When it comes to shopping for shoes for work, there are many things that you need to consider. Even I, a shoe-fluent editor, have struggled to land on perfect pairs in the past. This is because we place a lot of demands on our work shoes. They need to be versatile and go with a plethora of looks. They also need to be comfortable—depending on your role, you may have to be on your feet a lot, which will be a significant factor in your choice also. Then there’s your commute—will your shoes hold up in changeable weather? And then we get to aesthetics. Are they polished enough? Granted, some workplaces and uniforms will be flexible with casual attire (that or you my even be provided with shoes to wear). However, if you’ve found yourself here on Who What Wear, I’m willing to bet that looking stylish is of equal concern to you, so I’m approaching this subject matter from that standpoint. Work-shoe shopping in a word? Challenging.
Throughout my career, I’ve found that the more trend-proof the shoe, the better it serves me for work. That’s not to say your work outfits have to be boring or lacking personality. Still, I believe that any look can be elevated with a classic shoe; something my colleagues wholly agree with. “For me, work isn’t a place where I try out new trends, it’s where I showcase my most honed looks which, yes, might feature a trend-led piece here or there but, ultimately, they’re centred timeless items—shoes included,” says affiliate editor, Emily Dawes.
Following this sentiment I thought, as we approach a new season, that it might be useful to outline the shoes for work that our editors wear most on their office days in the hope of inspiring your own footwear choices. Don’t fret—our days of wearing high heels Monday-to-Friday are behind us, though there is still a heel style we regularly turn out in. Many of the work shoes our editors favour are flats, which is especially great seeing as the biggest shoe trends this season happen to be flats themselves. Scroll on to see what our editors deem to be the best shoes for work.
Style Notes: Loafers infiltrated our wardrobes in a way previously unseen a few years ago (read: almost a decade ago) when Gucci’s Jordaan loafers became the flat shoe du jour. Fast-forward to today and they’re just as prevalent, with more simplistic, classic styles loaning themselves perfectly to workwear.
I’m centring lots of my outfits this season around this specific pair.
Just as covetable now as they’ve always been.
These look so high-end thanks to their minimal detailing.
Style Notes: Since lockdown, our reliance on heels has dwindled significantly, but there’s no denying the joy one can experience when slipping on a pair—particularly if after-work drinks are on the cards. You needn’t opt for skyscrapers; cute kitten heels are all the rage right now, especially in slingback form. Plus, the strap around the ankle makes them stay on better than other heel types.
Tick off two trends in one with a loafer-style slingback.
These live in my mind rent free.
If heels really aren’t your thing, don’t worry—there are lots of flat slingbacks out there also.
From assistants (here’s looking at you Andy Sachs) all the way up to Anna Wintour , if there’s one shoe for work that fashion editors genuinely wear, it’s leather knee highs. Sleek and ideal for the latter half of the year, our editors wear theirs with everything from slip skirts to knitted dresses, all the way to underneath tailored trousers for a heat boost.
Say hello to my dream knee boots.
These also come in a sleek taupe shade.
Suede styles will always look beautiful worn with lightweight fabrics such as chiffon.
Understated and elegant, ballet flats have been taking over this season, but fashion types have long remained loyal to them, particularly when workwear comes into play. Unlike other shoe styles, I find ballet flats pair well with the majority of my trousers, dresses and skirts, making them a go-to in my weekly outfit repertoire.
I own these and love wearing them at home too as a chic slipper alt.
I like the glossy finish on this leather pair.
Why not add a metallic shoe into your workwear mix?
Following a similar thread to that of ballet flats, Mary Janes may feel of-the-moment but fashion people will tell you, this is one shoe that never goes out of style. Choose flats or look for block heels if you prefer a your work shoes with a bit of height.
I keep seeing Aeyde’s Mary Janes on my feed.
These also come in failsafe black.
This green hue will go with so many clothing colours.
