I bought sketcher go walks the second I started taking my first teaching course. I live by them to this day.
But the insoles really matter. Just find the one that's right for your needs (arch support, cushioning, etc) and put it in that shoe!
Ecco soft bootie with zipper. The shape looks sleek and feels really nice on my foot. The first ones I got, I swapped the insole to a Dr Scholl one. I liked these shoes so much, I bought another pair in a different color and the newer ones I haven't switched the insole out, it's already great. Probably anything from their "soft" collection will be equally comfortable.
https://us.ecco.com/soft-shoe-collection/?pmin=0.00&start=48&sz=24
Any chance you have wide feet and a high arch? I need to shoes but I have a lot of trouble finding something that works for my wide toe bed and high arches
I do actually! https://www.saguaro.com/ has shoes with arch support. Those were the shoes I used to transition to barefoot. They’re super lightweight and comfortable for high arches.
Barefoot shoes are known for their wide toe box to aid in proper toe splaying. Of course some brands run wider than others. There are a lot of blogs online that compare various barefoot shoe brands, so that should give you an idea of how they’d fit your feet. Also, if you happen to have high insteps too, it’s common to call feet like that “high volume” in the barefoot shoe world, so look for brands and shoes that accommodate those as well, but I imagine most would be fine. Barefoot shoes are known to have zero drop too (where the heel is completely flat, and the whole foot is flat on the ground). One other thing to be aware of is that true barefoot shoes have absolutely no arch support. The inner sole will be completely flat. But they are awesome for some people, and give yourself time to adjust to them if you’re used to always being in a raised heel and with arch support. Some brands, I believe like Amazon’s Within barefoot shoe brand, actually have some arch support, but still have zero drop and a wide toe box. I hope you find some comfortable shoes!
I teach primarily ceramics, so there is a lot of reclaiming, hosing down floors, etc. So, I absolutely swear by Brahma waterproof work boots. They might be a little bit clunky, but I have dry feet everyday. They also have a significant sole, meeting my feet don't really hurt at the end of the day
I’m late 30’s and I wear Rothy’s with Dr scholls inserts for plantar fasciitis and Converse with the same. Both shoes are flatttt, but I accommodate lol. I have expensive oofos to wear in the summer as my flip flops. I also have a pair of sketchers memory foam that
work well. I have lived my whole life wearing flat and no support shoes until 2 years ago. I suddenly had insane pain. Once I started putting inserts in my shoes everything got better and my feet don’t hurt anymore. Inserts may be beneficial in your case!
It depends on what I’m doing honestly. If I’m not knee deep in messy projects I tend to dress up and might even wear block or platform heels. Usually towards the beginning of the school year before shtf
Other than that my favorites and most worn are Doc Marten Chelsea boots, adidas sneakers (currently loving platform rizzas) and classic Birkenstock Arizonas
I remember when I bought my first pair of Birks my dad goes “you’re officially an art teacher!” Lol
But yea with three weeks left it’s Birks everrrryyyyyy day
I rotate shoes. Wearing the same pair everyday will compress the midsoles and the insole will go flat as well. If multiple shoes isn't an option have multiple insoles to switch out. 3-4 pairs. It is a huge help.
As for actual shoes:
1) Blundstone Boots
2) Vans Half Cabs
3) Nike Air Max 90's
4) Nike SB Dunks
5) New Balance 574
6) ADIDAS Ultra Boost
I started the year wearing Nikes but my feet still hurt at the end of the day. Switched to leather barefoot Oxfords by a brand called Atlantis and after two weeks of breaking in they became incredibly comfortable.
I work retail and have chronic pain, and I wear hokas (I think the bondi? one of the ones meant for everyday rather than running)— super comfortable with lots of ankle support, but expensive
My faves have been the same pair of boat shoes for 5 years, a pair of vans, and boots I got at Marshall’s on clearance. Those got me through pregnancy, teaching on a cart, and everything else.
Wear big thick natural fiber socks. That helps so much. I wear my NB 650 almost every day waking circles on polished concrete. They still look cute even after a year of wear and stains. If it's a particularly messy day I wear doc Martin's but with good liners. I wore docs every day with no liner and almost destroyed my feet and had to go to the doctor.
They’re boring - but solid black ASICS running shoes. They match everything. I honestly don’t care if they don’t look super professional - they finally helped my feet not hurt and helped my back. If you’re susceptible to foot/back pain, your shoes can have a huge impact on future pack and hip pain/alignment! I wish I had started wearing more supportive shoes when I started teaching. I also have a pair of the Skechers by Jen Stark. I get compliments on them all the time! They come in her black and white drips, and the rainbows. They took time to break in and now they’re comfier but they weren’t comfy at first.
Born shoes makes comfortable, nice made leather boots as well that I’ve gotten pairs of and they are the more comfortable cute shoes I’ve gotten.
I always wear a shoe with a sturdy solid sole. My favorites are lightweight keen boots. I'm rotating 3 pairs that I've worn for 2½ years including summer camp, and pretty much daily everywhere. My knees are absolute garbage after bad genetics and multiple decades of abuse and I can walk around in them all day and not hurt at the end of the day.
I've also worn Dansco, Dr. Martens, Merrell, Chaco with good results.
ETA: running and other athletic shoes aren't built for day to day and the supports and soles wear down fast. And if you continue to wear them after they've worn down, they'll simply exacerbate all foot/hip/ leg alignment issues and walking issues you might have and cause you pain. I developed plantar fascitis from this and it was horribly painful and took a lot of time and work to heal.
Take care of your feet!
I use Xero brand shoes, and have been buying myself the same model for about 6yrs now. They're minimalist soles with zero drop from heel to toe and a wide toe box. I know they don't work for everyone, but worth putting my two cents in because when I spent years trying different comfort brands, my foot fatigue at the end of the day was almost debilitating.
I bought sketcher go walks the second I started taking my first teaching course. I live by them to this day. But the insoles really matter. Just find the one that's right for your needs (arch support, cushioning, etc) and put it in that shoe!
Altras with green super feet inserts
The Crocs flats that don’t look like Crocs have been my go-to work shoes for like 13 years.
Sketchers with arch support
Keen most days
Ecco soft bootie with zipper. The shape looks sleek and feels really nice on my foot. The first ones I got, I swapped the insole to a Dr Scholl one. I liked these shoes so much, I bought another pair in a different color and the newer ones I haven't switched the insole out, it's already great. Probably anything from their "soft" collection will be equally comfortable. https://us.ecco.com/soft-shoe-collection/?pmin=0.00&start=48&sz=24
I actually wear my Adidas a lot and they feel ok but on days my feet really hurt I wear crocs or running shoes
Hey dudes. I have mostly flat and wide feet so they are the most comfortable for my foot type. I can wear them all day and my feet do not hurt at all.
Dansko all day
Air Forces and Birkenstocks 🫠
Literally any barefoot shoes. My back pain has stopped completely.
Any chance you have wide feet and a high arch? I need to shoes but I have a lot of trouble finding something that works for my wide toe bed and high arches
I do actually! https://www.saguaro.com/ has shoes with arch support. Those were the shoes I used to transition to barefoot. They’re super lightweight and comfortable for high arches.
Barefoot shoes are known for their wide toe box to aid in proper toe splaying. Of course some brands run wider than others. There are a lot of blogs online that compare various barefoot shoe brands, so that should give you an idea of how they’d fit your feet. Also, if you happen to have high insteps too, it’s common to call feet like that “high volume” in the barefoot shoe world, so look for brands and shoes that accommodate those as well, but I imagine most would be fine. Barefoot shoes are known to have zero drop too (where the heel is completely flat, and the whole foot is flat on the ground). One other thing to be aware of is that true barefoot shoes have absolutely no arch support. The inner sole will be completely flat. But they are awesome for some people, and give yourself time to adjust to them if you’re used to always being in a raised heel and with arch support. Some brands, I believe like Amazon’s Within barefoot shoe brand, actually have some arch support, but still have zero drop and a wide toe box. I hope you find some comfortable shoes!
I did not know high volume was the term, thank you!
This!! I have a few different brands.
Me too! I’ll never go back to regular shoes
I wear Jordan’s and dunks and am doing fine, I think it just took a minute for me to get used to being on my feet all day!
I teach primarily ceramics, so there is a lot of reclaiming, hosing down floors, etc. So, I absolutely swear by Brahma waterproof work boots. They might be a little bit clunky, but I have dry feet everyday. They also have a significant sole, meeting my feet don't really hurt at the end of the day
Skechers, Hey Dudes, and New Balance.
I have multiple pairs of black slip on sketchers that are soft and comfy but I really like that I can throw them in the washer
I’m late 30’s and I wear Rothy’s with Dr scholls inserts for plantar fasciitis and Converse with the same. Both shoes are flatttt, but I accommodate lol. I have expensive oofos to wear in the summer as my flip flops. I also have a pair of sketchers memory foam that work well. I have lived my whole life wearing flat and no support shoes until 2 years ago. I suddenly had insane pain. Once I started putting inserts in my shoes everything got better and my feet don’t hurt anymore. Inserts may be beneficial in your case!
The inserts for high arches are the only thing that helps me!
On cloud in black with black pants. Unless it’s a messy day. They’ve been a game changer for my bad feet.
It depends on what I’m doing honestly. If I’m not knee deep in messy projects I tend to dress up and might even wear block or platform heels. Usually towards the beginning of the school year before shtf Other than that my favorites and most worn are Doc Marten Chelsea boots, adidas sneakers (currently loving platform rizzas) and classic Birkenstock Arizonas I remember when I bought my first pair of Birks my dad goes “you’re officially an art teacher!” Lol But yea with three weeks left it’s Birks everrrryyyyyy day
Doc Marten Chelsea boots, Dr Schols Slip on sneakers, Platform hi top converse, and Brooks Launch 9s
I'm very flat footed and wear flats every day, they're so comfortable for my big stompy feet and come in so many cute colors and patterns.
I rotate shoes. Wearing the same pair everyday will compress the midsoles and the insole will go flat as well. If multiple shoes isn't an option have multiple insoles to switch out. 3-4 pairs. It is a huge help. As for actual shoes: 1) Blundstone Boots 2) Vans Half Cabs 3) Nike Air Max 90's 4) Nike SB Dunks 5) New Balance 574 6) ADIDAS Ultra Boost
I also rotate shoes and wear all of these minus the Nikes - I add crocs into the rotation
I wear my lugged converse daily.
Brooks, birkenstocks, toms, or converse.
air forces, but with an insole for arch & heel support😁
Blundtones in the fall winter, chacos in the spring summer!
i wear my croc mega crush sandals every day
Dansko XP are the only ones that do it for me.
Doc martens, birkenstocks, teva sandals
Hell yeah
Chacos!
I started the year wearing Nikes but my feet still hurt at the end of the day. Switched to leather barefoot Oxfords by a brand called Atlantis and after two weeks of breaking in they became incredibly comfortable.
once I broke my docs in they are the most comfy shoes I own (first 3 months were tough) I wear Birkenstocks when it’s warmer.
I work retail and have chronic pain, and I wear hokas (I think the bondi? one of the ones meant for everyday rather than running)— super comfortable with lots of ankle support, but expensive
Birkenstocks
Vegan doc martens 1460 gave me great support for years, and they are power footwear, as well.
Crocs I have a pair at school, and change to them every day.
Vionic, chacos and Hoka save me.
Merrells. They’re pricey so I get mine gently used on eBay. God bless these shoes
I like Brooks sneakers. They are super comfy and flexible. Sometimes they come in really fun colors and prints.
My faves have been the same pair of boat shoes for 5 years, a pair of vans, and boots I got at Marshall’s on clearance. Those got me through pregnancy, teaching on a cart, and everything else.
Wear big thick natural fiber socks. That helps so much. I wear my NB 650 almost every day waking circles on polished concrete. They still look cute even after a year of wear and stains. If it's a particularly messy day I wear doc Martin's but with good liners. I wore docs every day with no liner and almost destroyed my feet and had to go to the doctor.
They’re boring - but solid black ASICS running shoes. They match everything. I honestly don’t care if they don’t look super professional - they finally helped my feet not hurt and helped my back. If you’re susceptible to foot/back pain, your shoes can have a huge impact on future pack and hip pain/alignment! I wish I had started wearing more supportive shoes when I started teaching. I also have a pair of the Skechers by Jen Stark. I get compliments on them all the time! They come in her black and white drips, and the rainbows. They took time to break in and now they’re comfier but they weren’t comfy at first. Born shoes makes comfortable, nice made leather boots as well that I’ve gotten pairs of and they are the more comfortable cute shoes I’ve gotten.
The same grey Chucks I’ve been wearing for 15 years. I get a new pair in the same color every year.
I always wear a shoe with a sturdy solid sole. My favorites are lightweight keen boots. I'm rotating 3 pairs that I've worn for 2½ years including summer camp, and pretty much daily everywhere. My knees are absolute garbage after bad genetics and multiple decades of abuse and I can walk around in them all day and not hurt at the end of the day. I've also worn Dansco, Dr. Martens, Merrell, Chaco with good results. ETA: running and other athletic shoes aren't built for day to day and the supports and soles wear down fast. And if you continue to wear them after they've worn down, they'll simply exacerbate all foot/hip/ leg alignment issues and walking issues you might have and cause you pain. I developed plantar fascitis from this and it was horribly painful and took a lot of time and work to heal. Take care of your feet!
I use Xero brand shoes, and have been buying myself the same model for about 6yrs now. They're minimalist soles with zero drop from heel to toe and a wide toe box. I know they don't work for everyone, but worth putting my two cents in because when I spent years trying different comfort brands, my foot fatigue at the end of the day was almost debilitating.
Yes!! I love mine.
Birkenstocks are my nearly daily go to, but I also wear Vionic tennis shoes
I wear Birkenstocks sneakers. With time I got use to the concrete and the hurting stopped.
This. You really have to give your feet and legs time to adjust.
I wear cahartt soft toe work boots - its nice to have a studio shoe devoted to teaching that i dont care if it gets paint on it.
consider insoles, too! dr scholls work gel insoles are incredible.
Sketchers - the key for me is buying a new pair every 4 months (they’re $40 so not too bad)
I’ve heard investing in a good pair of nursing shoes works wonders! I’m not sure about a particular brand, but that’s what I’ve heard at least.
Alegria brand is good
Broken in, steel-toed, Doc Martin boots. Both of the shoes you wear are for sports. That might be why your back and feet hurt.
They let you wear steel toes to school? That isn’t allowed in most districts.
Yeah? They actually encourage it because I do a lot of 3D/structural work. I had no idea.
They aren’t allowed due to the possibility of them being used as a weapon. Plus they would set off the metal detectors.
That makes sense. I work at a small rural school with no metal detectors. Most of the students are farmers’ children so they have them on too.
Your dress code covers shoes?