for a suede finish, and have shock-absorbing soles along with arch support to make pounding the pavements more comfortable. Note that the grip is only suited to light outdoor use so these aren't ones to go hiking in, but for the office and shopping trips, they'll look great with tailoring and jeans and cords, too.
If you want to jump on the ballet pump trend (they're still very popular for autumn), these rich chocolate pumps will work with capri pants, sporty trackpants and more. Plus, you won't be let down by thin soles.
These contain high-rebound cushioning in the rubber outsole for extra comfort and a contoured footbed to diffuse pressure on your feet. They even have the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance, awarded to shoes that promote good foot health. We love the classic black and beige colourways, too.
These are modelled on trainers from the 70s and 80s and we love the vintage styling with a cord and suede finish (this does mean they only hit the 'comfy' element of the brief). They contain FitFlop's advanced iQushion™ technology, which means the cushioned soles provide responsive support and work with your body's natural movement, helping to reduce foot fatigue. If you don't like the terracotta shade, there are 12 more to choose from.
These Chelsea boots are lightweight, supportive and have reliable grip for everyday wear. Elasticated side panels also make them easy to pull on and off. They come in brown, black and taupe. Note the soles are quite chunky on these, so bear in mind if that's not your style. But this also means they offer lots of support and cushioning.
These 'glove' style flats (also known as high vamps) are a very A/W26 take on the ballet pump, with a slightly higher toe, and you'll be able to wear them with everything this season. FitFlop's version contains lightweight cushioning in the sole for extra comfort and feature an anatomically-contoured footbed. We also like the Mary Jane twist with the thin strap. The snakeskin style is selling fast, but they do come in leopard print, too.
Oh, and for soles that need some real TLC, we're sort of obsessed with these indoor/outdoor shearling shoes. They're perfect for pottering about in and you'll be able to wear them in the garden or on the dog walk, too. Just add socks when it gets colder.
