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Finding a great shoe is an amazing feeling, but discovering one that looks good and feels even better? It's a hold-the-phone, life-changing type of thing. Since we work in an office that's full of a lot of women who are more or less obsessively focused on shopping and style, we decided to do an informal survey about the brands and styles we've found to be mega-comfortable (collectively, we have decades of shoe-shopping experience). Herewith, our non-scientific findings on the most comfortable heels and flats around, including kick-around skimmers and razor-sharp stilettos you'd never dream got the all-day-wear stamp of approval.
"I can actually make it a full mile in these without wanting to break down and hail a cab—a big feat for anything with a heel. Plus, it usually it takes me a good week and a handful of blisters to break in booties, but these were like Cinderella slippers: magic. Even without socks, there wasn't a blister in sight."
Madewell Billie boots, $228, madewell.com
—Lindsay Schallon, senior digital beauty editor
"I can wear these for days in spite of the four-inch heel. Some combination of the light, hollow heel and the support of the upper section is perfect. Plus, the thick heel is good for walking on grass. I bought three pairs of these. Literally."
Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Belle heels, $140, urbanoutfitters.com
—Kat Thomsen, digital managing editor
"I swear by my white canvas Vans. They're super comfortable and they match everything in my closet. Blisters and achy feet be gone!"
Vans slip-ons, $45, vans.com
—Lauren Chan, associate fashion writer
"You can stand in these forever. Any time I wear them people ask if they're fill-in-a-designer-name."
Jessica Simpson Shawley booties, $139, macys.com
—Beth Shapouri, lead online beauty writer
"I always wear Clarks—any style that I think's cute. They're super comfy, have good arch support and last a long time, even when you walk as much as we do in New York."
Clarks flats, $100, clarksusa.com
—Anna Moeslein, online entertainment editor
"I've yet to find anything else that feels as good as these. Clarks Wallabees for life!"
Clarks Wallabees, $130, clarksusa.com
—Becky Malinsky, deputy fashion market director
"These are like butter on my feet. I commute in them—via subway, not a car—and I wouldn't give them up for anything. They literally feel like slippers."
Coach Arlene moccasins, $165, coach.com
—Caitlin Moscatello, acting digital editor
"Marion Parke is a podiatrist that designs a line of luxury heels. They're super chic and designed with foot anatomy in mind."
Marion Parke Bernadette heels, $625, available on Moda Operandi starting Oct. 26
—Elissa Velluto, senior accessories editor
"These are so comfy and perfect for a casual day out. I wear a size 10.5 and so often flats make my feet look larger than they really are or slip off too easily, but not these."
Lacoste Cauvin boat shoes, $120, lacoste.com
—Jessica Radloff, West Coast entertainment correspondent
"These mold to your feet like a dream, and I could walk around in them all day. Best part? I always get compliments."
Coach Eva boots, $395, coach.com
—Marissa Gold, senior online editor
"You're looking at my secret weapon. They're so cute that people stop me on the street to ask about them, less than $100, and are so comfortable I don't have to change into flats if I'm running between appointments—even though they have four-inch heels."
Jessica Simpson Claudette heels, $79, zappos.com
—Kim Fusaro, bridal and home writer
And this writer's favorite brand to count on for comfortable fits that will still look amazing? Stuart Weitzman, who cares so much about how they feel that he's known to stop women on the street he sees in his designs and ask how their feet are feeling. Every single pair I own is blissfully comfy, but I'm especially loving these lace-up flats right now.
Stuart Weitzman Gilligan flats, $385, stuartweitzman.com
Before we talked shoes, the office spilled on which thongs they found to be most comfortable. Come check out the responses!