Finding the perfect work shoe can be tricky, especially if you have a job where you are required to be on your feet for most (if not all) of the day – you might find yourself frequently counting down the hours until you can go home, take your shoes off and put your feet up. In an effort to help you Move Well, Be Well throughout your work day and relieve your feet from daily aches and pains, we have put together our top 4 tips for finding the best work shoes!
1. Proper fit is key – the shoe you choose can have all the bells and whistles but if it doesn’t fit your foot properly then it is of no benefit. A proper fitting shoe should match the shape of your foot and thus prevent excessive pressure on the sides of the foot and at the toes. For those that wear more of a ‘dress’ shoe, be careful the toe box isn’t too pointed and the heel isn’t too high.
Tip: If you aren’t sure if the shoe matches the shape of your foot try taking the insole out of the shoe, place your foot on it, stand up and then look to see if your foot fits inside the insole. If the shoe is too narrow or a poor shape, you may notice your foot ‘hanging’ off the edge, avoid these shoes.
2. Pick a shoe that is suited for your work environment – seems simple yet most of us are guilty of using the same shoe for 10 different activities, a work shoe should fit your working environment. To determine if a shoe will match your working environment, ask yourself the following questions:
- What kind of environments do I primarily work in? Think general and then specifically think about the surfaces you are on.
Ex. Concrete, outdoors, hard tile, carpet, potentially wet surfaces - Does my job have any specific footwear requirements?
Ex. Has to be closed toe, slip resistant, a specific colour, etc. - During my work day how does my time vary between sitting, standing, and walking?
For example, a cute pair of ballet flats may look nice with your uniform but after an 8 hour day serving tables your feet might not feel so ‘cute’ anymore.
3. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra support – while a new work shoe may be the solution to tired, achy feet at work, don’t be afraid to experiment with an over-the-counter insole or custom foot orthotic to give you a little extra support.
4. Invest in a good pair of socks – like a small rock in your shoe, a sock that constantly falls down in the heel or bunches under your foot can be rather annoying. A good pair of socks will allow you to spend less time un-tying, re-tying your shoes to fix your sock and more time on your work tasks. But that isn’t the only benefit to buying a better quality sock, a good pair of socks can help wick moisture, help regulate the temperature of your feet, and add a little more cushion/comfort to your shoes. If you stand or sit for long periods of time, compression socks may also be a great idea as they improve circulation thus helping to energize your legs.
Finding the perfect work shoe that will enable you to Move Well, Be Well, throughout your work day may seem like a daunting task, but with the help of our experienced shoe fitters and knowledgeable team members, we can help you find the perfect fit.
Written by Shayla McLean B.H.K – Footwear & Retail Manager
Helping people Move Well, Be Well and full time footwear enthusiast
