The main features of comfortable work shoes

Knowing how to recognise the needs of your employees so they can work in optimal conditions is essential to creating a safe and pleasant working environment. As a manager or employer, you must ensure the well-being of your teams, including their physical and mental health. This is why it is essential to provide them with comfortable work shoes. While some features are universal, certain industries have specific requirements. Shoes For Crews tells you more about the criteria to consider when choosing comfortable work shoes.

Which features should be prioritised when choosing comfortable work shoes according to the sector?

Some sectors share a number of similarities when it comes to comfort requirements. Supermarket, convenience store, clothing store and restaurant staff must stand for long hours, move around frequently and, most of the time, quickly. It is essential that the shoes worn at work are comfortable to ensure the smooth running of the various activities. 

Here are the main features of comfortable work shoes :

Universal features

• Flexibility and lightness : your teams’ working day is physically demanding. The use of flexible materials will enable them to keep up the pace by limiting fatigue and making movement easier.
• Cushioned and removable insole : a cushioned insole absorbs shocks and vibrations with every step and reduces pressure on the ankles, legs and knees. The cushioning also makes it easier to perform fast-paced tasks and reduces fatigue.
• Padded inner lining : to protect feet from rubbing against the upper during frequent movement, choose a padded inner lining without protruding seams.
• Arch support : to ensure optimal weight distribution.

Specific features

• Water resistance : if daily tasks take place in damp areas or areas prone to splashes, it is important to have waterproof shoes. An internal or external water-repellent membrane will allow your employees to work without the risk of getting wet feet. For example, choose our elegant Ambassador II model with its water-resistant leather upper, or our water-repellent Delray shoe for a more casual look.
• Suitable upper height : while low shoes are recommended in most cases to remain lightweight and avoid restricting movement, some sectors require additional protection. In fishmongers, for example, employees are continually working on wet floors and standard water-repellent protection is no longer enough. Choose high-top models, such as boots, to protect not only your employees’ feet but also their clothing, allowing them to stay dry all day long. Among our safety boot models, our Sentinel model, available in 3 colours, has a 36 cm-high water-resistant upper. As well as protecting against moisture, this boot also meets various criteria: it insulates against cold down to -20 °C, has a removable cushioned insole and remains very lightweight.
• Thermal protection : some jobs require teams to work in cold environments. This is the case, for example, in frozen food retail and fishmongers. In such cases, a model that insulates against the cold should be preferred. For optimal thermal protection, consider our safety models, such as the Carrig Low, which protects against both heat and cold.
• Reduced heel pressure : in hospitality jobs, women are often required to wear heels. It is recommended not to exceed 4 cm heels and to choose models featuring technology designed to reduce pressure on the heel. Our Envy II model, for example, has 3.8 cm rubber heels designed for better shock absorption. You can also choose our Comfort gel insole with its gel pads that provide shock cushioning for supreme comfort.

Find the ideal comfortable work shoe model with Shoes For Crews

Shoes For Crews designs high-quality, slip-resistant and comfortable professional shoes that meet the diverse needs of different sectors. Trainers, ballet flats, boots, smart or casual shoes: our extensive catalogue offers a wide choice of comfortable work shoes. We invite you to contact our team of Shoes For Crews experts, who can advise you according to the specific needs of your sector.