pair of leather footwear and boots

The Best Work Shoes | Top-Rated Footwear for Working Folks

What do you need to work effectively at your workplace? Surely, your answer to that would include the right equipment and a safe work environment. Well, one vital thing is missing on that list, and that is a pair of comfortable working shoes.

With the right working shoes, you can concentrate on your work without worrying about back pain, foot pain, and blisters. The footwear you put on at work plays a key role in your effectiveness and productivity at work. You need to always wear good shoes that would make you even forget that you are putting on shoes.

Hence, you need a shoe that would prevent sweat, fatigue, and smell after a long day. The shoe should be highly supportive and provide you with all the support you need while at work, regardless of how long you wear it. This is why you need the best work shoes, and in this guide are 9 of the best working shoes on the market.

Our top recommendation is the New Balance Mx608v4. This work shoe is ideal for a variety of work fields, as it provides exceptional protection and safety. In addition to being safe, it is highly durable, comfortable, and supportive.

Here Are the Best Work Shoes:

ProductDetails
1. New Balance Mx608v4

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Gender: Male
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 7 – 18
Check Current Price
2. KEEN Utility Women’s Flint Low Work Shoe

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Gender: Women
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 5 – 11
Check Current Price
3. Timberland Men’s Waterproof Ankle Boot

  • Material: Leather
  • Gender: Male
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 7 – 15
Check Current Price
4. KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe

  • Material: Nubuck leather
  • Gender: Male
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 7 – 15
Check Current Price
5. Clarks Women’s May Marigold Slip-On Loafer

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Gender: Women
  • Sole: Synthetic sole
  • Size: 5 – 12
Check Current Price
6. Skechers Women’s Ghenter Bronaugh Work Shoe

  • Material: 100% Mesh Fabric
  • Gender: Women
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 5 – 12
Check Current Price
7. Dansko Women’s Winona Loafer Flat

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Gender: women
  • Sole: Synthetic sole
  • Size: 4.5 – 13
Check Current Price
8. Dunham Men’s Blair Slip-On

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Gender: Male
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 8 – 18
Check Current Price
9. Reebok Work Men’s Guide RB3501 Industrial and Construction Shoe

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Gender: Male
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 7 – 16
Check Current Price

 

1. New Balance Mx608v4 — Top-Rated Work Shoes

New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Navy, 10.5 M US

Made with 100 percent leather and suede material, the New Balance Mx608v4 is one of the best work shoes you can find on the market today. This shoe features solid construction that makes it ideal for different industries. It comes with a solid rubber outsole that provides exceptional protection for your feet. The shoe provides great support and would keep you safe all day.

The inside of these shoes is padded to keep you comfortable and well-supported all day. They provide excellent ankle support, making it a great option for people that need ankle support. It comes with high backs and sturdy laces to provide you with a secure and snug fit. With the lace-up design, you can customize the fit of the shoe.

The shoes are also available in three different colors and patterns, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your style and personal preference. The materials used to make this shoe are of high quality and they contribute to the durability of the shoe. It is highly durable and very flexible as well. The shoe comes with an ethylene-vinyl acetate footbed that provides great comfort and stability.

Specs

  • Weight: 249 grams
  • Drop: Zero
  • Outsole: Rubber

Pros

  • Made with high-quality and durable leather
  • Sneaker style
  • Moderately-priced
  • Provides great support and comfort

Cons

  • Wide spaced laces

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

2. KEEN Utility Women’s Flint Low Work Shoe

KEEN Utility Women's Flint Low Steel Toe Work Shoe, Cascade Brown/Surf Spray, 9 M US

The Utility Women’s Flint Low Work Shoe is another great pair of working shoes that you can use to work in different industries and fields. It is a low walking boot style working shoe that features a unique design. The shoe is highly functional and provides superior support.

It has strong laces and a high back to ensure your feet remain well secured and comfortable. The shoe provides ankle support, and you can wear it all day without any form of discomfort or pain.

It comes with a slip-resistant, non-marking rubber outsole that provides exceptional grip and traction. The sole provides great stability even on rough and very smooth surfaces. The shoe is durable and it would serve you for years. It is also waterproof, which means you can use it to work under any weather condition. While being waterproof, the shoe is highly breathable, as it allows for adequate airflow to keep your feet cool and dry.

For your safety, this shoe comes with a steel toe cap to protect your toes should in case you bump into an object. With the solid rubber sole, nothing can even penetrate the shoe to hurt your feet. Despite having all these great features, including safety features, this shoe is not overly weighty. You can wear them for a long time without even remembering that you are putting on shoes.

The shoe is made with 100 percent leather and it is available in four different colors. It comes with a removable metatomical dual-density EVA footbed. Being removable, you can remove and replace it with any footbed of your choice. This shoe is also standing and walking on concrete floors. You can get the women’s version of the shoe here.

Specs

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Gender: Women
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 5 – 11

Pros

  • Highly supportive work shoe
  • Durable and stable rubber outsole
  • Can be used in any weather condition
  • Available in different colors

Cons

  • A bit pricey

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

3. Timberland Men’s Waterproof Ankle Boot

Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot,Black,10.5 M US

Timberland is a very popular shoe brand, and this brand has been in the industry for decades. The company makes quality shoes that many across the globe trust very well. The Timberland Men’s Waterproof Ankle Boot is one of the best working shoes this brand has made, and the shoe is designed to keep you safe while working in any condition.

One of the major selling points of this shoe is its durability. The shoes are highly durable and they will serve you for a very long time. The boot is stylish and comes in different colors, allowing you to pick your favorite color. Timberland made this shoe with 100 percent leather and designed it with a very strong rubber sole. The entire shoe as well as the sole are waterproof.

This means you can use the shoe to work in any weather condition, as water or mud cannot penetrate. It would keep your feet dry and comfortable in any condition. You can use this shoe to handle any job. The rubber sole has a platform of 0.5 inches, and this enhances the support and protection of the boot.

It also provides excellent support and protection for the ankle, foot, and toes. The interior of the shoe is padded to ensure your feet remain comfortable while putting it on. With this shoe, you do not have to worry about your toes becoming injured, as it comes with a toe cap that protects your toes.

It is designed to keep your feet comfortable all day. These high-performance shoes also come in handy in a wide range of outdoor activities. It also has wide options for people with wide feet. You can get this shoe in sizes ranging from 7 through 15.

Specs

  • Material: Leather
  • Gender: Male
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 7 – 15

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Protects the foot, ankle, and toes
  • Suitable for all weather
  • Provides great grip and stability

Cons

  • A bit smaller

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

4. KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe

KEEN Utility Men's Atlanta Cool Steel Toe Work Shoe, 10 D US, Black/Black, 10D

We have another great work shoe from KEEN — the KEEN Utility Men’s Atlanta Cool-M Industrial Shoe. This is another great pair of industry work shoes that provides great support and protection. This shoe is not like other bulky work shoes out there. It has a simple construction that provides long-lasting comfort and lightweight convenience. This high-performance shoe also comes with many great safety features to protect you.

The upper of the shoe is made with Nubuck leather, and KEEN used a strong cement bond glue to glue it to the non-marking rubber outsole. The sole is highly durable and provides great grip and traction on different surfaces. It also comes with a dual-density midsole and footbed that enhances the comfort of the shoe. The upper is highly breathable, as it allows for constant hair flow to keep your feet cool and dry.

The shoe offers exceptional support together with a torsional stability shank, extra-thick soles, and contoured heel lock. It also comes with the Metatomical Footbed Design, which is a unique internal support mechanism. The shoe also supports the natural contour of your foot, thanks to its ergonomically engineered layout. It comes with a compression-molded EVA midsole and EVA insole that help to attenuate shock.

The mesh liner of the shoe also enhances its breathability. This shoe is flexible and ensures you move freely and comfortably. One of the most outstanding features of this work shoe is its ASTM-rated steel toes that protect your toes. It also comes with reflective webbing.

Specs

  • Material: Nubuck leather
  • Gender: Male
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 7 – 15

Pros

  • Available in wider options for people with wide feet
  • Highly breathable
  • Comes with great safety features
  • Designed to keep you comfortable

Cons

  • Lacks insulation for cold weather

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

5. Clarks Women’s May Marigold Slip-On Loafer

Clarks Women's May Marigold Slip-On Loafer, Black Leather, 8 M US

The Clarks Women’s May Marigold Slip-On Loafer is one of the most stylish, yet simple work shoes for women. If you run long shifts or you do a lot of standing, then this is one of the best shoes to go for. This shoe features a simple slip-on design that makes it very easy to wear and remove.

It features a simple yet beautiful design. The unique design of the shoe matches pretty much any office outfit, and it’s available in four different designs. These shoes are very popular because they provide smart convenience and shape.

The shoe is made with 100 percent leather and they are stylish and very comfortable. For a bit height, this shoe comes with a 2-inch heel, making it a great option for those that do not like flat shoes. You can stand and walk in these shoes all day without experiencing any fatigue or pain. They are very comfortable and lightweight.

The shoe provides a cushion soft comfort experience that makes you forget that you are even putting on shoes. Some of the comforts it provides are also attributed to sculpted heels, ortholite footbed, and a strong support system. It offers the right amount of cushioning to provide your feet with the support it needs. The sole of the shoe is made with synthetic material that provides adequate balance and stability.

Specs

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Gender: Women
  • Sole: Synthetic sole
  • Size: 5 – 12

Pros

  • Simple, yet beautiful design
  • Provides superior comfort and support
  • Soft cushioning and ortholite footbed
  • Made with durable materials

Cons

  • A bit pricey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q6J3Wymxpg

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

6. Skechers Women’s Ghenter Bronaugh Work Shoe

Skechers for Work Women's Ghenter Srelt Work Shoe, Black, 7 M US

Next up is the Skechers Women’s Ghenter Bronaugh Work Shoe, which is one of the best working shoes out there. This is a slip-resistant work shoe that you can use to walk on any surface. It features a sneaker style design, making it a very beautiful work shoe. This is one of the most casual looking shoes from this brand and it is designed to provide you with all the comfort and support you need while working.

It comes with a very thick rubber outsole that provides exceptional grip and stability. You can use this shoe to work and stand all day in the office, hospital, restaurant, and more, without feeling any pain or discomfort.

It comes with several comfort features and can relieve pressure on the foot throughout the day. The shoe offers a cloud-like comfort, ensuring you have a highly productive day without worrying about foot pain.

For optimal cushioning, this work shoe comes with a memory foam insole and soft fabric lining, the padding on the collar and tongue. It also comes with a midsole that does a great job of reducing shock impact while walking or running.

The upper of the shoe is made with 100 percent mesh fabric that is highly breathable. The shoe is available in three different colors with sizes ranging from 5 through 12. There are also wider options for people with wider feet.

Specs

  • Material: 100% Mesh Fabric
  • Gender: Women
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 5 – 12

Pros

  • Highly durable
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Slip-resistant rubber outsole
  • Provides all-day comfort

Cons

  • It soaks water

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

7. Dansko Women’s Winona Loafer Flat

Dansko Women's Winona Loafer Flat, Floral Metallic, 38 M EU (7.5-8 US)

Next on the line is the Dansko Women’s Winona Loafer Flat, the number one choice of many women out there. This shoe is available in 8 different colors and designs, which means you can find an option that matches your work uniform or personal preference.

The upper of the shoe is made with 100 percent Nubuck leather, which has a very shiny and classy finish. One of the major selling points of this shoe is that it is very easy to clean and maintain.

It is not the most eye-catchy work shoe on our list, but it is highly functional and offers many benefits. If you find yourself standing a lot or working long shifts at the office, this shoe is designed for you. The shoe offers supreme comfort in all conditions, and you can stand in it all day without any issues. It also offers a great grip on both wet and dry surfaces, thanks to its slip-resistant rubber sole.

This shoe comes with a triple-density ethylene vinyl acetate footbed that helps to keep your feet comfortable and relaxed. It provides an excellent level of soft cushioning to ensure you do not experience foot fatigue while walking, running, or standing in the office.

You can also remove the footbed and replace it with an insert that provides better arch support. Many have testified that they can wear these shoes all day without discomfort or pain. It comes with moisture-wicking linings with Aegis Microbe Shield treatment and Cleansport NXT organic to help with odor control. The shoe features a slip-on design that makes it easy to put on and take off.

Specs

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Gender: women
  • Sole: Synthetic sole
  • Size: 4.5 – 13

Pros

  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Helps to control odor
  • Lightweight and super comfortable
  • Suitable for dry, wet, and oily surfaces

Cons

  • A bit pricey

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

8. Dunham Men’s Blair Slip-On

Dunham Men's Blair Slip-On,Black Smooth,14 4E US

If you are looking for an amazing pair of work shoes that you can use to stand all day, you should consider the Dunham Men’s Blair Slip-On. This is a casual dress shoe that matches any suit or corporate dressing. The shoe features minimal detailing and very soft shape. With the superior comfort this shoe provides, you can stand and walk around all day without any discomfort or pain.

The footbed of this shoe contributes to its overall comfort, as it is well-cushioned and supportive. It also provides more than enough arch support for people with flat feet. If you are not cool with the footbed, you can remove it and have it replaced. You will not feel the weight of the shoe while standing or walking with it, thanks to its super lightweight design.

With the wide range of available sizes, you would be able to find a perfect fit. However, some feel that the shoes run large. The shoes were made with 100 percent leather and they come with EVA soles that provide good grip and traction. These are available in two different colors — black and brown.

The shoe is available in sizes ranging from 8 through 18. Regardless of how big your leg is, you would find a size here. Not only does it have a wide range of sizes, but all the sizes are also available in both narrow and wide options.

Specs

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Gender: Male
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 8 – 18

Pros

  • Made with quality leather
  • Super lightweight design
  • Cushioned footbed for more comfort and support
  • Available in a wide range of sizes

Cons

  • Somewhat large

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

9. Reebok Work Men’s Guide RB3501 Industrial and Construction Shoe

Reebok Work Men's Guide Work RB3501 Industrial and Construction Shoe, Black, 10 W US

The last on our list is the Reebok Work Men’s Guide RB3501 Industrial and Construction Shoe. As evident in the name, this is one of the best work shoes for industrial and construction workers. This is a steel-toed shoe that provides top-notch protection on construction sites and in the factory.

When it comes to performance and comfort, this work shoe is second to none. ESD protection is one of the major selling points of this shoe. Because of its dual-resistor protection, it can be difficult to find a better ESD work shoe. The shoe provides exceptional comfort, and you can wear it all day and experience no pain or discomfort. It is highly flexible, making it very easy for you to walk around the job site.

The midsole of this shoe has rebound properties, and this helps to propel you forward when you walk. This feature also helps to reduce fatigue. The midsole is made with memory foam, and this increases the shock absorbency of the shoe.

This makes it a great work shoe to stand or walk on concrete, as it reduces shock impact while keeping you comfortable and cozy. Reebok made this shoe with 100 percent leather, and it features a lace-up design that provides a secure and snug fit.  For your safety, this shoe comes with an Electro-Static Dissipating Dual-Resistor Protection.

The MemoryTech footbed adapts to the contour of your foot to provide you with immediate and lasting cushioning. The shoe is also highly durable, and you can use it for a very long time without replacing it. It has wide options for people with wide feet. It is available in just one color, with sizes ranging from 7 through 16.

Specs

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Gender: Male
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 7 – 16

Pros

  • Removable midsole
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Comes with many safety features
  • Available in wider sizes

Cons

  • Not waterproof

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Tips For Finding The Right Work Shoes

pair of leather footwear and boots

Regardless of whether you are required to put on a particular shoe for work or it is entirely up to you to choose the shoe you wear to work, you want to make sure you put on shoes that will keep you comfortable all day.

When shopping for work shoes, there are some vital factors you need to consider, some of which include:

Consider Your Line Of Work

When buying work shoes, the very first thing you need to consider is your line of work. Finding the best pair of working shoes begins with figuring out what works best for your line of work. Whether you wear ballet flats or steel-toed boots to work, you want to make sure you are comfortable in the shoe all day.

If you spend more time walking or standing on concrete, you should go for the best shoes for walking or standing on concrete. If you are an industrial or construction worker, then a shoe that provides great protection should be your focus.

In all, you should consider your work type and pick the right shoe that is ideal for it.

Build Quality

While a rock-solid build is not the most sought-after feature that people want when it comes to comfort, it is still very important. The construction of the shoe should be firm enough to hold all the parts together while still being flexible enough to bend as you walk. It should be made with high-quality material to ensure durability.

The shoe should be strong enough to handle everyday wear and tear. The materials should also be strong and safe enough to protect your feet from a sharp object, abrasion, and liquid. Since it is a work shoe, you are going to be wearing it for the better part of the day. Hence, it should be able to handle everyday use.

Perfect Fit

Properly fitting shoes are just the way forward, and you would greatly appreciate them if you have worn uncomfortable shoes that do not fit right. With the right fit, your feet will not suffer from blisters or aching. They will be protected, cushioned, and leave you feeling very comfortable.

You should always go for a shoe that fits perfectly, and you should not go for a shoe that does not fit properly just because it is beautiful. As such, you need to take a proper measurement of your foot and know your exact size before buying.

Support

You also want to make sure the shoe you go for provides great support. If you have any underlying foot condition, the shoe should be able to cater to your needs. Arch support is an additional feature to consider.

If you are using a special or medically-prescribed footbed, you want to make sure the shoe features a removable footbed so you can remove and replace it with your custom orthotics.

Safety Features

Safety is one of the most important features in work shoes, especially for industrial and construction workers. You should opt for a shoe that comes with safety features to keep you safe and sound in tough workplaces.

For industrial and construction workers, the shoe should come with steel toe guards to protect your toes from the danger of falling objects.

The outsole should also be strong enough to prevent any object from penetrating the shoe. For those that work in offices, firm and solid grip should be your focus. The shoe should offer exceptional grip on different surfaces, whether wet or dry. EH-rated and ESD are also a major plus.

Final Thoughts

After extensive research and consultations, those are the shoes that pass our test and selection processes. While all the products on this guide are great, our top recommendation is the New Balance Mx608v4 because it comes with many features including safety features to keep you safe and sound even in the most challenging workplace. It is highly durable and provides a secure and comfortable fit.