It isn’t hard to understand why people who work long days serving customers would want to find the best shoes for retail workers.
Spending a long time standing or walking in retail stores can be pretty tough on your body.
(And that’s especially true if you have flat feet, or a more serious condition like plantar fasciitis.)
But if you’re not wearing the right shoes, spending long periods of time on a hard surface can be not just tough, but downright punishing…
…and potentially even more painful than dealing with customers!
So to help you find the right pair of shoes for your retail job, we’ve rounded up some of the most comfortable, supportive and all around best shoes for retail workers.
And since the retail industry is quite varied, we’ve included a wide variety of styles, so you can find the best option for your particular dress code, work environment and foot type.
Stand Strong & Sell Well:
The (Absolute) Best Shoes for Retail Workers
Overall Best Shoes for Retail Workers ↓
Snibbs Spacecloud Work Sneaker
Rating:
- 4.8 Stars
- 461 Reviews
Advantages:
Snibbs are easily our top choice for retail workers who spend long hours on their feet, because they’re the only shoes that were specifically designed for exactly that purpose.
A chef named Daniel Shemtob experienced a ton of foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes in the kitchen all day, so he teamed up with Dr. Jason Snibbe, an orthopedic surgeon, to design the absolute best work shoes for people in a similar position.
As a result, the Spaceclouds provide everything you need for all day comfort:
The custom Ortholite insole gives you the perfect amount of arch support, while the slip-resistant outsole provides both shock absorption and some extra cushioning.
And because they’re made from synthetic materials, the Spaceclouds are not only lightweight shoes, but long-lasting:
You won’t have to replace them every few months the way you might with another kind of shoes, which means you’ll get great value for your money.
Promising Review:
Shoes offer solid support, yet are comfortable. I work at a big-box store and walk miles on concrete everyday, these shoes make it much easier.
– Stewart B.
Wolf & Shepherd SwiftKnit Derby
Rating:
- 5 Stars
- 890 Reviews
Advantages:
Quite possibly the most versatile shoes for retail workers, Wolf & Shepherd’s SwiftKnit Derby is a crossover shoe that’s halfway between a sneaker and a dress shoe.
It has the sophisticated toe shape of a dress shoe, is available in 10 different colors, and has a breathable mesh upper that makes them significantly lighter weight than leather shoes.
But for retail workers who stand all day, the most important thing to know about these shoes is that they offer an equal amount of style and support:
They have a memory foam insole on the inside, while the outside sports the type of thick rubber sole you’d usually find on running shoes.
As a result, the SwiftKnit Derby is a great shoe for people who need a ton of support and comfort, but don’t want to short change their style.
Promising Review:
So amazing I’ve already purchased 4 pairs and will continue to buy more. The look and comfort of the shoes are the best I’ve ever had.
I’ve received compliments on the daily from my coworkers and customers I assist.
– John Paul M.
Best Dress Shoes for Retail Workers ↓
The Amberjack Original
- 4.9 Stars
- 496 Ratings
Amberjack’s Originals are the perfect dress shoes for retail workers because they were designed for comfort from the ground up.
They have a durable and supportive midsole made from memory foam, which provides arch support that’s heat activated based on your body heat.
Beneath that, a dual-density outsole gives you the flexibility of athletic shoes and the support of hiking boots, all while looking sleek enough to easily pass muster in retail environments that expect a more dressed-up dress code.
Plus, the upper is made from A-grade full grain leather, so to most people they’ll just look like stylish and high-quality dress shoes, even though they feel as good as sneakers.
Promising Review:
These shoes are immensely comfortable right out of the box. I have arthritis in my knees. With these shoes there is markedly less pain as I walk. I have already ordered a second pair.
– Arthur H.
Best Running Shoes for Retail Workers ↓
Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoes
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 2,104 Reviews
Advantages:
If your dress code allows you to get away with running shoes, the best choice is Asic’s Gel-Nimbus 23 model.
In addition to the comfortable fit and heel support you’d expect from a good athletic shoe, the Nimbus also has an upper material made from an engineered mesh that improves ventilation, keeping your feet from overheating on the job.
Promising Review:
I stand 8-12hrs per shift – without pain or fatigue
I walk 5-8 miles per shift – without pain or fatigue
Incredible comfort and ankle support.
Best Minimalist Sneakers for Retail Workers ↓
Beckett Simonon Reid Sneakers
Rating:
- 5 Stars
- 593 Reviews
Advantages:
Beckett Simonon’s Reid sneakers are basically the epitome of smart casual:
They’ve got full-grain leather uppers, a durable rubber outsole and a vachetta leather lining that allows your feet to breathe, while also regulating temperature and absorbing moisture.
Fortunately for people who spend all day standing, they also manage to combine sleek looks with a lot of comfort, thanks to their ample instep volume and toe box.
Promising Review:
I couldn’t be more satisfied with my purchase – these shoes are high quality, high comfort and very stylish. I’ll be ordering another pair soon!
– Larry I.
Wolf & Shepherd Crossover Longwing
Rating:
- 5 Stars
- 691 Reviews
Advantages:
Some stores or coffee shops are quite casual, and let you get away with sneakers.
But for retail employees expected to maintain a professional look, Wolf & Shepherd’s Crossover Longwing is a perfect blend of sharp style and strong support.
The upper part is made from the same kind of high-quality Italian leather you’d usually get from an expensive pair of designer shoes.
But under the hood, these shoes are all about performance:
They boast the same memory foam footbed and high-traction, thermal rubber outsole as the SwiftKnits listed above.
As a result, they’re a supportive and comfortable pair of shoes that also happens to be a stand-out in the style department.
Promising Review:
Possibly the most comfortable dress shoe I have ever put on my feet, and will certainly own more pairs moving forward!
– Robert S
Best Shoes for Retail Workers with High Arches ↓
Brooks Ghost 14 Neutral
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 2,900 Reviews
Advantages:
Another running shoe that offers plenty of support and comfort, one of the best things about Brooks’ Ghost model is its arch support.
People with high arches often have trouble wearing flat shoes, which don’t properly support the foot’s natural arc.
But the Ghosts have what Brooks calls ‘DNA Loft technology” in the midsole, making it a great choice for those who need more arch support.
Promising Review:
This is by far the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn.
I am on my feet all day for work and I don’t have any pain or discomfort in my feet anymore.
Best Slip-On Shoes for Retail Workers ↓
Wolf & Shepherd SwiftKnit Loafer
Rating:
- 5 Stars
- 79 Reviews
Advantages:
Wolf & Shepherd’s SwiftKnit Loafer is basically a lace-free version of the SwiftKnit Derby listed above.
It has the same sleek toe shape, breathable mesh upper and (insanely) comfortable footbed, but is designed to slip on rather than be tied.
It’s a great choice for those who like the style of the SwiftKnit Derby, but don’t want to bother with the hassle of laces.
Promising Review:
These shoes deliver as promised. A great comforter shoe that can be worn for anything. Dress or casual no problem.
Very cushiony sole is great when you’re on your feet all day.
– Scott B.
Best Steel Toe Shoe for Retail Workers ↓
Timberland Pro Titan Work Boot
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 1,597 Reviews
Advantages:
Some retail jobs require work boots, which can be tough because wearing heavy shoes all day can be tiring.
But the good news is that Timberland’s Titan boot provides a ton of comfort and support, along with a safety toe.
It has an open cell polyurethane cushion footbed that keeps your steps soft and cushioned, a slip-resistant sole made from high-quality rubber and a padded collar that provides excellent ankle support.
Promising Review:
There’s a bit of a breaking in period to bear…but I’m telling ya…these have always been the most comfortable boots to wear for a full days worth of working. Never had foot fatigue.
– Richie
Best Penny Loafers for Retail Workers ↓
Wolf & Shepherd Crossover Penny Loafer
Rating:
- 5 Stars
- 122 Reviews
Advantages:
Another slip-on option, this one makes for a good alternative to the Wolf & Shepherd Longwing above.
These are really good shoes for people who have to wear dress shoes all day, but would prefer to avoid laces.
The synthetic sole offers a ton of comfort and padding, but the toe shape and high-quality leather make them suitable shoes for more formal work environments.
Promising Review:
Wonderful! The leather on this style is beautiful, and the craftsmanship is exceptional.
My husband loves them and says they are wonderfully comfortable.
– Lois B.
Best of the Rest ↓
As mentioned up top, different work environments require different shoes.
A great option for one retail shop might be considered improper footwear in another.
While the shoes below didn’t quite crack our list of the top picks for retail workers, each of them provides plenty of support and comfort.
And they may work just as well (or even better) depending on your particular job, dress code, foot size or style.
Skechers Performance Go Walk Max Sneaker
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 15,389 Reviews
Promising Review:
…for me those shoes were a game-changer in terms of ending my foot/knee/back pain at the end of a long day working on a concrete floor. Ultra lightweight, flexible and cushioned.
– feeniks
New Balance Men 626
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 7,497 Reviews
Promising Review:
I work in retail and I’m on my feet 9 to 10 hours a day…
I now have two pair of this style. They are very comfortable shoes, the non-slip bottom works well and they fit me well. The all leather upper is durable and wears well.
New Balance 847 V4 Walking Shoe
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 911 Reviews
Promising Review:
Most comfortable walking shoes, I walk 6-8 miles per day and these are perfect shoes for that.
Brooks Addiction Walker
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 355 Reviews
Promising Review:
This a comfortable light shoe for working 8hrs a shift.
– Ron Amen
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 14
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 262 Reviews
Promising Review:
I’ve had almost every version of the Zoom Vomero since version 6; and this is easily the best…
It looks sharper than ever and feels wonderful. A shoe that is great for all-day wear but can double as a running shoe and handle trails as well.
Ecco Men’s Track II
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 1,764 Reviews
Promising Review:
Best shoes I own for work!
…They provide me with the stability I need walking on slippery and wet floors.
– Chef T
Clarks Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 8,814 Reviews
Promising Review:
I am a car salesman who spends a lot of time on his feet, walking the lot, running around between different departments, etc.
Comfort and longevity are my two most important attributes I need in a shoe…
These Clark’s have been amazing… I can’t recommend these highly enough.
New Balance 411 Walking Shoe
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 8,349 Reviews
Promising Review:
The 411 V1 is very comfortable, light and inexpensive. I don’t feel any back aches or leg pain after every shift.
I highly recommend this to anyone who mostly work standing and walking every shift.
– Slizen
Asics Gel-Kayano 28 Running Shoe
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 688 Reviews
Promising Review:
I ordered these to be my new work shoes… Today I wore them for the first time for about 9 hours.
My feet felt great all through out the day and ordering a half size up helped me at least towards the end of my shift. I felt like I was walking on a nice cushion all day today.
– Olivia
Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 16,646 Reviews
Promising Review:
I do a lot of walking at work in these shoes and comfort is a priority. The styling is just right and not too casual.
– Rocky M.
ECCO Helsinki Oxford
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 2,374 Reviews
Promising Review:
I’m on my feet 8 to 12 hours a day at work and this brand has been the best of any I have found yet.
They last FOREVER when you take care of them.
Asics Gel Nimbus 19
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 1,612 Reviews
Promising Review:
I am continuously on my feet for work for hours and these provide excellent support and comfort.
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V3
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 6,020 Reviews
Promising Review:
Ultra comfortable shoes. I use these shoes all day, walking around work, and my feet don’t hurt at the end of the day.
Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Slip
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 28,670 Reviews
Promising Review:
Working 12-16 hours a day on concrete isn’t good for the tootsies. I’ve had little success until I tried these.
They work great for my feet and I wish I tried them sooner.
– Munchkin
The Recap ↓
Summary
Snibbs are easily our top choice for retail workers who spend long hours on their feet, because they’re the only shoes that were specifically designed for exactly that purpose.
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- The 25 Best Men’s Shoes for Standing All (Damn!) Day
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- The 11 Most Comfortable Steel Toe Boots for Standing All Day
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- The 31 Best Shoes for Walking on Concrete All Day
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