Comfortable shoes for women

Choosing for the way you live

Start with what you'll mainly be doing. For city walking and long days out, casual ankle boots or everyday trainers with a stable sole will cope with hours on pavement. For the office or dinner, dressy ankle boots and ballet flats look smart without sacrificing comfort. In the warmer months, flat sandals with straps that hold the instep stop your foot sliding about.

If you'd rather own a few pairs that do almost everything, stick to neutrals: black or tan boots and a white trainer go with jeans, dresses and tailoring alike.

Materials and comfort

• Leather: moulds to your foot over time, breathes well and lasts for years with a little care.
• Suede: soft and supple from the first wear; best kept out of the rain unless protected.
• Patent leather: a glossy, polished look that wipes clean easily, though it gives less than smooth leather.
• Textile and synthetics: light and low-maintenance, handy for trainers or beachside wear, as with the Birkenstock Arizona EVA.

It's worth checking the sole too: one that flexes under the toes and cushions the heel makes walking far less tiring.

Fit and sizing

You should have some room in front of your toes when standing, and your heel shouldn't lift as you walk. If you'll be wearing the shoes all day, don't buy them snug: feet swell as the day goes on, so trying shoes on in the afternoon gives a truer fit. With ankle boots, make sure the shaft doesn't rub your ankle and the fastening holds the instep without pinching.

Looking after your shoes

Wipe leather with a soft cloth and condition it now and then with a cream to match its colour. For suede, use a proper suede brush and a waterproofing spray before the first wear. Patent leather just needs a damp cloth. Always let shoes dry naturally away from heaters, and rotate pairs so the leather gets a rest between wears.