Alegria Keli Pro Shoe Review: Comfort for even the Longest Shifts!

If you associate Alegria shoes with bright colors and busy patterns, I’m here to show you another side of this comfortable footwear brand. I’ve long appreciated Alegria for the wide toe box, enhanced arch support and shock-absorbing outsoles. As I returned to teaching this fall, I realized that most of my footwear fit into two categories: overly dressy or super casual. I had few pairs that classified as business casual–the style I needed for teaching. I knew that Alegria would meet and exceed the requirements of my problem feet–but could I find a pair with subtle styling (as much as I love the sugar skull pattern, I question the versatility)?

I found the perfect pair for the classroom: the Alegria Keli professional in “Plaid to Meet You.” The black-on-black plaid pattern is perfectly versatile yet unique.

Although the Alegria Keli Pro shoe was created with healthcare professionals in mind (non-slip sole and stain-resistant leather uppers), the shoe is truly for anyone on their feet all day from teachers to nurses to busy moms. The roomy and wide toe box allows for toes to spread out naturally. I find the toe box is high enough not to irritate hammertoes either.

Since my insteps are high (not arches–the instep is the top part of your foot), I appreciate the elastic goring at the vamp. It allows the shoe to flex a bit when walking.

Although not as intense as the Dansko Pro, there is still a decent rocker motion to the sole on the Alegria Keli. I can walk easily and confidently in the Keli as the sole propels my foot easily through the stride taking pressure off the forefoot.

The footbed is thicker than any other shoe I own (and yes, it’s removable and might fit a custom orthotic). While the Keli doesn’t feature metatarsal support like Naot or Birkenstock, it does offer enhanced arch support (not quite as high as the Dansko Professional, but still very good).

As far as fit is concerned, I take a 41 regular in the  Keli for my size 10 medium feet. One observation: the toe box is wide but possibly a little short for longer toes (especially if you have Morton’s toe–a longer second toe than big toe). I started a Facebook discussion about the Alegria Keli–feel free to check it out and ask a question from others that own this shoe).

• Sizes: 5.5-13 • Widths: M & W • Price: $98-140 from Zappos, Amazon & Nordstrom