The Best Shoes for Custodians [Updated Guide + 5 Reviews]

Last Updated on February 15, 2020 by Jack Sanders

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.

Enjoy…

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

1) Comfort & Convenience Features

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.

2) Protection Features

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.

3) Durability Features

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.

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, stating things like “Very comfortable“, “Well made.” and “Great comfortable shoes!“

2) Skechers Cottonwood Elks Slip Resistant Shoes For Custodians

1) Comfort & Convenience Features

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.

2) Protection Features

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.

3) Durability Features

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.

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, stating things like “Great work shoe“, “Comfort & apparently durable.” and “Great shoes for the price“

3) Keen Utility Ptc Dress Oxford-M Industrial Shoes For Custodians

1) Comfort & Convenience Features

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.

2) Protection Features

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.

3) Durability Features

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.

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, stating things like “good value for price“, “Absolutely brilliant” and “Super comfortable and super-durable“

4) Timberland Pro Powertrain Sport Sd+ Industrial Shoes For Custodians

1) Comfort & Convenience Features

The biggest issue for custodians is that they are used to working on their feet all-day, which puts tremendous amounts of pressure on their lower limbs, bringing 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.

2) Protection Features

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.

3) Durability Features

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!

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, stating things like “Costly but worth the money“, “Comfortable” and “Great boot“

5) Skechers 76759 Soft Stride Galley Shoes For Custodians

1) Comfort & Convenience Features

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.

2) Protection Features

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.

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, stating things like “Perfect for support and comfort.“, “best shoes I ever had” and “This shoes are great for work“

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

Shoes	Comfort	Protection	Durability
1) New Balance MID626K2 Slip Resistant Lace-Up Shoes for Custodians Review	5	4.9	5
2) Skechers Cottonwood Elks Slip Resistant Shoes for Custodians Review	5	5	5
3) Keen Utility PTC Dress Oxford-M Industrial Shoes for Custodians Review	4.8	4.8	4.9
4) Timberland PRO Powertrain Sport Sd+ Industrial Shoes for Custodians Review	4.9	4.8	5
5) Skechers 76759 Soft Stride Galley Shoes for Custodians Review	4.8	4.7	4.8

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

If you want to reduce the feet pain and swelling that comes from being on your feet on hard surfaces for many hours without rest (which is what a custodian does on a daily basis) then going for work shoes with cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles might be the best path to take.

Why? Well, because with these features, your feet will be able to diminish the impact that hard surfaces put on your feet, thus, providing them the rest the so desperately need.

B) Perfect Balance

Looking sharp and professional is a must for most custodians out there. I mean, there is no way that you’ll be able to pull a pair of pink Nike running shoes without getting bad looks.

Thus, looking for work shoes with the perfect balance of comfortable features and professional looks is an effort most custodians should go through before deciding on their next pair of work shoes as this is the only in which a custodian can look professional and be comfortable at the same time.

C) Laser-Focus Features For Walking

Many shoes recommended as “the best shoes for custodians” are just running shoes and although they might seem comfortable, they are not designed to be used for extended periods of time to stand or just walk around (which is what a custodian does daily).

So, the best way to guarantee that you’ll be getting work shoes that target a custodian’s specific needs is going for walking shoes as this is the only type of footwear that has attributes specifically designed for walking, instead of running.

2) Protective Features

A) Slip & Oil Resistant Outsoles

The very first security issue that custodians have in relation to their work shoes is how these will help them in walking on slippery floors as they are pretty 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

Well, if there’s something we ALL know is that most work shoes are manufactured in countries where quality standards are just not the best, right?

Well, that’s exactly why I always give custodians the advice of looking for work shoes manufactured following great construction methods and using good quality materials as this is the only known way in which you’ll get the guarantee that the work shoes you bought are actually going to last for years instead of just a few months.

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 by getting compression socks as these are known for letting blood 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. I mean, they are not only cheap, but they will also help you in proving your feet the shock absorption they need when walking on hard surfaces, which is an almost constant activity for all custodians.

Benefits Of The Best Shoes for Custodians

The following are a few benefits I think will be instantly present after getting any of the best shoes for custodians listed in this article:

Avoid Swollen Feet

If there’s something that became clear here is that custodians suffer from swollen and painful feet as a result of having to work on their feet from 8 to 10 hours straight on hard surfaces, most of the time with no breaks.

However, thanks to the comfort features that any of the shoes reviewed in this article provide, this issue will be completely solved as the shoes’ ergonomic and shock absorption features will become essential for bringing your feet the rest they so desperately need.

Look More Professional

If by any chance you took a good look at the work shoes I recommended you, then you will quickly understand that their looks were in accordance with the duties of a custodian.

This is important as custodians are required to give out a proper image and having shoes that go according to that image is more than essential.

Avoid Injuries

Having to walk on slippery surfaces is another huge issue for custodians as they could easily get injured after falling into hard floors.

Luckily, the best shoes for custodians reviewed in this article have great protective features that will guarantee constant traction on those sketchy type of surfaces.

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.

For instance, If you get shoes with a standard lacing system you will enjoy an “equal” distribution of pressure when lacing.

However, when you get shoes with a speed lacing system that has no friction between the laces and their loops, you will enjoy equal distribution of pressure with the convenience of a faster lacing. 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 all the dirt and sport are clean, let the shoes dry in a warm and dry environment, which will let the boots’ materials rest and recover.

And, if your shoes are leather, rubbing a light coat of leather conditioner after the cleaning process from time to time does not hurt at all.

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.

However, if for any reason you must get insulated shoes for your custodian job, then going for the Thinsulate insulation material is the best path to take based on my experience with this awesome fabric.

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.