When the dreaded alarm sounds on a Monday morning, the last thing you want to think about is stuffing your feet into that painful pair of pointed-toe stilettos for the next eight hours.
With formal office dress codes now taking a backseat and a focus on contemporary, comfortable women’s work shoes shifting to the front row, you no longer have to struggle finding footwear which meets both your practical needs and sense of style.
Whether you’re a hard-working waitress or a boardroom boss, we’ve rounded up some of the best and most comfortable women’s work shoes for 2021 to help carry you through your nine-to-five.
Most comfortable office shoes for women
Ah, the brogue. A traditional formal shoe that’s commonly adored by both men and women, brogues are a brilliant choice for pairing with fine tailoring, smart-casual wear or anything in between. They may be classic, but this variation from Hush Puppies is far from old-fashioned.
Featuring characteristic perforations (also called ‘broguing’), an adjustable lace-up fastening and memory foam comfort sock, the Hush Puppies Natalie brogues are a hardy yet highly comfortable women’s work shoe. The elephant in the room though, is the fully metallic leather upper. For the bold, this contemporary design is ideal to liven up all-black business attire. If muted tones are more your cup of tea, you can shop this premium pair in black, navy or tan leather, which will only get more comfortable as time goes on. Plus, with a whopping £25 off RRP, it would be rude not to!
Most comfortable work heels
Don’t get us wrong, heels are a staple in your workwear wardrobe for moments when you want to fee powerful – but don’t feel pressured to wear a pair of teetering stilettos. For the elegance of heels without the pinched toes and aching arches, choose low block-heel shoes for work.
Linzi’s slingback Hugh pumps showcase a pointed toe with a contrasting toe cap, meaning that this nude pair can be styled with everything from tailored trousers to pencil skirts all year round. Also available in all-black faux leather with a patent toe, these two-inch high beauties are a must to add to your basket.
Comfiest trainers for work
As many of us become liberated by relaxing dress codes, trainers are a much more popular sight in the office than they once were. Depending on your company, your favourite sneakers might be off the menu; but for those with business-casual guidelines, a pair of trainers can be a staple and comfort saviour if you style them right.
First thing’s first, we’d suggest keeping it clean with a pair of minimalistic white or black trainers. Sleek designs with little-to-no branding work best – like this pair of Elise trainers from Linzi which feature a rose gold (or black) heel tab for a dash of colour. Let these platform kicks purposefully contrast with smarter tailoring such as wide-leg trousers or a cigarette pant suit.
Best ladies’ work shoes for standing all day
For roles where it feels like you barely sit down from dawn ‘til dusk, relying on a pair of shoes feels like life or death. Offering comfort that’s good enough to get you out of bed in the morning, these Skechers ArchFit Sunny trainers are the best women’s shoes for standing all day.
The royalty of comfortable footwear, Skechers has created the ArchFit insole system with podiatrist-certified arch support to distribute pressure, providing balance, stability and support. This resilient cushioning design helps promote better foot guidance, too. In a choice of black or grey, they’re an unbeatable choice for more casual environments.
Most comfortable nurse shoes
Calling all medical professionals!
We understand that comfortable footwear is essential for finishing a shift unscathed – but there are a few other features you should also look for. A wide toe box will banish pinched toes and allow feet to breathe as they naturally expand throughout the day. Opt for shoes that are sturdy and durable enough to stand up to the test (leather works well), but lightweight enough to not drag you down. Finish the golden mix with a slip-resistant rubber sole – a non-negotiable for wet or oily surfaces.
But, what shoe could possible have all of the above? The Skechers Sure Track slip-ons tick every box and more, making them our choice for the best women’s non-slip shoes.
Most comfortable women’s black work shoes
No matter what industry sector you’re in, a pair of women’s comfortable black work shoes is a shoe-rack must. Combine this staple hue with the effortless sophistication of a loafer, and you’ve got yourself a reliable shoe that you won’t be bored of wearing five days a week, every day of the year.
These Linzi Parker loafers are an ideal choice for all job descriptions. Made from faux patent or matte black leather, they offer just the right amount of classic style. A textured woven upper and gold bar detailing adds a hint of modern glamour; perfect to take you from desk to dinner.
Best waitressing shoes
Long waitressing shift looming? Be prepared with the big guns; the Skechers GOwalk 5 Surprise slip-ons are the hero you didn’t know you needed.
Spot innovative features starting with responsive ULTRA GO cushioning, high-rebound COMFORT PILLAR TECHNOLOGY and a breathable Air Cooled Goga Mat insole system which combine to offer lightweight wear and underfoot comfort you can rely on. These ultra-comfy flat work shoes come with a soft-knit fabric upper and are finished with a lavender insole and ombre midsole trim for a hint of colour.
Comfortable work shoes for retail
Last but certainly not least is our pick for the best work shoes for busy days in retail. The Skechers Microburst One Up ballerina pumps are the ultimate slip-on-and-go option. Rated five stars by every Wynsors reviewer yet, these simplistic black or navy shoes are an incredible find – and here’s why.
A grippy, flexible outsole brings traction and the brand’s signature Air Cooled memory foam insole gives a sensation like walking on air. Combined with a textured fabric upper, the Microbursts are a brilliant choice for no-nonsense comfort.
With £9 off the RRP at Wynsors, they’re even harder to resist!
