Brad,

Yes, I've tried on Doc Martins and they seem fine. I don't have any "brand name loyalty" in foot gear - but there are more shoes/boots out there that I *don't* like than those I do <grin>. My feet hover between regular and wide, so wider than "normal" footgear usually fits me best. Shoes simply must fit well or they're worthless to me (worse than worthless). At least we can usually get by with some sort of durable and practical shoe - women have a really tough time of it, IMHO. Ever notice that most female office workers kick off their office shoes whenever they're at their desk for very long? Fashion - ptuii! There's a time for that, but it's not daily office wear... a lot fewer choices for women than men.

Objectively - you're correct in that the Alley Cats are a departure from conventions in appearance. Funny thing - since I've taken this job (not quite 3 years) I've noticed that nearly all my male peers have switched to something very similar to what I wear - except, of course, for those 3 piece suit days. Perhaps we're just a bunch of MidWest clods, LoL! Of course, there are plenty of occupations where dipping the casual bar is verboten because all the animals in the herd must look the same. Heck, I know folks who sweat where they buy what brand of underclothes, let alone the rest of the (visible) ensemble... sorta like folks hanging around a medevial court, if you think about it.

Hmmm, I could tell some amusing true stories about that, now that I think about it.

Anyway, here's another idea: Look at uniform shoes for police and firefighters. Specifically go to shops that cater to them and try some on if they catch your fancy. We still expect uniformed officers to look spiffy around here and there are some interesting shoes that are supplied to that crowd. Not many really good ways to conceal a decently thick sole, though. If you're stuck with a thin sole appearance, perhaps the best alternative is to have an inexpensive pair of lightweight hikers stashed at work and/or in your commuter vehicle... taking a leaf out of the professional woman's book (for the same reasons), I suppose...

There is a downside to waffle stomper shoes like the Alley Cats - they kick my butt if I dance in them <grin> - but that's when more "fashionable" footgear seems more appropriate, eh?

It's a GOOD day when I buy a shoe or boot that feels great - hope you have one of those GOOD days, too.

Tom