If the Shoe Fits! These Are the 25 Best Shoes for Teachers on Their Feet All Day
We've collected a list of shoes for teachers that look and feel good.
Teachers are undoubtedly unsung heroes. Not only are educators constantly working with children to better them, but they're also on their feet the whole school day, taking whatever comes at them...whether that's recess duty, walking an injured student to the nurse's office or designing a standout bulletin board.
If you're a teacher, then you know all too well how important it is to wear quality shoes to school. You don't want to find yourself limping around the classroom all because of a blister!
From sneakers and loafers to the comfiest of flats, check out the 25 best shoes for teachers of all grade levels.
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25 Best Shoes for Teachers
1. Women's Wool Loungers, $105 at Allbirds
Allbirds make some of the comfiest kicks on the planet and they just so happen to be good for the planet too. Their Women's Wool Loungers are made from renewable materials — ZQ Merino wool and sugarcane soles — and are totally machine washable. Women's Wool Loungers, $105 at Allbirds
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2. Aria Comfortable Pointed Flats at VIVAIA
Teachers love their Aria Flats! Just check out that impressive ratings. Available in numerous different colors, these sleek, pointed-toe ballet flats are made from six recycled plastic bottles and are machine washable, to boot! Aria Comfortable Pointed Flats at VIVAIA
3. Gamina Platform Sneaker, $59.99 at DSW
Who says teachers can't rock sneakers? Of course, you can! The natural lift in this platform sneaks provides the appearance of a more elevated and polished look...plus, it gives petite teachers some added height. Gamina Platform Sneaker, $59.99 at DSW
4. Vegan Shoes, $276 at Etsy
If it's an easy-access slip-on shoe you're looking for, these Vegan Shoes from Etsy shop KatzAndBirds have garnered quite a bit of attention. They may be on the pricier side of the budget, but they are loved for their chic style and customization options. Though these shoes may not be great for field day, they're the perfect block heel option for teacher events like parent conferences or even a more formal look at work. Vegan Shoes, $276 at Etsy
5. Hot Chocolate Design Chocolaticas Women's Mary Jane Flat Shoes, Starting at $79.99 on Amazon
Are you more of a Ms. Frizzle kind of teacher? Then any shoe by Hot Chocolate Designs is for you! These Mary Janes come in a geographical map print, but there are tons more patterns to choose from, including a looseleaf notebook pattern that's known to sell out fast. Hot Chocolate Design Chocolaticas Women's Mary Jane Flat Shoes, Starting at $79.99 on Amazon
6. Women's Tree Breezers, $100 at Allbirds
One of the most beloved flats amongst fellow teachers are Tree Breezers...also made by sustainable brand Allbirds. With a stellar 4.8-star rating, these carbon-neutral shoes are significantly more comfortable than other flats thanks to their castor bean oil insole and sugar cane outsoles that provide plenty of support. Women's Tree Breezers, $100 at Allbirds
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7. Hey Dude Women's Wendy L Linen, $38.43 on Amazon
An Amazon bestseller, the Hey Dude Women's Wendy Shoes are a fan-favorite amongst educators for their comfort and laidback style. These sneaks have a 4.7-star rating, nearly 30K reviews, and come in a variety of colors (so, you know, you can buy seven to have one color for each day of the school week). Hey Dude Women's Wendy L Linen, $38.43 on Amazon
8. The Loafer, $179 at Rothy's
The Loafer from Rothy's is another teacher shoe with a cult-like following—just peep any of the near 10K reviews! They're casual, comfy, and sustainable as they are made from thread spun from plastic water bottles. Oh, and you can't pass up Rothy's 20% off discount for school teachers! The Loafer, $179 at Rothy's
9. Matte Black Tieks, $185 at Tieks
Made of smooth Italian leather, the Matte Black Tieks claim to be some of the most comfortable flats there are and are most easily recognized for their signature bright teal non-skid rubber soles. A must-have in any teacher's wardrobe, these flats feature a cushioned back and a blister-free cushioned instep. Matte Black Tieks, $185 at Tieks
10. The RS01 Sneaker, $179 at Rothy's
Sneakers—but make it teacher! The Rothy's RS01 Sneaker emits some strong 1980s Back to the Future vibes but like, in the best, most contemporary way possible. These sneakers are totally casual but elevated enough, thanks to their sleek, put-together design, to pull off at school; plus, they are sustainable, 100 percent machine washable, and knit with thread from plastic bottles. The RS01 Sneaker, $179 at Rothy's
Related:160+ Well-Deserved Freebies and Discounts for Teachers!
11. Zoey Suede d'Orsay Flats, $49.50 at J.Crew
An inexpensive Madewell dupe, the Zoey Suede d'Orsay Flats can be worn with everything from casual jeans to long skirts. These shoes feature a suede upper, cushioned insoles for comfort, and they come in black, saddle, and vintage burgundy. Zoey Suede d'Orsay Flats, $49.50 at J.Crew
12. Women's Canvas Slip On Sneakers, $23.99 on Amazon
Slip-on sneakers are always a good idea for a classic classroom shoe and this Amazon brand's multiple patterns add a bit of texture and fun to any school's fit. With more than 6K reviews, it's clear that a top reason customers adore this shoe is because of its flexible and comfortable sole. Women's Canvas Slip On Sneakers, $23.99 on Amazon
13. The Starling, $95 at Birdies
The Starling by Birdies is known to sell out quickly, so if you're a professor looking for a new go-to school flat, get yours ASAP. Available in both seasonal and classic colors/prints, these sparkly flats have seven layers of comfort and a non-slip rubber sole that makes them perfect for both indoor or outdoor wear. The Starling, $95 at Birdies
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14. Men's Tree Skippers, $100 at Allbirds
Made with eucalyptus tree fibers, Men's Tree Skippers are fashionable with a sustainable twist. They're flexible, breathable and perfectly minimalist so they can be paired with just about any school day ensemble for a classic, put-together look. Men's Tree Skippers, $100 at Allbirds
15. Clarks Adreena Mid-Bootie, $89.99 at DSW
While flats and classy sneakers are usually the preferred choice of shoe style for teachers, the Clarks Adreena Mid Bootie makes an awesome heel option for slightly fancier attire. With a casual, roomy fit, a supportive block heel, and a stylish almond-shaped toe, these are a go-to pick for fall booties from September on. Clarks Adreena Mid-Bootie, $89.99 at DSW
16. Vans Women's Low-Top Sneakers, $109.99 on Amazon
For Casual Fridays at school, slip on a pair of classic Vans. Because who says Vans are just for the students?! The Vans Women's Low Top Sneakers pair well with jeans or even lightweight dresses and with nearly 13K reviews on Amazon, you can't go wrong wearing these to class (though you do run the risk of matching some of your students!) Vans Women's Low-Top Sneakers, $109.99 on Amazon
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17. TOMS Bryce, $46.17 at Zappos
TOMS are known for comfort and style. These booties are a perfect blend of both. You can pair these with jeans or slacks. TOMS Bryce, $46.17 at Zappos
18. Mark Fisher Caitlin Pump, Starting at $54.95 on Amazon
Though heels are few and far between on this list — because #COMFORT first and foremost — the Mark Fisher Caitlin Pumps are both supportive and casual enough to make it into your teacher-friendly wardrobe. A thick block heel grounds you when you're feeling wobbly and a classic sweetheart top line says, "These are my fancy shoes." Mark Fisher Caitlin Pump, Starting at $54.95 on Amazon
19. Dansko Professional Black Oiled Clogs, $135 at Dansko
Teachers are to clogs as salt is to pepper. Seriously! All educators of all different kinds of backgrounds and subjects agree that Dansko clogs are the way to go. The Professional Black Oiled Clogs are one of the brand's bestsellers thanks to their versatility and fellow teachers love how much support these shoes give to the feet and legs. Dansko Professional Black Oiled Clogs, $135 at Dansko
20. Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed, $145 at Zappos
We admit that token Birkenstocks aren't appropriate for every teaching situation, but in some scenarios, some of the most stylish educators have been known to make 'em work. Plus, teachers everywhere totally swear by these soft and supportive footbeds...especially for Casual Fridays. Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed, $145 at Zappos
21. Dr. Scholl's Dreamy Slip-On Sneaker, $39.98 at DSW
If you're a teacher dealing with painful foot-related issues like bunions, Plantar fasciitis, or heel spurs, then Dr. Scholl's Dreamy Slip-On Sneaker is a literal dream come true. Being on your foot all day is tough, but if you throw a foot ailment into the mix, it can be downright torture. Luckily, these slip-on sneakers have a foam footbed, smooth fabric lining, and don't sacrifice style. Dr. Scholl's Dreamy Slip-On Sneaker, $39.98 at DSW
22. Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Pave, $217.54 at Zappos
If you have a bigger budget, consider investing in a pair of classic Tory Burch shoes. These ballet flats are crafted out of leather and feature the recognizable Tory Burch branding. Not only are they known for being comfortable, they will pair with a wide variety of outfits. Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Pave, $217.54 at Zappos
23. Crocs Women's Sloane Flats, $34.99 on Amazon
These Crocs — yes, these snakeskin print flats are actually Crocs! — up the ante. With all the plush comfort of the signature clogs people love, the Crocs Women's Sloane Flat are high quality, durable, and surprisingly stylish. No one — not even the nosiest of students — will know that you're wearing Crocs to work; plus, they're feather-light and breathable so that your feet never suffer...even on the longest of school days. Crocs Women's Sloane Flats, $34.99 on Amazon
24. UIN Women's Blossom Painted Fashion Canvas Slip-On, $80 on Amazon
Another crowd-pleasure in the teachers-love-clogs department are these Amazon slip-ons from fashion brand UIN. These environmentally-friendly loafers feature colorful and artistic patterns (to evoke positive feelings!) on an ethylene-vinyl acetate sole with a high elastic band. UIN Women's Blossom Painted Fashion Canvas Slip-On, $80 on Amazon
25. Customized School Teacher Canvas Shoes, $70 at Etsy
The Back to School Custom Teacher Shoes is the ideal combination of comfort and a charming, sweet print. With a handmade pattern featuring pink-hued glue, erasers, pencils, scissors, and paper clips, these fun kicks make the perfect back-to-school first-day pair. Customized School Teacher Canvas Shoes, $70 at Etsy
Next up, say 'thank you' to your kid's teacher with any of the 50 best teacher appreciation gifts.
