Why Hotter feet can be happy feet: Hotter Comfort Concept Shoes reveals office staff opt for comfort

Hotter Comfort Concept Shoes has revealed that ties, killer heels and sharp suits are a thing of the past with the average office worker now opting for a dressed down look according to new research by the comfort shoe brand.

The image of smart office workers is being replaced by employees more likely to be wearing comfortable shoes, t-shirts and casual trousers.

When planning what to wear for a day at the office Britons are more likely to consider their own comfort than worrying about tottering in heels. Nearly half (49%) saying they wear shoes to work that are comfortable with an additional 32% saying they wear practical smart work heels in the office.

But over one third of women wear different shoes for their commute - indicating that their work shoes may not offer the ultimate comfort for a walk, bus or tube ride to the office.

Company dress codes now often allow casual smart comfort in the office which is great news for bosses and staff alike as more than half of those surveyed said they worked better if they were comfortable with what they were wearing and nearly half said that a casual outfit made them more confident in the work place.

Paul Sayers, product design director from Hotter Shoes, who was behind the research into 3,000 working Brits said: "The evidence is clear to see, comfort has officially made a comeback. We make shoes that feel like slippers, so it's great to hear the majority of workers say they feel more confident and work more productively when they feel comfortable in what they wear.

"As comfort specialists we make sure that every pair of our shoes, whether smart work heels or casual comfy commuter-wear, is designed to combine comfort and style. We have always believed in the power of comfort and this proof underlines our commitment to making the nation's feet happy."

Only one third of women wear a shirt to work. Two thirds say they dress more casually now than they did 10 years ago with nearly all saying things had changed from 20 years ago.

Summer was also the time when most staff took a more casual approach to their wardrobe.

Most admit that they only look smart and wear smart shoes at work twice a week although over 83% said they made more of an effort if they have a meeting.

FACTFILE:

The company, established in 1959, is now one of the most successful production facilities anywhere in the world. The 'Comfort Concept' in every pair includes features such as smooth internal seams; removable insoles; soft leather uppers and soft padding. The 1.3 million pairs of shoes designed and made in Hotter Comfort Concept's UK factory each year have shock absorbing soles which contain millions of air bubbles that make the shoes incredibly light and give a feeling of walking on air.

Hotter Comfort Concept shoes and sandals are sold direct to customers via its 100 seat call centre; www.hotter.com, 15 Hotter Comfort Concept stores across the UK and via 200 independent retailers.