5 chic and commuter-friendly women's shoes, chosen by a fashion writer

Gone are the days of uncomfortable work shoes; I need something that takes me from the tube to the office to the after-work drinks. Something that looks polished but feels worn in.

When looking for office shoes, you want to hit the perfect balance of sturdy and stylish. A great place to start is to look at the fabrics. You can’t go wrong with leather, the natural weather resistance means it’ll last longer than other materials like suede or canvas.

There's nothing chic about hobbling in heels. If you’re someone who can effortlessly last all day in them, hats off to you, but if you’re like me – who can do about an hour in them – stick to the smaller heights.

This rotation of footwear has an option for every career path, personal style and office vibe.

Lili Curia Beau Loafer

Lili Curia

One of my favourite names in the shoe game, Lili Curia, is keeping design interesting and fresh. Their take on the classic loafer feels playful yet practical. The defined silhouette of their Beau Loafer is crafted out of soft nappa leather with a corset-inspired lacing up the apron. Loafers are an office staple that can be dressed up or down. My favourite way to wear these loafers is to pair them with an electric blue sock that, when wearing trousers just peaks through.

Camper Casi Myra

Camper

You may be thinking, ballet flats? Comfortable? Well, I’m here to bat for their corner and deem them some of the most comfortable shoes, when you have the right pair. The perfect pair is when they fit like a glove, have no gaps, are made with ultra-soft leather and have a small heel. The Casi Myra from Camper requires little to no time to break in and has a buttery feel. With 15 different finishes, there's a pair to go with anyone's wardrobe.

Samsoe Samsoe Saastra Hybrid Flats

Samsoe Samsoe Saastra

Samsoe has the ease of Copenhagen street style with a quintessentially Scandinavian spirit. While it’s the jackets that usually draw me in, recently its accessories – including shoes – have caught my attention. The label’s hybrid Saastra flats are a hybrid between a ballet flat and trainer, creating the perfect office-to-out shoe. They have a sleek, clean feel to them, which is something I find important when finding a good trainer for work.

Massimo Dutti Soft Leather Mules

Massimo Dutti Soft Leather Mules, £120

Massimo Dutti

While Massimo Dutti has been one of my staples for many years, I’ve only recently been introduced to their shoes. The AIRFIT® insoles in their soft leather mules are what sold these to me; they’re made to hug the sole of your foot so it doesn't feel like they would fall off at any point. Mules are a great alternative to those who like a ballet flat silhouette but worry about it rubbing at the back.

Alohas Dani Black Leather Oxfords

Alohas Dani Black Leather Oxfords, £126

Alohas

A polished pair of Oxfords has been the classic work shoe for decades, but over time the style has felt old and in need of a refresh. By adding a gathered apron and double laces, Alohas has gifted us the perfect pair of modern Oxfords, the Dani. The Barcelona-based footwear brand is most likely already spotted around your office after the much-deserved hype for their Rosalind ballet flats.