Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by Boots Guru
It’s tough for custodians out there. I mean, there are many issues they have to deal with daily, such as…
- Standing on their feet and walking for the whole day (and night, if you do night shifts) without rests, which makes your feet swollen and painful
- The only shoes that are comfortable enough to deal with the pains of a custodian are not professional-looking at all!
- Custodians have to frequently deal with slippery surfaces that present a huge risk of falling and injury
Now, you’re pretty much right if you think it’s gonna be hard to find a pair of shoes that solve all these issues that custodians have on a daily basis.
The good news is that I already did all the research and testing to find the selection of the best shoes for custodians, which is depicted in this article.
List Of The Best Shoes for Custodians
After I doing the proper research and testing, this is the list of best shoes for custodians which solve most of the issues previously discussed:
- 1) New Balance MID626K2 Slip Resistant Lace-Up Shoes for Custodians
- 2) Skechers Cottonwood Elks Slip Resistant Shoes for Custodians
- 3) Keen Utility PTC Dress Oxford-M Industrial Shoes for Custodians
- 4) Timberland PRO Powertrain Sport Sd+ Industrial Shoes for Custodians
- 5) Skechers 76759 Soft Stride Galley Shoes for Custodians
1) New Balance Mid626K2 Slip Resistant Lace-Up Shoes For Custodians
Comfort & Convenience
Custodians spend most of their day on their feet, walking around on hard surfaces which puts lots of stress in their joints and feet.
The good thing is that these New Balance MID626K2 shoes came with compression molded midsoles that gave me the shock absorption I needed to walk on those hard surfaces without any longlasting pain.
Protection
Another huge issue for custodians is walking on slippery surfaces. If they don’t have the proper footwear, things could get ugly.
Luckily, these shoes came with non-marking slip and oil resistant outsoles which surpassed the highest quality standards set by me as they gave me enough traction to walk without fearing slipping and getting injured.
Durability
As to their durability, the shoes performed pretty well as they came manufactured with high-quality leather uppers which gave a jump in class and feel to the shoes.
Features and Specifications
- Compression Molded Midsole
- Leather Upper
- Non-Marking Outsole
- Oil-Resistant Outsole Properties Are Tested According To Astm D471-16A
- Slip Resistant Outsole Properties Are Tested According To Astm F2913-11 To Provide Superior Traction Under Various Surface Conditions
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 819 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.1 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.
2) Skechers Cottonwood Elks Slip Resistant Shoes For Custodians
Comfort & Convenience
Most of the custodians I know always complain about the same problems: swollen and aching feet, after being on their feet for long work shifts without rests.
The good news is that these Skechers Cottonwood Elks shoes came with shock-absorbing midsoles and memory foam insoles which gave me the cushioning enough to absorb the shock which walking on hard surfaces all day generates.
Additionally, the shoes came with lace-up front with metal eyelets and a padded collar and tongue, both in a roomy design which might be small details, but for me, they make a world of difference in terms of comfort and convenience.
Protection
Slipping when walking on slippery surfaces is a huge issue for custodians as these tend to be pretty common.
That’s why I loved these Skechers shoes as they came with slip and oil resistant outsoles which gave me the traction needed to walk on these surfaces with the confidence that any accidents would be avoided.
Durability
We all appreciate quality when we are spending more than 100 dollars on our next pair of shoes, right? (that’s my case at least).
This is why I loved these Skechers shoes for custodians as they came with smooth “Nappa” leather uppers, on top of the side and heel leather overlay details which gave these shoes not only a quality feel but really strong durability features.
Features and Specifications
- Skechers Slip Resistant Rubber Sole Is Oil Resistant
- Smooth Nappa Leather Upper With Lightly Polished Finish
- Lace-Up Front Dress Casual Comfort Slip Resistant Work Oxford Design
- Stitching Accents
- Rounded Plain Toe Front
- Side And Heel Leather Overlay Detail
- Embossed Side S Logo
- Lace-Up Front With Metal Eyelets
- Padded Collar And Tongue
- Soft Fabric Shoe Lining
- Relaxed Fit&Reg; Design For A Roomy Comfortable Fit
- Memory Foam Cushioned Removable Comfort Insole
- Shock Absorbing Midsole
- Slip Resistant Rubber High Traction Outsole
- 1 Inch Heel
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 924 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 4.2 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.
3) Keen Utility Ptc Dress Oxford-M Industrial Shoes For Custodians
Comfort & Convenience
Comfort is key for those custodians who spend most of their day standing or walking around on hard surfaces (which is the case for most of them, if not all).
This is why I loved these Keen Utility PTC Dress Oxford shoes as they came with compression-molded EVA midsole and memory foam footbeds which provided me that additional level of cushioning I needed to give my feet the rest they needed.
Moreover, the shoes had water-resistant leather which did not only mean that the shoes were durable, but also that they were really easy and convenient to clean, which is a problem less to think about.
Protection
In terms of protection, the shoes came with non-marking slip-resistant outsoles that surpass globally recognized standards as they give incredible traction when walking on slippery surfaces.
Durability
No one wants to see their hard-earned dollars being wasted on a pair of low-quality shoes, which is why I liked the fact that these shoes came with a water-resistant leather that not only was high quality but also was easy to clean.
Features and Specifications
- Shaft Measures Approximately Low-Top From Arch
- Meets Or Exceeds Astm (American Society For Testing And Materials) F1677-96 Mark Ii Non-Slip Testing Standards
- Compression Molded Eva Midsole
- Keen.Cush Pu And Memory Foam Footbed
- Non-Marking Oil And Slip Resistant Rubber Outsole.
- Water-Resistant Leather That’S Easy To Wipe Clean And Stain-Resistant
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 478 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 3.9 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.
4) Timberland Pro Powertrain Sport Sd+ Industrial Shoes For Custodians
Comfort & Convenience
The biggest issue for custodians is that they work on their feet all day, which puts tremendous pressure on their lower limbs, leading to all sorts of consequences.
This is why I loved these Timberland Powertrain shoes as they came with open-cell PU footbeds which cushioned my feet in every step to provide my feet the rest they needed after not sitting down for many hours.
Additionally, the shoes came with fiberglass shanks which helped in the overall support the shoes gave me.
Protection
No custodian wants to slip and get injured right?
Well, that’s why I liked how these Timberland shoes came with non-marking, abrasion, dual-density, oil, and slip-resistant outsoles which not only were comfortable but gave me the traction enough to walk on slippery surfaces without any mental stress or fear.
Durability
If you are worried about the durability qualities of your next pair of shoes (as all custodians are) then you should not be worried about these Timberland Powertrain shoes.
Why? Well, first because they were manufactured following the cement construction method which adds flexibility and many years of durability to the shoes.
Then, they also came with ripstop nylon uppers with toe and heel overlays which meant extra-protection for those areas of the shoes that have the most use!
Features and Specifications
- Premium Ripstop Nylon Uppers With Tpu (Thermo-Plastic Urethane) Toe And Heel Overlay
- Soft Toes
- Ghillie Lacing System
- Cement Construction For Flexibility And Reduced Break-In Time
- Mesh Lining With Antimicrobial Treatment For Odor Control And Comfortable Feet
- Single-Density Open-Cell Polyurethane Footbeds For Constant Static-Dissipative Performance
- Fiberglass Shank For Structural Support
- Anti-Fatigue Technology Is Built Into The Outsole
- Single-Density Open-Cell Polyurethane Footbeds Mold To Your Feet For A Custom Fit
- Non-Marking, Dual-Density Polyurethane Outsole Is Oil- And Abrasion-Resistant And Non-Marking, And Heat Resistant Up To 248 Degrees Fahrenheit
- Weight Of A Single Shoe (Size 9) Is .95 Pounds
- Imported
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 23 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. These reviews are positive overall.
5) Skechers 76759 Soft Stride Galley Shoes For Custodians
Comfort & Convenience
Comfort is very important for custodians, as they are used to being all day on their feet.
This is why I loved these Skechers shoes as they came with removable PU footbeds and phylon midsoles which gave me the shock absorption and cushioning I needed as a custodian to walk on hard surfaces for many hours without suffering any pains.
Moreover, the shoes came with breathable leather uppers which were not only durable (thanks to the high-quality leather) but were also great for improving my experience as they kept my feet fresh on hot and humid days.
Protection
In terms of protection, the shoes came with slip-resistant rubber outsoles which provided me the “sure-footed” traction (that’s how they promote it at least) I needed to stop worrying about slipping and injuring myself.
Moreover, they had great features such as composite toes and ripstop upper panels which made the shoes much more protective and durable.
Features and Specifications
- Mid-Top Sneaker-Inspired Work Shoe Featuring Composite Toe And Ripstop Upper Panels
- Tonal Logo Applique
- Slip-Resistant Outsole
- Breathable Leather Upper
- Lightweight Comfort Thanks To The Phylon Midsole For An Effortless Stride.
- Slip-Resistant Rubber Outsole Provides Sure-Footed (Astm F177-96 Standard) Traction
- Removable Polyurethane Insole Gives You Extra Comfort.
Customer Reviews and Scores
There are more than 1063 reviews in Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it a 3.9 out of 5 rating on average. These reviews are positive overall.
My Verdict: The Best Shoes For Custodians Are…
Skechers Cottonwood Elks Slip Resistant Shoes For Custodians
If you’d like to know why I chose these specific Skechers shoes as the best shoes for custodians, then you should click the button down below to read its review.
Quick Comparison Table
| Comfort | Protection | Durability | |
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1) New Balance MID626K2 Slip Resistant Lace-Up Shoes for Custodians |
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2) Skechers Cottonwood Elks Slip Resistant Shoes for Custodians |
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3) Keen Utility PTC Dress Oxford-M Industrial Shoes for Custodians |
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4) Timberland PRO Powertrain Sport Sd+ Industrial Shoes for Custodians |
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5) Skechers 76759 Soft Stride Galley Shoes for Custodians |
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How Did I Test The Best Shoes for Custodians
I know that people want to know exactly the processed followed to recommend boots.
This is why I decided to explain step by step the procedure I went through to recommend the best shoes for custodians:
1) Comfort Test
First I made sure to stand and walk around with each pair of work shoes on hard surfaces for long hours (8 to 10 hours) without rest.
Why? well, I thought that was the best way to recreate the conditions in which a custodian works.
2) Protection Test
Then, I made sure to test the traction their outsoles provided me by walking on slippery surfaces (which are a huge headache for custodians) as frequently as I could.
3) Durability Test
And finally, I made sure to beat each and every work shoe I got to test to make sure to recommend shoes that were going to last and not break down after a few months of heavy use.
Must-Have Features For The Best Shoes for Custodians
The following part is a list of attributes I think are a must in the best shoes for custodians:
1) Comfort Features
A) Cushioned Footbeds & Shock Absorbing Midsoles
To reduce foot pain and swelling from long hours on hard surfaces, choose work shoes with cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles, which help lessen impact and provide much-needed rest.
B) Perfect Balance
Looking sharp and professional is a must for most custodians out there. You can’t wear pink Nike running shoes without getting bad looks. Custodians should seek work shoes that balance comfort and professionalism to look good and stay comfortable.
C) Laser-Focus Features For Walking
Running shoes aren’t ideal for custodians’ long hours of standing or walking. Walking shoes, designed for these activities, offer the best support and comfort.
2) Protective Features
A) Slip & Oil Resistant Outsoles
The very first security issue custodians face with their work shoes is how the shoes help them walk on slippery floors, as they are quite used to this.
This is why I recommend getting work shoes with slip and oil resistant outsoles as it’s the most obvious way to provide reliable traction when walking on slippery floors.
3) Durability Features
A) Good Quality Materials & Great Construction Methods
Many work shoes are made in countries with lower quality standards. That’s why I advise custodians to choose shoes built with high-quality materials and construction methods for long-lasting durability.
Pro Tips For Custodians
The following is a list of a few pro tips based on my own experience that I’m sure will make the lives of the custodians reading this article much easier.
Compression Socks Are A Game Changer
When custodians spend 10 to 12 hours on their feet on hard surfaces, blood gets stuck in their legs and feet, provoking swelling and pain.
The best way to solve this issue is to get compression socks, as they allow blood to flow freely through your limbs, thus avoiding swelling and pain.
Gel Inserts Can Solve All Your Troubles
Another great way of solving painful and swollen feet is getting gel inserts. They are cheap and provide the shock absorption custodians need when walking on hard surfaces.
Benefits Of The Best Shoes for Custodians
Here are a few benefits you will instantly experience after getting any of the best shoes for custodians listed in this article:
Avoid Swollen Feet
Custodians suffer from foot pain due to long hours on hard surfaces, but the shoes in this article provide ergonomic, shock-absorbing comfort for relief.
Look More Professional
The recommended work shoes align with a custodian’s duties, ensuring a professional image, which is essential for their role.
Avoid Injuries
Custodians face the risk of injury on slippery surfaces, but the best shoes reviewed here provide traction for safety.
Be Happy With Your Investment
I’m pretty confident with the list of work shoes for custodians I shared with you.
Why? Well, for the simple fact that all of them have great durability features that will guarantee you years of durability, instead of months.
F.A.Q
Throughout my life, I found that most people, including custodians, have a list of questions to ask before deciding to invest in new shoes.
This is my trial to answer most of those questions so you don’t have to google around wasting hours of your life.
What Lacing System Should A Custodian Choose For Their Next Pair Of Work Shoes?
The answer to this question will highly lie on preference.
Standard lacing provides equal pressure distribution, while speed lacing offers the same benefit with faster lacing and no friction. However, you will have to pay a higher price for it.
How Does A Custodian Take Care Of Their Boots?
The key to any custodian to take care of their new shoes is following this process:
When you see that your shoes are dirty, take a damp cloth, and clean slowly and patiently.
After cleaning, let the shoes dry in a warm, dry place. Occasionally apply leather conditioner to leather shoes.
What Type Of Insulation Is Best For The Best Shoes For Custodians?
Getting insulated shoes should not be necessary for custodians, as they mostly work indoors.
For insulated shoes, I recommend Thinsulate based on my experience with it.
Now, as to what level of insulation to get, that’s a whole other ball game. But, I always follow these few rules:
If you’re exposed to temperatures between 30°F and 50°F and you move a lot (generating body heat), going for 200gr of insulation is your best bet.
If you’re exposed to these temperatures but you are sedentary (not the case of a custodian), going for 400gr to 600gr of insulation is a good decision.
And finally, if you’re exposed to extreme cases of cold, going for 800gr to 1000gr of insulation might be a good idea.
