8 Women’s Work Shoe Recommendations

It is time for the great women’s office shoe round-up of 2023. It’s actually long overdue, it’s just that shopping for business casual shoes is a drag. Finding work shoes with arch support that still feel stylish is even harder. So I bought way too many styles this month, and today I’m here to give you my thoughts!

Absolutely no blisters

A word on feet (lol): I know shoe preferences are super personal so I’ll just give you a heads up that I have a narrow foot, and, as a result, I mostly deal with blisters. I know some people can deal with a break-in period on shoes but I simply cannot. None of these pairs gave me any blisters, no break in time needed!

Cole Haan

Style notes: These Cole Haan loafers have a bit of a moccasin style (which is apparently coming back around, Y2K friends).

Sizing: I picked the smaller of my 2 shoe sizes, and they were a tad loose in the heel. They also come in wide.

Softness: 5/5

Arch support: 3/5

Sperry

If you prefer a leather option, this pair of Sperry loafers is beautiful, and sleek, unlike many loafers on the market right now!

Sizing: I picked my smaller size, and they were just right, but would be tight if I wanted to wear with socks.

Softness: 4/5

Arch support: 4/5

Sam Edelman

Finally, if you want a trendier look, this pair of Sam Edelman Mary Janes is the cutest! With a square toe and many fun color options, I’m so excited to add these to my teaching outfits.

Sizing: I picked the smaller of my two sizes, they’re perfect.

Softness: 5/5

Arch support: 1/5

Arch Support

If you need more substantial arch support for walking or standing at work, these picks are for you!

Franco Sarto

These Franco Sarto loafers are trendy, cute, and perfect for an active day in the office. The thick sole provides support and grip and I love that they’re shiny!

Sizing: I chose my smaller size, and they fit wonderfully. Comes in wide.

Softness: 3/5

Arch support: 4/5

Dansko

Dansko came up as a suggested brand over and over! I’m not going to lie, the clog look is not for me, but this pair looked a little less Dansko-y. And they lived up to the hype right out of the box.

Sizing: I picked my smaller size, and they were a little wide for me.

Softness: 4/5

Arch support: 5/5, removable insole.

Clarks

I think these Clarks are the best business casual option, they look very polished and traditional. They felt stiff when I tried them on, but then I completely forgot I was wearing them. The black is also on sale!

Sizing: I picked my smaller size, and they were perfect. I would say they fit narrow.

Softness: 4/5

Arch support: 4/5, removable insoles.

Best of the best!!

The two ultimate winners of all these try ons: the best women’s office shoes I tried on.

Naturalizer

These were so comfy and secure feeling right out of the box! I think they would be incredible travel shoes. The beige stripe around the bottom kind of bugs me. Do you think it’s inadvisable to fill that in with Sharpie??

Sizing: I picked my smaller size, and they were a tad roomy. Comes in wide.

Softness: 4/5

Arch support: 4/5

Vionic

These Vionic flats are incredible arch support! I was truly blown away. Unfortunately, I could feel a couple spots that would rub during the break-in time. If you don’t have problems with that, grab these!!

Sizing: After reading reviews of this specific pair, I sized down half a size. They fit but rubbed my toes, so I would have gone with my typical size if keeping.

Softness: 2/5

Arch Support: 5/5, removable insole.

Ok, that’s all! Thanks for all your recommended shoe brands on Instagram and Tiktok! Let me know if any of these pairs caught your eye or what your go-to work shoe is!

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3 thoughts on “8 Women’s Work Shoe Recommendations”

  1. I love Naturalizer shoes. I was considering this pair, but I was also irritated by the beige stripe! My immediate thought was sharpie too. Did you live with the stripe??

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