Photo by Jesse Bowser on Unsplash
Dressing for work can be fun—but also challenging.
There are often ambiguous office dress codes to decipher that range from “casual” to “business casual” to "smart casual" to “business formal.” And then adding shoes to the mix, especially if you’re on your feet a lot of the day, can complicate things even further.
If you do lots of walking and standing or are in places like warehouses, construction zones, or schools that require movement and safety precautions, the right shoes are probably the soul (sole?) of your outfit.
Professions in serving, project management, real estate, education, medicine, and all sorts of others require specific shoes. Remember the sound of your most-feared teacher click-clacking down the hall? Those are some effective shoes for that profession!
They should be comfortable, appropriate for the environment, able to “move” with you—not to mention “go” with your existing office dress code (and your style!) to an extent.
It can be difficult to dig through the tons of options available, so we’ve rounded up the best footwear to help your entire body feel good at work—from the toes on up!
What Are The Best Work Shoes For My Line of Work?
While the right shoes for your work environment will be in the eye of the beholder, there are plenty of highly recommended options available. When deciding which pairs to go with, we recommend first taking into consideration what you need for your specific job.
- Do you need something that allows you to walk, squat, and move without discomfort?
- Do you need to protect your feet from splashes of hot oil?
- Do you require a steel-toed shoe that’s safe for places like construction zones?
- Do you need a dressy pump that is still comfortable to wear walking to and from work?
- Do you want shock absorption?
- Do you want to make sure your foot odor is...work-friendly?
Do you suffer from foot issues and need metatarsal guards, orthotic inserts, or odor eaters? We've got you covered on that front too.
Our next piece of advice is to pay attention to your existing professional wardrobe. Of course, you’ll likely need a variety of shoe options to go with a number of outfits, so take stock of where each workday takes you.
For example, if you’re a teacher, you may require a dressier option for “meet the parents” night and a comfortable sneaker to wear with jeans on casual Fridays.
Or, if your work “uniform” consists of business casual pieces like black slacks or jeans and dressy blouses, a professional flat and a pair of comfortable heels might work for you.
While there’s an overlap between what shoes work for certain professions, here are some tried-and-true options for most work environments.
Give yourself a leg up (or at least a foot) on your workday by making sure to choose the best experience for your feet—with the perfect shoe.
Work Shoes for Professions That Keep You On Your Feet
Non-Slip Shoes for Work
If you’ve ever worked in the food and beverage industry, you know the importance of non-slip shoes. Kitchen floors can be slick, and the dining room can have an unexpected spill at any moment. If your shoes are slippery, well, you risk dropping things, or worse, harming yourself by falling.
Non-slip shoes are key when it comes to serving. Depending on your workplace’s dress code, you may be required to wear something like a black non-slip shoe, or you may have free reign. Here are a few non-slip shoes for servers that we saw referenced time and again.
Clogs for Work
We’ve probably all come across Dansko clogs, whether on a nurse or doctor, a teacher, a pharmacist, or a server. They’re arguably the most popular clogs for occupations that require a lot of standing and walking because they’re comfortable, slip-resistant, and easy to slip on and off.
Crocs have a distinctive look and shape, but many professionals in the food and beverage industry absolutely swear by them.
These Crocs Bistro Clogs don’t have the holes that the original Crocs do, and their lightweight design and arch support make them comfortable for all-day standing. Plus, they’re slip-resistant to boot.
Serving Shoes for Restaurant Work
The Dr. Scholl’s brand is associated with comfort and foot science. These work shoes are reliably comfortable and ideal for professions like serving.
Comfortable Shoes for Work
If you’ve ever worn uncomfortable shoes to an event that lasted a few hours like a wedding, you know that it can be miserable to stand or walk for long when your feet hurt.
If you’re in a situation where you have to stand or walk for much of the day, it can be so distracting if you’re not wearing comfortable shoes. And unlike a wedding dance floor, you probably shouldn’t take your shoes off in the middle of your work day.
There are countless professions that require lots of standing and walking: teachers, medical professionals, project managers, event planners, servers...the list goes on. Again, while your preferred style of shoe will differ based on your specific job, there are plenty of comfortable shoes on the market that can ensure you stay comfortable throughout your work day.
For these kinds of professions, we love these comfortable shoes for work.
Flats for Work
If you’re a teacher, especially a teacher of younger students, you know getting messy comes with the territory. Rothy’s flats are washable (!), sustainable, and comfortable—and they come in a variety of fun colors and patterns. Plus, Megan Markle wears them. Sold.
Work Loafers
Loafers are trendy right now, but they’re a classic silhouette that it makes sense to invest in. They’re pretty when paired with a midi dress in the fall, and they’re nice with a pair of cropped slacks as well. Sperry makes a comfortable and stylish pair that would work for various professional environments.
Clogs
It seems like just about every medical professional goes with a clog option for work. Like serving, working in medicine means you need a shoe that’s slip-resistant, lightweight, and comfortable to walk and stand in—and easy to clean.
These clogs for medical professionals come highly recommended. People also love these non-slip, waterproof clogs that come in bright color options for a more “sporty” look.
Boots
I’d argue that just about every professional should have a pair of boots. They’re comfortable, ideal for cooler months, and are easy to wear with dresses and pants alike. Of course, the style or type of boot you need depends on your job. Here are some go-tos for professionals who work “in the field” as well as for professionals who require general ease of movement and comfort.
Casual and Business Casual Boots
These waterproof lug sole boots are trendy right now, but they also offer the benefit of good traction for walking and standing. They’d be cute with dresses and pants alike. This pair of ankle boots has less of a lug sole if you’re looking for an option that feels a little sleeker. You can’t go wrong with this classic pair of waterproof knee-high boots that should last you for seasons.
Durable Work Boots
Construction workers, anyone who works “in the field,” or professionals who work in warehouses or other environments with specific safety requirements likely need a boot that can stand up to some wear and tear. They also need to put on emphasis on safety shoes in dangerous construction sites.
I have and love these Blundstone boots that are super comfortable and durable. These classic work boots are sleek but protective and easy to slip on and off.
Steel-Toed Shoes
If you work in a construction environment, as a craftsperson, are a real estate professional, or are in warehouse environments, you definitely need a pair of steel toe boots.
We love these stylish steel-toed boots, as they don’t look like typical steel toed options, but they’re strong and protective. They’re also OSHA compliant and super comfortable. This duck boot style also boasts a steel toe cap and meets electrical hazard standards.
Slip-On Shoes
Styles of slip-on shoes vary so much that they are ideal for just about every profession. With options that are perfect for traditional offices to school buildings to medical facilities, slip-on shoes are versatile and comfortable.
I know the Birkenstock look isn’t for every professional environment, but they’re in style right now, as evidenced by the fact that big retailers are carrying them. If you can swing it in a more casual work setting, these shearling-lined Birks are heavenly. It’s a no-brainer if you’re working remotely.
For slip-on shoes that are dressier, this pretty and classic pair would be nice with wide-leg cropped slacks or paired with a dress.
We also like these neutral mule loafers for an easy business casual look.
Shoes for Business Casual or Business Formal Work Settings
Business casual and business formal work settings mean that the dressiness factor is kicked up a notch or two.
If your office subscribes to these dress codes, it probably isn’t the place for the Birks I referenced above. But having a clear idea of what your office expects dress-code wise is actually helpful in narrowing down the perfect work clothing and shoes.
Here are our picks for the best shoes for business casual and business formal work environments.
Casual Shoes For Work
“Casual” options for work likely don’t mean your most broken-in pair of Converse (though we do love Converse).
Rather, we’d stick to options that read a little more “professional” than “playful” like these woven loafers that would work for all four seasons and with lots of outfits.
These bright loafers are ideal because they provide a pop of color for an otherwise standard outfit but they’re in a professional shape that could work in most office environments.
Another classic business casual shoe is a classic ballet flat. They work great with slacks as well as dresses and skirts, and they’re a seasonless option. This pair of ballet flats from Margaux is on the pricier side, but their high-quality materials and adjustable fit means they’ll last you a good while.
Everlane also carries a ballet flat called the “day glove” that comes in lots of colors and is highly rated for all-day comfort.
Dress Shoes For Work
If you’re in a business formal environment, you likely need some dressier shoe options. If you like the look and feel of a pump, this would be the time to pull those out.
Pumps with a block heel give a little more support and stability than something like a stiletto. A heeled sock boot can also be a comfortable but dressy option for more formal work environments.
If heels aren’t your jam, there are some flat options that are also quite dressy like these penny loafers and these leopard print slides.
Best Flat Shoes For Work
Flats are great when it comes to comfort. And between loafers, slides, bow-topped mules, ballet flats, and slippers, there are flats for everyone’s style at work.
For a dressy flat option, Mary Janes are having a moment. These Mary Janes are professional but feel special because of the bow. The chain on this pair makes them feel a little more interesting and fun.
A dressy slide is also an ideal flat option for work. This colorful pair is pretty and would be versatile with colors like white, black, brown, or navy. Here’s an option for slides with a buckle instead of a bow.
Birdies are known for their comfort. They boast that they feel like a house shoe but look like a real shoe. I have a pair, and I can attest—they’re *so* comfortable. These loafer-style flats are neutral, cushioned, and go with just about every outfit. They’d be ideal for any office work environment or even for professionals who do a lot of walking and standing like teachers.
Athletic Shoes For Work
If your office is more casual, there may be instances where athletic shoes are appropriate for work. Again, rather than using your tired and scuffed running shoes at work, there are sneaker options that feel polished but comfortable.
These ON terry sneakers are known for being super comfortable, and they nail the “athleisure” look for a more casual work environment. If you’re needing something that feels a bit less athletic, All Birds are a great option.
They make a slip-on sneaker that feels breathable and supportive—and they’re a sustainable brand (love that!). We also love these lace-up sneakers that could be dressed up or down or these canvas Supergas. They’re classic and can be paired with dresses just as easily as they can work with jeans.
Shoes for Active Work
If you’re moving around more than you’re sitting in front of a computer on a daily basis, your shoe selections really matter. You need shoes that are comfortable, but also protective and durable. If you’re walking to and from an office or showing real estate, or if you’re a craftsperson who stands and creates all day, here are our favorite active work shoe options.
Steel Toe Shoes For Work
There are lots more steel toe shoes on the market for women than there have been in years past.
These Xena boots, for example, are stylish and safety-compliant. There are Chelsea boots, lace-up boots, and knee-high boots that are ideal for active workers. Caterpillar also makes a nano toe boot that is waterproof, slip-resistant, and meets electrical safety standards. You can’t go wrong with a classic Timberland work boot, either. Then there are these Dr. Marten’s steel toe boots that have a Blundstone-ish look.
If you don’t want a boot but still need a steel toe, a steel toe sneaker option might work.
Best Dress Shoes For Work
This may be the trickiest category: a dress shoe that works for more active professions.
We’ve already sung the praises of Rothy’s flats, but these are a top pick for a reason. The pointed toe on these dress them up, but the material and washability make them ideal for lots of walking and moving.
If you need a shoe that can get really dressy—as in high heels dressy—but then allow you to easily walk, these convertible heels literally snap off and become flats. Pretty cool!
Best Work Boots
I’d argue that Blundstone boots are some of the most versatile boots available. They have a variety of style options so you can choose the one that’s most suited to your work environment.
These Chelsea boots, for example, feel a bit more professional, but they’re still perfectly suited to more active jobs.
Danner also has a great selection of boots specifically designed for active working environments. They also have a Chelsea boot option as well as some lace-up options that will last years.
These are also solid, supportive, waterproof boots that have some fun accents—and great reviews.
Best Sneakers For Work
If you’re looking for sneakers for active work, we’d veer away from the more fashion-forward options and from materials like white canvas. With plenty of arch support and durability, these sneakers should be able to withstand lots of wear and tear.
These sneakers are made for long-wear and are super supportive. Okay, these New Balance sneakers are definitely on-trend at the moment, but those thick soles make them ideal for lots of walking and standing.
Dress them up with a dress or down with jeans. A pair of breathable sneakers from All Birds is ideal for running from location to location—or from one end of the office to the other. Here are even more supportive sneaker options for women who stand all day.
Shoes for Standing All Day
If you’re standing all day, you need shoes that are high in comfort, arch support, and enough width so that your foot isn’t squished as it grows throughout the day.
Whether you’re a professor who spends hours standing and lecturing or you’re a manager who runs from meeting to meeting, your shoes matter in these instances. Wearing improper shoes can be uncomfortable, but it can also cause long-term damage to your feet.
We recommend choosing form over fashion here, especially if you’re standing and walking all day. Here are our picks.
Best Work Clogs
Teaching? Doctoring? Serving? You probably need to invest in a pair of clogs. These clogs that medical professionals love offer a ton of support and have special shock absorbency that makes it easier on your joints and your back. They’re ideal for long periods of standing and walking.
Similarly, these clogs offer a large toe box so that your foot can naturally expand, but they are super lightweight, which makes them less tiring to wear all day long. They’re affordable—and the brand has donated lots of them to frontline workers during the pandemic.
Birkenstock also offers a work clog that is supportive and padded. It’s also non-slip and easy to clean.
Best Comfortable Shoes
Want something simply super comfortable for running around at work? Ugg makes a waterproof Chelsea boot that looks like a boot and not like house shoes, and it’s lined in shearling. It can’t get much comfier than these.
For something a little dressier, these suede loafers are made with a cushioned footbed and are easy to move around in. And these flats are flexible and easy to walk in without strain.
Best Black Shoes
There’s versatility in animal prints, bright colors, and in tans and neutrals. But a black shoe is arguably the most versatile you can get. Paired with nearly any color and pattern, black shoes are classic and timeless.
Our favorite black flats: this washable and comfortable pair, these classic black loafers, these cushioned, block-heeled pumps, these dressy black clogs, and these timeless Mary Janes.
