The 12 Best Work Shoes for Women of 2023, Starting at $19
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People / David Hattan
Working 9 to 5 can take a toll on your feet if you’re not wearing the proper shoes. No matter if you sit at a desk or stand on your feet, what you wear on your soles can make a difference in your foot health and comfort level and can even interfere with your back, legs, and other areas of the body that are impacted by poor shoe support.
“Your feet are truly the part of your body that get you everywhere you need to be — they can make or break an entire day,” says Jeni Elizabeth, a network and celebrity wardrobe stylist. With that in mind, she says it’s ultra-important to find a good pair of work shoes that can withstand the wear and tear of a long 8-hour day, plus commuting. And, of course, you want them to look stylish and feel work-appropriate, too.
Whether you work in an office and are looking for the best slip-on shoes or are a healthcare worker who needs a pair of comfy and supportive clogs for standing all day, we researched dozens of work shoes to find the most impressive styles.
Here are our top picks for the best work shoes for women.
Best Budget: Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet Flat
Who It’s Good For
This is a comfortable, timeless work shoe with a budget-friendly price tag.
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone looking for a more formal type of footwear or something better for the elements.
If you’re shopping for a budget-friendly work shoe style, consider the Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet flat, which is available in a whopping 34 colors and 38 sizing options, including wide. Ballet flats are an adorable and functional work shoe option. Depending on the style, the flats are constructed from either faux leather or a microsuede and offer a slick and stylish appeal for almost any office dress code. While they aren't the best if you're commuting in extreme weather, they do impress when it comes to all-day comfort, thanks to 'Heel Pillow' comfort technology and genuine leather counter lining. Reviews say that these run small, so we suggest sizing up.
Price at time of publish: $18.68 (orig. $24.90)
Construction: Vegan leather or microsuede upper, microfiber lining, genuine leather counter lining | Size Range: 5-15 (regular and wide) | Colors: Black, tan, bright poppy red, deep brown, gold, navy, beige, camel, light pink, dark blue, and more
Related: We Found the 15 Very Best Work Bags of 2023 — Starting at Just $18
Best Loafers: Aerosoles East Side Loafer
Who It’s Good For
If you're shopping for comfortable yet sleek loafers that are office-appropriate, you'll appreciate this pair by Aerosoles.
Who It’s Not Good For
The classic style sole is on the thinner side, so there are other options if you want work shoes with a chunky lug sole.
The best work shoes are versatile, comfortable, supportive, and create an all-around polished look — a pair like the Aerosoles East Side Loafer. Constructed from faux leather material and available in five different neutral and work-appropriate colors, these make for excellent everyday work shoes, offering a sleek and polished feel to casual ensembles and dressier looks alike. On top of that, they feature a memory foam padded footbed and the brand’s signature diamond flex outsole for lots of comfort, support, and flexibility.
Price at time of publish: $64.99 (orig. $110)
Construction: Faux leather, memory foam footbed | Size Range: 5-12 | Colors: Dark tan leather, black leather, black lizard, grey lizard, Bordeaux lizard
Most Comfortable: Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Webster Loafer
Who It’s Good For
Someone shopping for a comfortable lug sole loafer for the office, as well as those looking for a pair of work shoes for wide feet.
Who It’s Not Good For
If you prefer a different type of work shoe, such as boots, flats, or fashion sneakers, there are others we recommend.
Amazon is one of our favorite places to find comfortable and stylish work shoes at a variety of price points. For the best work shoe on Amazon, consider Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Webster Loafer, which is designed with maximum comfort and support in mind, along with work-appropriate style.
Constructed from faux leather, the slip-on loafers feature shock absorption to help relieve foot pressure and fatigue, cushion the sole, and promote lasting comfort. Additionally, the lug sole design boasts lots of traction, helping stabilize the feet with every step. These cute and comfortable shoes are polished enough for the office and fun enough for weekend wear.
Price at time of publish: $44.99 (orig. $85)
Construction: Faux leather | Size Range: 6-11 (regular, wide) | Colors: Black, black patent, deep space navy patent, grey flannel, brown black leopard
Best Lug Sole: G.H. Bass Weejuns Lianna Bit Lug Sole Loafers
Who It’s Good For
Someone shopping for a sleek pair of black loafers that can easily be dressed up or down for the office.
Who It’s Not Good For
Some people may prefer a more casual pair of lug-sole work shoes.
If you’re shopping for a pair of loafers for work, choosing a versatile option can ensure you get lots of wear out of them — whether your work’s dress code is casual, dressy, or a combination of the two. With this in mind, our top pick for the best loafers is the G.H. Bass Weejuns Lianna Bit Lug Sole Loafers.
Made from shiny leather with lug-rubber soles and stylish metal hardware detail, these loafers would work with anything from a fitted pantsuit to a skirt with tights and a blouse to a pair of jeans with a sweater. In addition to their versatility, these loafers are comfortable enough for long wear, making them a fantastic choice for your work wardrobe.
Price at time of publish: $175
Construction: Leather upper, Extralight EVA outsole | Size Range: 5.5-11 | Colors: Black, white
Best Clogs: Birkenstock Super-Birki Cork Footbed Clog
Who It’s Good For
Someone shopping for a comfortable pair of work clogs for hospitals, art studios, restaurants, and more
Who It’s Not Good For
Those shopping for a dressy pair of clogs, or a classic wooden clog look
The best clogs for work are the Birkenstock Super-Birki clogs, which are constructed from a rubber-looking polyurethane with a cork and latex interior. These are the perfect shoe for nurses and other healthcare workers (as well as those working in art studios and restaurants) where non-slip shoes are preferred.
Much like the viral Birkenstock Boston clog, these work shoes are ultra-supportive and form to your feet with every wear, making them more comfortable each time you slip them on. And, while they're sturdier than a soft slipper, these clogs are still super comfortable.
Price at time of publish: $89.95
Construction: Polyurethane with a cork latex footbed and fabric lining| Size Range: 4-12.5 | Colors: Black, white, brown, yellow, red, green, blue, apple green, light blue, raspberry sorbet
Best Boots: Sorel Women’s Cate Lace Bootie
Who It’s Good For
These comfortable heeled booties have high-quality construction and are durable enough to commute in.
Who It’s Not Good For
If you prefer a lower heel or taller boot shaft, these may not be your favorite style.
Switch up your work shoes with a pair of functional combat boots that are designed with some height, such as the Sorel Cate Lace Bootie. Whether you commute to work by foot, train, or vehicle, these boots can help you start your day on the right foot (pun intended), especially when the weather is concerned.
Constructed from waterproof full-grain leather with a removable molded EVA footbed, these boots can withstand the weather while walking into the office and offer tons of excellent comfort (or even allow you to add your own insoles for a more custom fit). Additionally, the heeled bootie gives a dressier look, while the metal hardware allows it to easily transform into a more casual shoe, too.
Price at time of publish: $128.79 (orig. $190)
Construction: Waterproof leather upper, EVA footbed, rubber sole | Size Range: 5-12 | Colors: Black
Related: The 17 Best Fall Boots That Are Worth Investing in This Season
Best Sneakers: Veja Esplar Sneakers
Who It’s Good For
These sleek sneakers can be worn to the office with everything from a relaxed pantsuit to a pair of jeans and a cardigan.
Who It’s Not Good For
Since they don't have great traction on the soles, they won't work for all climates and seasons.
Depending on where you work, sneakers might make the best work shoe because they are comfortable, stylish, and reliable enough to provide comfort for the entire work day. For a pair of sneakers that has a more elevated feel, we love our Veja Esplar Leather sneakers.
Made from all sorts of eco-friendly materials, including Amazonian rubber, sugar cane, recycled EVA, organic cotton, rice waste, recycled rubber, and recycled rubber, the leather sneakers pair well with everything from a pair of jeans and a cardigan to a fitted pantsuit and more.
Price at time of publish: $150
Construction: Leather, suede, Amazonian rubber, sugar cane, recycled EVA, organic cotton, rice waste, recycled rubber, recycled polyester | Size Range: 4-10 (women’s), 7-12.5 (men’s) | Colors: White
Related: The 23 Best Walking Shoes of 2023, According to Experts
Best Low-Heel: Vivaia Square-Toe Water Repellent Bootie
Who It’s Good For
A comfortable, low-heel work shoe that feels dressy enough for smart dress codes and versatile enough for something casual.
Who It’s Not Good For
Some may prefer a low-heeled loafer or pump versus a boot.
While high heels look nice, they aren’t always the most functional work shoe, especially if you’re on your feet a lot. As a solution, we love a low-heel look, such as Vivaia's Square-Toe Water Repellent Bootie. The comfortable sock boot has a slick and stylish design and is constructed from water-repellent fabric, making them highly durable and a great option for anyone who commutes by foot or train (since you don’t have to worry about ruining your shoes if you get caught in the rain).
In addition to its 2.16-inch heel height, the heel has a block design that is notoriously more comfortable and supportive than slender heels. The square-toe silhouette also ensures that the toes remain comfy inside all day long.
Price at time of publish: $97 (orig. $139)
Construction: Water-repellent yarn upper, rubber sole | Size Range: 5-11 | Colors: Black, dark chocolate, nutmeg, cream ivory, lava gray, navy, coffee gray
Related: The 7 Best Women’s Water Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Mules: Soludos Venetian Mule
Who It’s Good For
This comfortable pair of slip-on work shoes are a great alternative to open-toed sandals in warmer weather.
Who It’s Not Good For
Some may prefer a flat mule, and these are designed with a heel (although a relatively short one).
Mules are one of the best transitional work shoes for spring and early fall; however, they also work well for someone looking for work-appropriate summer shoes that aren’t sandals. The Venetian Mule from Soludos is our top pick because this pair has a classic design that is incredibly versatile and can be worn with various items in your work wardrobe, including sun dresses, trousers, and jeans.
The mule also features Ortholite padding for an all-day cushion, sweat-wicking technology, and a stacked heel for a little added height. It’s a shoe that is so comfortable and chic that you’ll want to want to wear it out of the office, too.
Price at time of publish: $154.95
Construction: Leather upper, textile lining, leather sole | Size Range: 5-11 | Colors: Tan, sand, black, Sahara pink
Best Casual: STQ Memory Foam Slip On Sneakers
Who It's Good For
With this option, you'll find a comfortable work sneaker with a budget-friendly price tag.
Who It's Not Good For
Anyone in the market for a more formal type of work footwear will prefer other options on this list.
If you’re shopping for a budget-friendly work shoe style, consider these trendy quilted sneakers from Amazon — for under $35. Constructed from vegan leather with a quilted finish (and offered in six colors), the slip-on sneakers offer a slick and stylish appeal for more casual work dress codes. In addition to its looks, the shoe is also ultra-comfy with an ergonomic heel for long-lasting comfort, whether you’re on your feet all day or commuting by foot.
Price at time of publish: $25.34 (orig. $31.89)
Construction: Faux leather, rubber sole | Size Range: 6-11 | Colors: Black, pink, taupe, white, chestnut brown, olive
Best for Standing All Day: Dansko Professional Clogs
Who It’s Good For
Appropriate for a variety of work environments, including hospitals, offices, and retail, these clogs will keep your feet comfortable all day long.
Who It’s Not Good For
While these are slip-on shoes that cover the heel, they may not be secure enough for certain professions.
Whether you work in a hospital, office, restaurant, or retail, you need comfortable shoes if you’re going to stand all day. The best work shoe for standing all day is the Dansko Professional Black Leather Clog. Similar to a sneaker, these crowd-favorite clogs boast extreme comfort and support, thanks to their cushioned insole, supportive PU sole, and slip-on style. On top of comfort for all-day wear, the clogs also pair well with all sorts of fashion looks, no matter your style.
Price at time of publish: $129.95
Construction: Leather upper, PU sole | Size Range: 4.5-10 | Colors: Black
Related: The 10 Best Insoles of 2023 for All-Day Comfort and Support
Best Investment: Nomasei Nono Moccasins
Who It’s Good For
These statement-making loafers are appropriate for the office but still super stylish and versatile.
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone shopping for more casual loafer or are wanting a different work shoe style, like a sandal or boot.
For a splurge-worthy pair of shoes that you can wear to work, consider Nomasei's Nono Moccasins. The Italian-made loafers are a fantastic investment because they’re versatile enough to wear to the office with smart and casual looks, but can also be worn on days off, too.
Constructed from embossed calf and goat leather, the loafers feature a low 1.18-inch heel, giving you a little bit of height while keeping your soles comfy. In addition to their looks and comfort, this pair is adorned with the brand's signature metal hardware of a symbolic hand that's hand-engraved. These are the type of loafers you'll want to pass down as an heirloom someday.
Price at time of publish: $440
Construction: Embossed calf leather upper, goat leather insole and lining, fleece-lined memory foam insole, calf leather outer sole | Size Range: IT 35-42 | Colors: Black
How to Pick the Right Work Shoes for Women
Material
When shopping for work shoes, it’s important to consider the material, as this can indicate the shoe's overall quality of construction, durability, and lifespan. “Leather is always the most durable work shoe and typically lasts forever,” says Elizabeth. For the best leather work shoes, consider styles like the G.H. Bass Weejuns Lianna Lug Sole Loafers, Nomasei Pompeii White Nono Loafers, Veja Esplar Leather Sneaker, and Aerosoles Hilary Sandal, just to name a few.
Investing in a pair of vegan leather shoes is also a good idea as it can have similar durability to leather, is animal-friendly, and — since many of them are plastic-based — the material can also be more water-resistant than other options, making them a good pick for commuting in soggy weather.
Size
Selecting the right size shoe can also make a big difference in your comfort level. When shopping for a pair of work shoes, consider your typical shoe size as well as the size charts, reviews, and any other indicators of fit — some brands will note in the product description if you should size up or down — to find the right fit for you. If you plan to wear shoes with thicker socks, it might be beneficial to size up, as the extra layer can take up quite a bit of room and result in more crammed toes and an overall tight fit, which is uncomfortable even if you sit for long periods of time.
Dress Code
Shoe type is another important thing to consider, especially if your work has a dress code. For example, sneakers like the Veja Esplar Leather Sneaker might be appropriate for more casual work environments (or on specific days, like casual Fridays), but not every. Loafers such as the G.H. Bass Weejuns Lianna Lug Sole Loafers might feel a little too dressy for some office environments while fitting the requirements of others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most comfortable shoes to work in for women?
“Loafers and clogs are definitely comfortable and stylish for being on your feet all day,” says Elizabeth. In addition to these shoe styles, she also recommends a pair of comfortable and chic sneakers if your work allows for it. For the best loafers, our top pick is the Aerosoles East Side Loafer for something that works well in both dressy and casual settings as well as the G,H. Bass Weejuns Lianna Lug Sole Loafers for a more sleek option. We also love the Dansko Professional Black Leather Clog for standing on your feet all day, along with the Birkenstock Super-Birki for healthcare, art studio, and restaurant environments. As for the best sneakers, you can’t go wrong with wearing the stylish and sophisticated Veja Esplar Leather Sneaker, which pairs well with jeans as well as dressy trouser pants.
What shoes are best for being on feet all day?
The best shoes for being on your feet all day are the Dansko Professional Black Leather Clog, which is beloved by healthcare professionals and restaurant employees alike. These shoes are like sneakers in disguise with tons of support, cushion, and comfort from heel to toe to sole.
What shoe brand is most durable?
There are several durable shoe brands that would work well for work environments. These include Birkenstock, Dansko, Veja, and Sorel. Additionally, Dr. Scholl’s provides a lot of durability and support in the soles, as does Aerosoles.
Take Our Word for It
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When researching the best work shoes for women, Jessie considered everything from the level of support, material, quality of construction, and style to find the top options. She also tapped style expert Jeni Elizabeth to learn more about the importance of a good pair of work shoes, plus what to look for when shopping for a new pair.
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