Teachers spend a lot of time on their feet, so their shoes really have to be up to the challenge. We asked real educators on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE Facebook group to share their recommendations. Here are their top choices for the most comfortable teacher shoes–from flats and pumps to sneakers and sandals.
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.)
1. Allbirds
We consistently hear from teachers, both women and men, who love their Allbirds. They’re ultra comfortable, plus they’re made with planet-friendly natural materials. Teacher Amy M. writes, “Allbirds are the most comfortable shoe on the planet, and I like how they look.”
We recommend: Women’s Tree Breezers, Women’s Tree Runners, Women’s Wool Runners, Men’s Tree Runners, and Men’s Wool Runner-up Mizzles
2. Hot Chocolate Chocolitas
Could there be any teacher shoes cuter than these? They’re comfy on their own but also have room for your own insoles if you need a little more support.
We recommend: Chocolitas Mary Janes and Chocolitas Slip-On Flats
3. UGG Shoes
You’re probably familiar with the ubiquitous UGG boots, but they make plenty of other comfy shoes, too. “They actually sell really cute other styles,” says Krit S.
We recommend: Corin Boot, Cahlvan Sneakers
4. Sanuk Slip-ons
“I’m obsessed with Sanuk’s shoes with footbeds made from yoga mats. Foot heaven! I even got my husband (he’s a teacher, too) into the men’s Sanuk line.” —Tonia K.
We recommend: Women’s Pair O Dice Loafer Flats and Men’s Casa Barco Vintage Boat Shoes
5. Clarks Loafer Pumps
“I don’t know what I will do if Clarks stops making their loafer-pump style. These look as good with jeans as they do with skirts and can even pass as a heel on days I need to dress up. They are so comfortable, too.” —Sharon S.
We recommend: Emlie Warbler Pumps and Un Cosmo Way Loafers
6. Dansko Flats
Teachers love Danskos! “I’ve worn the Dansko brand for many years, and they’re a great option.” —Michele H.
We recommend: Franny Flat or Karen Flat
7. Amazon Ballet Flat
Dara K. tried these and really loves the price (under $20). An Amazon reviewer agrees. “I am a public school teacher who stands (and sometimes runs) 9+ hours a day while at work. These shoes are insanely comfortable and did not need any “breaking in.” They fit like a well-worn and loved ballet slipper from the first moment I put them on.”
We recommend: Amazon Essentials Women’s Ballet Flats
8. Lucky Brand Shoes
Kristi B. writes, “I swear by Lucky Brand shoes! All of my teaching shoes are Lucky!” And here’s a 5-star Amazon review: “I love these boots. I can wear them all day at work. As a teacher, that speaks volumes!”
We recommend: Basel Ankle Bootie or Alba Ballet
9. BOBS Shoes
Beth D. says she loves BOBS shoes with inserts. Plus, we love all the different (and affordable) options on Amazon. (Look at that puppy print!)
We recommend: Slip-on Flat, Bingo Dog Shoes, and Slip-resistant Loafer
10. Skechers Microburst
You’re going to see Sketchers on the list a few times, and it’s because teachers keep recommending them to us over and over again. Here’s a great slip-on to consider, backed by this review, “I am a teacher, constantly on my feet. These shoes are perfect for such an active job. They have the feel of a tennis shoe and the look of ballerina flats.”
We recommend: Skechers Microburst
11. BZees
“BZee shoes by Naturalizer are absolutely amazing!!! Not only are they comfy beyond description–they’re also machine washable!” —Kathy H.
We recommend: Empress Pump and Lollipop Sneaker
12. Keen Shoes
Keens are solid go-to teacher shoes for men and women. If you live in a warm area, you can wear their sandals year-round. Otherwise, keep an eye out for other Keen boots and slip-ons like these.
We recommend: Keen Kaci Slip-On
13. Serene Driving Loafers
“These slip-on loafers with a driving shoe–inspired sole are less than $20, and they’re the comfiest shoes I own. I have them in seven colors!” —Margot U.
We recommend: Serene Cowhide Driving Loafer
14. Rockport Men’s Shoes
“All my shoes for school are Rockport. They never let me down.” —John M.
We recommend: Rockport for Men
15. Ollio Oxford
“I’m always wearing these oxfords, and they [are] affordable.” —Roxanne M. They come in multiple colors, and you can dress them up or down.
We recommend: Ollio Ballet Oxford
16. LifeStride Diverse Flat
This real teacher review from Amazon tells you everything you need to know: “I am writing this review as a teacher who walks and stands from 8 am to 1 pm, with a mask on, teaching active second-graders in the time of COVID. It is great that I don’t have to worry about my shoes.”
We recommend: Diverse Flat
17. Dr. Martens
“I love my (clean and well-polished) Doc Martens,” Olivia C. says. “Very comfortable and as professional as I need to be.” Check out this rave review from Amazon: “I am a 50-year-old female school teacher. I wasn’t sure I could pull off wearing these to work. Let me tell you, these are the best shoes I have purchased in a very long time! They are so incredibly comfortable. I wore Docs back in the 90s. I’m so glad I get to enjoy them again. Buy the shoes! You won’t regret it!”
We recommend: Mary Jane and 3 Eye Shoe (It’s unisex!)
18. Born Flat
Katie R. works at a shoe store, and she says she always recommends the Born brand of shoe for people who need good support. The Julianne is super-cute and comes in a variety of colors.
We recommend: Born Julianne
19. Earthies Shoes
We’ve heard from many teachers on Facebook that they like the Earthies brand of shoes. Here’s one teacher’s opinion: “I love these shoes! I have plantar fasciitis, and these are the only flats I can wear and not have any pain. I’m a teacher, so I am on my feet all day. I can wear these, and, when I go home, my feet feel the same as they did when I went to work. It’s amazing!”
We recommend: Essen Flats
20. UIN Painted Canvas Slip-Ons
Looking for comfy teacher shoes to show off your personality? These come in a huge selection of fun colors and designs. And they’re well-reviewed too: “I absolutely love these shoes! They are uber comfortable, and I get compliments on them wherever I wear them. I’ve worn them teaching and setting up a classroom and have spent a lot of time on my feet…these did not disappoint me!”
We recommend: UIN Painted Canvas Slip-Ons
21. Crocs Ballet Flats
“I have Crocs flats in every color and print.” —Amy C.
We recommend: Kadee Ballet Flats
22. Dr. Scholl’s Frankie
“I have arthritis in my hips, sciatica, and plantar fasciitis, and I live in Dr. Scholl’s,” Amy Y. told us. The Frankie flat is available in black, white, and other colors, too.
We recommend: Dr. Scholl’s Frankie Ballet Flat
23. SafeTstep
Shannon H. likes this line of slip-resistant shoes made for food-industry workers. There are some downright cute styles available.
We recommend: SafeTstep Shoes
24. The Merrell Clog
“I wear Merrell clogs all winter.” —Brenda W. (Comes in leather and wool.)
We recommend: Encore Kassie Buckle Slide
25. Timberland Anti-Fatigue
“I like the Timberland anti-fatigue clog.” —Denise A.
We recommend: PRO Riveter
26. Rothy’s
This is another brand that many teachers love and one you can feel good about. These adorable and comfortable shoes are made from recycled water bottles—a lesson in sustainability. Yes, they can be pricey, but teachers do get a discount.
We recommend: Rothy’s Discount Program
27. Vans Leather Slip-on
“My go-to is the Vans slip-on in leather. It’s a weather-resistant sneaker with great arch support that looks stylish and polished but feels like the weekend.” —Chris C.
We recommend: Vans Classic Slip On Leather
28. Earth Origins
We see the Earth brand shoe popping up again and again for great shoe recommendations, and this is one of our favorites.
We recommend: Earth Origins Anika
29. Alegria Paloma
“My mom swears by shoes called Alegria. They have a slightly rounded bottom to take pressure off your heels. She works on her feet all day and loves them.” —Rachel P.
We recommend: Alegria Paloma Flat
30. Clogs from Klogs
“Last year, I bought some clogs from Klogs. They are amazingly comfortable.” —Sandy H.
We recommend: Klogs Mission Clog
31. Converse Slip-ons
Sometimes, you just have to go with a classic. “I’ve tried dozens of shoes, and Converse were finally the fix for me. Now my feet don’t hurt.” —April S.
We recommend: Converse Chuck Taylor Shoreline Sneaker
32. Adidas Comfort
“Adidas has a comfort line that I love.” —Aimee B.
We recommend: Adidas Cloudfoam Ultimate
33. Asics Gels
“I get a black pair of Asics so I can still wear them with dress pants.” —Nicole B.
We recommend: ASICS Gel-Quantum 360 Shift
34. ECCO Sneaker
“Ecco is a good brand. They’re very expensive, but they never wear out and [they] look good.” —Renee B.
We recommend: ECCO Soft Fashion Sneaker
35. Taos Sneaker
“The Taos Freedom sneaker is so comfortable and has a soft support footbed. They come in lots of different colors.” —Cheryl T.
We recommend: Taos Freedom Fashion Sneaker
36. Fit Flops
Erin G. writes, “Fit Flops are ALL I can wear—or tennis shoes.”
We recommend: LULU Fit Flops
37. Clarks Lace-ups
“I love the lace-up sneaker from Clarks so much. These keep me going all day.” —Krista H.
We recommend: Clarks Everlay Elma Oxford
38. Sketchers D’Lites
“I like any of the Sketchers D’Lites with yoga memory foam.” —Mary L.
We recommend: Sketchers D’Lites
39. Vionic Slip-ons
“I have wide feet and plantar fasciitis, and I love Vionic.” —Melana K.
We recommend: Vionic Agile Kea Slip-on
40. Sketchers Walking Shoe
“Sketchers Go Walks are a good option if you are looking for something less expensive.” —Brenda W.
We recommend: Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 4
41. Volatile Sandals
“In the summer, I live for Volatile shoes. They are cute and comfortable.” —Regina J.
We recommend: Volatile Bahama Wedge Sandal
42. Birkenstock Bliss
“If the weather is permitting, I go with Birkenstocks.” —Karin B.
We recommend: Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed
43. Vionic Sandals
“I just discovered Vionic. They are great sandals.” —Michele H.
We recommend: Vionic Nala Arch Support Thong
44. Sanuk Yoga Sandals
Here’s another sandal to consider. The WeAreTeachers staff swears by these sandals with a yoga-mat footbed.
We recommend: Sanuk Yoga Sling
45. Clarks Boot
Here’s one more Clarks to consider. If you want comfort, this is a brand that teachers tell us, again and again, you can count on.
We recommend: Clarks Tana Boot
46. Crocs Wedge Booties
“I can stand in these boots all day long comfortably, and they are so stylish that no one suspects these boots are Crocs!” —Sarah S.
We recommend: Crocs Leigh Suede Bootie
47. TOMS Shoes
We hear from both all teachers how much they like TOMS shoes. If you watch Amazon, you can sometimes pick up some great deals, too.
We recommend: TOMS Class Slip-on and Paseo Sneaker
48. TOMS Boots
TOMS has more than just its classic slip-on shoes. “I am all about TOMS boots to wear for their comfort, but I also love the buy-one-give-one social-good aspect.” —Katie M.
We recommend: TOMS Boots for Women
49. MATRIP Shoe
If you want to keep it simple and affordable, you might want to consider MATRIP. They come in several different colors and are easy to slip on and off.
We recommend: MATRIP Slip On Walking Shoe
50. Naturalizer Riding Boots
“Tall boots over pants is my favorite look for school, and Naturalizer’s boots keep my feet happy all day.” —Megan V.
We recommend: Naturalizer Riding Boots
We’d love to hear—what are your favorite teacher shoes? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, 21 Teacher Dresses That Will Make You Feel Just Like Ms. Frizzle.
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