The 12 Best Work Shoes For Women
Published May 30th, 2022
Everyone must find the most supportive and comfortable pair of work shoes for their job. This is especially true for women who spend their days standing on their feet, as these long shifts can be extremely taxing on our feet. Therefore, we require supportive footwear that is lightweight and breathable enough to keep our feet from becoming tired, sweaty, and smelly.
Additionally, they must provide adequate support and cushioning in the appropriate areas to keep women from developing foot pain, blisters, and other painful conditions. Finally, they must provide a proper fit. The best work shoes for women must be so soft and comfortable that we forget we are wearing them, and thus, avoid the issues mentioned previously. This article features a variety of women’s work shoes for standing all day in various popular styles designed for long-term comfort and support.
Our Top Picks For Women’s Work Shoes
1. Clarks Women’s May Marigold Slip-On Loafer
As a start of women’s options for the most comfortable shoes for long shifts at work, we turn to Clarks and their signature slip-on loafer style. This is unquestionably a must-have option when it comes to footwear. Clarks Women’s May Marigold Slip-On Loafers are popular due to their stylish shape and ease of use. They are available in black, brown, or crocodile leather and feature a dash of style because of their strap across the top of the foot and the small, sparkling studs. Additionally, there is a 2-inch heel for added height, which is ideal for those who do not want to be limited to flats.
These shoes appear to be designed for long office shifts, and they also promise a “cushion soft” comfort experience to help women combat fatigue and pain throughout the workday. This is mainly due to the OrthoLite footbed, which features a sculpted heel and a solid support system. It provides just the right amount of cushioning, which is more than many would expect from a dress-shoe style. Furthermore, there is a soft fabric lining that adds to the luxurious feel, as well as stretch goring to improve the fit.
2. Skechers Women’s Ghenter Bronaugh Work Shoe
The Skechers Ghenter Slip Resistant Lace-Up is part of the Skechers for Work series, which is constantly evolving to meet the needs of female workers. To clarify, the brand is printed on the back of this sneaker-style shoe. This is undoubtedly one of the brand’s most casual-looking shoes to date, with a relaxed look to the materials, a simple lace-up closure, and a thick sole. As a result, it appears to be the type of shoe women could wear while working and standing all day in warehouses and kitchens. What’s more, is that it is plain black.
A “cloud-like comfort” is mentioned in the product description, and this is confirmed when wearers experience the shoe’s comfort features and fit. The “cloud-like comfort” is most likely due to their all-encompassing comfort features and ability to alleviate pressure on the foot throughout the day. For optimal cushioning, these shoes feature a soft fabric lining, padding on the tongue and collar, and memory foam in the sole. Moreover, the shoe features a shock-absorbing midsole to help absorb any impact from the ground.
3. Dansko Professional for Women
The Dansko Professional is the smarter, more traditional of the two work shoes. The design variations on this slip-on shoe are quite subtle, with tumbled leather and nubuck leather used in place of the standard uppers. While it may not be as good-looking as the others, it promises to be highly beneficial for women who work long shifts standing on their feet all day. In addition, the slip-resistant rubber outsole is suitable for use on both dry and wet surfaces.
The triple-density ethylene vinyl acetate footbed provides the initial comfort level, providing an adequate amount of soft cushioning to aid in preventing tired feet. Additionally, this footbed is removable, allowing women to add an insert for additional arch support or other needs. Having said that, some women who usually wear inserts may find that they no longer require them with these shoes.
4. Clarks Women’s Everlay Heidi Flat
The Clarks Women’s Everlay Coda Flat has an intriguing appearance that will appeal to many consumers looking for the best work shoes for women. There is a nice mix of styles in this pair. They look smart enough for the office due to the leather treatment and shape, but also appear more relaxed due to the low heel and simple fastening. The heel measures slightly more than an inch and is secured with a simple hook and loop strap. Additionally, there are a variety of different looks available depending on the type of leather or nubuck used and the color selections.
This simple, relaxed look is ideal for those looking for serious work shoes that will allow them to walk and stand comfortably for hours. The adjustable strap and elasticated goring allow for natural foot movement, and the interior features a soft lining, a thick cushioning system in the outsole, and an OrthoLite footbed for added support. Many women are content to wear these for extended periods in the office and can continue to do so in style and comfort outside the office as well.
5. Rockport Cobb Hill Women’s Petra Flat
Based on its shape and design, the Rockport Cobb Hill Women’s Petra Flat does not appear to belong on a list of the best women’s work shoes. The open design and sparse features suggest that it will be difficult to obtain adequate support, comfort, or an adaptive fit. Nonetheless, the shoe has some style, thanks to the lattice effect of the leather and the shape of the top strap. You can choose some nice color options as well, such as the bold blue and soft linen.
Seems like looks are deceiving with this flat work shoe, as it actually has some great features that make it more comfortable for female workers. Although the strap appears simple, it features an adjustable hook and loop closure with hidden additional goring for a better fit. Additionally, the EVA footbed has a more supportive shape, with shock absorbency points to assist feet throughout the workday. Of course, the open design and minimal construction also contribute to the shoe’s weight, making it significantly lighter than some sneakers.
6. Grasshoppers Women’s Windsor Slip-On Flat
Taking a break from the typical slip-on loafers, this casual Grasshoppers Women’s Windsor Slip-On Flat takes a different approach. Inspired by boat shoes, this model is ideal for offices with a more relaxed dress code. This is the type of shoe that women can get multiple pairs for various occasions. While black and pewter are appropriate for “business casual” events and less restrictive offices, denim and brighter colors are also available.
This fabric shoe should be significantly lighter and more breathable than some of the more substantial leather options available in workplace footwear. This results in light, cool feet when standing for a long time at work. This is further enhanced by the use of a moisture-wicking lining and odor control. Indeed, the specification states that women may wear this shoe sockless for a truly liberating, comfortable experience. Furthermore, elastic goring around the tongue and memory foam padding provide an adaptive fit that enhances the glove-like feel of the feet and effortless approach. Finally, one of those must-have removable footbeds with a cushioned arch is included. While this Grasshoppers model is casual, it checks a lot of boxes when it comes to finding comfortable shoes for standing all day.
7. Clarks Women’s CloudSteppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafer
The Clarks Women’s CloudSteppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafer is a segue from the norm. This shoe retains the classic slip-on shape, but it is much more casual, and thus, immediately appears to be much more comfortable for women who are always on the go. CloudSteppers’ name also helps, as it immediately conjures up images of fluffy, light footwear.
The first distinction is that a textile upper is used here, which is more adaptable and gentler on the feet than the leather type. Additionally, the heel height is reduced to 1.35 inches. Clarks claims that these are “the shoes your feet have been dreaming off” and emphasizes the softest details, such as the cushioned footbed and fabric linings. This model retains the OrthoLite footbed to ensure that wearers continue to experience the same level of comfort and support for their feet. Moreover, a durable, shock-absorbing outsole enhances stability. Although the arch support is not the strongest, the footbed can be removed if the wearer requires a more supportive orthotic insert. This indicates that buyers are quite content to wear these shoes all day during long shifts.
8. Skechers for Work Women’s Sure Track Erath Athletic Lace Slip Resistant Boot
The Women’s Sure Track Earth Athletic Lace Slip Resistant Boot is another intriguing product from the Skechers for Work series. Interestingly, they call this a boot rather than a shoe, as it implies more durability and weight than some of the range’s more casual sneaker-style shoes. At first glance, it appears to be a hybrid of the two. While the shape is similar to that of a sneaker, the stiff look and “professional” feel seem to make it more appropriate for the workplace. The black is a classic look that works well in various settings, but there is also a white shoe available.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best work shoes in terms of their construction, as it features a durable leather upper, a slip-resistant sole, and sturdy lace closure. Additionally, the designers ensured that it is one of the most comfortable choices available for those who must stand for a long time, owing to the memory foam footbed and other features. Furthermore, the fabric lining, padding, and shock absorption that has become a signature feature of many Skechers shoes are appreciated by wearers.
9. Rockport Cobb Hill Women’s Paulette Flat
The Rockport Cobb Hill Women’s Paulette Flat is unquestionably one of the most attractive work shoes on the market, thanks to the use of leather, elegant shape, simple heel at the perfect height, and use of stitching and texture to create a strong look. In addition, they are available in black, spruce, stone, and red, allowing women to select the color that best suits their preferences.
The wonderful thing about this attractive model is that the designers made a point of making it one of the most comfortable work shoes for those who must stand and walk a lot in the office. This is first evident in the shoe’s inherent flexibility and the inclusion of additional sizes for different widths. The ruched toe box, decorative stitches, and button embellishment are all standout design elements. On a deeper look, the cushioning incorporates some excellent features that ensure a soft feel with each step. This includes a cushioned insole, a shock-absorbing midsole, and a breathable lining. According to the company, this is a shoe designed to garner attention. Women can wear it all day if necessary due to their comfort features.
10. Dansko Women’s Hilda Mary Jane Flat
The Dansko Women’s Hilda Flat is unique since it is a more open shoe with a bit more style and a higher comfort level. Although it has a more casual appearance, the black and grey model pairs well with business attire. There are also additional color schemes suitable for everyday wear, allowing women to build a collection of these shoes for various occasions.
The shoe is constructed from a combination of suede leather and breathable mesh and features a stylish adjustable strap across the top. This results in a light and airy shoe to keep feet comfortable and dry for those who are always on their feet. This promise of “all-day comfort” is enhanced further by incorporating soft textile linings, cushioning memory foam, and contours in all the right places. In addition, this PU footbed keeps feet secure and supported throughout the day, and there is integrated arch support for those with flat feet. This footwear ticks all the boxes in terms of comfort, lightness, cuteness, and versatility, making it suitable for all types of women. If that wasn’t enough, Dansko also added some scotch-guarding for stain resistance.
11. BOBS from Skechers Women’s Plush Peace and Love Flat
The BOBS from Skechers Women’s Plush Peace and Love Flat is the final choice for these women’s models. The keyword here is not BOBS, although it appears on the shoe’s side label, but rather Skechers. This brand is known for casual, comfortable footwear, and it doesn’t get much more casual than this. It is virtually flat with no discernible heel, slip-on in style, and crafted from an inviting, soft textile. Additionally, it is available in a variety of cool colors.
This shoe is the type of thing you can easily slip on, similar to a pair of house shoes or a pair of those similar-looking Toms. This makes them attractive to women who spend their days standing at work (although not a walk-in all-day shoe due to the delicate comfort materials). The memory foam footbed adds to the sense of wearers sinking into these shoes. Additionally, they feature a breathable lining for “inner air circulation,” making them sound a little fancier. The fit is also quite good, owing to the fabric’s stretch and the absence of a goring panel. This combination of characteristics indicates that buyers agree that these shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and highly desirable.
12. Crocs Women’s Mercy Work Clog
The Crocs Women’s Mercy Work Clog is a “roomy” clog with an adjustable back strap and various unique designs for everyday wear – some more casual than others. You can choose a black one with a pretty silver band and a small logo at the base of the strap, a plain white, and a gold one with leopard print for those who can get away with standing out in the workplace.
Then there are the features that make standing on concrete floors comfortable all day. Indeed, these shoes were purpose-built for environments such as “laboratories, schools, medical facilities and more,” where long hours on hard floors are the norm. They’ve been constructed from a lightweight croslite material to ensure they’re comfortable to wear for a long time. The massage-po footbed’s tiny nubs assist in foot care and distract wearers from the fact that they are standing on a hard surface. The additional benefit is the crocs’ famous slip-resistant tread. This ensures that the wearers are protected from spills on those kitchen floors. Finally, let’s add arch support, odor-resistant material, and wipe-clean uppers; there is little to criticize about this model.
(Related: The Best Waterproof Work Shoes of 2020)
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About The Author
Krizzia Paolyn is an SEO Specialist and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She started her professional career as a writer for various digital magazines and renowned publications. It has always been her passion to share her voice, and at the same time, to encourage other people to speak up.
