How to choose the perfect work shoes
Need to find new shoes for work? Want a pair that look good but also feel comfortable when wearing all day? Read on for tips on how to choose them.
When you’re choosing office footwear, it’s important to consider both practicality and fashion together so that you find a balance, as you’ll want to look great in your meetings while being able to stay on your feet all day without any issues.
To help you pick the right pair of shoes, Rachel Clinkard, the e-Commerce Director of shoe retailer Charles Clinkard shares her tips.
Choose a work-appropriate shoe style
The wide variety of styles that can be great for the office means that you should never be without an option, and you might even want to invest in a couple of different styles to ensure that you’ve got every occasion covered, from smart casual office days to more formal events or meetings.
Work shoe styles for men
Styles that work well for men include brogues, loafers, derby shoes, Oxford shoes and Chelsea boots. These can all work for lots of occasions, but during the colder weather boots can be a fantastic option to ensure that your feet are protected from the weather.
When it comes to boots, finding the best men’s boots is essential for both style and functionality. From rugged and durable work boots to sleek and polished dress boots, there are various options to suit your personal style and the demands of the weather.
Work shoe styles for women
One of the factors that is changeable for women’s shoes is the height of the heel, and it can be helpful to have a few pairs of workwear shoes with different heel heights for various occasions.
Try Oxford shoes, Chelsea boots, and loafers for flat options, and add a higher heel onto the boots for more formal winter outfits. Or, you can complete your wardrobe with a pair of elegant court shoes with a small heel.
Three tips to help you choose the perfect work shoes
Shopping for new work shoes? Here are three tips to help you choose the perfect pair.
1) Choose supportive shoes
While it’s great to have workwear shoes that look good, it’s important to remember that you’ll be spending a lot of time walking around in these shoes too. So, choose pairs that offer adequate support, especially if you are choosing a pair of high heels.
When you’re buying workwear shoes that you plan to spend a lot of time wearing, it’s also a good idea to invest in good quality shoes from a qualified shoe maker rather than simply picking up some shoes from a fashion store.
To be sure you’re getting supportive footwear, look for shoes that:
- Have a bit of torque: Pick the shoe up and twist it slightly. You should be able to bend the shoe a bit, and this shows that it has some flexibility that will make it more comfortable.
- Have a stiff back: Look for footwear with supportive heels, as this makes such a difference in both comfort and how long your shoes last.
- Offer arch support: Arch support will help keep your foot in the right position throughout the day; extra arch support can be inserted into shoes that don’t have enough by adding insoles.
- Don’t pinch your toes: Shoes should bend where your toes need to move, and the shoes should be long and wide enough at the toes to give them enough room.
2) Get your shoes fitted properly
As well as choosing supportive shoe models, it makes such a difference whether your shoes fit properly or not. If you can, try shoes on in a shop rather than ordering online, and get them fitted by staff who are properly trained and able to check whether they fit you properly.
Another benefit of getting your shoes professionally fitted is that they can make adjustments if you need them. This might involve adding inserts or heel grips to make the shoes fit just right and help them support your feet adequately, and these small tweaks can make a big difference.
3) Don’t forget your personal style
When you’re looking for your next pair of workwear shoes, don’t forget to add in some of your own personal style.
Workwear doesn’t have to mean that you don’t have fun with clothes, and shoes are no different. So, try on shoes with clothes you enjoy wearing to work to see if they go together, and you might take time to look through the coming fashion trends of 2023 to see what stands out to you.
Enjoy putting together your outfits, and don’t be afraid to include some fun colours and textures. Brightly coloured shoes can add a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral ensemble, while combinations of different textures can add a luxurious feel to any outfit.
Use these tips to choose your next pair of work shoes as you return to the office after the holidays, and you’ll enjoy bringing out your personal style even in your workwear. Find comfortable, stylish office shoes to go with your favourite workwear pieces, and make sure they fit correctly to ensure they last for years to come.
