Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Boots Guru
Teachers are known for having to deal with severe issues daily in respect to their feet, such as:
- Finding work shoes that are both comfortable and look professional
- Working a the better part of their workdays on their feet on hard surfaces
- Most work shoes recommended for teachers are made without taking into consideration the physical differences men and women have in terms of their feet
- Falling when walking on slippery surfaces
Due to this, I spent weeks testing many work shoes to arrive at the list of the best shoes for teachers. I hope it helps.
The Best Work Shoes For Teachers
This is the list of the best work shoes for teachers I arrived at after extensive research:
- Clarks Men’s Escalade Step Shoes for Teachers
- Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Women’s Madison Fashion Shoes for Teachers
- Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoes for Teachers
- Clarks Women’s CloudSteppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafer Shoes for Teachers
- Skechers Men’s Glides Calculous Slip-On Loafer Shoes for Teachers
- Dansko Women’s LT Pro Clogs for Teachers
- Skechers Women’s Lasso-Petrol-Western Influenced Ankle Boots for Teachers
- Merrell Women’s Jungle Moc Waterproof Slip-On Shoes for Teachers
- KEEN Women’s Sienna MJ Canvas Work Shoes for Teachers
- Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoes for Teachers
1. Clarks Escalade Step Shoes For Teachers
Features
- Material: breathable 100% leather
- Outsoles: Non-Marking outsoles
- Footbeds: Comfort footbeds
The experience with these Clarks work shoes starts with their comfort footbeds that efficiently cushion the feet in every step. This makes a big difference for teachers used to dealing with long work shifts standing on their feet.
Teachers are sometimes exposed to hot environments, which is why I like their breathable 100% leather which keeps the feet dry and smelling fresh at all times.
Also, their flexible, non-marking outsoles provide the traction necessary to walk on any surface at school without the worry of slipping and getting injured.
Last but not least, the shoes have an easy-care leather that is not only easy to maintain but is also very professional-looking which teachers appreciate.
Pros
- 100% breathable leather maintains the feet dry and free of odors
- Flexible & non-marking outsoles
- Leather is very easy to clean
- Comfort footbeds
Cons
- Grip is a little slippery
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 2143 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average.
2. Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Women’s Madison Fashion Shoes For Teachers
Features
- Material: Breathable leather
- Outsoles: Grippy rubber outsoles
- Footbeds: Memory foam footbeds
These Dr. School Madison work shoes have memory foam footbeds with extra cushioning in key zones of the feet which makes them particularly good for teachers as they spend most of their workdays on their feet.
There’s nothing worse than slipping and falling on hard surfaces which is why I love how the guys at Dr. School come with rubber outsoles with slip-resistant capabilities which provide perfect traction on all surfaces without adding too much bulk.
Finally, the shoes have rubber sidewalls and rubber soles that, in combination, create a rugged but flexible structure that makes the shoes very durable and comfortable.
Pros
- Slip-resistant outsoles
- Memory Foam footbeds cushion the feet
- Super soft breathable linings
- Rubber sidewalls and outsoles
Cons
- They aren’t the most breathable
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 3,148 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average.
3. Merrell Encore Gust Slip-On Work Shoes For Teachers
Features
- Material: Full-grain leather
- Outsoles: M-Select GRIP rubber outsoles
- Footbeds: Ortholite footbeds
These work shoes come with compression-molded EVA midsoles and ortholite footbeds with air cushioning in the heel which makes the user experience as they provide superior comfort.
Moreover, their breathable mesh linings are essential in letting air flow, keeping the feet cool, dry, and free of odors.
Slipping and falling on hard floors is a huge risk that teachers must deal with on a daily basis. This is why I love how these shoes come with M-select Grip outsoles that deliver extreme traction on slippery surfaces.
Durability is what all teachers look for in their next pair of shoes as they don’t want to see their hard-earned money wasted in shoes that don’t last them more than a few months.
Luckily, these Merrell shoes come with a 100% full-grain leather which is a great indicator for durability.
Pros
- 100% full-grain leather guarantees durability and good looks
- Molded nylon arch shanks make the structure be both solid and flexible
- M-Select GRIP outsoles provide slip-resistant capabilities on slippery surfaces to avoid nasty injuries
- Breathable mesh linings keep the feet dry and free of smells
- “COMFORTBASE ACTIVE” contoured insoles deliver excellent cushioning in key areas of the foot
- Air cushioning in the heels provide better comfort and shock absorption
Cons
- No cons over here
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 2,468 reviews on Amazon.com about these shoes at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of shoes are positive overall.
4. Clarks Women’s Cloudsteppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafer Shoes For Teachers
Features
- Material: Leather & soft fabric
- Outsoles: Ortholite footbeds
- Footbeds: Shock-Absorbing EVA outsoles
In terms of comfort, they have ortholite footbeds which make the experience of wearing the shoes while standing all day long much better.
On top of that, these shoes come manufactured with soft fabric linings that maximize airflow and maintain the feet dry at all times.
Additionally, the shoes have midsoles that provide great shock absorption which is key for teachers who spend more than 10 hours on their feet.
I can’t think of a worse sensation than watching your 100+ dollars pair of shoes breaking apart after only a few months of light use.
In that context, features such as these Clarks’s shoes great quality soft fabric linings provide that level of quality that gives the guarantee the shoes are going to last AT LEAST a few years.
Pros
- Synthetic Sole
- Heel Measures Approximately 1.5″
- Cushion Soft
- Ortholite Foot Bed
- Soft Fabric Lining
- Removable Cushion Soft With Ortholite Footbed
- Lightweight, Shock-Absorbing Eva Outsole
Cons
- Can be a bit tight on top
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 2432 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average.
5. Skechers Men’s Glides Calculous Slip-On Loafer Shoes For Teachers
Features
- Material: Smooth oiled leather
- Outsoles: Flexible traction outsoles
- Footbeds: Gel-infused memory foam footbeds
The shoes come with gel-infused memory foam footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles that allow teachers to deal much better with the task of walking or standing all day on hard surfaces.
To improve even more on comfort, they have a relaxed fit design, padded collars, and dual side elastic fabric panels that make the experience of using these shoes much more enjoyable.
To maintain teachers safe from injuries, features like flexible traction outsoles were added to deliver perfect traction on all surfaces commonly found at schools and universities.
Durability is essential for teachers as they are more than used to see their expensive shoes frustratingly break apart after a short period of time.
This is why I’m always happy to see when features like smooth oiled leather uppers and stitching accents as they not only give the shoes an impressive look but also make them rugged and durable.
Pros
- Smooth oiled leather uppers and stitched seams make the boot rugged and good looking
- Fabric collar panels are flexible and very soft
- Dual side elastic fabric panels fit very nice on the feet
- Gel-infused memory foam footbeds successfully cushion the feet
- Shock absorbing midsoles
- Slip-resistant outsoles maximize traction to avoid injuries on slippery surfaces
Cons
- They stretch easily
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 1345 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average.
6. Dansko Women’s LT Pro Clogs for Teachers
Features
- Material: Full-grain leather
- Outsoles: Slip-resistant outsoles
- Footbeds: Dual-Density PU footbeds
Teachers are used to spending 8 to 10 hours standing on hard floors which puts tremendous stress on their joints.
In that context, these Dansko work shoes come with EVA midsoles and dual-density PU footbeds that provide excellent shock absorption and cushioning to reduce the chances of dealing with severe foot pain at the end of the day.
Additionally, they come with rocker bottoms which are essential for improving on stability and ergonomics.
Regarding protection, they have slip-resistant outsoles which substantially reduce the probability of teachers slipping and falling when walking on slippery surfaces at their workplaces.
Pros
- Leather uppers protect the feet from exterior liquids
- Padded collars & roomy toe box maximize comfort
- EVA midsoles allow for perfect shock absorption on hard surfaces
- Dual-density PU footbeds provide excellent cushioning
- Slip-resistant outsoles deliver excellent traction on slippery surfaces
- Rocker bottom improves on comfort and stability
Cons
- They might run a bit wide
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are a bit more than 3,484 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.5 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.
7. Skechers Women’s Lasso-Petrol-Western Influenced Ankle Boots for Teachers
Features
- Material: Fabric
- Outsoles: Slip-resistant outsoles
- Footbeds: Air-Cooled memory foam footbeds
No teacher wants to spend their workday dealing with unbearable foot pain, right?
Well, this is why these Skechers ankle boots come with air-cooled footbeds which provide awesome cushioning thanks to their memory foam element.
Also, they’re manufactured with a breathable fabric that maintains the feet cool and free of odor build-up.
Their rubber outsoles are flexible and grippy enough to guarantee teachers they’ll enjoy comfortable and safe work shoes.
Pros
- air-cooled memory foam footbeds for sustained comfort
- Breathable fabric
- Flexible rubber outsoles which are naturally slip-resistant
- 3M scotch Gard treated uppers for maximum durability
Cons
- They run a bit too small
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 297 reviews on Amazon.com about these shoes at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of shoes are positive overall.
8. Merrell Women’s Jungle Moc Waterproof Work Shoes for Teachers
Working all day on hard floors is something all teachers must deal with from time to time.
This is why I like how these Merrel work shoes come with really great comfort features such as their:
- Compression-molded EVA footbeds that cushion the feet to reduce the likeliness of dealing with foot pain
- Merrel Air cushioning in the heel area improves the experience of wearing the shoes
- Breathable mesh linings that wick moisture away when exposed to hot and humid temperatures
Even though teaching is not a high-risk job, teachers must be protected too. At least that’s what I think.
This is why these shoes come with slip-resistant outsoles with deep 3mm lugs that grip the surfaces to provide maximum traction and avoid nasty slips and injuries.
Pros
- Waterproof pigskin is both durable and key for keeping the feet dry when exposed to exterior liquids
- Breathable mesh lining wicks moisture away
- Merrel Air cushioning in the heel provides shock absorption in key parts of the foot
- Compression-molded EVA footbeds
- Molded nylon arch shanks improve on stability
- Slip-resistant outsoles with 3mm lug depth
Cons
- They are narrow (you might wanna get a bigger size)
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 677 reviews on Amazon.com about these work shoes at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work shoes are positive overall.
9. KEEN Women’s Sienna MJ Canvas Work Shoes for Teachers
With long work shifts standing on their feet, teachers need the best out of their work shoes.
This is why I love how these Keen Sienna shoes come with excellent comfort features that aid teachers in dealing with these issues.
I mean, they’ve got:
- Elastic gore instep straps that maximize fit and comfort
- Breathable and flexible canvas as the shoes’ main material
- Variegated synthetic uppers
Last but not least, the shoes have natural latex and cork footbeds that cushion the feet to avoid dealing with severe foot pain at the end of the workday.
Pros
- Made of breathable and flexible canvas
- Variegated synthetic uppers provide an excellent fit
- Elastic gore instep straps
- Natural latex and cork footbed cushion the feet during the workday
Cons
- They’re sized small
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 893 reviews on Amazon.com about these shoes at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.3 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work shoes are positive overall.
10. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Work Shoes for Teachers
Features
- Material: Breathable fabric & leather
- Outsoles: PU outsoles w/ shock absorbing rocker bottoms
- Footbeds: Cushioned footbeds
The unbearable foot pain teachers must deal with after spending 8 to 10 hours on their feet on hard floors is something that can easily be solved with the right work shoe.
Luckily, these Skechers Walk Joy work shoes stand as the perfect solution as they come with excellent comfort features such as their padded top collars and breathable leather sock linings. These two features work together to maintain the feet dry and cushion them in key areas.
Moreover, they’ve got PU outsoles with rocker bottoms which aren’t only great for stability but are also very flexible.
Lastly, their TPU heel counters deliver added protection in the heel area and awesome lateral stability to prevent nasty injuries from happening.
Pros
- Roomy, reinforced toe box
- Padded collars maximize comfort when walking
- Wide heel strike improves on stability
- Breathable leather sock lining
- PU outsoles with rocker bottom provide excellent traction and comfort
- TPU heel counter delivers protection and extra lateral stability
Cons
- Stain easily (which is not a big issue for teachers)
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 34,644 reviews on Amazon.com about these work shoes at the time of writing and they have given them a 4.5 out of 5 rating on average. The reviews of this pair of work shoes are positive overall.
What Are The Best Work Shoes for Teachers?
Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Women’s Madison Fashion Shoes For Teachers
I selected these Dr. Scholl’s Madison work shoes as the best shoes for teachers overall mainly because of the following features:
- Breathable leather that maintains the feet fresh when exposed to humid and hot exterior conditions
- Grippy outsoles that help in avoiding nasty injuries
- Memory foam footbeds that cushion the feet when standing on hard surfaces
If you’d like to read the full review, you can click the button down below.
What Are The Most Comfortable Work Shoes for Teachers?
Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Work Shoes for Teachers
I chose these Skechers Go Walk work shoes as the most comfortable shoes for teachers as they have attributes such as their:
- Breathable fabric and leather that keeps the feet fresh at all times
- Cushioned footbeds
- Padded instep collars for maximum comfort when walking
- PU outsoles aren’t only grippy but also very flexible
If you’d like, by clicking the button down below you’ll be able to read the full review.
Quick Comparison Table
Must-Have Features of The Best Work Shoes For Teachers
There is a certain combination of features teachers should look for in their next pair of shoes.
This is my attempt to let you know what those features are so you can save a lot of time and money in the process.
Shock Absorbing Footbeds & Cushioned Midsoles
I bet if someone told a teacher they could avoid the foot pains they get after spending 8 to 10 hours standing on their feet, they’d do it in an instant.
The good news is that if teachers get work shoes with shock-absorbing midsoles and cushioned footbeds most of the stress generated by standing on their feet will be absorbed and their feet will be able to rest and recover.
Professional-looking Design
Teachers need shoes that not only are comfortable but that also look professional. Otherwise, they might not be well-looked-at by their colleagues.
So, my advice is for teachers to take their time and find the right pair of shoes that actually look good and feel good too.
Slip Resistant Outsoles
Have you ever slipped and felt at school? Well, I have, and let me tell you it’s not funny at all!
This is why I recommend teachers to get shoes with slip-resistant outsoles as these will provide the mental calmness that, no matter what, they’ll have the best traction possible on all surfaces to avoid slips and falls on hard surfaces.
Good Quality Material & Solid Construction
Knowing that you spent your money correctly is an assurance most teachers look for when they’re about to drop 100+ dollars on a pair of shoes.
This is why I’d say going for work shoes with good quality materials and reliable construction methods is the best way to get the guarantee that their hard-earned money is destined into shoes that are actually going to last for years instead of a few months.
How Did I Test The Best Shoes For Teachers
For those who are curious, these are the test I performed to find the best shoes for teachers.
Comfort Test
During the comfort test, I made sure to carry a notepad all day at the school and write down exactly how comfortable the shoes being tested felt every hour.
Protective Test
In the protection test, I threw some liquids on different floors and tested how well their traction was by walking on them.
If they didn’t give me any sense of security, that specific pair of shoes was written off of the list.
Durability Test
Finally, to test each shoes’ durability features, I made sure to beat each pair as hard as I could during my daily routine.
If the shoes ‘survived’ to this test with flying colors, then I took that pair of shoes and proudly added it to the list of the best shoes for teachers.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most frequent questions teachers ask about their next work shoes and my respective attempt to answer most of them.
Should work shoes for teachers have safety toe caps?
I don’t think so.
I mean, safety toe caps are destined for workers that work next to heavy tools and machinery that could fall at any moment and injure their toes. That’s not what most teachers are exposed to, so I’d say no, the best work shoes for teachers shouldn’t have safety toe caps.
How do you maintain work shoes for teachers?
Well, If your work shoes are made of leather I’d say following the next guide is going to be very helpful in maintaining your shoes in a pretty nice state:
- Brush off dust with a soft brush
- Clean the shoes with saddle soap and rinse them
- Let them dry for about an hour
- Apply a light layer of leather conditioner and let it nourish the leather
- Remove excess leather conditioner with a clean cloth
- Buff the leather work shoes with a brush
- Done!
If your work shoes are mainly made of fabric or a similar material, I’d say you should follow the next video of this nice man to make sure you take care of your shoes:
What Are The Recommended Heights For The Best Shoes For Teachers?
In terms of height, I think your shoes should not be too tall at all as you want to maximize their comfort features, and if the shoe is too tall then your ankles will feel trapped and your experience using the shoes will substantially decrease.
If you want to avoid the anxiety that comes with working next to really heavy objects that, if they were to fall, could seriously injure your toes, you have to get work shoes with safety toes. This is why I liked these
How Do I Take Care Of The shoes?
Shoes are pretty difficult to take care which is why I made the following guide to make it easy for you to follow and maintain your shoes:
First, clean your shoes with a damp cloth. Make sure the shoes are clean as much as possible as it is essential for the following step. If you have to repeat the process many times, then do it.
Then, let the shoes dry in a hot and dry environment.
After that, if the shoes are made of leather, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner and massage the shoes with a dry and clean cloth.
After the massage is done and the conditioner is mostly gone, let the shoes dry for 2 to 5 hours, and voila! they are done.
Benefits of The Best Shoes For Teachers
There are considerable benefits that come with selecting any of the shoes listed in this article. The following list speaks about the most important ones:
Be Professional And Comfortable At The Same Time!
The best pair of shoes for teachers should not only be comfortable but also have proper looks for a school or university, right?
The good news is that if you pick any shoe out of this article, you’ll find footwear that won’t only be comfortable but will also look very professional for a teacher.
No More Pain
The long hours that teachers spend standing on their feet have a very negative impact on their bodies which ultimately brings up all sorts of consequences (i.e. bad knees or plantar fasciitis).
Luckily, the best shoes for teachers have the right features that provide enough shock absorption to let the feet and joints rest, thus, avoiding those consequences.
Prevent Injuries
Finally, teachers constantly face the risk of slipping and getting injured pretty often.
Luckily, any of the work shoes reviewed in this article have features aimed at guaranteeing the best traction possible on any surface which is key in clearing the teacher’s mind of any fears related to getting injured!
Pro Tips For Teachers
If you want to make your life much better in regards to your feet issues, then I think you should follow at least three of the following five tips.
Use Comfy Footwear (Duh!)
There’s nothing more efficient at making your feet happy than using comfortable and ergonomic work shoes.
Your mind will never be clear to do your job right if you’re not comfortable, which is why I put so much effort into researching and writing this article.
Take Seating Breaks
Taking rests is as essential as using comfortable footwear as it’s the only way to make sure that your muscles and joints will get the rest they need after teaching all day on your feet.
So, make sure to sit down at least 15 minutes for every hour you stay on your feet.
Stretching
The sole activity of stretching might also be a life savior in terms of preventing teachers from dealing with severe knee and foot pains as it allows for a better blood flow through the muscles letting them recover at a much faster pace.