Let’s Talk Work Shoes for Women

Work has changed a lot in the past five years. First, we were sent home and worked via Zoom and Slack. Then, the world opened, but our in-office requirement was reduced (along with the dress code). And now, for many, it's back to the office five days a week, and that “office” may be a very different set-up. We're needing work shoes, but we're older and wiser and are no longer going to suffer for footwear fashion.

We're over wasting money on shoes that barely last a season, and our arches demand a better quality of life. That being said, we still want to look stylish. What work shoes are we wearing that are both comfortable and stylish? What work shoes for women can get us to our destination while still looking great with our professional work outfits?

I originally wrote this post in 2021, when the world reopened. I updated it in 2023, when the New Normal became normal, and am revising it for 2025, with the new requirements for federal employees (and therefore, many other industries) to be in the office five days a week.

Let's Discuss Work Shoes for Women

My advanced grown women, do you remember how shoe trends changed after 9/11? Whether we realized it or not, we began dressing in a way that wouldn't hinder us as much if we had to move quickly or for a distance. From ballet flats to sneakers, women's shoe trends became more practical.

Society Determines Fashion Trends

The pandemic also affected fashion trends. We spent a year in sweats, we mainly interacted with folks by video from the waist down, and we often went straight from the gym to the desk to walk the dog to the desk. When we returned to the workplace, especially having to less often, dress codes relaxed as did work fashion trends.

Athleisure became a thing, and athletic inspiration was seen in everything from suiting to cocktail dress. With the increase in online shopping, so came selection. Now one can find shoes in widths, with arch support, and comfort that are on-trend and from quality labels.

Suiting became relaxed, leg widths widened, and classic figure flattery style rules were being broken left and right, and looking amazing. There is less of a delineation of workwear for men and workwear for women.

The Workplace Has Changed

Before 2020, commuter shoes were a thing. We'd have cushy flats, waterproof boots, and supportive sneakers to get us from our homes to our office buildings. Under our desk or in a drawer would be work shoes—pumps, flats, or loafers that worked great for the workplace but not for pounding the pavement or battling the elements to get to the said desk.

Once we returned to the office, many only needed to be in person once, maybe twice a week. Offices removed assigned desks, and you sit where you fit for your in-person days; a shoe wardrobe under the desk no longer feasible. And now many are required to head back five days a week.

Let's talk about shoes that can perform double duty since, in 2025, we don't necessarily have or want extensive work shoe wardrobes. Do work shoes exist that are durable and comfortable enough for a commute but still look office-appropriate?

The discussion below is dedicated to work shoes for women in more traditional office environments where a business casual to business traditional dress code is still expected. Those who have more casual or creative workplaces may find they do not experience this issue.

Do Practical Commuter Shoes Stylish Enough for the Office Exist?

Sure, such shoes exist… if your personal style aesthetic fits such footwear. And if you're working off your 2018 Ann Taylor triacetate separates and Old Navy Pixie ankle pants, you're going to have a harder time in 2025.

We're in this weird place where trends we feel we wore just yesterday are cool again, but also fashion has gotten way more modern and different from what we've ever worn before. It's hard to know what is still stylish, what we need to let go, and what we should consider adopting to keep our existing closet looking stylish longer.

As a friend, I'm telling you that to keep rocking those Pixie Pants in 2025, and you're looking for style advice, my advice is that you're going to have to sacrifice comfort to keep that silhouette looking current. While our not-so-distant past is “vintage” and considered cool by our kids, it's not the same exact iteration. And remember, my friends, back then, fashion was anything but comfortable.

Grown Women Care For Their Feet

When it comes to work shoes, especially for us grown women, we want to be on trend, but we are not going to sacrifice our feet for the cause. And if, like me, you've had some sort of hormonal body change (menopause, pregnancy, hysterectomy, hormone therapy, etc.), your feet may not be as sweaty or stinky as before, and you find you keep your shoes longer. Also, we grown women are more likely to be able to spend a bit more if we know that the shoe will last in regards to quality as well as lasting style.

Your feet matter. Whether or not they have become sensitive or needing special shoe features, caring for your feet now will benefit you in the long run. Studies have shown that a major key to longevity is mobility, and having comfortable and supportive feet are key.

So the hunt is on for work shoes that are comfortable, stylish, and versatile enough that we can do with fewer pairs. Oh, and add durable enough to last more than a year, won't be destroyed if you can't avoid that puddle, and maybe a few in narrow and wide widths? That's a tall order, but your gal Alison is here to share a few options I thought were worth considering:

You Have to Adapt Your Clothes to Your Shoes

It's time for your closet to adapt to your shoes, not the other way around. It's more stylish, it's smarter financially, and it's going to make you a much more comfortable, healthy, and confident person.

That being said, I do not believe in tossing a perfectly good wardrobe, especially if the pieces in it bring you comfort and joy. So below I'll share some styles of shoes that can handle a commute, care for your feet, and work with items likely in your closet right now. I'll also offer styling tips for the most difficult to style shoes for the office.

How to Style Sneakers for the Office (if they are permitted in your dress code)

Sneakers are the easiest when looking for comfort and support on your walk and style in the office. A pair of polished sneakers can look great with suiting and work separates. A low-profile pair will work with ankle pants and skirts, and a more solid pair can be worn with wide-leg trousers.

one (2 colors) | two (12+ colors & widths) | three (2 colors) | four (10+ colors) | five (7 colors) | six (2 colors) | seven (15+ colors) | eight (6 colors & widths) | nine (3 colors) | ten (7 colors)

The concept of sneakers with suiting and corporate attire won't fly in every workplace, but most offices have become more lenient since Lockdown. If you know sneakers are acceptable but not the norm, go super simple and smooth. Choose white, off-white, or a neutral color and a style with a smooth sole (no grippy trail runners). Leather will look dressier than canvas or knit.

I am a fan of the Birkenstock Bend sneakers. Offering the same support and comfort as the brand's sandals, these sneakers are a smooth leather that looks polished with dresses and trousers alike. You can read my Birkenstock Bend sneaker review at this link.

Keep these work sneakers clean and polished. Throw the laces in the wash on a regular basis and hit the white walls (if applicable) with a Magic Eraser to remove any scuffs. Clean with traditional leather shoe polish, or use an old toothbrush and white toothpaste or laundry detergent to scrub out spots and quickly rinse and blot dry.

When styling sneakers, think of post-9/11 style. We wore hoodies under blazers, sneakers with skirts, joggers in place of suiting trousers, and things were a bit slouchy and relaxed in fit. The looks were more “Normcore” which meant no visible logos, not a lot of colors, and very clean and simple. While in 2025 you can wear any color, pattern, and logo you desire, simplicity and fit is key in making sneakers work in the workplace.

Sneakers are great with wide-leg trousers. I love wearing a pair of sneakers with my Universal Standard Stephanie pants; a wide-leg Ponte that looks polished but is hella comfy. Add a sweater or a blazer, and it's work-friendly and lets me walk several blocks comfortably. Check out this post for more advice on styling wide-leg pants as a grown-ass woman.

Sneakers look smart with trim ankle pants, with visible “pop” socks, or with no-show socks. A “pop” sock is like the fun color or printed socks seen with menswear suiting. If that sounds complicated, stick with classic no-show socks (this is my favorite no-show sock hack). A low-profile sneaker (not too chunky, not too thick of a sole, cut low at the ankle) gives a modern classic vibe. Depending on your office environment, you can get a bit more creative with color. Adidas Gazelles are a great option for a non-white sneaker that is low profile and looks great with pants.

Sneakers can work well with dresses and skirts if you have the right office environment. For the less creative offices, I'd stick to sneakers with fuller midi-length skirts and dresses so they don't steal the spotlight. Pleated and bias-cut midi skirts with sneakers have become a classic; sneakers also look good with the a-line, shift, and “nap” midi dresses that are currently popular. Some styles of shirtdresses (especially in sturdier fabrics like cotton and denim) look great with sneakers.

How to Style Supportive Sandals for the Office (if they are permitted with your dress code)

During the warmer months, it can be uncomfortable walking to work and spending the whole day in closed-toe heavy shoes. If you have an office culture where open-toes are acceptable, sandals may be a norm at the workplace and a great option of work shoes for women. This summer, we're seeing supportive and athletic-inspired sandals get elevated enough for the office and your more polished ensembles.

one (2 colors) | two (3 colors & WW) | three (2 colors) | four (2 colors) | five (3 colors) | six (3 colors) | seven (2 colors & widths) | eight (3 colors) | nine (2 colors) | ten (6 colors)

Fisherman sandals, huraches, Birkenstocks, and molded insoles are all on trend this year. This means you are more likely to find stylish sandals that provide enough comfort and structure for your office commute. As with sneakers, look for styles made from smooth leather, and steer clear of lots of visible Velcro, webbing, reflective tape, and anything else that makes the sandal better on the trail than in the office.

A sandal needs a solid sole that offers cushioning but also protection from the sidewalk to be appropriate for a commute. Most sandals like this have contrast, cork, or athletic-inspired soles, which won't read professional enough for most workplaces. You also want a shoe that stays on your foot; slides aren't safe if you have to run or are on slippery ground.

The key to having sandals look office-appropriate is well-maintained feet. Especially as grown women, our feet need TLC to look and feel good now and in the future. If the local nail salon isn't your jam and you can't afford the fancy spa, get to DIY-ing and making a home pedicure part of your schedule. No need for polish, but feet are a way to show that you may have fewer fucks to give, but you still give a damn.

As for styling sandals for the office, treat them like sneakers and pair them with wide-leg trousers and below-knee to midi-length skirts and dresses. Flowing fabrics will look most elegant when paired with chunky sandals.

How to Style Ankle Boots for the Office

Footwear trends change but the black leather ankle boot has been a women's fashion mainstay for a couple of decades and doesn't look to be leaving retail stores an time soon. Ankle boots are also a style that can be found in a variety of widths, toebox sizes and shapes, heel heights and widths, and can accommodate orthotic and more supportive insoles.

Ankle boots are also a style of work shoe that can be weatherproofed, or comes with features like water resistance, non-slip soles, and insulation for cold weather. With an ankle boot, your commuter shoe can truly also be your work shoe.

one | two (3 colors & widths) | three (11 colors & widths) | four (waterproof) | five (6 colors) | six (3 colors) | seven (2 colors & widths) | eight (4 colors) | nine (4 colors & widths) | ten (3 colors)

Depending on your ankle boot, it can work with everything from straight-leg ankle pants to wide-leg trousers to midi-length skirts to sheath dresses. The key word is depending, because ankle boots come in a heckuva lot of different styles, and not all are as equally versatile.

For ankle boots that are chunkier due to foot needs, I recommend a fuller-width trouser or jean that covers most of the shoe. This way, the pants hang properly and you look more polished. In fact, sleek ankle boots can look kind of odd peeking out of sailor jeans!

If you are wearing ankle boots with skirts or styling with shorter pants, you need a high shaft. That ankle boot needs to slide under the hem of the pants for a continuous line, even when walking. And for skirts, you do want the shaft to go well above the ankle bone; shooties are not a contemporary look.

Ankle boots for work will look more polished if they are regularly polished. Contrast stitching and sole colors will make boots look more casual. A good choice is a solid black leather boot with few details and a matching black sole.

Commuter Shoes Aren't Dead

If you have a public transportation commute, bike or walk to work, or live in a place where weather is a footwear factor, you may do better with a commuter shoe. This is a shoe you use just for getting to and from the office, and you switch into more work-friendly footwear that coordinates with your look.

Things To Consider When Looking For Commuter Shoes For Women

If you're a commuter, you know choosing the right shoes is essential to your daily comfort. Whether you're walking, taking the train, or driving, your feet need to be supported and protected. For those with a lengthy walk to work, shoes with good arch support are a must to prevent foot fatigue and discomfort. And if you're hopping on and off trains or subways, slip-resistant shoes can help prevent spills on slick surfaces.

For those living in areas with unpredictable weather, non-slip soles are a lifesaver on rainy or snowy days. And if you're driving, consider shoes that are easy to slip off so you can switch to sandals or slippers for maximum comfort during your commute.

No matter how you get to work, choosing the right shoes can make a big difference in your daily comfort and well-being. By keeping your specific needs in mind and prioritizing comfort and support, you'll be able to find the perfect pair of commuter shoes to keep you looking and feeling your best on the go.

Grab one of those many, many reusable totes you have shoved in a closet and turn it into your shoe bag. Instead of keeping your work shoes in a drawer in your office desk, keep them in this tote. And since you're not going into the office as often, create a capsule wardrobe of looks that all work with that one pair of shoes so you can just keep them in your laptop bag ready to go.

Keep it Simple, Sweetheart

When it comes to simplicity, the simplest thing is to not have to replace it. Wear what you own, and take good care of it so you can continue to wear it. And if you need to carry a second bag with a pair of loafers in it to keep wearing the wardrobe you already own, it's a minor inconvenience compared to having to start your closet over to accommodate those commuter shoes.

Do you have any go-to work shoes for women that you swear by? Let me know in the comments so I (and the rest of the Wardrobe Oxygen community) can check them out. I'd love to try and add some new recommendations to this post for the future!