Standing all day is no easy feat — especially during long shifts. Retail employees know exactly what it takes to keep their feet comfortable and blister-free. In the retail world, workers often spend hours at the cash register, hauling boxes or assisting customers throughout the store.
The holiday season is the busiest time of year, and it’s no surprise that retail pros have mastered the art of choosing shoes that can handle marathon shifts. I spoke with several workers to learn about their go-to footwear, the styles they swear by and the ones they recommend avoiding on the job.
Having worked in retail for years, I know firsthand how important it is to choose the right footwear and insoles to survive long shifts — especially during extended holiday hours. Here’s what the pros recommend for all-day comfort.
The features retail workers look for in shoes
Retail jobs often allow flexibility in clothing and personal style, but when it comes to footwear, comfort and functionality take center stage. Since employees spend hours on their feet, the right shoes are essential — but what specific features do retail workers really want?
According to the bridal director of merchandising at Kleinfeld Bridal, Dorothy Silver, comfort is key when working on the floor and attending soon-to-be brides. "Behind my desk, I have about 10 different pairs of shoes! Flat loafers are my go-to, followed by cowboy boots, which I find the most comfortable," she says.
As for Lisa Furhman, a stylist at Kleinfel Bridal, a reasonable heel and a nice square toe box will do. "A block heel and a platform are a great choice. Almost always black since they give a sleek, clean look," she adds. Surprisingly, all of the retail pros agreed that boots are a great choice when working in a store.
"I average anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 steps during a typical retail shift, so making sure that my footwear is chic but functional is key. Personally, I have really flat feet, so I prefer to opt for shoes with a short, thick heel to help mitigate any discomfort from my lack of arch. Ankle boots, cowboy boots and even platform Chelsea boots are go-tos for me," shares sales associate at Anthropologie, Isabelle Buneo.
Alexia Hill, who works in a vintage boutique, mentions that she looks for arch support when selecting shoes for work. "Features I like include: shape of the shoe (being wide enough for my foot to be comfortable), quality (are they going to last, at minimum, a year of full wear and tear?), and functionality (are they relatively easy to put on and take off, so I can be on-the-go quickly)," she emphasizes.
Here are the top picks and most trusted styles retail workers rely on to power through long shifts.
Best non-slip, all-day work shoes from retail employees
Cowboy boots are a favorite among retail workers for their support, comfort and versatility. Bueno says, "These are easily my most-worn work shoes. The low block heel helps keep my archless feet pain-free, and the red color and delicate stitching get me the most compliments. Nothing like a pop of red!"
Furhman loves Skechers for their fashion-forward style and cushioned footbed. Built with reliable grip and flexibility, these sneakers are perfect for staying on the move. Plus, their breathable interior ensures comfort from the stockroom to the cash register. "If I’m looking to dress down an outfit with a pair of sneakers, I make sure they’re visually appealing to help uphold that top-notch styling aspect of being an Anthro girl while making sure my feet aren’t falling off by the time I clock out," adds Buneo.
"Lug soles are my go-to shoe. We have marble floors, and any hard floor is tough on my back," says Silver. This pair perfectly combines a durable exterior with a cushioned interior for lasting comfort. Designed for all-day wear, it’s ideal for navigating the retail floor. Customers rave that they feel broken-in and ready to wear right out of the box.
For Furhman, black shoes are a staple thanks to their clean and professional look. She swears by a pair from Aerosoles that delivers plush comfort and a flexible style, perfect for both long shifts and everyday activities. The Ortholite Foam insole lends flexibility, comfort and functionality.
Buneo and Hill favor this pair from Puma for its cushioned insoles. "The leather material, elastic bands and textile OrthoLite footbed ensure long-lasting comfortable wear, and the different finishes (cheetah print, pink suede, silver, you name it!) make them equally fashionable," says Buneo. Additionally, she recommends opting for shoes with soft soles and arch support if you will be standing for over nine hours.
"Cole Haan and Gucci are both great, comfortable brands. For me, the shoe must have a leather sole to feel good and provide support. Any synthetics are not comfortable at all," shares Silver. This pair features added padding on the collar and heel, plus a sturdy outsole to protect the wearer from slips and falls.
Fuhrman recommends these boots for their exceptional comfort, soft material and roomy toe box. They feature a sleek silhouette and modern aesthetic that complements most fashionable looks. Plus, they’re designed with the brand’s Ortholite foam insole for added cushioning and all-day support.
Hill opts for these platform shoes when working because they "hardly feel like platforms, are comfortable on my feet, can be styled up or down and with nearly any outfit I wear, keep me warm and secure in the treacherous city snow." The design features a cushioned interior, including in the ankle area. Plus, it remains a classic that can be worn with numerous looks.
Frequently asked questions
"I avoid any shoes with lots of straps and buckles, or any footwear that can encourage blisters when I’m picking outfits for my retail shifts. While a strappy heel or a patent-leather flat pair great with denim and make for a go-to office shoe, the fast-paced, physical nature of retail floor work makes these kinds of shoes less conducive to the job," says Buneo.
Instead, opt for shoes that have arch support, insoles and a sturdy outsole. "Anything with a pointed toe can be very uncomfortable as well," shares Fuhrman. They recommend avoiding stilettos, pumps and shoes with excessive embellishments to prevent snagging or damaging clothing.
Why trust Shop TODAY?
We spoke with retail employees who spend long hours on their feet and gathered their top shoe recommendations based on comfort, affordability, and availability. In addition, we evaluated each pair’s construction, design and footbed, while factoring in customer reviews.
Jannely Espinal is the SEO commerce writer at Shop TODAY, where she creates stories for the Ranked series, gift guides, fashion features and more. She’s well-versed in product testing across multiple categories and plays a key role in developing and following testing guidelines to ensure accuracy and quality in every review.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dorothy Silver is the bridal director of merchandising at Kleinfeld Bridal.
- Lisa Fuhrman is a stylist at Kleinfeld Bridal.
- Isabelle Buneo is a sales associate at Anthropologie and freelance style and beauty writer based in NYC.
- Alexia Hill is the founder of Obscura Zine and works part-time at Allegra Vintij, a vintage boutique where she adoringly styles and works as a retail associate.
