Finding a pair of suitable shoes for the office is a lot easier than it sounds. With the pressure of deadlines, excessive workloads, and high expectations, the last thing you want is uncomfortable shoes for the workplace. That’s why it’s critical to invest in a quality pair of work shoes, instantly setting you up for success.
Though work clothing is usually the last thing we consider when it comes to our career, it’s equally as important as anything else. There’s nothing worse than coming home from a long day’s work, with sore, throbbing feet due to poor shoe quality. Though this problem is easily avoided, you still need to spend some time considering the proper workplace footwear for you.
Features of comfortable men’s work shoes
Outsole
Making sure you have a sturdy and durable outsole allows for excellent grip and traction. Usually, rubber outsoles are the best to look out for as they’re solid and stable while ensuring your shoe won’t slip or tear. However, if you’re looking for a more sleek design suited for the office, try not to choose a super bulky, heavyweight outsole; instead, opt for a simple design that will help support your feet.
Footbed
Ensuring you have a built-in footbed that provides cushioning will help cradle your foot through those long days at work. A footbed is a must-have, especially if you’re planning to be on your feet all day in the office, as it’ll keep you feeling super supported and comfortable. Also, you want something offering a little buoyancy – adding a little spring to your step.
Material
Investing in a shoe manufactured from premium materials is a make or break for footwear. If you’re going for that super polished, refined office look, keep an eye out for shoes crafted from fine suede and leather. These materials are ideal for the workplace, as not only are they stylish, but they’re also durable yet breathable, so your feet won’t get too smelly in the office.
Shock absorption
If you’re looking for shoes that will protect your feet for the long haul, it’s worth considering a design offering shock absorption technology. Many shoes offer a shock-absorbing midsole, acting as a line of defence on those harsh, uneven surfaces. This will eliminate any impact while making you extremely comfortable and sturdy. Keep your eyes peeled for shoes offering an EVA midsole, as they’ll help take the pressure off your feet.
Slip-resistant
The last thing you want is an accidental trip or fall in the workplace, so ensure your work shoes come with anti-slip technology. Not only will it help you against harsh, slippery surfaces, but slip-resistant shoes also help provide excellent grip, so you’ll always feel incredibly confident on your feet. To determine if a shoe is slip-resistant, it usually comes with little patterns embedded into the shoe’s tread to help create friction against surfaces.
If you’re on the hunt for a new pair of work shoes we’ve curated the best footwear brands making highly innovative work shoes. These designs are extremely comfortable and stylish and will have you feeling and looking great from the ground up.
Amberjack
1/9
Price: From $179
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Italian suede
Though Amberjack launched in November 2020, it has fastly become one of the most highly sought-after footwear brands, primarily known for its impeccable dress shoes. Despite being a new brand, the Amberjack has had years of experience working with some of the biggest household names, including Cole Haan, Allen Edmonds, and Adidas. Through material innovation and a unique supply chain, Amberjack creates the world’s most comfortable dress and casual footwear that’s also eco-friendly due to its carbon neutral design. These shoes are not only better for your feet, but better for the planet too.
Make sure you check out Amberjack, as their comfortable work shoes can also merge into everyday wear – they’re that stylish. If you’re looking for super-polished shoes, they have many designs crafted from fine suede and leather materials for an effortlessly luxurious look. These shoes are also exceptionally comfortable through their arch support and dual-density outsole, making them some of the best work shoes for men on the market.
Cole Haan
2/9
Price: From $160
Sizes: 7-16
Material: Leather
Cole Haan is an American footwear brand founded in the twenties by Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan. Cole Haan is known for its timeless and modern designs, suitable for every occasion – especially for work. Whether you’re walking around in the hustle and bustle of the city or having a lazy weekend, Cole Haan has a diverse range designed to keep your feet incredibly supported and cosy. This company recently returned to its roots as an independently owned company, giving it the freedom to create shoes for the best prices without compromising quality.
No matter if you’re looking for more refined dress shoes or casual shoes for work, Cole Haan has it all. They have a range of fashionable wingtip oxfords that feature Zerogrand technology, providing these shoes with a breathable and lightweight feel. These shoes also have super supportive cushioning, perfect when you’re on your feet all day long. If you’re looking for something more suitable for those casual Fridays, Cole Haan has a selection of comfortable sneakers and running shoes that provide a soft footbed, a great way to kickstart the weekend.
Clarks
3/9
Price: From $95
Sizes: 6.5-15
Material: Leather
Clarks is a privately owned business located at its birthplace in Somerset, UK. Clarks began almost 200 years ago with founders Cyrus and James Clark introducing a shoe crafted from sheepskin cuts. This design became the golden standard of shoe innovation, as it combined delicate fabrics will skilled craftmanship, paving the way for the rest of their collection. Clarks has remained a top-pier footwear brand for almost two centuries as every product is treated with great care and detail. Every pair of shoes are carved by hand from a block of hornbeam, then integrating advanced construction techniques, technologies and high performing materials to deliver perfect tailor-made shoes suitable for casual and formal wear.
They design the most supportive work footwear crafted from premium leather materials, offering a brilliant casual look. Many of their styles feature a full-grain leather upper and moisture-wicking lining, so your feet will feel comfortable all day long. These work shoes are super flexible and breathable, with many of them also offering shock absorption for those tricky, uneven surfaces. Clarks also have work shoes with a roomy toe box, ensuring your feet will have plenty of room.
Camper
4/9
Price: From $152
Sizes: 6-13
Material: Nubuck leather
Camper is a modern footwear brand headquartered in Inca, Spain. This family-run business was founded in 1975 by Lorenzo Fluxà, inspired by his grandfather Antonio, a skilled cobbler who travelled from Mallorca to England, returning with first sewing machines on the island, sparking fashion innovation for the young Lorenzo. Camper has been using its rich shoemaking heritage to create unique designs for decades. Camper is a globally recognised brand with stores in 40 countries and sales worth $4 million.
Make sure you visit their online store, as Camper manufacture some of the most comfortable, high-quality work shoes geared to last a lifetime. Camper has a versatile range of men’s formal and casual shoes that are perfect for the office. Their collection ranges from classic, timeless designs to more contemporary shoes made for the modern world. Many of their casual work shoes feature a rubber outsole, allowing for excellent traction and stability. These shoes also come with an impressive lace-up system, suitable for the winter, as no cold elements will sneak in. However, if you’re looking for something more elegant, Camper has a collection of formal shoes crafted from the most durable leather materials.
Johnston & Murphy
5/9
Price: From $189
Sizes: 8-14
Material: Recycled plastic, EVA
Johnston & Murphy is a New Jersey-based footwear and clothing company founded by William Dudley, James Johnston and William Murphy in 185. The iconic brand has high quality and classic styles fashioned by the most famous and successful men, making them the pillar of traditional craftsmanship that reflects classic American style. Their shoes are crafted some of the most delicate, high-end materials – a perfect way to dress for success. Whether you’re looking for stylish dress shoes or low-key loafer, Johnston and Murphy have a range of shoes that will give your co-workers shoe envy.
If you’re after highly durable and well-crafted shoes, make sure you check out their range. Their stunning dress shoes have been crafted from smooth craft skin, promising an incredibly polished look – you’ll struggle to find a more fashionable work shoe. These shoes come with breathable full leather lining and a rubber heel for a clean, traditional aesthetic. Many of these shoes come with Goodyear welt construction, allowing these shoes to feel like a customised fit. This collection comes in rich brown, tan and black colours.
Hush Puppies
6/9
Price: From $140
Sizes: 7-16
Material: Full-grain waterproof leather
Hush Puppies have been delivering highly stylish and dependable shoes since 1958. Its incredibly catchy name was inspired by the deep-fried corn fritters called “hush puppys”. Hush Puppies quickly grew to prominence, creating shoes with brushed suede uppers and lightweight crepe soles, changing the footwear industry. Today, the company has sold over 17 million pairs of shoes sold every year in 150 countries worldwide, making them a household footwear brand. This premier footwear brand is mainly known for its men’s casual shoes; however, Hush Puppies also makes seriously impressive dress shoes.
Their collection of men’s work shoes are some of the best shoes on the market. They have a diverse range available in boot, loafers and formal style, catering to every man’s work attire. These shoes have an incredible insole, as they come with a cushiony footbed that adds a little extra bounce while offering shock absorption. These shoes come in eye-capturing brown, tan and black colours, promising to blend into any office wear effortlessly.
Florsheim
7/9
Price: From $219
Sizes: 6-13
Material: Full-grain calf leather
Florsheim started as a small factory in Chicago, Illinois, in 1892. With years of experience, Florsheim has become known for its classic style and top tier craftsmanship. This footwear brand is so distinct as its designs offer finer details, with each shoe treated with great care. This iconic company has been around for more than 125 years, revolutionising the footwear industry with its innovative and stylish designs. Florsheim has always had its finger on the pulse regarding the latest trends, ensuring their collection fuses timeless style with modernised upgrades. From classic stitching and quality craftsmanship, these shoes include all the finer details.
Florshiem has a range of highly comfortable dress shoes, suitable for a more formal look for the office. Their collection of dress shoes range from plain toe slip-ons to luxurious Chelsea boots. These shoes are the finest suede and leather, promising to make you look super smart. If you’re looking for something featuring game-changing technology, Florsheim has a selection of shoes with a slip-resistant rubber sole, providing you with great traction and grip.
Ecco
8/9
Price: From $230
Sizes: 5-11.5
Material: Nubuck leather
Ecco was founded in 1963 by Birte and Karl Toosbuy. Trained as a shoemaker, Karl Toosbuy had the vision to own a shoe factory and run his own business. This led the family to commit full-time to the company, giving up the security of regular jobs, selling their home, and moving to Bredebro in southwest Denmark. Ecco had the dream to become “the leading premium brand for shoes and leather goods”, paving the way for their comfortable shoes. Ecco prides itself on innovation and providing improvements to the footwear and leather industry. With a collection that highlights quality designs, you’re bound to find some great pairs of shoes here.
Ecco has a huge range of men’s dress shoes, and stylish moccasins, all made with premium smooth leather or soft suede. Available in various styles and colours, Ecco’s work will keep your feet comfortable in style. They have a variety of dress shoes that come with rounded toe and wingtip styles. These shoes are also incredibly comfy, as they promise to be extremely lightweight yet durable. However, if you’re looking for something a little more laid back for work, make sure you check out their loafers, as these slip-on shoes have rubber soles guaranteeing optimal traction.
Rockport
9/9
Price: From $140
Sizes: 6.5-14
Material: Leather, PET recycled polyester
Rockport is an American shoe manufacturer based in Newton, Massachusetts, founded in 1930. Supplying shoes in more than 60 countries, Rockport creates some of the most popular shoes that can merge the comfort of an athletic shoe with the sophistication of a dress shoe. They’re constantly tinkering with their designs to keep up with the newest trends while building on their rich shoe legacy. If you’re looking for highly innovative shoes that tick every box, make sure you visit their store.
Their formal dress shoes will help you look smart in the office from head to toe. From men’s derby shoes to men’s brogues, Rockport’s has a collection of shoes guaranteed to impress your colleagues. Rockport also has a selection of dress shoes that offer waterproof properties, suitable for those rainy early morning commutes.