Women’s work shoes come in many styles, and sometimes it’s tricky knowing which ones to wear. With that said, they should convey your professionalism while still reflecting a bit of personality.
Depending on your position, the shoes you wear should keep you comfortable and well-protected. With this in mind, we have researched the best women’s work shoes to help you choose the right pair.
We recommend the best women’s work shoes that we have researched and reviewed. Each selection comes highly rated among professional ladies, so you rest assured while slipping into them.
How to Choose The Right Pair of Work Shoes for Women
Depending on your job, there are many styles of footwear that may, or may not, be appropriate for work. Office workers, for example, would wear an entirely different kind of shoe than a police officer would, while a nurse might wear something similar to a teacher.
There are a few essential factors to think about while choosing a pair of women’s work shoes, no matter what your job. These include:
Comfort
If you spend long hours on your feet, you need to wear comfortable shoes while you work. For tasks that require hours of standing, well-cushioned footwear will prevent foot pain and lower limb fatigue.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes is one of the leading causes of foot pain and will exacerbate the symptoms of conditions like plantar fasciitis. With that in mind, try to pick shoes with a padded footbed and a quality midsole, preferably EVA foam.
Heel Height
How high you want the heel will depend on what kind of job you hold. With that said, try to pick the lowest heel possible, because anything too high will hurt your feet after only a short amount of time.
Wearing heels puts a strain on the arch and can worsen the symptoms of many painful conditions. For women with plantar fasciitis or heel pain, it’s best to avoid heels altogether.
In terms of how high you want the heel to be, anything below three-inches is a better choice. Low heels are more comfortable to walk on and won’t make your backache as much as wearing higher spikes.
Style
With the many kinds of women’s work shoes, you want to choose a design suited to your profession. For a professional woman, both heels and flats are an acceptable choice, with quality leather pumps being a must-have item.
The style of the toe is crucial with professional footwear because open-toed shoes aren’t considered appropriate. Always try to wear closed-toe shoes, and keep the heel-height at three-inches or less.
Quality leather looks are practical and professional, which makes them a popular choice among working women. Black or brown leather pumps, for example, go well in any working environment.
Comfortable Shoes for Standing All Day
If you stand for long hours, it takes a toll on your body, causing all sorts of aches and pain. Women are more susceptible to back and hip pain anyways, which means we have to take extra care when buying shoes for work.
Standing on hard surfaces like concrete will make your feet, legs, hips, and even lower back feel stiff and achy, especially if your shoes don’t have enough padding. Choosing a pair with ample cushioning lessens the strain on your feet and protects the delicate arch and heel areas.
Keep in mind that the padding should be supple, yet still firm enough to support the arch. Otherwise, that delicate area will be prone to irritation and inflammation. Excellent material is EVA, a human-made foam resin that is ultra-lightweight and gives you that responsive padding needed to prevent foot pain.
Design features to look for in shoes for standing include:
- Lower heel height
- Supportive midsole
- Ample cushion
- Rigid sole
- Deep-set heel cup
- rocker-bottoms & massaging nibs
Reviews: Best Women’s Work Shoes
Clarks Women's Cheyn Madi Slip-On Loafer - Cushioned Orthotics
The Cheyn Madi by Clarks is a comforting slip-on that is perfect for long hours at work. Its professional appearance is ideal for teachers who spend all day on their feet or any other position, which requires standing or walking.
Clarks’ Cheyn Madi has Cushion Soft and OrthoLite technologies that prevent foot pain. With that in mind, an orthotic footbed makes this shoe ideal for women with plantar fasciitis or heel pain. The rubber sole gives you better traction to prevent any accidental slips or falls, and elastic gore makes it easy to wear.
Appearance is paramount while at work, and Cheyn Madi has a fabulous look. Its sleek upper and full-grain leather material looks excellent with workwear, and the strap accents add some sharp detail.
Top Features:
- Orthotic footbed
- Rubber sole
- Cushion Soft & OrthoLite technologies
- Rounded Toe
- Full-grain leather upper
Crocs Women's Crocs At Work Flat | Women's Flats | Work Shoes for Women - Versatile Flats
The Crocs At Work Flat is ideal for women who work in either the service or healthcare industry, though anyone can enjoy its roomy comfort. This flat has a relaxed fit that feels secure without cramping your toes, and specialized reinforcements to keep you safe at work.
An enclosed toe and heel make the At-Work-Flat a professional choice that you could even wear while at the office. Its Crocs Lock anti-slip treads make it a favorite among restaurant workers who need secure footing while maneuvering the kitchen.
No matter your profession, this flat will keep you comfortable all day long with its Iconic Crocs Comfort and enhanced arch support. Having adequate support is essential to prevent foot pain and lower limb fatigue; otherwise, you will end up having sore feet once you’re home.
Top Features:
- Relaxed fit
- Iconic Crocs Comfort
- Crocs Lock anti-slip treads
- Enhanced arch support
- Tapered fit in the back
Clarks Women's Ashland Bubble Slip-On - Best For Standing All Day
The Ashland Bubble from Clarks is a timeless oxford-style shoe that is ideal for teachers or women who stand on the job. This slip-on pair has a smart design and premium construction that make it a must-have for the working woman.
An OrthoLite footbed gently massages the foot with every step, which reduces pain and discomfort from standing. Ashland’s flexible structure lets your feet move naturally, and its non-marking outsole won’t scuff floors or hallways.
This oxford has a low 1 3/4″ rise, so it’s comfortable for walking or standing, which is why teachers like it. The leather upper is fashionable and blends beautifully with its contrast stitching.
Top Features:
- OrthoLite footbed
- Leather upper
- Contrast stitching
- Flexible design
- Non-marking sole
Naturalizer Women's Karina Pump - Office Heels
The Karina Pump by Naturalizer is a classic office staple that never goes out of style. It’s from the Modern Icons Collection and comes in either a leather or suede fabric. This pair of heels has more to it than meets the eye; it has innovative comfort-enhancing technology that keeps your feet from feeling achy.
Karina pumps have a unique anatomically molded cushion system that hugs the shape of your foot. By cradling the arch and heel areas, these heels keep you comfortable all day long and lessen the chance of foot pain.
A non-slip sole and 2 1/4″ block heel make Karina an effortless heel to walk on and ensure you won’t fall on slippery flooring. You can choose from one of many colorways, though the black and Gingersnap are the ideal office hues.
Top Features:
- Anatomically molded cushioning
- Non-slip sole
- 2 1/4″ block heel
- Multiple colorways
- Suede & leather variations
Sam Edelman Women's Hazel Pump - Dress Pumps
Sam Edelman’s’ Hazel is the perfect dress pump for office work or other professional occupations. It offers a classic pointed toe and comes in several materials, including leather, synthetic fabric, and textiles.
This heel has a low-cut vamp that lengthens the look of your legs. Its Fit technology includes a cushioned sock for extra comfort and cushion. As a result, you won’t have tired or achy feet at the end of your shift.
Hazel has a wrapped stiletto spike and a leather outsole that make it a natural choice. The slip-on design means no fussing with buckles or other closures, so you can get out the door that much quicker.
Top Features:
- Wrapped stiletto heel
- Leather outsole
- Padded sock
- Slip-on style
- Low-cut vamp
Crocs Bistro Men's and Women's Clog - Hospitality Work Shoes
Crocs Bistro clog is the perfect choice for culinary, hospitality, and even healthcare staff. It offers a roomy, yet secure fit, with a rear heel strap for added stability.
This clog has Crocs Lock slip-resistance and a fully molded footbed that cradles and supports the arch. Iconic Crocs Comfort technology makes it a lightweight choice and gives you whole-foot padding.
Bistro clogs have certification for work in culinary positions and help to protect your feet while you work. You can choose from several colors and enjoy the smooth-wearing style that only Crocs deliver.
Top Features:
- Iconic Crocs Comfort
- Molded Footbed
- Ideal for culinary, healthcare, and hospitality positions
- Heel strap
- Crocs Lock non-slip tread
Aerosoles Women's Charcoal Ballet Flat - Low Wedge Heels
Aerosoles’ Charcoal Ballet Flat has a minimalist look and sleek style that is ideal for wearing to work. It has a synthetic upper that is breathable and won’t make your feet feel hot or sweaty.
This shoe slips on quickly so you can get ready and go without any hassles. With that said, it also has a closed toe that minimizes the appearance of your feet with its rounded shape.
A memory foam footbed makes the Charcoal ballet flat a comfortable choice that prevents foot pain. Its HEEL REST technology helps to transfer weight from the midfoot to the heel, which lessens strain and discomfort.
Top Features:
- HEEL REST technology
- Memory Foam footbed
- Synthetic lining
- Rubber sole
- Slip-on style
Skechers for Work Women's Kincaid II Slip On Slip Resistant Loafer - Slip-Resistant Work Shoes
The Kincaid 2 from Skechers is a supportive and functional shoe that’s excellent for all different professions. It has a faux leather upper for a sleek finish and slip-on style that makes it easy to wear.
Kitchen staff will benefit from the slip-resistant rubber sole that is certified to meet or exceed a .5 coefficient rating even on oily surfaces. The 1/4″ heel is natural to walk on and won’t make your back or feet ache during your shift.
Kincaid 2 is water-resistant and well-made to outlast the competition. Its memory foam insole gives you all-day enjoyment and protects the delicate arch area. It also has a shock-absorbing midsole to reduce the impact of every step.
Top Features:
- Arch pillow cushion insole
- Shock absorbing midsole
- Elastic panel for a secure fit
- Slip-on style
- Water & slip-resistant
Are There Any Fashionable Safety Shoes for Women?
Having to wear safety shoes to work doesn’t mean you can’t look good doing it. There are a ton of fashionable choices with comparable features to any other protective work shoes.
The different types of safety footwear include impact, compression, composite, Steel-toe, and slip-resistant. For hospitality workers, slip-resistant shoes are a must; otherwise, you could quickly end up getting hurt at work.
The good news is the following brands are notorious for their fashion-friendly safety work shoes for women.
- Crocs
- Skechers
- Moxie
- Naturalizer
- Clarks
Final Thoughts
No matter what your job may be, finding the best women’s work shoes doesn’t have to be a tricky task. The most crucial things to keep in mind are your comfort and safety. Foot pain will ruin your day and even affect your productivity, which is why you should always wear enjoyable footwear to work.
We searched the internet for the best women’s work shoes before writing this guide. The pairs we chose are thoroughly reviewed and tested so you can wear them with peace of mind.
Index Table: Best Women’s Work Shoes
| No. | Shoe | Image | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clarks Women's Cheyn Madi Slip-On Loafer - Cushioned Orthotics |
|
Clarks | 90 |
| 2 | Crocs Women's Crocs At Work Flat | Women's Flats | Work Shoes for Women - Versatile Flats |
|
Crocs | 90 |
| 3 | Clarks Women's Ashland Bubble Slip-On - Best For Standing All Day |
|
CLARKS | 62 |
| 4 | Naturalizer Women's Karina Pump - Office Heels |
|
Naturalizer | 90 |
| 5 | Sam Edelman Women's Hazel Pump - Dress Pumps |
|
Sam Edelman | 90 |
| 6 | Crocs Bistro Men's and Women's Clog - Hospitality Work Shoes |
|
Crocs | 90 |
| 7 | Aerosoles Women's Charcoal Ballet Flat - Low Wedge Heels |
|
Aerosoles | 90 |
| 8 | Skechers for Work Women's Kincaid II Slip On Slip Resistant Loafer - Slip-Resistant Work Shoes |
|
Skechers | 90 |
