Studio Essentials: Work Shoes
You have a million things to do before you head out the door each morning – the last thing you want to do is ponder over what shoes go well with the rest of your outfit. We’ve curated a list of beautifully minimal – not to mention comfortable – work shoes that complement just about any work attire, so you can spend less time choosing and more time doing.
Tkees
Founded in St. Barths, Tkees is a sandal company that specializes in barely-there minimal footwear. Their silhouettes are so simple and versatile that they can be worn both on and off the clock.
Highlights –
The Cleo is a comfortable yet classy slip-on that boasts an almond-shaped toe. The structured leather construction makes it a viable candidate for laid-back office environments.
Margaux
Founded by Alexa Buckley and Sarah Pierson, Margaux is a female-founded shoe company that specializes in thoughtfully designed shoes for the modern woman.
Highlights –
The Heel is a sophisticated block heel that serves as an answer to the age-old question, “Where the heck can I find a comfortable heel?” The classic silhouette counterbalanced by the chunky heel makes it a versatile option for both casual meetings and corporate environments.
Nisolo
Nisolo is one of the few ethical shoe brands that also offer designer-friendly shapes and silhouettes. According to their website, all producers behind the brand received fair trade wages, healthcare, and a healthy work environment.
Highlights –
The Emma d’Orsay Oxford immediately caught our attention due to its open side slits and subtle French elegance. The wooden sole makes it a viable candidate for creative and fashion-forward work environments.
Matt & Nat
Based in Montreal, Matt & Nat is a cruelty-free shoe brand that prides itself on social responsibility and “living beautifully”.
Highlights –
The Willow Heel is a simple ballerina flat that comes in a variety of subtle and elegant colors. Perhaps the most versatile out of this list, this buttery soft flat can be worn with practically any outfit during most months out of the year.
Everlane
Everlane is an ethical fashion brand that boasts “radical transparency” in its manufacturing process and elevated designs for the modern man and woman.
Highlights –
The V Heel is a refined, “outfit-making” shoe that boasts a comfortable chunky heel. Its classic silhouette and V-shaped vamp makes it a perfect fit for corporate work environments.
ATP Atelier
ATP – which stands for All Tomorrow’s Parties – was founded in 2011 by old friends Jonas Clason and Maj-La Pizzelli. Informed by Scandinavian and French design protocols, ATP shoes are handmade by local craftsmen in Italy.
Highlights –
The Alloro Black Vacchetta is a statement shoe. Made out of Tuscan vegetable tanned leather, the shoe boasts a kitten heel and square toe, which makes it a viable option for laid-back and creative work environments.
Able
Able is an ethical fashion brand founded by Barrett Ward who, while living in Ethiopia, saw how extreme poverty forced young women to resort to prostitution as a means of supporting themselves and their families. The brand focuses on offering economic opportunities for women while offering thoughtfully designed shoes and apparel for the modern woman.
Highlights –
The Sarai D’Orsay is a suede flat with the timeless “d’Orsay” silhouette and a soft backing, which makes it a perfect fit for both corporate and creative work environments.