Teachers spend majority of their 9 hour work days on their feet, whether it be teaching a class, on yard duty or going back and forth across the campus. Most teachers on average, get up to 12,000 steps in per working day which is great for their health, but not so great on their bodies without the right support.

What kinds of shoes do teachers wear?

The kinds of shoes teacher wear can vary to complete opposite ends of the spectrum. Some teachers prefer heals, some like flats, some prefer open toe and other opt for sneakers or runners. PE teachers will be repping their runners through their work days for all their classes on the agenda.

There is no specific guide line to what a teacher must wear at most schools, but some may have some stricter standards in place, like colours or styles.

Being open to a teachers personal preference can mean that most of the time, teachers are on their feet for most of their working days in a shoe with not enough support for their daily needs.

What are the best shoes for working on your feet all day?

There are some of our favourite go-to brands that cater to both casual wear and being comfortable. The best shoes for working on your feet all day is dependent on what you do and your style preference. Are you standing up and not doing much walking? Are you constantly pacing around your workspace? Are you taking PE classes?

At Athletes Foot, there is a wide range of options that cater to not just athletic shoes. We (the fit experts) offer to footwear for everyone, especially for both indoor and outdoor classroom teachers.

Gone are the days where in order for a shoe to be comfy, that it won’t look aesthetically pleasing. There are now ample brands on offer to cater to the best shoes for teachers, no matter what class you take.

Sandals:

As we head into the warmer months of the year, sandals may be on many teachers minds. Just because you are opting for an open toe, does not mean that comfort should be compromised.

Support and cushion still play a big role, especially for those long workdays. Think brands like: Teva, Birkenstock, Vionic, FitFlop, Merrell and Revere.

Some of our favourite styles include:

• Vionic Amber

A dressier women's sandal with a flex sole, to allow for optimal foot movement. With Velcro straps to make taking them on and off in a rush ever easier! The Vionic Amber sandal holds a contoured shape to help stabilise and realign the feet while minimising shock absorption. Ideal for helping prevent lower limb and back pain.

• Birkenstock Arizona

A timeless key style to every summer wardrobe with a sturdier sole with added structure. A corked footbed that takes into consideration the pressure points of the feet and added arch support to alleviate pressure on the ankles and knees.

Casual:

Teachers mostly find themselves in casual clothes, meaning casual shoes are key to any teachers wardrobe! Casual and comfort go hand in hand, as it really is the best time to make the most of a supportive shoe!

Think brands like Ascent, Rockport and Skechers.

• Rockport Trustride

Taking a casual sneaker to a whole new level with full grain perforated leather that is not only durable, but super easy to clean at any time. Inbuilt with premium cushioning through the forefoot and heel, it allows optimal shock absolution with a lightweight midsole for all day added comfort. Plus the neutral colour-ways go with any outfit!

• Ascent Stratus

Every wardrobe needs a basic white sneaker, which is a classic all-rounder to become one of the best shoes for a teacher and their wardrobe. This style doesn’t have to just be a work style but also will be one of your favourites to wear on the weekend! Featuring a Bungee midsole that provides great energy return over periods of time to help increase support and cushioning.

Dress:

For the teachers that prefer to keep it more dressy, whether it be with some formal pants or a more dressed up outfit.

Think brands like Clarks and Ecco.

• Ecco Helsinki

No compromising style for comfort here, this sleek dress shoe will have you feeling the pep in your step all day long while looking suave and sophisticated. With a lightweight and flexible midsole and an internal textile lining that will protect the feet from irritation and reduce moisture build-up due to its breathability. With an outer composed of full grain leather for maximum comfort.

• Clarks Frankie

Adding some extra height to your daily step with a light weight PU ensuring each step feels effortless. Super easy to add that lift to any outfit with a leather durable upper, with and lace up fastening and padding around your ankle to hold you in firmly.

Sneakers & Runners

Wearing a runner to work is a great option for many reasons, but most importantly comes the support and comfort. It provides support to your joints and bones where a vulcanised flat sole normally would not. Runners help elevate pressure from standing and add extra spring to your step to effectively minimise the absorption of shock in your steps.

Think brands like Adidas, Nike, New Balance and Skechers.

• Skechers Sure Track

Composed of a genuine leather upper, making it super easy to clean and remain water resistant, the SureTrack is in line with the anti-static electricity shock standards. Machine washable and available in a lace up or slip on for versatile all day comfort and cushion.

• Skechers Go Walk

Continue to innovate with the Skechers GOwalk, available in both mens and women's styles with slight seasonal variations. With updated gen5 technology for 20% more cushioning than your normal Skechers. Slip-on and lace-up options are available, with ample fit width options in classic/standard and wide fit!

• Nike React

Weightless and breathable with a full length responsive mid-sole, for amazing comfort in every step. A sturdy lace up design to securely hold your foot in on the go.

What are the best shoes for PE teachers?

PE Teachers are on their feet for 90% of their days, so not just any shoe will do the job. Their days can range from widespread age groups dependant on primary or secondary, meaning their shoes will best be suited to agility for the multiple uses needed.

PE Teachers need shoes that provide support, structure, stability, cushion and most of all comfort!

Being so physically active, let’s not let the day wear down your body. Look to shoes that aid in shock absorption, to elevate repeated impact on your bones, joints and muscles. Turn to shoes with structure that hold you in place and support the arch to prevent injury.

Think brands like Saucony, Asics, Brooks and Hoka One One.

• Brooks Adrenaline

The latest high performance sneaker to the Brooks collection, the Adrenaline features GuideRails, a revolutionary support system that holistically reduces risks of pronation, and ease stress on core ligaments. An upgrade on the ever comfortable DNA loft cushioning, recommended for those seeking next level support and cushion.

The best shoes for a teacher can vary depending on the end use of how long you are on your feet or if you’re up and about all day long! We have delved into each category to help your feet move forward in your teaching year with the upmost comfortable feel and let’s not forget style! Your bodies and happy cushioned feet will be thank you in the long run, let alone when Fri-Yay comes around at the end of each teaching week!

SHOP ALL WOMEN'S

SHOP ALL MEN'S