If you have an office job, you probably spend a minimum of 8 hours a day at work. And if you’re in management, sometimes even longer than that. Add to that your break time and commute, and you spend at least 10 hours a day in the same shoes. As such, you really need to pay attention to what shoes you’re wearing as it can affect your feet and overall health. Here are some great tips that can help you pick work shoes that are comfortable and stylish enough for the office.
Look for Great Support & Cushioning
Regardless if you sit on a chair the whole day or use a standing desk, your feet can take quite a beating as they support your body the whole day. So, take off some of the weight on your feet by finding shoes that offer proper support and cushioning. A great tip is to look for work shoes that have solid rubber outsoles to reduce the impact the feet receive from the floor. Also, make sure that their inside is lined with insoles made of orthopaedic materials such as memory foam which can provide exceptional cushioning and adapt to your feet’s shape.
Avoid High Heels
While high heels do look sleek and professional, that doesn’t mean that they are good for your feet. The fact that your feet are pointing downward in high-heeled shoes causes more blood to pool in them, thus causing them to swell. These kinds of shoes also do not offer effective support and shock absorption which can leave your feet sore and in pain. What’s more, high heels disrupt the natural posture of the body, thus leading to neck and back pain. However, if you don’t want to abandon high heels completely, at least try choosing ones that won’t cause damage to your feet and body. To stay on the safe side, go for a smaller heel that’s 5cm high at most. Additionally, the thicker the heel the more support the shoe can provide, so opt for designs like court shoes, wedges or cone heels instead of stilettos.
Pay Attention to the Shape of the Front
While shoe size is a straightforward measurement, it doesn’t always guarantee that the shoes will be a comfortable fit. Often, the width plays a great role as well, or more exactly the width of the toes. Shoes with super pointy toes can feel too tight and lead to painful bunions over time. Instead, look with shoes that allow for plenty of wiggle room in the front for increased comfort.
Go for Simplistic Designs
The ideal office shoes should be minimalist and adorned with as little touches as possible. Glitter, beads and crystals are a big no-no for the office. You also don’t want a design that’s too sporty or casual. Instead, opt for pairs with a simple, elegant design in classic shades of black, blue, beige, grey or brown. Opting for a palette of classic colours can make it easier for you to match your shoes with your work outfits, which we know is a daily struggle.