17 Amazing Comfortable Shoes for Teachers: 2025
Update 3/2025: I asked my Facebook followers about their favorite comfortable shoes for teachers, then compiled their list at the end of this article. I think you’ll find it helpful! 🍎👟
I was 27 when a pair of shoes changed my professional life. Recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the pain in my feet became unbearable and so did walking the aisles checking homework, pacing while I taught lessons, and standing in the hall while the kids entered the classroom. I quickly became the un-fun teacher who wanted to sit on the job–counter to my active teaching style (read more about my story here).
Although I did not yet know the term “toe box,” I knew I needed a shoe that didn’t constrict my painful toes. I never had to worry about arch support before, but now the joints in my mid-foot were shifting due to active RA. Having absolutely no idea which kind of shoe would work for me, I walked into Nordstrom and was quickly overwhelmed by all the choices.
A kind lady listened to my woes and walked me to the display of Dansko clogs. I picked out a simple black mary jane clog. I took a few steps and knew I’d found a winner. I turned the shoe over to check the price and noticed the style name….Kirsten. My namesake shoe (the Dansko Sam bears a close resemblance). My Dansko Sams were a game-changer for me as a teacher with rheumatoid arthritis.
I understand how the right pair of teacher shoes can make or break your day. Allow me to help you find that perfect pair of comfortable shoes for female teachers from sneakers to flats to ankle boots!
17 TOP COMFORTABLE SHOES FOR TEACHERS 2025:
SNEAKERS:
I used to wear Vans, but with my plantar fasciitis and Morton’s Neuroma they didn’t offer the support I needed. These shoes do and I wear them all spring and summer. – Taos customer and teacher, Kelly
The canvas Taos Plim Soul sneaker has a Curves & Pods® premium removable footbed featuring arch and metatarsal support, while also having a thicker and higher platform. Silvadur treatment is used for lasting protection against odor, staining, and deterioration.
• Sizes: 6-11 • Widths: M & W • Price: $80-110 at Taos Footwear & Amazon
SLIP-ONS:
These silver shoes score high grades for comfort in a lightweight slip-on. The Vionic Uptown Willa features a removable footbed with deep heel cup and arch support surrounded in soft leathers and a lightweight synthetic rubber outsole.
• Sizes: 5-13 • Widths: M & W • Price: $99-135 from Vionic, Nordstrom & Amazon
“I have such a hard time with shoes, and my feet always hurt. I was born with terrible bunions. I’m also a teacher and on my feet about 8 hours a day, walking on concrete. These have made me feel so much better, and now my hips and knees are experiencing some relief too.” Ryka customer Beth
An APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) approved shoe that’s affordable, supportive and accommodating of bunions and hammertoes, the Ryka Echo Knit sneaker earns top-notch reviews for all-day comfort.
• Sizes: 5-12 • Widths: M & W •Price: $53-69 from Ryka, Zappos & Amazon
Everything you love about Allbirds in a modern slip-on platform sneaker. A thick cotton canvas upper, removable wool-lined insole and sturdy but supportive bio-based EVA called SweetFoam® make this slip-on an all-day winner.
• Sizes: 5-11 • Width: M • Price: $105 from Allbirds & Zappos
“I am a teacher and these are the MOST comfortable shoes I have ever bought. I am so happy with the look, the feel, and the ability to wash them when needed. I love how you can remove the soles and just wash those if needed.” – Rothy’s customer Jessica
I’m beginning to believe there’s a Rothy’s shoe for everyone. As a former teacher, I’d never opt for the pointed-toe flat, their supportive clogs and round-toe sneakers are a different story! Customers note that the footbed in the OG slip-on sneakers feels more cushioned and supportive than the insole in the flats.
• Sizes: 5-13 • Width: M • Price: $99 from Rothy’s (discount program available for educators)
MULES/CLOGS:
I have debilitating ankle pain that impacts how I walk. As a science teacher, I need to be on my feet all day and able to walk about the room continuously. These shoes are light so lifting my foot does not cause pain and planting my foot on the hard surface of the floor is padded nicely by these shoes. – Amazon customer
Do you love the support of the original Dansko clogs but are prone to roll an ankle in them? Look no further than the Dansko Merrin mule. With a lightweight cork midsole, enhanced arch support, roomy toe box, your tired teacher feet will feel rejuvenated! An adjustable hook and loop back strap keeps the heel secure.
• Sizes: euro 36-42 (5.5-11) • Width: M • Price: $100-155 from Dansko, Zappos & Amazon
I kept a pair of these under my desk at my most recent teaching gig. They are just a smidge dressier than the Birkenstock Boston (which is also highly recommended), with the same comforting cork/latex arch support. The Buckley runs a bit more narrow than the Boston.
• Size: 35-42 (4.5-11.5) • Width: Narrow/Med. •Price: $154 from Birkenstock, Zappos & Nordstrom
A roomier fit and more supportive feel than your Rothy’s flats–hurray! I actually picked up a pair and video-reviewed them here. The Rothy’s Casual Clog features an upper knit with merino wool and a thread made from recycled plastic water bottles. The footbed is surprisingly supportive with arch and metatarsal support. Not only do they look good, they’re machine washable!
• Sizes: 5-13 • Width: M (but run wide) • Price: $99-159 from Rothy’s (educator discount available)
FLATS / LOAFERS:
The Barking Dog Facebook community gives high marks to the Vionic Uptown loafer–read the glowing reviews here. Teachers will love this stylish loafer; it’s lightweight yet supportive, cushioned and shock-absorbing–perfect for all-day wear (and it’s APMA approved)!
• Sizes: 5-13 • Widths: M & W • Price: $55-130 from Vionic Shoes, Zappos & Nordstrom
A roomy toe box, arch and metatarsal support in an attractive flat? You bet. Peruse the 5 star reviews and see for yourself–the Taos Chit Chat is good for what ails you from plantar fasciitis, to bunions to fallen arches. Find a pair in sizes 6-11 for $89-145 from Taos Footwear, Zappos and Amazon.
The perfect comfortable shoes for teachers for transitioning to fall weather with the closed toe yet open midfoot, the Dansko Rowan earns a thumbs up from happy Zappos customers:
Find the Dansko Rowan in euro sizes 36-42 (5.5-11.5) for $129.95 from Zappos, Dansko, and Amazon.
SANDALS
“These shoes have taken away my back pain and most of my headaches. I’m a teacher and I’m on my feet a lot. I go home not hurting any more. You will not regret the purchase. I bought every neutral color!! About 5 teachers around me bought them too. It’s the “crocs preschool hallway.”
For warmer climates and seasons, the Crocs Brooklyn Low wedge scores high marks from teachers! If you’ve shunned Crocs in the past, you haven’t experienced the lightweight yet substantial cushion and support of Croslite™ material. Find a pair in sizes 4-11 for $47-55 from Crocs, Zappos and Amazon.
ANKLE BOOTS
We love the slight wedge heel on the Born Vaughn suede bootie, not to mention the hand-knotted tassles and beautiful colorways available. Reviews mention that the toe box is accommodating of bunions. Available in sizes 6-11 for $100-150 from Zappos and Amazon.
A quality-made, cute and comfortable ankle boot for under $100? That’s the Spring Step Smokies! A round toe, cushioned footbed, soft vegan leather upper and 2 1/4″ heel with 1″ platform all work together to make a versatile ankle boot with all-day comfort. Reviews are looking good! Find a pair in sizes 5.5-11 for $89.95-119.95 from Spring Step Shoes, Zappos, Amazon and Nordstrom.
“I’m a teacher and am on my feet almost all day and the cork soles and arch support, along with the wider toe box make these shoes very teacher-friendly.”
Not only comfortable and stylish, they’re waterproof! Bus duty? Recess duty? No problem for the Sofft Pecola. Constructed from waterproof, stain-resistant leathers and suedes with sealed seams, this chunky ankle boot will keep your feet high and dry. The grippy outsole provides excellent traction. Find the Sofft Pecola in sizes 6-11 for $159.95 from Zappos, Amazon and The Walking Company.
Facebook Teacher Favorite Shoes:
- Hoka Bondi – Cushioned and supportive, great for all-day standing.
- “Hokas everyday!!” – Teresa T.
- Dansko Clogs – A favorite among teachers for their arch support and durability.
- “Dansko clogs! 21 years and have never found anything better!” – Julie S.
- Vionic Beach Pismo Sneakers – Stylish and supportive with great arch support. Come in wides.
- New Balance 847 – Motion control bar helps with plantar fasciitis.
- “I wear New Balance 847’s because they have the motion control bar.” – Heather D.
- Alegria Keli – Designed for foot stabilization and hallux rigidus relief.
- “Best I’ve found for stabilizing my feet. These shoes keep me walking.” – Amanda P.
- Birkenstock Boston Clogs – Contoured footbed provides excellent support.
- “Birkenstock Boston clog, and can you believe now they are ‘in’ with the kids at middle school??” – Kellie M.
- Taos Sneakers (with Zipper) – Good arch support and easy on/off.
- “Taos sneakers w/ zipper (I’m a home visitor, so easy on/off).” – Heather M.
- Ryka Sneakers – Wide toe box accommodates orthotics and foot issues.
- “I love Ryka, Skechers, Alegria. They all have room in the toe area.” – Vikki W.
- Brooks Adrenaline – A stability shoe great for standing and walking long hours.
- Sorel Sneakers – Good for toe arthritis and general foot pain.
- “Sorel sneakers for Hallux Rigidus. Sorel’s shoes are in general good for toe arthritis.” – Suzanne I.
- FitFlop Delicato Mary Janes & Loafers – Stylish yet supportive like sneakers.
- “I have the Mary Janes and the loafers and they are PERFECT. Like sneakers, but cute.” – Madeleine G.
- Altra Lone Peak – Wide toe box and excellent grip for various surfaces.
- “I love that they’re flexible with a wide toe box. That area is prime 🦶 real estate.” – Denise P.
- Skechers Arch Fit Booties – Provides casual style with comfort.
- Vans (with Arch Inserts) – Trendy, but can be made comfortable with inserts.
- Lems Primal Zen – Wide toe box and lightweight, good for bunions and flat feet.
- “They’re transitional shoes with wide toe boxes. Work much better for me than the overly cushy but toe squeezing Hokas.” – Lee
- Oofos Recovery Shoes – Ideal for reducing foot fatigue during and post-work.
- Sanita Clogs – Similar to Danskos, great for plantar fasciitis relief.
- Danskos or Sanitas for plantar fasciitis.” – Heather D.
- Topo Athletic Magnifly – Low-drop sneaker with wide toe box for stability.
- Saucony Hurricane – Cushioned with good support in the heel and toe area.
- “I like the Saucony Hurricane better than the Hokas. They are very cushioned, but also have good support in the heel and under the toes.” – Laura B.
- Ariat FatBaby Boots – Winter-ready boots with great comfort and traction. Wide toe box.
- “Ariat FatBaby boots for winter! They’re comfortable and navigate slushy weather easily.” – Angelia R.
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