The 12 Best Work Shoes for Women of 2024, Starting at $19 (2024)

If you’re shopping for a budget-friendly flat-style work shoe, consider the Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet flat, which is available in a whopping 34 colors and 38 sizing options, including wide. Ballet flats are an adorable and functional work shoe option. Depending on the style, the flats are constructed from either faux leather or a microsuede and offer a slick and stylish appeal for almost any office dress code. While they aren't the best if you're commuting in extreme weather, they do impress when it comes to all-day comfort, thanks to 'Heel Pillow' comfort technology and genuine leather counter lining. Reviews say that these run small, so we suggest sizing up.

Construction: Vegan leather or microsuede upper, microfiber lining, genuine leather counter lining | Size Range: 5-15 (regular and wide) | Colors: ​​Black, tan, bright poppy red, deep brown, gold, navy, beige, camel, light pink, dark blue, and more

The best work shoes are versatile, comfortable, supportive, and create an all-around polished look — a pair like the Aerosoles East Side Loafer. Constructed from faux leather material and available in five different neutral and work-appropriate colors, these make for excellent everyday work shoes, offering a sleek and polished feel to casual ensembles and dressier looks alike.On top of that, they feature a memory foam padded footbed and the brand’s signature diamond flex outsole for lots of comfort, support, and flexibility.

Construction: Faux leather, memory foam footbed | Size Range: 5-12 | Colors: Dark tan leather, black leather, black lizard,grey lizard, Bordeaux lizard

Amazon is one of our favorite places to find comfortable and stylish work shoes at a variety of price points. For the best work shoe on Amazon, consider Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Webster Loafer, which is designed with maximum comfort and support in mind, along with work-appropriate style.

Constructed from faux leather, the slip-on loafers feature shock absorption to help relieve foot pressure and fatigue, cushion the sole, and promote lasting comfort. Additionally, the lug sole design boasts lots of traction, helping stabilize the feet with every step.These cute and comfortable shoes are polished enough for the office and fun enough for weekend wear.

Construction: Faux leather | Size Range: 6-11 (regular, wide) | Colors: Black, black patent, deep space navy patent, grey flannel, brown black leopard

If you’re shopping for a pair of loafers for work, choosing a versatile option can ensure you get lots of wear out of them — whether your work’s dress code is casual, dressy, or a combination of the two. With this in mind, our top pick for the best loafers is the G.H. Bass Weejuns Lianna Bit Lug Sole Loafers.

Made from shiny leather with lug-rubber soles and stylish metal hardware detail, these loafers would work with anything from a fitted pantsuit to a skirt with tights and a blouse to a pair of jeans with a sweater. In addition to their versatility, these loafers are comfortable enough for long wear, making them a fantastic choice for your work wardrobe.

Construction: Leather upper, Extralight EVA outsole | Size Range: 5.5-11 | Colors: Black, white

The best clogs for work are the Birkenstock Super-Birki clogs, which are constructed from a rubber-looking polyurethane with a cork and latex interior. These are the perfect shoe for nurses and other healthcare workers (as well as those working in art studios and restaurants) where non-slip shoes are preferred.

Much like the viral Birkenstock Boston clog, these work shoes are ultra-supportive and form to your feet with every wear, making them more comfortable each time you slip them on. And, while they're sturdier than a soft slipper, these clogs are still super comfortable.

Construction: Polyurethane with a cork latex footbed and fabric lining| Size Range: 4-12.5 | Colors: Black, white, brown, yellow, red, green, blue, apple green, light blue, raspberry sorbet

Switch up your work shoes with a pair of functional combat boots that are designed with some height, such as the Sorel Cate Lace Bootie. Whether you commute to work by foot, train, or vehicle, these boots can help you start your day on the right foot (pun intended), especially when the weather is concerned.

Constructed from waterproof full-grain leather with a removable molded EVA footbed, these boots can withstand the weather while walking into the office and offer tons of excellent comfort (or even allow you to add your own insoles for a more custom fit). Additionally, the heeled bootie gives a dressier look, while the metal hardware allows it to easily transform into a more casual shoe — making them a good option if you're looking for a pair of versatile fall boots.

Construction: Waterproof leather upper, EVA footbed, rubber sole | Size Range: 5-12 | Colors: Black

Wearing walking shoes at work would be a dream for some people. And, depending on the work environment, sneakers might make the best work shoe for most because they are comfortable, stylish, and reliable enough to provide comfort for the entire work day. For a pair of sneakers that has a more elevated feel, we love our Veja Esplar Leather sneakers.

Made from all sorts of eco-friendly materials, including Amazonian rubber, sugar cane, recycled EVA, organic cotton, rice waste, recycled rubber, and recycled rubber, the leather sneakers pair well with everything from a pair of jeans and a cardigan to a fitted pantsuit and more.

Construction: Leather, suede, Amazonian rubber, sugar cane, recycled EVA, organic cotton, rice waste, recycled rubber, recycled polyester | Size Range: 4-10 (women’s), 7-12.5 (men’s) | Colors: White

While high heels look nice, they aren’t always the most functional work shoe, especially if you’re on your feet a lot. As a solution, look for a comfortable low heel, such as Vivaia's Square-Toe Water Repellent Bootie. The comfortable sock boot has a slick and stylish design and is constructed from water-repellent fabric, making them highly durable and a great option for anyone who commutes by foot or train (since you don’t have to worry about ruining your shoes if you get caught in the rain).

In addition to its 2.16-inch heel height, the heel has a block design that is notoriously more supportive than slender heels. The square-toe silhouette also ensures that the toes remain comfy inside all day long.

Construction: Water-repellent yarn upper, rubber sole | Size Range: 5-11 | Colors: Black, dark chocolate, nutmeg, cream ivory, lava gray, navy, coffee gray

Mules are one of the best transitional work shoes for spring and early fall; however, they also work well for someone looking for work-appropriate summer shoes that aren’t sandals. The Venetian Mule from Soludos is our top pick because this pair has a classic design that is incredibly versatile and can be worn with various items in your work wardrobe, including sun dresses, trousers, and jeans.

The mule also features Ortholite padding for an all-day cushion, sweat-wicking technology, and a stacked heel for a little added height. It’s a shoe that is so comfortable and chic that you’ll want to want to wear it out of the office, too.

Construction: Leather upper, textile lining, leather sole | Size Range: 5-11 | Colors: Tan, sand, black, Sahara pink

If you’re shopping for a budget-friendly work shoe style, consider these trendy quilted sneakers from Amazon — for under $35. Constructed from vegan leather with a quilted finish (and offered in six colors), the slip-on sneakers offer a slick and stylish appeal for more casual work dress codes. In addition to its looks, the shoe is also ultra-comfy with an ergonomic heel for long-lasting comfort, whether you’re on your feet all day or commuting by foot.

Construction: Faux leather, rubber sole | Size Range: 6-11 | Colors: ​​Black, pink, taupe, white, chestnut brown, olive

Whether you work in a hospital, office, restaurant, or retail, you need comfortable shoes if you’re going to stand all day. The best work shoe for standing all day is the Dansko Professional Black Leather Clog. Similar to a sneaker, these crowd-favorite clogs boast extreme comfort and support, thanks to their cushioned insole, supportive PU sole, and slip-on style. On top of comfort for all-day wear, the clogs also pair well with all sorts of fashion looks, no matter your style.

Construction: Leather upper, PU sole | Size Range: 4.5-10 | Colors: Black

For a splurge-worthy pair of shoes that you can wear to work, consider Nomasei's Nono Moccasins. The Italian-made loafers are a fantastic investment because they’re versatile enough to wear to the office with smart and casual looks, but can also be worn on days off, too.

Constructed from embossed calf and goat leather, the loafers feature a low 1.18-inch heel, giving you a little bit of height while keeping your soles comfy. In addition to their looks and comfort, this pair is adorned with the brand's signature metal hardware of a symbolic hand that's hand-engraved. These are the type of loafers you'll want to pass down as an heirloom someday.

Construction: Embossed calf leather upper, goat leather insole and lining, fleece-lined memory foam insole, calf leather outer sole | Size Range: IT 35-42 | Colors: Black

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the most comfortable shoes to work in for women?

  “Loafers and clogs are definitely comfortable and stylish for being on your feet all day,” says Elizabeth. In addition to these shoe styles, she also recommends a pair of comfortable and chic sneakers if your work allows for it. For the best loafers, our top pick is the Aerosoles East Side Loafer for something that works well in both dressy and casual settings as well as the G,H. Bass Weejuns Lianna Lug Sole Loafers for a more sleek option. We also love the Dansko Professional Black Leather Clog for standing on your feet all day, along with the Birkenstock Super-Birki for healthcare, art studio, and restaurant environments. As for the best sneakers, you can’t go wrong with wearing the stylish and sophisticated Veja Esplar Leather Sneaker, which pairs well with jeans as well as dressy trouser pants.

• What shoes are best for being on your feet all day?

  The best shoes for being on your feet all day are the Dansko Professional Black Leather Clog, which is beloved by healthcare professionals and restaurant employees alike. These shoes are like sneakers in disguise with tons of support, cushion, and comfort from heel to toe to sole. In the wintertime, Chelsea boots are a favorite, with warm uppers and slip-proof bottoms for women whose jobs take them out in the elements.

• What shoe brand is most durable?

  There are several durable shoe brands that would work well for work environments. These include Birkenstock, Dansko, Veja, and Sorel. Additionally, Dr. Scholl’s provides a lot of durability and support in the soles, as does Aerosoles.