The 13 best women’s shoes for the office, vetted by stylish professionals
From comfy loafers to sleek pumps, these picks keep you comfortable through long workdays and commutes
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Perhaps no work outfit is complete without a well-made office shoe. A winning pair adds polish and enough cushion that your feet aren’t aching by 5pm.
But what is versatile enough for both the office and happy hour? What is a practical pump that doesn’t look like your grandmother’s? Is there such a thing as a good office sandal?
To save you from sifting through the endless options, we asked for recommendations from some of the best-dressed women in their offices, from a New York City lawyer to a broadcast journalist who needs to look put together on camera.
We’ve also included a few of our staff favorites, including one sneaker that’s endured miles of commutes and a sandal that serves as the perfect transitional footwear for spring.
A glimpse at our experts on dressing business casual
Nafeesah Attah, a lawyer in New York City. She often spends long days standing in court.
Alyson Ciotola Giuffreda, a personal stylist and former luxury retail worker who has worked for more than 20 years in fashion.
Lily Owens, a social media manager and content creator in Greenville, South Carolina. She is frequently on her feet while filming content.
Allie Anthony, an Emmy-nominated reporter who has covered football for NFL on Prime.
Moya Leung, a marketing professional in Atlanta.
<em>Durable, commute-friendly loafers</em>Toby Bianco Gatsby Loafer
As a lawyer working in New York City, my absolute favorite shoe for work is the Gatsby loafer from Tony Bianco. They are made of soft yet durable real leather from a family-owned Australian business. I love them because they have zero break-in time and hug your feet the way ballet slippers do. I comfortably walk one mile to and from work in this pair. I recommend this shoe at every single chance I get. Danica McBain, lawyer
<em>Comfy slip-on boots</em>Birkenstock Highwood Slip On Boots
I love these boots for the office. They feature a grippy rubber sole that makes them suitable for all types of weather. This winter was especially brutal, and these helped me look put together, while keeping my feet warm. I loved styling them with a grey knit sweater and a simple pair of black pants, and I’ll keep wearing them in the spring and summer. Sandra Gould, account manager
<em>Sandals that won’t cause blisters</em>Easy Spirit Fisherman Sandals
I spent months looking for a pair of fisherman sandals, and these Easy Spirits really hit the mark. They’re comfortable, lightweight and feel sturdy – they’ve endured several miles on New York sidewalks and show little sign of wear – and yet the leather is soft enough that I didn’t get any blisters when I first bought them. The extra coverage compared with my strappier sandals makes them a good transitional shoe during the warm days of spring and autumn when my unpedicured feet long to breathe. Danielle Renwick, director of partnerships at the Guardian US
<em>A dressy pair of pumps</em>Dolce Vita Elasi Slingback Pump
The leather material on these naturally expands, which makes a big difference, as I have a wider foot and often struggle to find heels that feel inclusive and comfortable. They’re also incredibly comfortable on the inside, which is important for long days when I might be standing in court and then sitting at my desk for extended periods of time. The heel height is just right: polished without feeling impractical for a full workday. Nafeesah Attah, lawyer
<em>A preppy leather loafer</em>Coach Glazed Leather Logo Square Toe Penny Loafers
I love my pair of black, horse-bit style loafers from Coach. They’re made of 100% leather and incredibly comfortable. My cost-per-wear has provided tremendous value, and they still look great, despite numerous wearings. My exact pair seems no longer sold, but these are the closest available. One of my favorite ways to style them is a traditional preppy look with chinos and a cardigan or blazer. Shannon Bower, corporate director
<em>A designer sneaker</em>Golden Goose Marathon Retro Runner Sneakers
When I worked in luxury retail for Jimmy Choo and Golden Goose, I had to wear their shoes. In terms of style, the Golden Goose marathon sneaker was my favorite. It’s a throwback to a 70s-style running shoe – very lightweight with a slim profile. They’re also easy to dress up or down. I’ve worn them with jeans, dress pants, long flowy dresses, everything. Alyson Ciotola Giuffreda, personal stylist and former luxury retail worker
<em>An elevated pair of flats</em>Time and True Studded Mary Jane Flats
My favorite shoes to wear in the office are elevated flats – styles with studs, bold colors or fun prints. As a social media manager, I’m often on my feet filming content and moving around, so I need something comfortable and practical that still looks polished.
I love that statement flats can instantly upgrade an outfit while still fitting a business-professional or business-casual dress code. They’re perfect for busy office days, commuting and meetings. Lily Owens, social media manager
<em>Cowboy boots for the office</em>Chalo Classic Cowboy Boots
For two years, I coveted these Chalo cowboy boots, partly for the charming family backstory, and partly because they’re so dang pretty, but I couldn’t justify buying them for the three country shows I go to a year. But after I attended a work meeting with the Filter US writer Lauren Gould, where she had paired cowboy boots with a knee-length dress and looked fabulous and professional, I finally ordered my own pair. They’ve added just the right amount of texture to midi skirts and a super comfortable lift when I wear boot-cut pants. Not mad that I can wear them when I see the Chicks this summer, too! Ruth Baron, senior editor of newsletters at the Guardian US
<em>A luxurious platform loafer</em>Alexander McQueen Wander Leather Loafers
My favorite shoes to wear to work are these Alexander McQueen black loafers. They have a little bit of a platform that gives me height and are so comfortable that I could stay in them for hours, and they look nice with a pair of slacks. They’re a little expensive, but I’ve worn them to the ground. Allie Anthony, reporter and news anchor
<em>Boots worth the investment</em>Khaite Nevada Stretch Low Boot
The Nevada stretch is the most comfortable boot I’ve ever owned. I’m a big fan of Khaite boots, which definitely have a luxury price tag, but earn it in quality and style. I also love the Clive boot, which is a bit more western-inspired but can pretty much go with anything. Alyson Ciotola Giuffreda, personal stylist and former luxury retail worker
<em>A trendy pair of flats</em>Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flats
They’re stylish and practical for long days in the office, whether I’m sitting at my desk, running between meetings or heading to happy hour after work. They pair well with everything from slacks to jeans to dresses, and the color adds a bit of personality! I’d definitely recommend them. Moya Leung, marketing professional
<em>I also recommend western-inspired boots …</em>Jeffrey Campbell Daggett Western Boots
These boots have been in my closet for four years and are still going strong. While I bought them for a discount when I worked at Anthropologie in college, I would easily buy them again at full price. They make a statement in any outfit without looking too wild west for the office. I’ve worn them with a relaxed pair of black kick-flare pants to tone the look down. Their two-and-a-half-inch heels also gives me a bit of extra height, while still being comfortable enough for the commute.
<em>… and edgy gorpcore sneakers</em>Salomon XT-Whisper Sneakers
My three-mile walk to work would not be possible without my trusty Salomon sneakers. Their quick-lace system means they take seconds to throw on while rushing out the door. And the intricate design, including silver detailing and shiny finishes throughout, has convinced me that sneakers can look polished enough for the office. If you need to dress them up, just pair it with a dainty triangle scarf.
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