Bless Their Hearts (and feet)...First Job Blues

One of my dear nieces posted something about her feet killing her after a long day at work at her summer retail job. We discussed possible solutions and then I asked a simple question that explained it all.


What shoes were you wearing?






Her answer...

"Sandals. Because it's what I am supposed to wear with my outfit."


After some more digging and being the nosy aunt I am, I determined the dress code actually prohibits flip flops and tennis shoes. As we get older we learn what they say vs. what they mean, how far you can really push your luck and when to bother. By the time we're older we also have a pretty good collection of shoes that will work temporarily if not long-term.


As grown ups we know that a good pair of shoes won't be on your mind all day. A bad pair of shoes will be on your mind all day and probably a few days later. We've also had experience buying comfort over style but know sometimes you also need to buy style over comfort. (This post isn't about style over comfort. These are not the driods you're looking for...move along.)


This is why I have dozens and dozens of pairs of shoes. Some are all-day shoes, some are 4-hour shoes, some are what-were-you-thinking shoes. Some shoes are so comfortable I could wear them as slippers but they will murder my feet on long walks. Some of my shoes are ugly as all get out but I could wear them to walk across the state. I took a pair of Uggs and a pair of Chucks to Seattle. After two days of walking I became a tourist all over the Macy's shoe department and bought a pair of Nike's. Arch support is way more important than I realized. 


I really wish there was an in-service for kids young adults entering the workplace. They should let me teach it. I've made those same mistakes. 


*Sigh*


I like being wise more than I miss being skinny.


I also know Epsom salt baths fix achy legs after a long day. Advil too.


And that in a few days her lower back will be killing her. (Doesn't it always happen after a day in crappy shoes? Ugh!) My poor, sweet girl.


And everyone buys at least one pair of shoes in bright green, pink or purple and wishes they had them in brown, black or navy so they could wear them more often.


And you may need to spend your new job money on a decent pair of practical, yet occasionally ugly, shoes.


And maybe you should only buy work shoes from companies that are known for their shoes and not for their awesome collection of beach bags. fleece shirts and flip flop sales. 

Tom's. Love Tom's. Not built for a long day on your feet but still comfy with vegan options.

Dansko...there's a reason why nurses love these.

Crocs has a Mary Jane and it doesn't look massive. And about $40.

My good friend is a Flight Attendant and she's an encyclopedia on good shoes. She likes Born. 

And these Clarks look comfy. All the properties of a tennis shoe without actually being one.

And with these you won't break the bone in the top of your foot when you drop a stapler on it. (Guilty!)