13 best men’s work shoes of 2021 – footwear news

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The shoes you wear to work are some of the most important clothes you will ever buy. This also applies to work of all types. People who stay up all day (restaurant workers, teachers, nurses) need the most comfortable shoes that continue to support them throughout the day. People who work in areas with heavy machinery or any other type of potential hazard need work boots with a steel toe cap and a solid grip, as well as supportive insoles. And people in office jobs, including those who work from home, also need shoes that give them just the right amount of support and protection.

What to look for in the best men’s work shoes

“Safety is your number one concern when choosing a shoe, and some jobs have certain requirements, such as a steel or non-slip toe cap,” says Jane Anderson, a North Carolina-based podiatrist.

These requirements are not a place to try to push the boundaries. “Having a good work shoe is probably something that can make or break if you have an injury,” she adds.

There are three main factors to consider when shopping for the best men’s work shoes: protection, support, and comfort. Think not only about how long you are standing, but also how you move, the type of surface you move on, and other variables that might occur in the environment around you. Are you rather still in front of a classroom, or do you move quickly around tables and chairs in a restaurant? Is the floor made of wood, linoleum or concrete and does it tend to get slippery? Will you be near loose nails and screws, or outdoors where the weather could also affect your shoe choice?

Aside from the job-specific elements to consider, Anderson has a few essential considerations for any type of shoe that is heavily used.

“One of the general principles about shoes – especially for something like a casual dress shoe – is that if they’re completely flat, thin, or flimsy, they’re not good for your feet,” says Dr. Anderson. “Plus, you want a shoe with a little arch support and that bends at the ball of the foot. But you shouldn’t be able to bend it in half. That’s because too much flexibility doesn’t mean. enough support.

Even if you work from home, Anderson says it’s best to keep your feet supported and protected in a pair of durable men’s house slippers or shoes instead of walking barefoot regularly.

“This year has been very interesting for the shoes and the feet,” she says. “With so many people working from home, you would think it would mean less problems. But because people are now much more barefoot, we are seeing a lot more complaints of plantar fasciitis and crushed and broken toes.

With the help of Dr. Anderson’s insight, we’ve rounded up the 12 best men’s work shoes for all kinds of work environments. Buy them in advance.

Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Boots

One of the worst things a men’s work shoe can do is crush your toes, Anderson says. It’s not only uncomfortable at the time, but it can lead to injury over time. Danner’s Bull Run Moccasin Boot has a roomy toe box, which is an absolute staple in shoes you wear for a long time. Your feet swell when you stand and move on them, and that little space will make all the difference.

Keen Utility Sparta Shoe

Keen Utility makes strong, no-frills footwear that is often approved in the workplace to meet certain safety requirements. The Keen Utility Sparta shoe, for example, is slip resistant and compression resistant against pressure and falling objects of all kinds, making it a good choice for working on messy floors. The toe features impact and compression protection to protect the feet from shards of glass or anything that might find its way onto the ground.

Wolverine Rev construction shoe

The Wolverine Rev Construction Construction Shoe doesn’t have the bulk of a boot but still has all the protection against tough work areas. They’re of course non-slip, but they’re also made with Wolverine’s signature DuraShocks Flex technology. This not only supports the insole, but also absorbs shock when standing and moving, putting less strain on your joints throughout the day.

Cat Footwear Invader Work Shoe

You practically can’t go wrong with any of Cat Footwear’s steel-toed work boots, including the Invader work shoe. The style’s rubber soles are non-slip, the steel toe protects your feet at all costs, oil and electrical hazard resistant makeup protects up to 600 volts from open circuits.

Carhartt Force Sports Boot

Carhartt was founded on workwear and offers some of the best safety and construction shoes for men. The Force athletic shoe is super durable and can withstand the intensity of standing all day. They’re made with a moisture-wicking material and a flexible sole, keeping your feet dry and supported for hours. They are super light, which is ideal for having to walk all day. Your feet will stay supported rather than feeling weighed down.

Nike Zoom Pegasus 37

If you can get away with wearing better performance sneakers to work, Anderson recommends it. They’re designed to absorb shock and keep your feet stable, and the Nike Zoom Pegasus is one of our favorite Nike sneakers for walking and other everyday activities. If you wear them every day, remember to replace them after about three or four months, Anderson says.

Vionic Baldwin lace-up trainers

Vionic shoes are designed for healthy feet, and these lace-up sneakers are a great option for those working in a casual work environment. Created in partnership with podiatrists, these styles provide underfoot support that stabilizes the foot in a neutral position. This design could help people who have a tendency to overpronate and have issues like heel and ankle pain or plantar fasciitis.

Blundstone BL990 Work Chelsea Boot

The fashion crowd recently embraced Blundstone’s shoes, emphasizing the brand’s emphasis on functionality and upping its cool factor. However, it is undeniable that at their core they make excellent safety shoes for men. The BL990 has an easy-to-wear Chelsea boot shape that is equipped with a steel toe cap, oil and acid resistant outsole and water resistant upper. In addition, these shoes have the seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Hoka One A Bondi 7

It is also important to pay attention to what is going on under your feet. “If you’re standing on concrete all day, for example, you’ll need more shock absorption,” says Anderson. She recommends the Hokas because of their deep sole and their ability to diffuse the impacts of hard surfaces. It is one of the best work shoes for standing all day.

New Balance 990v5

The New Balance styles are also ideal for those who work on their feet all day or seek maximum comfort on their runs between Zoom meetings. The brand’s 990v5 silhouette offers about as much comfort and support as a shoe could fit. Cushioning in the midsole and reinforced areas for additional traction extend the life of the shoe.

Cole Haan Grand Ambitiou Postman Oxford Leather

When it comes to dress shoes for the office, few rival Cole Haan’s options for comfort, support, and style. These are the kind of shoes that are good for every man to have in his wardrobe. If you don’t wear them to work, you’ll put them to good use for weddings and other posh occasions. They’re cushioned underfoot to soften your every step.

Dr. Martens Fellside Chelsea Work Boots

Dr. Martens is another brand that masters the art of functional, street-ready work boots. These Chelsea boots are a great investment for all types of work, especially if you are unsure of the type of environment you might find yourself in throughout the day. Complete with a sturdy steel toe cap, they are super protective. In addition, they are easy to assemble and remove.

Oofos Sport slide

If your workplace is at home, you may or may not wear shoes often. Although Anderson says it’s good to be barefoot every now and then, giving your feet a little support and protection is a good idea to prevent any kind of abuse during the day. She and her colleagues wear Oofos shoes in the office. “They’re really comfortable, which makes them perfect for walking around the house, especially if you have plantar fasciitis,” she says. “It’s kind of a reminder to put on a shoe for part of the day.”