The Best Work Shoes For Whatever Back-To-Office Plans You’re Stepping Into
This spring promises to be a season of transition — not only in terms of the weather forecasts but also of the hybrid WFH-meets-in-office plans. With that in mind, you'll likely need a refresher in the department of best work shoes. After all, your barking dogs have had a nearly two-year hiatus from the often constricting world of business casual footwear. (No one knows you're wearing bunny slippers on Zoom.)
If you're on the hunt for some new professional kicks that will catch an IRL compliment or two, look no further. For this edition of Hype Machine, we sourced several of the highest-rated, office-friendly footwear on the internet. Read on to learn more about them from actual customers who went in search of chic and comfortable shoes for their respective workplaces — and lived to tell all about their "sole"-mates.
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You know the shoe is great when virtually all the reviews are begging for a restock. "These are my FAVORITE boots I've ever owned. I love the height and they are HOT," wrote reviewer jennnnnyc. "I'm still breaking them in but I can tell they will be comfortable." While our enthusiastic reviewer may be wearing these boots out on the town, the comfort call-out has us scheming for the workplace — just imagine these mid-height boots with a culotte or midi dress.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 447 reviews at Aerosoles
Wanna talk comfort? This work loafer is made with Aerosoles' impact-absorbing soles, memory foam footbeds, and padded insoles. "The bone color loafer surprisingly ended up being my favorite! I get compliments every time I wear this color," wrote aerosoles.com reviewer Brianna. "These shoes are so comfortable. I bought all three colors for work and I do not regret it!" Take note, however: Though over 400 reviewers give this style rave reviews, they do recommend sizing up.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 606 reviews at Nordstrom Rack
If you're looking for a springy, flirty shoe that's also acceptable for the office, look no further than this affordable BP. heel from Nordstrom Rack. "They are identical to the Cole Haan pair — just like them for 1/5 the cost," wrote one reviewer. Another customer especially loved how this heel pairs well with warmer-weather outfits: "These sandals are perfect for summer. They will go well with sundresses and all linen dresses. Fits true to size." And if black is a bit too conservative for your tastes, you'll be glad to know this shoe comes in a variety of glittery, metallic, and iridescent options.
BP. Lula Block Heel Slingback Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Best Oxford Shoes
Dr. Martens 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 918 reviews at Dr. Martens
Hefty and made to last a long time, these Docs are more work-appropriate than the OG lace-up combat boots. Fans of this style range from young to old, with the latter raving about how these oxfords are as comfy and supportive as their very first pair of Docs from decades earlier. "I have been wearing Dr. Martens since I was in high school. This is my first pair of oxfords," wrote Devin, drmartens.com reviewer. Sturdy and durable, these oxfords are a great alternative to the sneaker if you're particularly active and on your feet for most of the day.
Dr. Martens 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes, $, available at Dr. Martens
Best Chunky Loafer
The Corinne Lugsole Loafer
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 46 reviews at Madewell
"Words cannot describe. I've always loved loafers, but now that chunky loafers are in, I finally found ones that look good on me. These loafers are ... *chef's kiss* perfection," wrote reviewer Jessica, "Walking-on-cloud comfortable, stylish, and fun. I'm a size 6 and these fit everywhere except the top where there's space that creates a farting noise when you walk, BUT wearing socks (no show or otherwise) helps remove that issue entirely. I cannot rave about these enough. I adore them." Fake flatulence? Clearly, it's no bother when it's a shoe that's this stylish and easy to wear.
Madewell The Corinne Lugsole Loafer, $, available at Madewell
Best Low Block Heel Sandal
Jeffrey Campbell Vacay Vibes Platform Sandals
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 50 reviews at Free People
"Finally a heel I can wear! I have wide feet and I've never found a wedge platform to work for me — I’ve bought the Gucci look alike and they didn’t even fit so was very skeptical buying these from FP," wrote one reviewer who recommended sizing up. And while these PVC sandals may not be acceptable for all workplaces (see: the name of this shoe) — for those who are in more laid-back environments, these are a summer-ready style that also offers a decent 2.5-inch boost.
Jeffrey Campbell Vacay Vibes Platform Sandals, $, available at Free People
Best Low Block Heel
Everlane The Italian Leather Day Heel
The Hype: 4.42 out of 5 stars and 4933 reviews at Everlane
This heel is such a cult favorite that the brand restocked it two years after it sold out in 2020. And, with comfy features like an elasticized back and a modest two-inch block heel, it's easy to see why reviewers continued to rave about this shoe even when it became a rare commodity. "For me, this style just speaks of running through the streets in Paris and I love it!" wrote everlane.com reviewer VansGrant. "Please bring these back, they are amazing. A small block heel which gives just a small lift and such a classic design."
Everlane The Italian Leather Day Heel, $, available at Everlane
Best Classic Chelsea Boot
Marc Fisher LTD Yale Chelsea Boot
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 445 reviews at Nordstrom
"I feel it is my civic duty to tell you this. These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned," wrote nordstrom.com reviewer LMPinDC. "I had no idea how they'd fare after a long day on my feet, but I'm wearing them for the first time today, and honestly my feet have never been so happy. You must buy them. Don't hesitate." With a sensible 1.5-inch heel, pull-on style, and a chic pointed toe, this versatile bootie will pull together any kind of work outfit you're assembling. The Yale also comes in a few suede browns and white or tan leather. "Another plus," continued the reviewer, "These boots look way more expensive than they are. I've already been asked if they're Acne. I just smiled."
Marc Fisher LTD Yale Chelsea Boot, $, available at Nordstrom
Best Lugsole Chelsea Boots
The Citywalk Lugsole Chelsea Boot
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars and 59 reviews at Madewell
These boots are one of Madewell's top-selling shoes with over 2,000 shoppers adding a pair to their carts every week. With features like MWL Cloudlift Lite padding and fabulous traction for those city-stomping streets, these versatile boots are a bonafide essential for those on-the-go or on their feet all day. "I ordered these boots as a work option — I work a lot in chemical labs and big art studios so depending on my schedule it's important that I wear close-toed shoes," wrote madewell.com reviewer Morgen92. "These boots are much heftier than my other Chelsea boots so they can take a rough work day."
Madewell The Citywalk Lugsole Chelsea Boot in Leather, $, available at Madewell
Best Heeled Boot
Naturalizer Callie Mid Shaft Calf Boot
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 469 reviews at Amazon
Situated comfortably between the ankle bootie and the knee-high, this lace-up mid-calf option has a grippy lugsole, sturdy 3.25-inch block heel, and a side zip for easy on-off wear. "Finally bought these because I trust the brand Naturalizer to be comfortable. They fit perfectly and, true to the reputation of the brand, they are so comfortable," wrote one amazon.com reviewer. Out of the other work shoes in this roundup, this boot is likely to be an edgier, more creative option to spice up that cubicle life.
Naturalizer Callie Mid Shaft Calf Boot, $, available at Amazon
Best Everyday Sneaker
Allbirds Women's Wool Pipers
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 788 reviews at Allbirds
What's not to love about these soft-as-slippers tennis shoes? They're timeless, versatile, sustainably made, and machine-washable (!). "So comfortable and they go with everything! They’re my second pair of all birds," wrote reviewer Marissa. "I love my wool runners but the look on these is more versatile — cute with jeans, athleisure, dresses, etc." And because these are made with Allbirds' famous ZQ Merino wool moisture-wicking (read: odor-eliminating) insole, you can feel confident about wearing these kicks every day.
Allbirds Women's Wool Pipers, $, available at Allbirds
Best Knee-High Boot
Franco Sarto Gardenia Boot
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 249 reviews at DSW
Don't let the height (of either the boot or heel) deter you — this skyscraper style has received a firm stamp of approval from comfort-seeking shoe wearers. "Surprisingly comfy for this tall heel. Fits snug in the calf — goes to just under the knee. And they look great!" wrote dsw.com reviewer Momof1. Bonus: This Gardenia — available in black and burgundy leather — is currently on sale at DSW!
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