Pumps

Top 6 Best Designer Pumps for Work

All great things are simple. The continued popularity of simple and elegant pumps confirms the truthfulness of this phrase. These neat models of shoes can be perfectly combined not only with evening outfit but also with a business suit, which makes them a necessary thing in the wardrobe of every stylish woman. We choose 6 best models of pumps for work. Below you can see comparison table with characteristics, features and a general mark of reviewed shoes.

Brand Kate Spade Jessica Simpson Sam Edelman Badgley Mischka Lauren Ralph Lauren Calvin Klein

Kate Spade New York Women’s Licorice Pump Thumb

Jessica Simpson Women’s Cenya Dress Pump Thumb

Sam Edelman Women’s Opal Pump Thumb

Badgley Mischka Women’s Kassidy II Platform Pump Thumb

Lauren Ralph Lauren Women’s Sarina III Dress Thumb

Calvin Klein Women’s Gella Dress Pump Thumb
Model New York Women’s Licorice Pump Women’s Cenya Dress Pump Women’s Opal Pump Women’s Kassidy II Platform Pump Women’s Sarina III Dress Pump Women’s Gella Dress Pump
Material Synthetic upper/Leather sole Suede/Synthetic sole Synthetic upper/Synthetic sole Synthetic upper/Leather sole Leather upper/Synthetic sole eather upper/Synthetic sole
Colors 21 colors 3 colors 6 colors 3 colors 1 color 9 colors
Features Heel measures approximately 4″(10.16cm) Heel measures approximately 3.75″(9.53cm)/Memory foam midsole Heel measures approximately 2.75″(6.99cm)/Pointed toe/Covered heel Heel measures approximately 4.75″(12.07cm)/Platform measures approximately 1.0″(2.54cm) Heel measures approximately 3.5″(8.89cm)/Pointed toe/Stacked heel Heel measures approximately 3″(7.62cm)/Pointed toe/Gel comfort pod on sole
Mark 7 8 9 9 6 10

Kate Spade New York Women’s Licorice Pump


Kate Spade New York Women’s Licorice Pump

Features:

  • Synthetic upper
  • Leather sole
  • Heel measures approximately 4″(10.16cm)
  • Pointed-toe pump
  • Logo-embossed footbed

These elegant and beautiful shoes from Kate Spade will add a little spice to any strict business outfit. They are available in a range of colors and textures, both bright and neutral palette, so you can choose what will exactly suit you. Pumps are made of leather and suede, depending on the model you pick. Footwear has pretty high heel – approximately 4 inches (10.16 cm), although shoes are quite stable. The upper material is durable and colors won’t wear off very soon, but unfortunately, the sole is not of a great quality and after some time of wearing you can see that sole might look slightly worn out. But if the look of your outsoles doesn’t bother you – go ahead!
If you have narrow feet, you should order your usual size, otherwise, we recommend you to buy this model a half size bigger. Also, Kate Spade pumps will need some break-in period. All high-heeled shoes have disadvantage – you can’t walk or stand in them all day long because your feet will get tired. But you can wear this pair comfortably for 3-4 hours a day without any pain or you can wear them during a working day, if you have some kind of desk work.

Pros

  • A great range of colors for every occasion and outfit
  • Very trendy and stylish
  • Stable heel

Cons:

  • Soles are not of a very good quality
  • Need break in period
  • Not made for prolonged wearing during the day

Jessica Simpson Women’s Cenya Dress Pump


Jessica Simpson Women’s Cenya Dress Pump

Features

  • Suede
  • Synthetic sole
  • Heel measures approximately 3.75″(9.53cm)
  • Memory foam midsole

Jessica Simpson brand offers you a pretty and sexy pair of pumps. They are made of real soft suede and special memory foam midsole makes your feet fell comfortable during wearing. The sole is crafted from durable synthetic material and it is not slippery. Heel height is approximately 3.75 inches (9.53 cm). Pumps are great for a sit-down occasion, but if there’s any walking or standing for prolonged periods of time involved, we wouldn’t recommend it, like other high-heeled shoes. The model is available in bright 3 colors: black, jam berry and olive taupe. This pair needs a break-in period, and for the first, you can fill that pumps are slightly snug in the toe box area, but they will stretch a bit more after some time of wearing. Shoes are true to the size, but if you have wide feet, you should order them a half size bigger.

Pros

  • Made of soft and comfortable suede
  • Not slippery
  • Has memory foam midsole
  • Fun and bright colors

Cons

  • Need break-in period
  • Not appropriate for a long time of wearing

Sam Edelman Women’s Opal Pump


Sam Edelman Women’s Opal Pump

Features

  • Synthetic upper
  • Synthetic sole
  • Heel measures approximately 2.75″(6.99cm)
  • D’Orsay pump with pointed toe and contrast slice at back of heel cup
  • Covered heel

The Sam Edelman Women’s Opal Pump with a pointed toe is trendy and at the same time a comfortable pair of shoes, making them perfect option for the work outfit. They are available in 5 attractive colors: bronze, winter sky, pewter, black crepe and new nude leopard. These pumps are made of synthetic and durable materials. Heel height is approximately 2.75 inches (6.99 cm). This mid-height heel is quite stable and you can wear them at ease for a long time. As for fitting, we will recommend you to order an entire full size down, as this model is running big.

Pros

  • Stable and comfortable heel
  • Attractive design
  • Durable

Cons

  • Have pointed toe, so might not work for wide feet

Badgley Mischka Women’s Kassidy II Platform Pump


Badgley Mischka Women’s Kassidy II Platform Pump

Features

  • Fabric upper
  • Leather sole
  • Heel measures approximately 4.75″(12.07cm)
  • Platform measures approximately 1.0″(2.54cm)
  • Peep-toe pump in shimmery texture featuring concealed platform

The Badgley Mischka brand makes glamorous, stylish and at the same time wearable shoes. Their style is simple, smooth and scrupulously elegant. These gorgeous and luxurious pumps from Badgley Mischka would not be certainly left unnoticed. They will be a wonderful addition to every business outfit. They come in 3 sparkly colors: platinum, silver, and light gold. The upper is made of durable fabric; it makes this model more lightweight and breathable in comparison with others. Heel height is approximately 4.75 inches (12.07 cm) and platform height is approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm). But unfortunately, you can’t wear them all day long, although the platform makes the heel height a bit more comfortable. Also, we would recommend you to order them a half size bigger.

Pros

  • Very bright and sparkly colors
  • Stylish
  • Breathable
  • Of a high quality

Cons

  • The heel height is not very comfortable

Lauren Ralph Lauren Women’s Sarina III Dress


Lauren Ralph Lauren Women’s Sarina III Dress

Features:

  • Leather
  • Rubber sole
  • Heel measures approximately 3.5″(8.89cm)
  • Pointed-toe pump in allover laser cutouts featuring stacked heel and logo at outsole

Brand Ralph Lauren offers you this pair of classic and stylish pumps for your work outfit. Special allover cutouts all over the upper make these shoes remarkable and distinctive. Available only in one color, but it is universal, so you can pair these pumps with everything. They are made of real soft leather of a high quality. Your feet will feel incredible and won’t get sweaty in these. Heel height is approximately 3.5 inches (8.89 cm). These heels will let you wear them all day without any pain. But unfortunately, the construction of the shoe is sloppy and the heel can break. Also, you should order them a half size down.

Pros

  • Unique design
  • Durable and breathable leather
  • Comfortable height of the heel

Cons

  • Unreliable construction
  • Have narrow toe box

Calvin Klein Women’s Gella Dress Pump


Calvin Klein Women’s Gella Dress Pump

Features

  • Leather
  • Synthetic sole
  • Heel measures approximately 3″(7.62cm)
  • D’Orsay-style pump featuring wraparound strap and pointed toe
  • Concealed goring at medial side
  • Metallic logo plate at heel cup
  • Gel comfort pod on sole

Calvin Klein is known for its minimalist and functional design. The brand is fresh, exceptionally sophisticated and offers ageless style. These women’s shoes with pointed toe and asymmetrical strap across vamp will add the right amount of sophistication to any kind of outfit in your closet. They are dressy enough to wear them for work or for some evening event. You can have them in 9 different colors and textures. Made of real soft leather and synthetic non-slip bottom. The height of the heel is 3 inches (7.62 cm). This comfortable mid height will let you spend all day in Calvin Klein pumps without any problems. Lightly padded footbed will add comfort and support. But we will recommend these shoes for women with narrow feet, otherwise, the pointed toe can squish your fingers and bring some discomfort and pain.

Pros

  • Perfect height of the heel
  • Soft and durable materials
  • Padded footbed
  • A variety of colors and textures
  • Non slip bottom

Cons

  • Will work only with narrow feet

Who is the leader?

From all the reviewed shoes we will recommend you to get a pair of Calvin Klein Women’s Gella Dress Pump, as they got the highest mark. Their design is elegant and classy. The shoe is made of durable and high-quality materials. You can wear this pair all day long without any discomfort, which makes them a perfect choice of work shoes. But they will work for you, only if you have narrow feet because of the pointed toe, in another case Badgley Mischka Women’s Kassidy II Platform Pump will be a great alternative. Hope our recommendation will be useful for you.

A little bit of history

Today every fashionable woman has a pair of pumps in her wardrobe. But not a lot of people know how these shoes were invented. It’s hard to believe, but that footwear appeared from men’s shoes.
It was the simplest shoes without heels and buckles, which were worn in XV century. Back then such shoes were called “pomps”, but today they are called “pumps”.
Then a small heel was added to the shoe, but it wasn’t very durable and was breaking constantly. Because of this, a metal rod was placed inside the heel (this technology is still used today).
Approximately in the middle of the XIX century, this footwear was mandatory for Englishwomen, who worked in court or visited this establishment. By the way, in some countries, the word “court shoes” is still used for these shoes.
In the past, the pumps were made of fabric. Then in the XX century leather became popular, and it had directly influenced the fashion, and the shoes were made of leather. Their forms also had changed. Well-known fashion designer Roger Vivier added a spike heel and lengthened the toe of the shoe, and later Salvatore Ferragamo made the height of the heel even loftier. By the way, famous Marilyn Monroe was wearing such shoes.
In the 60s designers made the heel thicker and more stable.
Nowadays such form of pumps remains popular among women around the world.

How to choose pumps?

Here are some tips for you to choose a perfect pair:

  • First of all, pay attention to the materials which the shoes are made of. The best option is leather or suede. Such pumps are breathable, comfortable and they are more durable. But you can also choose shoes that are made of thick fabric of a high quality.
  • Heel height is extremely important. It all depends on you. If you are not sure about the high heel, try to pick a pair with a stable mid-high heel.
  • Pay attention to the toe of the shoes. Classic model has a pointed toe, and this shoe will look great with a strict and formal outfit or even with evening elegant dress. In such shoes, your legs will seem longer and thinner. But the rounded toe is more casual. By the way, this option is more convenient, because this form is similar to the shape of the fingers, so they will not be squeezed.
  • Do you want to look a little taller? Choose pumps with a high heel. But remember that too abrupt lift of the foot is extremely inconvenient. In this case, choose the model with a small platform, it will make the lift from the toe to the heel smoother.
  • Do not forget about fitting. Remember that the most comfortable shoes should be exactly of your size.

Pumps Size Charts

Kate Spade Women’s Shoe Size Chart

Kate Spade Women's Shoe Size Chart

Sam Edelman Women’s Shoe Size Chart

Sam Edelman Women's Shoe Size Chart

Badgley Mischka Women’s Shoe Size Chart

Badgley Mischka Women's Shoe Size Chart

Lauren Ralph Lauren Women’s Shoe Size Chart

Lauren Ralph Lauren Women's Shoe Size Chart

3 Comments

  • My experience with Sam Edelman shoes has always been positive. They are very comfortable, classy, and not too high (but high enough to look sexy). Perfect for special ocassions!

  • Lauren Ralph Lauren Women’s Sarina III Dress pumps are classic but not boring. The combination with office clothes gives a sophisticated look. Very comfortable after a quick break in period.

  • Gorgeous shoes from Badgley Mischka! True to size and very comfortable due to platform. Very elegant and classy. I bought them in ‘platino’ and they are even better in real life that on a picture. They are a little bit yellowish – just the right amount, not more… this gives them inner warmth which makes them unique. The only issue with them is that if you have high instep it won’t be covered by shoe and you will be able to see the insole… but if it doesn’t meter for you – go for them. They are very versatile and suits for different occasions: as a wedding shoes and for night outs 🙂

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