13 Comfortable Work Shoes For the Office and Beyond
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When finding the perfect pair of work shoes, style ranks high on our wish lists but, naturally, so does comfort. From the subway to the office to after-work cocktails with your friends and beyond, these are the shoes you'll practically be living in daily, so it's important to shop for a pair that'll keep you feeling comfortable, supported, and chic.
Ahead, we curated a list of this season's best and most comfortable work shoes for women, from slingback heels and black flats to business-casual shoes that can meet any office's dress-code requirements. Most importantly, they all have one thing in common: they'll become your go-to everyday pair.
Depending on your job or daily journey, your comfort (and commute) requirements might have different needs. If you work in a more dressed-up environment with a walking commute, opt for classic, comfortable flats that you can wear with trousers. If your workplace is more casual and you drive, you can probably get away with wearing a pair of heels to spice things up. And, of course, we also made sure to include some versatile sneakers that pair well with all clothing items — and are even favorites of our own editors.
Keep reading for our complete guide to the best women's work shoes. With styles from brands like Old Navy, Rothy's, and Everlane, there's something at every price point and markdown. Find your favorites and shop this season's best comfortable work shoes for standing all day.
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Best Shiny Faux-Leather Loafers
Old Navy Faux-Leather Chunky-Heel Loafer Shoes ($24, originally $40)
Hurry if you want these loafers, a brand bestseller known for their affordable price and comfortable fit. The shiny, faux-leather exterior looks high-end, but it's actually made from a mix of recycled and regular thermoplastic rubber. For more, read our editor's complete review of the Old Navy Faux-Leather Chunky-Heel Loafer Shoes.
Editor Quote: "These loafers are so comfortable that it's hard to believe the price tag — and I'm far from the only Old Navy shopper who thinks this. Scroll through the ratings section on Old Navy's website, and you'll see that nearly every review attests to how comfy they are. The footbed is made of a cushioned woven twill that I was able to wear for the full day without desperately craving to take them off — as is the case with many of my shoes." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Shopping
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Best Knit Flats
Skechers Honeycomb Flat ($29-$41)
We're obsessed with the scalloped detailing of these breathable flats, which are available in six neutral colors that are perfect for work. Shoppers praise the shoe's design but rave even more about their comfort. Case in point: one shopper who gave them a five-star rating wrote: "Finally, shoes that are comfortable all day! I'm a Pre-K teacher and I'm on my feet all day. My feet are no longer tired at the end of the day! The padding inside is so cushiony and the fabric is comfortable and really does stretch."
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Best Mary Jane Shoes
Journee Collection Aizlynn Flat ($30, originally $80)
These Mary Janes will invite plenty of compliments at the office, no matter which shade you choose of the five that are available. While your own outfit might involve more layering with polished separates, this shoe speaks volumes on its own with the bow detailing. "Purchased these to wear to a wedding. So perfectly comfortable for dancing and walking around the winery. The vibrant red color and Mary Jane style. What a perfect match!" reads one review.
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Best Chunky Penny Loafers
Steve Madden Women's Lotto Penny Loafer ($37-$90)
These chunky shoes go well with white socks and have a cushioned footbed that's comfortable to walk in. They're retro-inspired, so you'll look straight out of the '90s with these business-casual work shoes. We love that they feature the silhouette's classic penny slot design and that they come in a total of three colors.
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Best Slingback Heels
Miraazzurraa Sling Back Pumps ($50-$60)
These women's work shoes are as comfortable as they are chic. The style features a chunky heel that adds height while remaining fashionable. Its soft cushion footbed is bound to serve you on long days spent on your feet, while its straps keep you nice and secure. Wear them with a comfy pair of jeans, or skirts — they go with anything.
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Best Versatile Loafers
Sam Edelman Loraine Loafers ($68-$150, originally $150-$170)
These versatile loafers are like a two-in-one shoe. The backs fold down, so you can wear them like slides on days you want to slip 'em on and go. They're a great versatile shoe to add to your collection, and their minimalist design can be paired with anything. Plus, these women's work shoes are available in a range of different colors, so you can shop out the perfect style for your closet.
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Best Slip-On Sneakers
Sperry Top-Sider Crest Twin Gore Seacycled Sneaker ($70)
The cork footbed and memory foam used in the construction of these comfortable shoes make them easy to wear all day — even if your office dress code is semi-casual. The navy colorway also makes them appear a bit more sleek, and you can feel great knowing you've made a sustainable choice with a recycled polyester upper, lining, and sole.
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Best Pointed-Toe Flats
Rothy's The Point Flats ($119)
You don't have to worry about breaking in these flats, because they feature a surprisingly durable soft and flexible upper. The comfy shoes are machine washable and come in several different colors and patterns.
Editor Quote:"If you've ever invested in footwear without a heel because you were looking for comfort, only to be disappointed by a restricting shape that caused more pain than a sky-high stiletto, then you're in my boat, and Rothy's is the solution." — Sarah Wasilak, associate content director, Shopping
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Best Two-Strap Sandals
Madewell Roni Keira Block Heel Sandal ($138)
Elegant and minimal, these strappy sandals have a subtle '90s vibe but include modern details like a square toe. The leather upper is soft and slightly stretchy, making them especially comfortable.
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Best Woven Sandals
Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Madylyn Slingback Sandal ($142, originally $189)
The adjustable strap of these sandals ensures a comfy fit while the block heel makes them easy to wear all day. You can scoop them up in eight different colors, but we're partial to this banana leather hue for adding a pop of color to a neutral outfit.
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Best Modern Mules
Tory Burch Georgia Mule ($179, originally $298)
These mules are made of real leather, which means it will likely take a few wears to break them in, but once you do, you'll never want to take them off. These formal slip-on shoes (which are outfitted with a rubber insole) are perfect for everyday wear and will take you from summer to fall with no problem. The low-heel design will give you just enough height without hurting your feet.
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Best Clog Mules
Charlotte Stone Marlo Chunky Wooden Platform Clog Mule ($234)
Clogs might not have a reputation for being the most comfortable shoe, but this platform style has proven to be the exception — at least according to reviews. Not only are the shoes designed with wide feet in mind, but they're also fitted with a memory foam insole that provides ample comfort for feet. One PS editor detailed her love for the style in this review of the Charlotte Stone Marlo Chunky Clog Mule.
Editor Quote: "It's your classic closed-toe clog but with an ultra-high, thick, platform heel for a modern and trendy twist. Thanks to the two-inch platform, the four-inch heel doesn't feel as high as it actually is, making the shoes extremely easy to walk in. These elongated my legs, giving the illusion that I'm way taller than 5'3". The shoe also has a memory foam insole for extra comfort with every step. I'm loving these with my wide-leg jeans and sun dresses." — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, Beauty
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Best Ballet Flats
Margaux The Demi Flat ($235)
What separates Margaux's footwear from others is that the label offers a diverse size range, including sizes US 3 to 14 and three width options. One of our contributors who formerly had a difficult time fitting into ballet flats deems them her personal favorite for how comfortable they are, from their unstructured silhouette to their plush foam padding. Learn more via our complete review of the Margaux Demi Flats.
Editor Quote: "After slipping into one pair that was a little too big, and then another that was the size below, the third narrower option felt like they had been made just for me. They were beyond comfortable (thanks to their killer padded insole), didn't pinch anywhere, and miraculously didn't allow my heel any allowance when it came to slippage." — Avery Matera, contributor
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— Additional reporting by Angela Elias, Marisa Petrarca, and Balim Tezel
Kyley Warren (she/her) is an award-winning writer and editor with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She previously worked as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. Before joining PS, Kyley worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.
Angela Elias (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.
Marisa Petrarca (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others.
Balim Tezel (she/her) is a shopping updates editor at PS and the founder of Maison des Nus, a New York-based affordable luxury brand blending streetwear and elevated essentials, with a playful edge. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in 2019, and now lives in Flatiron.