Hi All.

I am looking for shoes that can be worn in the office but are also built to endure the trek to and from the office.

In particular, the outer soles must not easily wear out and the inner soles must be nicely padded so that I don't feel hard concrete with every step! (preferably in black, haha.)

I want a shoe, not a boot and am looking for a wind/water proof/resistant pair for winter and a cooler pair for summer (but not those which allow the slightest bit of rain get through, as if it rains in summer, I don't want to spend the rest of my work day with damp socks!). For example, ordinary £10 trainers like Umbro or Fila with leather uppers wouldn't let any water in, even though they wouldn't be classed as waterproof. This is just an example; as trainers wouldn't be suitable for the office and the above types would suffer from wear and tear to the outer sole in next to no time.

Not looking for something outrageous or expensive. Don't want Rockport. Looking to spend around £30 on each pair.

Thanks.

check out new balance walking shoes on sportsshoes.com

i wear these for work and they're very comfortable. no idea if they let water in as i don't notice such things as the skin on my feet is waterproof.  a clean pair of socks soon sorts out wet socks.

meindl maine may pass muster.

the only way to have "waterproof" shoes is to have goretex lined shoes (do clarks still make them?) and have wet sweaty feet instead that remain wet and sweaty all day.

Thanks for the replies!

glenngeorge 64, I am too far from the shop you mention, but I'll check out Timberland elsewhere; thanks.

Parky Again, thanks for the link. I've had a look at the walking shoes but unfortunately they don't look suitable for the office. I don't need totally waterproof. Any normal shoe with a leather type upper, as opposed to mesh, suede, etc will do the trick, as long as it's got a good inner and outer sole.

I've already been to Clarke's and yes, they do have formal shoes like the ones I'm looking for, but with Goretex. They're £49.99. They do have similar non-Goretex shoes for £30, which seem fine but they have a little grey rubbery square shaped technology thing built into the heel which I assume acts a shock absorber, but I'm always wary of these types of shoes because the first thing that tears is the little technology bit and it starts squeaking and then lets water in!

 I'm thinking shoes that look like the officey Kickers/Pod type shoes.

Thanks for the good advice.