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If you’re working long, tiring hours, the last thing you want to be thinking about is the ache that may be present in your feet. The solution? A pair of sturdy but highly supportive shoes that provide you with all the comfort, style, and practicality that you need for a hard day’s work.
Working in retail can be a rewarding experience at the best of times. You get to interact with and help customers from all walks of life, and at any age. But it can also be incredibly taxing, especially on your body.
Regardless of where you work, finding the right pair of shoes to keep you on your feet all day long is a must. However, it can be hard trying to figure out where to start your search. So if you need some help, then you’ve come to the right place!
We have compiled a list of our top picks for the best shoes for retail workers. We’ve also included a handy buyer’s guide and a short FAQ section at the end to point you in the right direction.
Our Best Shoes for Retail Workers Reviews
Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe (Best Overall)
Skechers is a well-known brand when it comes to providing sturdy and comfortable shoes for both men and women. The Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe is no exception!
These shoes are one of the best-rated and highest-selling products in this field, which only goes to show the high level of quality that they have to offer. As with any other Skechers shoe, you should expect to receive footwear that only serves to enhance your comfort as a retail worker.
Featuring an innovative 5Gen midsole cushioning design and an advanced mesh nylon fabric construction, these shoes are extremely breathable.
Also, the outer rubber soles and foam insoles help to create a more comfortable walking experience. Apart from their breathability, these shoes are also lightweight and flexible. They easily slip onto your feet at your convenience.
And, you won’t have to worry about a build-up of moisture in your shoes! The material will help to reduce sweat and will keep your feet cool and dry throughout your shift. They even come in a variety of colors for you to choose between. So if you’re under strict uniform restrictions, these shoes are a great choice!
Pros
- Cushioning: These shoes are comfortable and highly arch supportive.
- Breathability: A breathable mesh fabric will help to keep your feet cool (even in socks) for those days when you are rushing around.
- Moisture Wicking: You can go about your day without worrying whether your feet are going to sweat excessively.
Cons
- Sizing Issues: These shoes can be quite tight on your toes. However, this can be easily combatted by ensuring you select the correct shoe size.
New Balance Men’s Slip-Resistant 626 V2 Industrial Shoe (Best For Men)
If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that provide out-of-this-world comfort while looking good, then you’ve come to the right place! These hard-working classic black leather training shoes from New Balance are the ideal choice for any retail worker.
The New Balance Men’s Slip-Resistant 626 V2 Industrial Shoes combine support, strength, and softness to create a pleasant experience each time your feet touch the ground. Available in black or gray to subtly blend in with any work uniform, these shoes are the perfect mix of stylishness and practicality.
Consisting of 100% leather, they are durable, well-made, and will fit the contours of your feet. The leather uppers are also stain-resistant!
With a super-cushioned base, comfy foam near the ankle, and a flexible outsole, these sneakers keep you on your feet (and feeling good) all day long. A compression-molded firm midsole means these shoes are also great for shock absorption!
A rubber sole and a non-slip tread maintain traction over oily and wet surfaces so that you don’t have to worry about getting into any work-related accidents. And on top of all that, these slip-resistant shoes are also extremely long-lasting!
Pros
- Material: These shoes are designed with a leather finish, so you can go about your day without having to worry about excessive damage occurring.
- Comfort: Featuring a cushioned base and a non-slip tread, these shoes will optimize your overall comfort.
- Convenient: They are built to last, so you won’t have to worry about re-purchasing new shoes.
Cons
- Tread: Debris, ice, and moisture tend to remain in the grooves of these shoes, so you’ll have to frequently clean them. However, this isn’t any different from other pairs of shoes.
Skechers for Work Women’s Soft Stride-Softie Lace-Up (Best For Women)
Another item from Skechers, these slip-resistant work shoes are a great choice if you work in retail. They come with athletic cushioning, which provides a well-needed additional layer of comfort.
It has been manufactured using a soft and flexible leather upper. This material is an advantage as it can resist stain and scuff much easier than other products on the market.
When it comes to safety features, you’ll be glad to know that the shoe is resistant to falls and slips while having a durable tread, which can withstand prolonged wear during long shifts. It sports a sturdy rubber sole, which delivers excellent traction for use on slippery floors and surfaces.
The removable contoured PU insole cushion is constructed out of a natural cotton blend, providing comfort and all-day support. In addition, it is well-padded, which explains why it is extremely comfortable. It provides adequate arch support.
Despite the full functionality of this shoe, Skechers has not foregone their usual elements of style. These feature a cool lace-up casual design, so you can feel confident and comfortable all at the same time!
Overall, these shoes can withstand the harshest weather and work conditions, so they’d be a great option if you are spending long hours working in retail!
Pros
- Arch Support: Ergonomic interior provides optimum support for you while on your feet all day.
- Slip-Resistant: The sturdy rubber sole will help you to remain steady on your feet.
- Material: Its leather construction makes it more stain-resistant than other materials.
Cons
- Heavy: Due to the way it has been manufactured, this shoe is much heavier than other similar products.
STQ Slip On Breathe Mesh Walking Shoes Women (Best Design)
These STQ Slip-On walking shoes are an excellent pick for those working in retail.
These shoes are lightweight and breezy with a wide round toe that helps to keep your feet feeling cool and clean all day long. They have a durable knit upper with a decent stretch, which ensures a perfect ergonomic fit for your feet.
The smooth fabric of these shoes also provides great freedom and comfort while reducing the risk of having blisters!
This STQ product consists of a thick shockproof sole with an additional air cushion which ensures successful ventilation and arch support. Not only does this look good and provide efficient push-off, but it absorbs shock to add cushion to your every step.
What’s more, the slip-on elastic cuff design ensures your convenience. No more having to fuss around with shoelaces!
STQ slip-on shoes also offer a versatile style with a flexible and breathable mesh insole, a padded tongue, and additional collar support. Overall, this will add an extra layer of seamless comfort to your day as a retail worker!
Pros
- Lightweight: Makes moving around much easier.
- Shockproof Sole: This helps to reduce the impact of being on your feet for hours at a time. It takes a lot of stress away, especially from the balls of your feet — which are highly sensitive.
- Convenient: Easy to put on and take off at your convenience.
Cons
- Sizing: You may need to purchase a size or two above to ensure that there is enough room for your toes.
Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe
Merrell has become a highly recognizable name in terms of manufacturing sturdy and durable lace-up shoes. But, with the Men’s Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe, Merrell has stepped into a more unknown area. The result is a remarkable-looking, well-made shoe that is also incredibly comfortable.
In terms of physical design, these retail worker-friendly shoes are among some of the most attractive slip-on shoes currently available.
With shock-absorbing insole padding and air cushioning, they have been specifically designed for wear for a few hours. A compression-molded EVA foot frame also provides extra cushioning to fully support you! It’s clear why they are the perfect choice of footwear for any retail worker.
A striking feature of this shoe is its soft pig-skin lining, which has been added to emphasize the flexibility of your shoe. The insole of the shoe also features moisture-wicking material to keep your feet comfortable and dry. You also receive an arch shank made from nylon to give you better support while walking or standing.
Overall, the high level of comfort that the Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe offers makes it a great choice for those who are searching for a stylish and sophisticated shoe for work!
Pros
- EVA Foot Frame: Gives your feet an extra layer of protection, especially if you are working long hours.
- Moisture Wicking: You won’t have to worry about your feet sweating. They will be kept cool, dry, and comfortable all day long.
- Appearance: They are stylish yet relatively plain. There are many colors for you to choose from, so you’ll find the perfect pair to support you through your shift.
Cons
- Not Waterproof: Although these shoes offer a lot, they won’t protect you against water. Try to avoid stepping directly into any body of water if you can.
Buyer’s Guide
Below, we have outlined some of the most important factors you need to consider when looking for a pair of shoes for a retail worker.
Walking Style
Before you can invest in a proper pair of shoes, you need to assess your exact needs and understand your walking style. This is a crucial factor in finding the best shoes for retail workers because the way that you walk can make a large difference in the type of shoe you should be wearing.
Selecting a pair of shoes that are perfectly compatible with your feet will not only ensure your comfort but will keep the shoes lasting longer. As an example, if you happen to have flat feet, then you should invest in a pair of shoes with a higher rate of arch support.
With the sheer number of shoes available on the market today, you’ll be able to find a pair that has been designed with an increased rate of traction and grip. It won’t be too difficult to find a pair of shoes that will provide you with the support you require!
Comfort
You must prioritize your comfort. Regardless of whether you’re idly standing around or sitting down behind a cash register, working in retail can wreak havoc on your feet. And we completely understand how frustrating it can be when your feet begin to ache halfway through the working day!
While it’s ideal to remove as much stress from your feet as is possible, you should specifically lookout for brands that create products with high levels of shock absorption.
Not only will this make for a more comfortable working experience, but it will significantly lessen any damage that may be caused by excessive walking around or standing.
In addition to a good pair of shoes, there are ways to combat this. Your muscles can become stiff and painful if you remain in the same position for a prolonged period, so it’s always a good idea to stop every hour or two to stretch and relax any tightened muscles. With the right pair of supportive shoes, you shouldn’t have to do this too often.
Cushioning
Cushioning is another significant factor in keeping your feet comfortable even after hours of use. It is crucial to consider both the amount of cushioning and the type of cushioning that the shoes offer. The good news is, there are plenty of options available online, which makes it easier for you to find shoes that adhere to your every need.
Shoes that have memory foam are considered to be better at cushioning your feet when compared to those with thinner amounts of foam.
In summary, the more cushioning the shoe provides, the better it will be for you! Looking out for shoes that offer padded insoles will further increase the level of cushioning provided to your feet. Or, if you want, you could even purchase additional insoles to put into your shoes!
Durability
Your shoes must be durable! As a retail worker, you need to know you can rely on your footwear to carry you through your shift. You also need to be reassured that your shoes won’t break or tear if you happen to take a tumble. That’s why leather and nylon-based shoes are both great options for retail workers.
A mesh nylon material is far more breathable than leather, but that doesn’t mean it’s better! Each of these has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, meaning the decision is completely up to you.
However, leather shoes may be better for more formal environments due to their rugged appearance and their stain-resistant nature. Nylon is an ideal solution to keep your feet dry, cool, and comfortable for as long as you need it.
Value
Opting for branded, over-priced shoes seems to be a large part of living in our society today. Many people utilize products from the most prominent designer footwear brands even for the most mundane everyday working life, but this isn’t always a wise thing to do.
We aren’t saying that cheaper shoes are better, but you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to find a pair of suitable shoes! You could probably snap up the ideal pair for under a hundred dollars (much like the majority of the items on our list).
To summarize: we’d recommend making a note of all the supportive features that you need throughout your shift as a retail worker and then filtering your search accordingly, irrespective of price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Shoes Should You Wear In Retail?
As a retail worker, you need a shoe that you can rely on. Your shoes require durability, well-fitting, slip-resistant, and comfort. Some of the most ideal shoes to wear in retail are:
- Stylish pumps
- Slip-on
- Secure trainers
- Flats
Are Running Shoes Good For Retail Workers?
Yes, running shoes can be good for retail workers. As long as they are quite plain and provide you with the correct amount of support, you can’t go far wrong.
What Is Better For Retail, Slip-Resistant, Or Non-Slip Resistant?
Slip-resistant shoes are a better choice for retail workers. This is because they have water-repelling qualities, and a secure, rubber grip that makes walking around a much safer experience.
A good slip-resistant shoe will help keep you from falling and hurting yourself at work. Injuries caused by falls are among the leading causes of missed time at work in the U.S.
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