A quick point of clarification here: we are not talking aboutdressshoes today; rather; we’re talking about work shoes for working men. The best work shoes are designed to take a beating and keep you comfortable even if you’re standing all day long.
As great and useful as work boots can be, sometimes want a sleeker and lighter-weight option. Fortunately, much like the fact that hiking boots come in low-cut versions, work boots do as well. Just like their taller brethren, the best work shoes for men are meant to help you stay on your feet for long, demanding shifts and can protect your toes and feet from hazards on the job, whether that’s falling materials or falling rain.
What to Look for in the Best Work Shoes for Men
When selecting the best work shoes, here are the factors we considered:
- A thick sole to provide traction on a variety of surfaces
- Waterproofing to protect your feet from the rain and cold
- Strong materials to keep your toes and the soles of your feet protected
- A tough upper (usually made of leather) that gets better looking the more you beat it up
- Durable laces that won’t fall apart in your hand
While work boots tend to look a little more stylish, many work shoes for men look like rugged versions of your favorite pair of running shoes. That means they’ll work just as well on the weekends as on the worksite.
Regardless of how you use them, here are some of the best work shoes for men to help you knock out whatever task you may have in front of you.
1. KEEN Chicago Oxford
BEST OVERALL
Finding the right balance of functionality, performance and ease of wearability is what it’s all about when it comes to work shoes for men. After all, you don’t want clunky work shoes, nor do you want to sacrifice any helpful performance features. KEEN walks this delicate line quite nicely, using a carbon fiber toe for added safety protection and then placing it all atop a heat-resistant rubber outsole for performance in extreme conditions. The compression-resistant midsole is another major bonus in terms of comfort, and the brown leather doesn’t look all that bad when worn with jeans or work pants on or off a job site.
Related Stories
AmazonSale:SaveUpto50%onMen’sSneakers FromALDO,Lacoste,andMore
From Bodega Trips to Marathons, There’s a Brooks Shoe for Every Runner
2. Dickies Venue II Work Sneakers
BEST SNEAKER
The process of blending the low-profile appeal of a sneaker with the performance of a proper work shoe is tricky — but it’s all the more important you find the appropriate pair if you want to stay light on your feet for hours at a time. Dickies might have the pair you’re looking for with this set of black leather work sneakers, which incorporate a grippy rubber sole and oil- and slip-resistant traction. The moisture-wicking performance lining is a nice bonus for hot conditions, while the padded tongue and collar are also a comfortable finishing touch.
3. Shoes for Crews Slip-Resistant Work Sneakers
MOST VERSATILE
While Shoes for Crews designed these aptly named work sneakers with the food service industry in mind, there’s no doubt that they’ll come in handy for plenty of work situations that require getting down and dirty. The slip-resistant outsole is highly useful whenever you come across slick surfaces, and the water-resistant leather makes them remarkably dependable in all conditions. A boost from cushioned technology delivers some critical spring in your step, and you get maximum versatility off the clock, thanks to the surprisingly stylish mid-top design.
4. Wolverine Raider DuraShocks Work Shoes
MOST RUGGED
There’s something to be said for picking up a pair of work shoes from a company that knows a thing or two about rugged design, and Wolverine is one such company. Although the brand’s famed boots are as iconic and hard-working as it gets, they’ve also built quite the business with easily wearable work shoes, including this pair. The key is the lug outsole for maximum traction, offset by the super-springy, flexible DuraShocks sole technology. A moisture-wicking mesh lining makes this rugged pair even easier to wear, and the rich leather is a lovely style touch.
5. Georgia Boot Giant Romeo Slip-On Men’s Work Shoes
BEST ALL-DAY WORK SHOES
All-day comfort and style are paramount if you hop from the work site to the factory floor to the office and back. Rise to the occasion with work shoes for men that deliver the utmost in sunrise-to-sunset performance. They look almost like a hybrid chukka boot-Chelsea boot slip-on, but Georgia Boot delivers workman-like performance, too. The grippy rubber sole and a plush EVA midsole provide traction and bounce, while the dark leather looks great in the office and out in the field.
6. SUADEX Safety Work Sneakers
MOST STYLISH
With their easy-to-lace construction and flattering style, you might mistake these work shoes from SUADEX for a pair of running shoes. That is to say, they’re incredibly stylish for a pair of hard-working sneakers. But just because they’re trendy doesn’t mean they’re incapable of handling difficult situations. Instead, their steel toe upper provides solid protection against workplace hazards. However, they are missing that electrical-prevention sole present in other work sneakers. But these are a great pair if those hazards aren’t common at your workplace and you prefer style.
7. Skechers Cankton Work Sneakers
BEST VALUE
With its combination of suede and mesh for day-long comfort, the Skechers Cankton Work sneaker will help to keep your feet nice and airy even throughout the hottest parts of the day. The cushioned memory from the sole gives a springy feel and bounce with each step. Additionally, the shoes are reinforced with a safety steel toe and meet Authority ASTM work electrical hazard requirements to provide a second level of protection against energized objects and surfaces.
8. Lands’ End All-Weather Suede Leather Slip On Moc Shoes
WEATHERPROOF
If you’re looking for a pair of work shoes capable of withstanding any element that mother nature can throw your way, then you can’t go wrong with Lands’ End All Weather Moc Shoes. These slip-on shoes are constructed of durable suede upper with a weather-resistant outsole. These work shoes for men are comfortable to wear daily and are rugged enough to support you through various weather conditions.
9. TICCOON Work Sneakers
BREATHABLE
This pair of work sneakers from TICCOON is a fantastic option. The construction of a knit upper is more common in a running shoe than a work shoe, yet they still provide protection. But that’s not all it provides. That upper makes the shoe highly breathable, light, and durable enough to handle a worksite. Furthermore, the textured rubber sole provides a sturdy and safe grip, while the steel toe cap at the front of each shoe provides extra protection.
10. New Balance 412v1 Work Shoe
FEELS LIKE A REGULAR SNEAKER
Built to be light and modern for all-day comfort, the New Balance 412v1 work shoe has a 100% leather construction to make it feel like a traditional sneaker. The alloy toe cap makes it so you still get protection without feeling like you’re walking around with cinder blocks on your feet.
11. Reebok Oxford Work Shoe
COMFORT FIT
With its MemoryTech Massage footbed that actively adapts to the contour and shape of your foot, the Reebok Oxford work shoe might be the most comfortable work shoe you’ve ever worn. The flex grooves in the sole allow for increased mobility and traction while also yielding insulation against electrical hazards. And, of course, an alloy toe cap is included to provide top-notch safety.
12. New Balance Fresh Foam Slip Resistant 806 V1 Industrial Shoe
SLIP-RESISTANT SOLE
When looking for the best workout shoe, one of the most important qualities is a slip-resistant sole; you’ll have that and more with New Balance’s Industrial Shoe. They’re designed with a synthetic upper mesh that is easy on the feet, providing long-lasting comfort. The shoe has a foam cushioning midsole to keep your feet relaxed on an exhausting day of work, not to mention it has a robust and slip-resistant sole that will prevent you from sliding on a slippery surface. Get yourself a pair of these durable and stylish work shoes in black or silver.
13. Skechers Men’s Cessnock Food Service Shoe
DESIGNED FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS
Working in food services, whether in a restaurant, a catering business, a grocery store or a cafeteria, can get messy. Workers need to be fast on their feet to keep up with the job’s demands and stay safe, which is why we like the Skechers Men’s Cessnock Food Service Shoe. The slip-resistant shoes help to keep wearers upright and the lightweight design and breathable mesh make these shoes comfortable and easy to wear. Thanks to the relaxed fit and bungee lacing, workers can easily slip the shoes off and put their feet up during breaks.
14. Merrell Moab 3 Low Shoe
BEST FOR OUTDOORS
Merrell specializes in hiking gear, but that doesn’t mean their products don’t double as durable workwear, and the Merrell Moab 3 is a new, generational update for when you need peak performance. These shoes have a rugged exterior made of pig suede leather and mesh upper. Each pair offers you out-of-the-box comfort with its removable contoured footbed and lightweight EVA foam midsole. Plus, the shoes come with an abrasion-resistant toe cap that protects your feet and an air cushion to absorb your every step.
15. Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage Mcallen Food Service Shoe
BEST FOR WIDE FEET
Skechers has one of the best selections of comfortable and reliable work shoes for men, including their line of shoes for Food Services. Like the Cessnock style above, the Mcallen Food Service shoes by Skechers are also made with a slip-resistant sole and memory foam insole for added cushion. Where the shoes differ are their design and sizing. The Mcallen is a slip-on shoe with a mesh fabric upper that offers excellent breathability. This style is also ideal for users with wide feet thanks to its wide toe box and roomier heel space.
16. FENLERN Steel Toe Shoes
BEST COLOR OPTIONS
If you’re looking for a pair of lightweight work shoes that match a uniform, check out the FENLERN Steel Toe Shoes. A robust steel toe helps to prevent users from getting injured by falling or rolling objects. Even with the anti-smashing protection, the woven upper still provides a breathable top that keeps feet dry. Paired with an air cushion sole and moisture-wicking fabric liner, your feet will be protected and comfortable simultaneously. The shoe also comes in various styles, making it easy to pair with a uniform.
17. Timberland Pro Reaxion Composite Safety Toe
LOW PROFILE
For a shoe you can slip on and forget, try the Timberland Pro Reaxion Composite Safety Toe. The low-profile shoe helps protect against trips and is inspired by performance sneakers for a lightweight feel. The sneakers have a moisture-wicking lining with an all-weather TPU outsole that is slip, heat and oil resistant.
18. Fila Men’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe
BEST BARGAIN
One of the most popular work shoe styles is undoubtedly the Fila Men’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe, which is durable, comfortable and affordable. Available in black or white, the high rubber sole is slip-resistant and elevates wearers to help protect against objects on the ground. Perforated to provide breathability, the Fila sneakers have a memory foam sock liner and midsole that makes them a shoe that is supportive and enjoyable to wear even during long shifts.
19. Crocs Men’s and Women’s On The Clock Clog
EASY TO SANITIZE
If you need a shoe that is easy to sanitize, we recommend the Crocs Men’s and Women’s On The Clock Clog. Designed with health care workers in mind, the slip-on Crocs are fully molded, meaning there are no places for dirt and bacteria to hide and can be cleaned with soap and water. The slip-resistant shoes have an enclosed toe and heel, making them comply with most workplace requirements. We also like that they are made with the signature Croslite foam has helped Crocs become known as one of the most comfortable shoes to wear.
20. Rockport Men’s Eberdon Loafer
BEST LOAFER
If you’re looking for a shoe that provides all-day comfort even after standing longer than eight hours, go with Rockport’s Loafer. The work shoe is crafted of genuine leather upper with a breathable mesh inner lining that keeps your feet fresh. They feature shock-absorbing tru-tech that absorbs impact instantly and provides you with all-day comfort. These slip-ons are great for any guy who works in an office.
21. Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Men’s Harrington II Work Shoe
BEST FOR LABORATORIES
Some jobs require workers to split their time between formal office settings and more informal work areas, including labs and warehouses. Finding shoes that are appropriate for both can be difficult, which is why we like Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Men’s Harrington II Work Shoe. The Oxford-style shoe is formal enough for a business casual setting but has an oil-resistant and slip-resistant sole that makes it appropriate for more hands-on tasks. An anti-compression insole and memory foam cool fit add to the shoe’s comfort no matter where your workstation is located.
22. Nunn Bush Men’s Sherman Slip-Resistant Work Shoe Oxford Sneaker
BEST FORMAL OPTION
Need a shoe that is appropriate for the boardroom and beyond? We like the Nunn Bush Men’s Sherman Slip-Resistant Work Shoe Oxford Sneaker. The faux-leather upper is easy to clean in the case of spills and a memory foam footbed with EVA layers provides comfort even when spending the day on your feet.
Stock up on These Oxford Shirts That Are up for Work or the Weekend
