Comfortable women's work shoes: six styles for all-day wear

A working day can mean eight to ten hours of standing, walking and dashing between meetings. Your shoes need to look professional and feel comfortable. This article suggests comfortable women's work shoes in six easy-to-find, easy-to-style types, with the details to check so your feet do not ache by the evening.

What makes a work shoe comfortable

• A sole about 1–2cm thick with a cushioned insole, not paper-thin.
• A toe box wide enough that your toes are not squeezed.
• A low or moderate heel, up to about 5–6cm if you walk a lot.
• Soft, breathable materials, with a heel counter that does not dig in.
• Neutral colours such as black, nude, cream or brown that go with most outfits.

1. Cushioned ballet flats

Ballet flats are the most popular work shoe: light and easy with skirts and tailored trousers. Choose a pair with a moderately thick rubber sole, padding and a round or soft pointed toe. Pointed toes make legs look longer, but avoid very narrow lasts. Browse ballet flats and loafers.

2. Loafers and slip-ons

Loafers look polished, suit more formal offices and pair well with straight-leg trousers. Soft leather or suede rubs less, and a grooved sole keeps you steady on slippery floors. They are also easy to slip on and off under the desk.

3. Low wedges, 3–5cm

If you want a little height and still need to walk a lot, wedges make sense because your weight is spread across the whole foot. Choose light soles with non-slip grooves. Browse wedges, platforms and clogs.

4. A 5cm block heel

On days with an important meeting, a 5cm block heel gives you a smart posture while staying stable enough to walk in. Go for an ankle strap or a Mary Jane style if your foot tends to slide. More in how to choose comfortable heels.

5. Elegant back-strap sandals

If your office allows open toes, soft leather back-strap sandals with a flat or low heel are cool in summer and secure on a scooter. Pick slim straps in neutral colours for a tidy look.

6. Minimal sneakers

In relaxed workplaces, clean white or beige sneakers go well with trousers and midi skirts. They are the most comfortable choice for days with lots of walking. Browse women's sneakers.

Pairing work shoes with outfits

Matching your shoes to your belt or bag keeps the whole look neat and professional. Nude shoes lengthen the leg and work especially well with short skirts and cropped trousers.

Caring for work shoes so they last

Wipe off dust at the end of each day, stuff wet shoes with newspaper to absorb moisture and hold their shape, and avoid drying them in strong sun, which cracks leather and loosens glue. For leather pairs, a little cream polish in a matching colour now and then keeps them supple. Rotating pairs also gives each one time to dry out completely between wears, which keeps linings fresh.

Tips for comfortable feet all day

• Keep a comfortable spare pair at work to change into when you need to.
• Rotate two or three pairs through the week so they dry out and last longer.
• Buy shoes in the afternoon, when your feet have swollen, to avoid tightness at the end of the day.
• Use insoles with arch support if the soles of your feet often feel tired.

Not sure which style to choose? Try the shoe finder and pick "Work or school". To be sure of your size before ordering, read finding your women's shoe size. A comfortable pair is an investment you feel every single working day.