The shoes you wear matter when you work on your feet. Choose the wrong pair, and you can be in for a world of hurt when you’re done your day. But choose the right pair, and aching feet are one less thing you have to deal with when you get home.
If you’re hunting for the perfect pair of work shoes, you’ll generally want to look for a few key things: Stability, arch support, and shock absorption, Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill., tells Yahoo Lifestyle. And, of course, comfort is crucial, she says.
Given that there are so many choices out there, it can be hard to know where to start. These options—which have great reviews, BTW—offer up all of the features you need in the perfect sneaker or shoe for your active job.
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Crocs On the Clock Work Slip-On
These Crocs are huge with service and medical industry employees. They have enhanced arch support to hold up your feet during the grind and special Crocs Lock slip-resistant treads. “I’ve worn just about every other brand of work/kitchen shoes, and this pair beats them all,” one reviewer wrote. “The price is mind blowing. I’ve spent triple for work clogs and not been near this satisfied.”
Shop it: Crocs On the Clock Work Slip-On, $36, zappos.com
Specifically designed for people in the medical profession, these Nurse Mates feel like sneakers but look a little dressier thanks to the leather upper. The shoes have a Pillowtop insole to cushion your feet all day, and slip-resistant bottom to help keep you on your feet. “Best shoes yet! I can feel good coming home after hours on my feet,” one reviewer said.
Shop it: Nurse Mates Lexi, $78, zappos.com
The Walker comes in several different colors (including basic taupe and black), and it has a breathable, moisture-wicking mesh lining to help keep your feet dry and reduce friction against your skin. (Bye bye, blisters!) These sneaks also have a lightweight EVA midsole to absorb shock, along with a thermoplastic heel for increased stability and support. One reviewer called these, “the most comfortable pair of sneakers I have ever worn in my life!”
Shop it: Vionic Walker, $100, zappos.com
While these shoes have a leather upper, they’re water-resistant, so you don’t have to stress over spills. They also have a removable footbed with anti-friction lining and moisture-wicking technology to keep your feet cool, comfortable, and dry. Oh, and the shoes also have odor-resistant cushions to help prevent that eau de work stench. “My feet love them!” one nurse wrote in the reviews.
Shop it: SAS Liberty Non-Slip, $163, zappos.com
Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel
Skechers has an entire line of work shoes, including the Trickel. These sneaks have a leather upper that makes them dressier than standard sneakers, along with a ventilated lining and memory foam cushion for comfort. A shock-absorbing midsole also makes sure you won’t have sore pups at the end of the day. “It’s the only one I’ve ever worn where I can get through a 12 hour shift on my feet with no foot pain,” one reviewer said.
Shop it: Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel, $70, zappos.com
These shoes, which come in beige, black, and gray, are as comfy as they look. “These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever had,” one reviewer wrote. The woven upper is treated with Scotchgard to keep them stain and water resistant, while the shoe’s mesh lining and EVA cushioned insole keep your feet nice and cozy throughout the day.
Shop it: Propet TravelActiv Woven, $46, zappos.com
New Balance’s WW877 has a pretty suede and mesh upper, with a padded tongue and collar for comfort. It also has perforations on the upper to reduce foot sweat, and Abzorb cushioning to help with shock absorption. Reviewers can’t say enough good things about this shoe. “It fits great and I no longer have to sacrifice the cute factor,” one wrote. “This is the fourth pair of these shoes that I have purchased so you can see that I am enamored,” another said.
Shop it: New Balance WW877, $85, zappos.com
Saucony Progrid Integrity ST 2
People are kind of obsessed with these shoes in the reviews. “These are the first sneakers that I have ever liked enough to review!” one person wrote. “If you have problem feet, this is the shoe for you!” another said. The sneakers have cushioned insole with arch support, molded midsole for cushioning, and heel ProGrid for impact protection, and its WalkTrac technology helps your feet grip any surface you’re working on.
Shop it: Saucony Progrid Integrity ST 2, $72, zappos.com
Read More from Yahoo Lifestyle:
• These are the ‘only shoes’ for active jobs, reviewers say
• Hate heels? These cult-favorite ballerina flats are your answer
• 7 stylish and comfy rain boots that’ll make you wish for stormy days
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