17 Amazing Comfortable Shoes for Teachers: Fall 2023
I was 27 when a pair of comfortable shoes for teachers 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 more than anything else–counter to my active teaching style.
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. I walked out the door into the open-air mall and saw a small shoe store called Joyce Selby.
A kind lady listened to my woes and walked me to the display of Dansko clogs. I’d never heard of Dansko. I picked out a simple black mary jane clog. She brought me my size and I strapped them on my throbbing feet. 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. I wish I had kept my Dansko Kirsten clogs as the style has been discontinued for years (the Dansko Sam is a close resemblance).
So, fellow teachers, I understand how the right pair of shoes can make or break your day. Allow me to help you find that perfect pair!
17 TOP COMFORTABLE SHOES FOR TEACHERS:
FLATS / LOAFERS:
The perfect shoe for the transition to fall weather with its closed toe yet open midfoot, the Dansko Rowan earns a thumbs up from happy Zappos customers:
“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.”
Find the Dansko Rowan in euro sizes 36-42 (5.5-11.5) for $129.95 from Zappos, Dansko, and Amazon.
A ballet flat style with a foot-shaped toe box? We’re all over that! Uin footwear hails from Spain with free shipping to the US. The removable Ortholite insole offers superior cushioning and even a little arch support! The Uin Valencia is machine-washable and comes in a variety of delightful colors and patterns. Available in sizes 4.5-10 for $95 from UinFootwear. Need a slightly bigger size? Uin’s other slip-on style is available in a 10.5.
A cross between a leather flat and sneaker, the Frye Melanie is a terrific choice for the educator who isn’t willing to teach all day in full-on gym shoes. Although the toe is slightly pointed, customers mention that the soft leather breaks in easily. Keep in mind these are true flats with no arch support, however the footbed is removable and should accommodate an arch insert. Find the Frye Melanie in sizes 5.5-11 for $102-148 from FryeCompany.com, Zappos and Amazon.
Affordable, fun and foot-friendly, Hey Dude footwear is lightweight, roomy at the toe and cushioned. The arch support is minimal though, so if that’s not a dealbreaker, you’ll love them. Find the Hey Dude Wendy in a variety of colors, textures and patterns for $59-69 from HeyDude.com, Zappos and Amazon.
The 90s lug sole is back and we love it on the Vionic Kensley loafer. Enjoy all-day comfort with Vionic’s orthotic-like insole with enhanced arch support and cushioning. Find the Kensley in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths, for $129.95 from VionicShoes.com, Zappos and Amazon. See our post on top chunky loafers if you’re a fan of this look!
Podiatrist Caroline McCulloch founded Frankie4 footwear with the goal of designing shoes that women wanted with sleek, professional and stylish silhouettes combined with excellent hidden support. The brand has taken off! Take a look at Frankie4 educator’s page of “cool for school” designs (and an exclusive offer for educators). One of our favorite styles is the Lucky loafer pictured above with its arch and forefoot support, heel cup, and four layer support and cushion system. The Lucky is available in sizes 6-13 for $185 from Frankie4.
OXFORDS/BROGUES:
A new style for fall 2023, the Dansko Libbie features gorgeous leathers, a removable footbed with arch support and a flexible, lightweight outsole–the perfect comfortable shoes for teachers. Find the Libbie in euro sizes 36-42 (5.5-11.5) for $140 from Dansko.com, Zappos and Nordstrom.
Another lug sole to love! The verified vegan Alegria Resa features a removable cork/latex/memory foam footbed with superior arch support. A slip-resistant outsole will keep you sure-footed through the day. Available in euro sizes 35-42 (5.5-11.5) with a wide option from AlegriaShoeShop.com and Zappos.
MULES/CLOGS:
Ideal for preschool teachers, art teachers or anyone who needs an easy-to-wash shoe that offers all-day support and cushioning. The Dansko Kane is made from a bio-based EVA with all the comfort you’d find in a typical Dansko clog. Available in euro sizes 35-43 (5-12) for $85 from Dansko.com, Zappos and Amazon.
Have you experienced the cozy comfort of Stegmann clogs yet? Your feet are in for a treat. Keep a pair under your desk at school and a pair by the door at home–so easy to slip on and off and the footbed is a dream. This is what Stegmann says about their new Elsa clog:
“The stretch felt panel across the foot and toe can accommodate a variety of foot shapes from narrow to wide and won’t irritate bunions. The low wedge heel helps relieve achilles tendonitis pain while the cushioned arch support insole helps with plantar fasciitis.”
Available in sizes 6-11 for $145 from StegmannUSA.com.
LIFESTYLE SNEAKERS:
Do you wear orthotics and have a hard time finding a stylish shoe to accommodate them? Look no further, the leather Kizik Vegas is your godsend. Not only does this brand feature a hands-free heel (slip them on and go) without sacrificing ankle support, the footbed is removable allowing the use of an orthotic. Take it from Kizik customer Marcy,
“These are not only comfortable, fit my orthotics, and look awesome with every outfit! Let’s see if they are durable to hold up to my 2-3 hours of daily walk.“
The Kizik Vegas is available in sizes 6-13, medium and wide widths for $129 from Kizik.com.
Bzees Golden Knit: Lucky you if sneakers pass dress code for teachers! The Bzees Golden Knit features a stretch knit upper and removable Free-Foam™ footbed designed to mold to your feet and offers bounce back and arch support for lasting support (and they’re washable). Best for:
- bunions
- plantar fasciitis
- wide feet
- flat feet
Available in sizes 6-11, medium and wide widths for $70 from Zappos and Amazon.
The Ariat Hilo–is it a loafer? A sneaker? Either way it’s sure to bring joy not only to your feet, but everyone who sees them, including your students. As one Zappos customer states, they’re “easy to slide on, but feel like they are tied.” With room for toes to spread out, moderate arch support and dense cushioning, these are true workhorses with a playful attitude. Find the Ariat Hilo in over 20 colors and patterns, sizes 5.5-11 for $69-89 from Ariat.com, Zappos, and Amazon.
See our review of the Ariat Cruiser, a similarly fun shoe with a more streamlined silhouette.
Ankle Boots:
A podiatrist-designed shape and insole system makes this cute two-tone ankle boot by Skechers a win for aching feet. Plus, it’s great to find a comfortable bootie under $100. Available in sizes 5-11 for $85 from Skechers.com and Amazon.
The Wexford chelsea boot by Ariat is as beautiful as it is practical. Waterproof leather uppers protect the toes from the sloshy parking lot to the after school bus duty. The Wexford boot features Ariat’s Advanced Torque Stability (ATS®) technology which supports and cushions the foot, promoting good posture and reducing fatigue so that you can work or play all day. A removable footbed should accommodate a personal orthotic. Find the Ariat Wexford in sizes 5.5-11, medium and wide widths for $189.95 from Ariat.com, Zappos and Nordstrom.
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52 Responses to 17 Amazing Comfortable Shoes for Teachers: Fall 2023
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I am also a middle school teacher. I love cute shoes, but I learned long ago that if my feet hurt I was a very cranky teacher. If my feet felt happy, I had unending patience. My favorite shoes through the years have been my Birkenstocks. They are kind of ugly but the most comfortable of any shoes I have ever worn.
Can anyone tell me if they come in wide widths? (The Dansko Clogs) I usually wear a men’s sneaker in wide and I have an orthotic I wear sometimes, though I’m in less pain without it lately.
Thanks!
Hi Karen–I did read that the Dansko Martina featured in the article does run wide. There were even some complaints from women with medium width feet saying they were too wide on their feet. Also, the Dansko Professional clog does come in wide widths.
I loved Danskos until I developed knee pain. I then learned that clogs are just about the worst thing you can do for your knees! It seems to be a trade off – feet or knees. I chose my knees, so today I wear flat, wide, and flexible shoes — Naots can be a good option. I miss my clogs, though.
I’m a preschool teacher and have good luck with Klogs. I need both arch support and cushioning. I tried Dansko but the were too hard on my knees.
I swear by my Skechers Go Walks. I have a couple of pairs that pass for professional and a couple of pairs for life outside the classroom.
Riekers are stylish and comfy.
What, no Tieks? This elementary school principal loves her pair!
Wow! What do you love about them? I’ve never tried them, but assume they have very little arch support, if any.
I love my Vionic sandals❤️.
I battle heel pain and bunions and they are so comfortable…all day!!!!
Ha! I am a kindergarten teacher and just located a pair of Dansko Sams on ebay!! So psyched!
Anyone try Tieks? They always get rave reviews, but are super expensive and am not sure how to w they would work for me and my feet issues?
Nothing but birks for me too!
I teach in Chacos. I will totally wreck a fabulous outfit with Chacos. If my feet hurt and legs hurt; I’m awful!
No, you’re smart! If your school allows open-toe shoes then Chacos are the way to go. Can’t beat the arch support.
Chacos are a way of life for me now! I bought a pair of the leather flips and they aren’t quite as comfy (but still do the trick) and look much better with my sundresses.
Totally get me through a day in the classroom, or anywhere else!
Maybe the hush puppies, but the others, meh.
I HAVE BEEN DESPERATELY LOOKING FOR COMFORTABLE SHOES. I AM A TEACHER WHO DREADS GOING BACK TO SCHOOL THIS FALL BECAUSE OF SEVERE FOOT ISSUES. ALL SUMMER I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR SHOES, BUYING THEM, AND RETURNING. I JUST FOUND THIS BLOG AND WONDER IF OTHERS CAN HELP ME. I HAVE PAINFUL RA, BUNIONS, AND EXTRA WIDE WIDTH FEET. MY SCHOOL DOES NOT ALLOW SANDALS OR CLOGS IN OUR DRESS CODE. I HAVE BEEN WEARING ARCHOPEDICO SHOES BUT THEY HAVE NO SUPPORT AND I CANNOT MAKE IT THROUGH THE DAY. PLEASE CAN SOMEONE OFFER ME A SHOE TO TRY?
Alegria shoes are awesome … I wear the clogs, but they have other styles… nurses, teachers, etc use these shoes… I have been wearing them for several years now… they are awesome! They come in wide (I normally wear a 2E or 3E) and these are plenty wide… be sure to select the wide option before ordering…
Hi Ruth,
What brands have you tried? Off the top of my head, I’d say Drew shoes. They’re not super attractive, but they have extra wide widths and good support.
Thanks for answering, Denise! I was just about to recommend wide width Alegrias, but you beat me to it. I would also suggest looking at a style that doesn’t doesn’t have a vamp that crosses at the bunion area (like the Paloma). Perhaps an oxford or slip-on. Here’s a link to the Alegria wide width shoes at Zappos.
Merrell Encore are nice, and so are the suede Mocs. I have wide feet and can wear both. Nothing beats my soft footed birkies, though!
Can’t you get a doctor note stating that you need to wear a certain type of shoes? You shouldn’t have to suffer.
They are so pricey, I would like to know the answer to this as well. And they seem to rarely go on sale.
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I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis for 30 yrs (got it really young) so I literally feel your pain. I spend half myeline trying to find shoes and/or booties. My foot deformity is not symmetrical. My left ft needs surgery which can’t afford to have. It is excruciating – literally -to walk for an length of time. I have massive dislocated bunion and hammertoes folded in half. I need wide toe box stretch in top of toe box, stretch to accommodate bunion and great support – strap or laces. Why don’t more shoe companies make shoes with stretch material, like Archopedigo Mary Jane… or my holy grail of shoes… Proper booties (can’t recall the name -Peggy maybe? which literally have stretch material on top of toe box, but supportive leather in heel, and they lace. They look really cute and hip BUT don’t exist in nude/beige. Any recommendations? Must also have low heel, non skid, very safe & supportive… but… sue me I still want to look pretty 🙂 Thanks- cherie
What are dressy shoes for hip pain, flats?
There is a shoe that no one mentioned yet: Alegria by P G Lite. Available at Amazon, zappos, Nordstrom. Also at Alegriashoeshop.com Many styles many colors. Rocker sole, extremely thick inner sole, so comfortable. Wide and high toe box. I wear the style Paloma. Absolutely love them!
If you have problem feet, these are the ones to try. They accommodate my bunions and metatarsal issue.
I got a pair of Tieks, very excited since they are expensive – But , they run small & hurt my bunion ;(
So they were a waste of money
Hi, I need guidance pls. 71 yrs old, arthritis in both feet, surgery June 2015 to reconstruct left foot, cortisone shots every 3 months to alleviate pain somewhat in right foot. Just started a job where I am on my feet for 4 hrs straight. The next day I can hardly walk from the pain. What shoes would save me so I can continue the job? Please help me with your advice! ? Susan
Alegria were comfortable for me but aggravated a worsening Achilles Tendonitis issue. Here I am a year later (after Achilles Repair on both Achilles!) finally trying to figure out what real/dress shoes I can wear instead of tennis shoes or the occasional sandal (with skirts). Still looking!
Hi. I’m no expert but my mom swore by her Skechers Go Walk shies after two knée replacements. Maybe these could work for you 🙂
I love love love my hush puppy booties. I bought them in the reddish color and loved them so much I bought them in taupe too.
I have issues with plantar fasciitis and supination. I also have terrible feet from multiple injuries including many sprains, dislocating the 5th metatarsal in my right foot 2 times and last year breaking my left ankle (requiring surgery) and spraining my right ankle at the same time. I also have feet that are wide just in the toe box area. These shoes are very comfortable almost from the first time I wore them. I use Spenco inserts in as many shoes as possible but the removable insert in these shoes is pretty great too. One day I only changed one insert (oops) and the difference in comfort was so slight I hardly noticed.
I can’t speak highly enough about these shoes and if I was made of money I would buy every color.
I’m desperate to find a boot that will fit my extra wide foot with a narrow heel and narrow calves. I have found a few boots that sort of fit but they tend to big around the ankle. Has anyone had boots altered in the calf by a shoe maker? Or has anyone had boots custom made?
Thank you!
I just saw that the Dansko Sam is back!!
I recently bought a pair of Grasshoppers that feature an ortholite footbed. As long as I wear them with dress socks, they don’t agitate my mild bunion.
They are “Grasshopper Windham Loafers“.
Does anyone else have the worst feet…Hallux rigidus, neuromas, bunions? I have worn Kalso Earth for years but they are no longer made. They worked very well for me..especially the newer ones that had more cushioning. I need cushioning, metatarsal bump, and can’t wear any thing with positive heel as that puts pressure on the big toe joint.
I totally agree!!! I used to sell shoes for 18 years and should just start designing them! I have had rheumatoid for 28 years and I am constantly having shoes sent to my house, only to having to return them! I have hammer toes on all of my toes except the big ones, and effuse that horrible surgery.
Nothing that looks pretty, I do like Naots….the Scandanavian collection has a soft and removable footbed if you wear orthotics!
LOVE this website BTW! Good luck! Dena
i have a couple pairs of SAS. Not the most attractive but amazing foot beds and many styles and many in wide widths. I suggest if you can try them in a store that might be the best bet. i live in a small town so when i travel i hit up the shoes stores LOL. I spent 45 min. in an SAS store, with piles of boxes around me. I like the nursing clog from SAS comes in wide.
also i love my Wolky jewel sandals very adjustable and a foot be that conforms to your feet, (break in period tho)
and finally an amazing shoe the dansko charlie– a flexible bottom good arch support the top is perforated im not doing it justice but its cute!!
Reading these comments, I feel I have just met ‘my people’!
Would love to sit down and talk with you all!
We could either soak our feet or prop them up on a table with a pillow.
Sending foot comfort wishes to all of you, Jeanne
I am a museum educator so I’m walking around a lot. I have bunions but also my feet are very narrow; if the shoe doesn’t tie or strap securely, I step right out of it. I’ve had luck with Propet oxfords and Earth sandals. I’d love suggestions for other oxfords and ankle boots.
Since this April I’ve been dealing with Morton’s in both feet (plus I have very high arches). Silicone toe supports (god sends) got me through to the end of the school year and I’ve been wearing a pair of Crocs sandals (that I already had in my closet) pretty much since then. I need to get serious about shoe shopping. We have no school ‘dress code’ per se (I live in France….pretty ‘cazh’ over here 🙂 so really, anything pretty much goes. I do have orthotics. So , any tips for a brand that might help out in the Morton’s + high arches department? Kirstin, your site, your insight and your blogs are a saving grace . Merci very, very much. Beth
i have a couple pairs of SAS. Not the most attractive but amazing foot beds and many styles and many in wide widths. I suggest if you can try them in a store that might be the best bet. i live in a small town so when i travel i hit up the shoes stores LOL. I spent 45 min. in an SAS store, with piles of boxes around me. I like the nursing clog from SAS comes in wide.
also i love my Wolky jewel sandals very adjustable and a foot be that conforms to your feet, (break in period tho)
and finally an amazing shoe the dansko charlie— a flexible bottom good arch support the top is perforated im not doing it justice but its cute!!
Love my Charlie’s. And check out the new Christina. I got them in brown. They fit my 3/4 orthotics for hallux limitus. Look at keen’s Elsa for converse style.
Thanks so much, Laura. I’ll check out the Dansk Charlie!
I love Clarke’s.
they do not have any support – more like slippers – they run about a 1/2 size too small
Why are these shoes so EXPENSIVE? With someone living With Cancer and needing to watch where my money goes l will NEVER be able to afford shoes like this, Things that would benefit people with one of these horrible diseases can’t afford to buy them.
Kind Regards
Susan S
Interested in seeing the Kenkoh shoes reviewed.
They are sold exclusively through Happy Feet Plus.
They are massage sandals that are considered an adjunct to other shoes, to mostly be worn as ‘around the house’ shoes.
I have right knee OA and trying different shoes. I’ve found lace up athletic shoes that I have been recommended probably have added to my problems…too constrictive and rigid, whether stability version or neutral version.
Had pain on side of right heel that seems to have improved after wearing Kenkohs. They have good support but aren’t overkill.
Still, going to look into Abeos and see how the Birkenstock Arizona soft sole works out.
The funny thing is, I have a cheap pair of knee length boots from Walmart that seem to feel comfortable…they have a flat surface and no raised arch support. I only wear them to get the newspaper in the a.m. Maybe I should try them longer to see. Even so, don’t think later boots at Walmart are the same.
Anyway, hope Kirsten tries the Kenkohs and gives them a review.
Please advise which of the above shoes are also good for hallux rigidis. I can’t tell which of these would have stiff soles. Also, I have begun going to business formal meetings and would love recommendations of shoes that work for (1) wide toes/narrow heels; (2) super sensitive bunion; (3) hallux limitis AND (4) prescription orthotics. Thanks. I did recently buy the Revere flats mentioned above
No doubt, This is the best shoes for teachers, Thanks for sharing.
very informative article about best shoes for teachers, thanks for sharing..