The Best Office Work Shoes: Top Picks for Working Feet
When looking for your ideal office work shoes, there’s usually no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer. The best everyday office shoes for you might differ based on where you work, your office dress code and your personal style. However, when you’re at work for eight hours a day or more, comfort and support can never be overstated.
Read our top tips for what shoes to wear to work and the office, including those for active jobs that literally keep you on your toes. From the best formal shoes, casual office shoes and safety footwear, we’ve got it covered.
What’s on this page:
- Choosing the best everyday office shoes
- What shoes are appropriate for an office job?
- The best formal office shoes
- The best smart or business-casual office shoes
- The best casual office shoes
- What are the best shoes for standing all day at work?
- The best shoes for hospital workers
- The best shoes for working in a shop
- The best shoes for kitchen or restaurant employees
- The best shoes for warehouse workers
Choosing the best everyday office shoes
Whether or not you work in an office environment, comfortable shoes are important wherever you work. Unless you work from home, in which case a good pair of slippers or crocs are the obvious winners.
The best everyday office and work shoes are often super functional and comfortable without surrendering your sense of style.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Dress code – every workplace has different expectations, so consider your dress code or uniform if you have one.
- Commute – if you have a long commute or walk to work every day, you might need shoes with good sole and ankle support. Likewise, if you drive to work, you may want to consider how practical they are for the pedals.
- Safety needs – depending on your line of work, you might need safety shoes or footwear that offer extra balance and grip, helping you avoid slips, falls and accidents.
Whether you’re on your feet or at a desk (or a combination of the two), having good shoes for work is essential for everyday comfort. There’s nothing like a great pair of durable, long-wearing shoes to carry you through the week.
So, save yourself the foot ache and choose the right shoes for your work lifestyle.
What shoes are appropriate for an office job?
The ideal office shoes for work can vary depending on the company you work for, their dress code and your role. For example, if you’re public or client-facing, you might be expected to dress a certain way, such as wearing smart footwear. The shoes you wear may also depend on how much time you spend on your feet.
The best formal office shoes
If your company dress code calls for professional attire or business formal style-shoes, you can’t go wrong with neutral colours. Black, tan, white and nude look clean and smart – plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Some of the best formal shoes for work include:
Our top picks:
Lilley Angel Women’s Black Patent Tassel Loafer
Heels are a classic choice for formal business attire but, if you prefer your shoes closer to the ground, loafers can look just as great. This pair of black patent loafers by Lilley have a supportive outsole and padded insole for your comfort.
Beckett Byrne Men’s Black Gibson Style Lace Up Shoe
These black Gibson style lace up shoes from Beckett are a reliable choice for formal men’s footwear, featuring a low sole and traditional stitching. You can’t go wrong!
The best smart or business casual office shoes
Smart or business casual is typically more flexible than business formal. Depending on your workplace, as long as your shoes are clean and neutral in colour, you may be able to wear chunky Chelsea styles and men’s boots, among others.
Great options for business casual shoes include:
Our top picks:
Lilley Monica Women’s Lace Up Ankle Boot in Black
Classic lace up boots can make for some of the best black office shoes if you want to keep to a neutral colour scheme. This pair of Monica ankle boots by Lilley look great styled with jeans or a skirt.
Beckett Beau Men’s Black Chelsea Boot
A timeless edition to anyone’s wardrobe, Chelsea boots are great shoes for pairing with chinos, jeans or smart trousers. This pair of black Chelsea boots from Beckett are an ideal option for men’s business casual shoes.
The best casual office shoes
It’s no surprise that the easiest office shoes to buy are for casual dress codes. If you work somewhere with a laid-back approach to work attire, some stylish trainers or low shoes might do the trick.
However, even if you don’t have a very strict dress policy at work, it’s still important to get the right foot support for your lifestyle.
Casual office shoes could include:
Learn how to clean white trainers with our guide.
Our top picks:
Rocket Dog Cheery Women’s Black and White Canvas
Simple, retro, reliable. Canvas pumps make for some of the best everyday office shoes. These high contrast black and white canvas shoes from Rocket Dog feature a chunky, low platform sole as a subtle statement.
Osaga Neptune Mens Lace Up Trainer
Available in various colours, these Neptune lace up trainers from Osaga feature a knitted upper for comfort and breathability. The memory foam insole can offer great support for commuting to work, too.
What are the best shoes for standing all day at work?
When your job requires you to be on your feet all day, you’ll need a pair of shoes that put as much work in as you do. For instance, if you’re a hospitality, retail or healthcare worker, you’ll know what a difference sensible shoes can make to your everyday comfort.
We recommend looking for shoes with good arch support and shock absorption.
These could include:
The best shoes for hospital workers
Working in a hospital is rewarding but tiring – especially for your feet, as you’re on the move all day. Thankfully, there’s a wide selection of shoes that can make your working day a little easier.
- Skechers are known for their arch support and breathability, helping you stay light on your feet.
- Slip on shoes and clogs such as Crocs and Amblers safety shoes offer a comfortable insole with unisex sizes. Before you pick a pair, you should double-check whether your hospital or practice allows clogs.
- Comfy Steps shoes look smart and are made for long-lasting comfort, with well-padded insoles and a choice of elasticated, Velcro and lace up fits.
The best shoes for working in a shop
Working in retail often means being on your feet at the till or on the shop floor for hours. Avoid feeling like your feet are going to drop off at the end of the day by wearing sturdy shoes with thick outsoles.
- Canvas shoes like those made by Rocket Dog, Sprox and Lilley & Skinner feature thick rubber outsoles and secure laces.
- Trainers such as Skechers, Hush Puppies and XL offer great arch support with breathable materials.
- Depending on your uniform policy, wearing lace up boots can give you lots of ankle support, ideal for standing up all day at work.
The best shoes for kitchen or restaurant employees
Working in a restaurant or kitchen means you’re always on the go. Whether you’re making food or serving it, supportive shoes are essential.
- Court shoes with a small, chunky heel are a great choice as they provide more support for your feet.
- If you’re working in a more relaxed restaurant or café, you might be able to get away with black sporty trainers.
- If you’re working in the kitchen, you may need some extra protection from your busy environment. Safety shoes such as EarthWorks or Skechers can offer just that.
- CAT Safety makes high-quality safety boots with steel toe caps and heat resistance.
- If you need resilient work wellies, Dunlop offers unisex safety wellies that conform to standard safety regulations.
- Known for their outdoor footwear, Regatta also makes water-resistant safety boots with oil-resistant outsoles, ideal for varied conditions.
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The best shoes for warehouse workers
Working in a warehouse, you might be exposed to various hazards such as heavy or falling objects. Wearing safety footwear in practical working environments is imperative for protecting your feet.
Learn more about the best safety boots and shoes with our guide.
Whatever your daily grind, make sure your feet look and feel great with the right pair of office or work shoes for you. Read more shoe and style advice on our Shoe Zone blog, from the best heels for all occasions to the best footwear for walking.
