If you come home from work with a sore back or stiff neck, headaches and digestive issues, or just disproportionately tired, the culprit could well be your feet. Specifically, what you wear on it. Ill-fitting shoes cause more than blisters. They lead to overpronation, a problem that leads to a host of common conditions, such as heel pain (plantar fasciitis), knee pain, and lower back pain. They affect the way your body moves and stands, putting excessive pressure on your back, hips, ankles and knees.
Let’s face it, you’re too young to complain about your pain and too ambitious to spend your work day dreaming about your La-Z-Boy. Our list of the most comfortable men’s work shoes will keep you looking sharp and stylish no matter where or how you make a living.
formal office
Vionic’s Bruno Oxford
The upper strata of society have long been accustomed to dressing as if they had never done a day’s work in their lives and never will. But if you work as a white collar worker, you know that facade is far from true. For the past 50 years or so, the wingtip oxford has been the equivalent of ancient China’s extra-long nails or the starched collar of the early 19th century, as uncomfortable as it is iconic. Fortunately, Vionic has come to the rescue with a sophisticated oxford that won’t outrage your podiatrist. A supportive footbed and durable rubber sole keep your feet well cushioned, while contrast stitching and optional contrast laces give the undeniably sultry silhouette a much-needed facelift.
Occasional office
Allbirds Wool Treadmill
There are a lot of problems in startup culture, but one thing that’s really good is its shoes. Do like the bigwigs of the new economy and make yourself comfortable in Allbirds. These trainers and slides are not only comfortable, minimalist and durable, they are also incredibly comfortable, with uppers and cushioned insoles made from the same super fine merino used for Armani suits, and a low density outsole with a unique S-shaped tread. designed to mimic the anatomical flexibility of your feet and provide natural weight distribution. The reviews you’ve read online may seem hyperbolic (eg, “they’re like slippers made of clouds”), but we swear the hype is true. Just ask the army of Allbirds fans, which includes a slew of Silicon Valley titans, Hollywood icons such as Woody Harrelson and Leonardo DiCaprio, and even former (sniff!) President Barack Obama.
Mail/Active/Assistant
Nike Roshe One
When your job requires you to run, whether it’s all over town or the entire gym, you need a shoe that performs like a sports star. At the same time, you don’t want to be the guy with big cross-trainers, especially among a lot of well-heeled guys who depend on your services – that’s no way to get your big break. The streetwear style of the Nike Roshe One gives you a look worthy of anyone you train/deliver/get coffee for, while the soft, lightweight sole, cushioned collar and high-traction waffle outsole make it easy to handle. lend themselves to heavy lifting and quick maneuvering. These are the perfect shoes to climb the ladder.
Retail/fashion industry
Saucony Jazz Low Pro
With apologies to Derek Zoolander, simplicity is the essence of looking cool. But if you’ve ever worked in retail, you know that means long hours on your feet, not to mention lots of jumping, reaching, and squatting. Other careers in the fashion industry are just as sporty. A pair of Saucony Jazz Low Pro sneakers is the key to keeping it together. Their slim fit, plush suede exterior, and throwback styling in a plethora of colorways keep your look fresh and soaring; nobody should know that the cushioning insole, shock absorbing midsole and rubber outsole save your life.
Food and beverage industry
Scarpa Mojito
Like the other models in the Scarpa catalog, the best-selling Mojito was designed as a climbing shoe. But its soft Euro profile and delightfully comfortable construction have made it a streetwear staple. We think this combo makes it the perfect choice for bartenders, servers, and F&B workers at all levels. Vibram soles are slip-resistant, a reinforced arch provides comfort and support, and Italian leather uppers keep the look sleek. Plus, the Scarpa Mojito comes in every color and shade you can imagine, meaning you’re sure to find a perfect match with your work uniform.
Construction/Work
Red Wing Style No. 8111 Iron Ranger Boots
Crafted from Red Wing’s signature oil-tanned leather, the Iron Ranger boots not only resist water, stains and sweat, but they look great too. With a steel shank, double-layered toe, Vibram 430 Mini-lug outsole and Goodyear welt construction, these 6-inch boots are tough on the outside, but soft on the inside, thanks to a midsole cushioned cork and a bumpy toe for more room in the front. No wonder the #8111 style has been the hard worker’s choice since Minnesota’s mining boom days.
Outdoor industries
Keen Austin Casual Boot
Keen’s legendary Austin boot is a little classy, while maintaining the shoe’s renowned outdoor performance. The carbon rubber sole, metatomic footbed and Cleansport NXT odor control technology give you all the rugged support of a trail boot, while the full-grain nubuck leather upper says “I’m at work.” Wearing the Keen Austin boot means you can go from taking tours of a national park to giving a keynote speech to major donors to meeting a cute tourist without changing your shoes. Don’t connect to it.
For those of you who only work outdoors and with your hands, you’ll need a heavy boot for that. Why not try one of our top picks for the best work boots and experience the comfort of elevated work boots for yourself.
Editor’s recommendations