Teaching is rarely a sit-down profession. Most educators spend the day on their feet, and the right shoes can make all the difference in how they feel at the end of the day. We asked 200+ teachers to share their thoughts on the best shoes for teachers. Find out what they had to say so you can buy your next pair of shoes with confidence!
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What’s most important when choosing good shoes for teachers?
The best teacher shoes are the ones that fit your lifestyle. For most educators, that means comfort, but style and durability are important too. Consider these essentials when you shop for shoes.
Comfort
Nearly every teacher we surveyed (98%) said comfort was very important when choosing shoes. Half of them also prioritized good arch support, which can help reduce pain in feet, knees, hips, and backs.
This comes as no surprise, since these same teachers also reported spending a huge amount of time on their feet each day. One in five teachers reported spending eight hours or more standing or walking! Many of the rest spend six hours or more up and about (44%), with nearly all the rest on their feet at least three hours every day. Comfortable teacher shoes are definitely a must-have!
Style
In addition to feeling good, many teachers also want to look good—63% of them said style was important to them. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic shoes that are both comfy and trendy.
Durability
Let’s face it: Most educators can’t afford to buy new shoes all the time. That means they value hard-wearing shoes, the ones that will hold up over time. In our survey, 63% of teachers said they look for durability when selecting their shoes, and 40% like shoes they can clean easily.
Slip-Resistance
While this isn’t a main factor for most teachers, around a third of them still value a pair of shoes that can get them safely through a variety of situations. This can be especially key for teachers who spend time chasing kids down on the playground or have to deal with rough winter conditions.
With all that said, on to the real recommendations from real teachers!
Top 5 Comfortable Shoes for Teachers
When it comes to keeping feet comfortable through long school days and beyond, these are the brands and styles teachers turn to again and again.
Top 5 Teacher Shoes With Good Arch Support
For some, comfort isn’t just nice, it’s vital. Shoes with good arch support ensure that your feet, hips, knees, and back are less likely to ache at the end of the day. Teachers swear by these picks.
Top 5 Most Stylish Teacher Shoes
Comfort may be key, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look great too. These are the brands and styles educators turn to when they want to feel good and look good!
Top 5 Good Shoes for Teachers on a Budget
If you love a good bargain, check out these brands and styles recommended by other budget-conscious educators. You can usually find every pair shown here for $50 or less.
Top 5 Good Shoes for Teachers Who Can’t Wear Sneakers
Some schools are stricter with dress codes, prohibiting teachers from wearing athletic shoes or other more casual styles. These picks are as comfy as kicks but fit a more restrictive dress code.
More of the Best Teacher Sneakers and Athletic Shoes
When it comes to comfort, you can’t go wrong with sneakers! Teachers recommend these options for the classroom.
More of the Best Teacher Boots
Get ready for cold weather or rainy days with these comfortable, hardy teacher boots!
More of the Best Men’s Teacher Shoes
Many of the brands in our top 5 lists are unisex, offering options for men and women. Here are a few more terrific picks for men in the classroom.
More of the Top Teacher-Recommended Brands
Consider these shoes our honorable mentions: Multiple teachers love them, and they’ve got terrific reputations for comfort, style, or affordability.
