Everybody envies us for our amazing job as hairstylists. After all, they only see what we do in front of them: we interact with people, we listen to music, and we work in what is a funny and active environment. However, what no one realizes is how tiring it can actually be to stand around all day and how awful it is when, at the end of the day, we can’t even feel our legs. The best shoes for a hairstylist take on the challenge of having to stand on our feet all day. However, with so many great options out there, finding the best shoes could be quite overwhelming. Thus, selecting the right kind of shoes was crucial to our comfort and overall well-being.
That’s why we’ve scoured the market, compiling a list of the best footwear for hairdressers in business. From supportive and slip-resistant to stylish options, these shoes will leave you supported and comfortable all day long.
Table of contents
Lamincoa Womens Air Running Shoes
13
We begin with the Lamincoa Womens Air Running Shoes, which are crafted from knit tennis fabric, thus providing a comfortable and snug fit for long hours of standing. Since the material is breathable, we didn’t want to worry about sweat or odor either. Thanks to the non-slip design, we could move around the salon easily without worrying about slips and falls. Morever, the air cushion design supported our feet to no end, and we felt like we were walking on clouds. Last but not the least, the durable rubber soles could withstand constant wear easily, with the lightweight nature of the shoes adding to its longevity.
Pros
- These shoes were lightweight, comfy, flexible.
- They were very easy to wash and maintain.
- They boasted a universal fit.
Cons
- The sizing might be a bit off.
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Dr. Scholl’s Insane Loafers
12
They might be called insane, but the Dr. Scholl’s Insane Loafers offered insane levels of comfort when we wore them! These loafers impressed us with their style and comfort levels, thanks to the brand’s “Be Free Energy” technology insole, which provided excellent cushioning and really made a difference throughout the day. We especially loved the extremely convenient back zip feature, which made it very easy to slip on these shoes and pull them off quickly. For eco-friendly lovers, these loafers boast a sustainable linings. Rounding things up is the versatile design, which paired well with both dressy and casual attires.
Pros
- These loafers were incredibly comfortable to wear all day.
- We could easily put them on and slip them off.
- The stylish design was suitable for various outfits.
Cons
- The fit might be narrower than expected for some people with wider feet.
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Skechers Women’s Squad Sr Food Service Shoes
11
The Skechers Women’s Squad Sr Food Service Shoes are an excellent choice for hairdressers. Not only were they easy to slip on, but they were also lightweight, making them perfect for us as we needed to move quickly and efficiently through the salon. What’s more, the slip-resistant soles were a game-changer on the very same slippery salon floors, providing the grip we required to not slip or fall. Comfort was a massive plus point in these shoes, thanks to the memory foam footbed that offered tons of cushioning and helped us stay on our feet during long shifts.
Pros
- These shoes were easy to slip on and lightweight.
- They offered excellent slip resistance.
- We loved the comfy memory foam footbed.
Cons
- The stretch laces might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
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Sticky Nursing Shoes
10
The supportive and comfortable Sticky Nursing Shoes were perfect for us stylists to spend our entire day on our feet. Thanks to the excellent non-slip grip, we didn’t have to worry about slipping on the wet floors of the salon. Furthermore, the waterproof design ensured that our feet stayed dry, even if we spilled water or any other liquids. These shoes were delightfully lightweight, making it easy for us to wear them even for long hours without any pain or discomfort. Plus, the padded footbed offered a ton of additional comfort, which was crucial for when we worked long shifts. Despite them needing some time to be broken in, these shoes were excellent.
Pros
- These shoes offered an excellent non-slip grip.
- We loved the waterproof design, especially since we worked around the salon.
- These shoes were comfy and lightweight.
Cons
- Some reviewers said that the sizing could be a bit inconsistent.
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Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Madison Sneakers
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Another pair of footwear that comes recommended by doctors is the Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Madison Sneakers. These shoes were versatile and perfect for hairstylists like us who required a blend of style and comfort. There were many features we loved about these shoes, starting with the cushioned insole that provided excellent padding. So, we could wear these shoes and stand all day long. What’s more, the slip-on design was very convenient for easily putting them on and pulling them off. Thanks to the flexible and lightweight nature of the shoes, we could easily move around the salon quickly and pair these shoes with nearly any outfit.
Check out the official product page.
Pros
- These shoes boasted a cushioned insole for long-lasting comfort.
- The slip-on design was perfect for easy put-on and take off.
- We loved the lightweight and flexible build.
Cons
- They might not be the best fit for wider feet.
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Clarks Women’s Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafers
8
Clarks has always been an excellent brand when it comes to comfortable shoes, and the Clarks Women’s Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafers are no exception. These shoes have been designed with a flexible and lightweight EVA outsole that provides our feet with excellent support and cushioning. Since the durable upper was crafted from a breathable textile material, it helped keep our feet dry and cool. Thanks to the easy slip-on design, it was very easy for us to put on and take off these shoes. However, the feature we adored the most was the removable OrthoLite footbed, which provided additional support and cushioning while also being easy to replace and clean.
Pros
- Some of the sizing and color options are extremely affordable.
- These shoes are flexible and lightweight.
- These slip-on shoes are breathable.
Cons
- The color options are quite limited.
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Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Sneakers
7
Do you want to feel that you’re walking on clouds every time you step into the salon? Trust us and try the Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Sneakers. These shoes, which were designed with ultimate comfort in mind, featured the brand’s innovative 5GEN midsole cushioning that provided our feet with excellent shock absorption, support, and cushioning. What’s more, the breathable mesh upper helped keep our feet dry and cool, especially during the rainy season when the climate would be very humid. Rounding things up was the flexible sole, which ensured not only a customized fit but also a natural movement for our feet.
Pros
- They were easy to slip on and off.
- These shoes were very supportive and comfortable.
- They were as flexible as they were breathable.
Cons
- Their durability is a bit questionable.
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Vans Sk8-Hi Unisex Sneakers
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Interestingly, the Vans Sk8-Hi Unisex Sneakers also happen to be one of the best shoes for bartenders for the same reason – we could stand in them for a long time without facing foot fatigue. At the same time, these shoes added a whole lot of personality and fun to our work attire at the salon. For one, they featured the classic high-top design from the brand, which allowed us to wear the sneakers with everything from skirts to jeans and even dresses. What’s more, they came in a variety of colorful and fun patterns that allowed us to all match the shoes to our style. Since they were crafted from durable suede and canvas, they could withstand the demands of us having to be on our feet all day.
Pros
- The shoes offered excellent comfort and support thanks to the insole and padded collar.
- The non-slip rubber sole offered great traction.
- They look stylish.
Cons
- The arch support was abit limited.
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Crocs Unisex-Adult Bistro Graphic Clogs
5
Most fun shoes. It’s hard to imagine the words “Crocs” and a “fun design” in the same sentence, but trust us when we say that the Crocs Unisex-Adult Bistro Graphic Clogs are one of the most fun shoes we’ve seen for us hairdressers. These clogs are the best theme-tastic shoes and came in various colors, including tie-dye and the aqua-themed one you see below. However, these shoes aren’t all and only about looks. Firstly, they featured an excellent grip, thanks to the slip-resistant soles. What’s more, they were crafted from Croslite material, the brand’s proprietary foam resin that provided excellent support and cushioning. Finally, thanks to the closed-heel design and the slip-resistant outsole, our toes were protected and our feet had superior traction on the salon’s greasy and wet surfaces.
Pros
- These shoes were waterproof and yet lightweight.
- They were supportive and comfortable.
- These shoes came in a range of sizes and colors.
Cons
- They aren’t exactly stylish, but the colors could make them fun to wear.
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Skechers Women’s Work Sure Track-Trickel Shoes
4
A pair of white sneakers that look good and are also great for standing around all day long? Bring them on! Behold the Skechers Women’s Work Sure Track-Trickel Shoes, one of the few pairs of shoes on this list that boast an EH-safe design, which helps protect our feet from electrical hazards. What’s more, the slip-resistant sole provided excellent traction on the slippery floors of the salon, thus reducing the risk of us slipping and falling. Thanks to the memory foam insole, our foot fatigue went down a lot due to the support and cushioning. Additionally, the durable leather upper sure could withstand wear and tear, which meant we’d use these shoes for a long, long time.
Pros
- The shoes boasted an EH-safe design.
- They were durable and slip-resistant.
- These shoes were extremely comfortable and even came in half sizes.
Cons
- These shoes are available only in black or white.
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New Balance Men’s 990 V5 Running Shoes
3
Best for problems. The New Balance Men’s 990 V5 Running Shoes have been specifically designed for individuals with foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis. Since we suffer from plantar fasciitis, these shoes provided our feet with excellent cushioning and support for standing at the salon all day long. These shoes featured a dual-density foam collar that helped prevent irritation, which, along with the blown rubber outsole, provided excellent traction on the smooth salon floors. Thanks to the breathable mesh upper, our feet were well ventilated, with the ENCAP midsole providing further cushioning and support.
Pros
- The shoes were very supportive and comfortable.
- They came with a removable footbed for easy maintenance.
- These shoes were slip-resistant and durable.
Cons
- The shoes could be a bit narrow for those with wide feet.
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Birkenstock Birki’s Profi Clogs
2
Yes, the second-best product on this list is also a pair of clogs, but we can’t help it when it’s the Birkenstock Birki’s Profi Clogs, can we? Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, including half sizes, the Birki clogs are designed from durable materials, providing excellent comfort and support to our feet. What’s more, the slip-resistant sole helped prevent falls and slips, which was especially important in slippery and wet environments like our salon. However, what set these clogs apart was their cork footbed, which we could remove and shape to fit the contours of our feet for customized support. Plus, the adjustable strap ensured a comfy and secure fit. Did we mention that it came in a range of styles and colors, including the gorgeous, fiery red below? Yep.
Pros
- These clogs were very stylish and easy to clean.
- They were comfy and supportive.
- The clogs were slip-resistant.
Cons
- They’re bulky and require breaking in.
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Dansko Professional Slip-On Clogs
1
Most recommended. Sitting at the top of the list are the Dansko Professional Slip-On Clogs. Professionals in the medical industry are crazy about Dansko footwear, mainly because they offer some excellent and much-needed comfort for the entire day. These durable and stylish slip-on clogs are no exception, featuring two options for uppers: fabric or leather. What’s more, they boasted padded instep collars for extreme levels of comfort when we would walk across the salon multiple times a day. Thanks to the roomy, reinforced toe box, our toes were not only protected, but also there was lots of “wiggle room” for our toes to spread out. Finally, the PU outsole with the rocker bottom helped propel our feet forward and provided supreme levels of shock absorption.
“Clogs that are extremely comfortable and come in a gamut of fun designs? Bring ’em on!”
Dizzzi
Pros
- The brand is recommended worldwide by orthopedic doctors for professionals who need to stand at work.
- These shoes were durable and waterproof.
- They came in many colors and sizes.
Cons
- None, really.
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Our Verdict!
While we loved all the options on this list, it might get a little challenging for you to choose. Here’s a specialized list to help you decide.
- Best overall: Dansko Professional Slip-On Clogs
- Best for problems: New Balance Men’s 990 V5 Running Shoes
- Most fun shoes: Crocs Unisex-Adult Bistro Graphic Clogs
How To Choose The Best Shoes For hairstylists?
Arch Support
One of the first features we look for in hairstylists’ shoes is arch support. They not only help keep the ankles and feet aligned properly but also effectively cushion the body for standing around all day. Plus, they also reduce aches and fatigue while decreasing the chances of future muscle strain or injury.
Cushioning and Shock-Absorbing
The next thing to look for is cushioning in shoes as they offer extra comfort, lessen fatigue in the ankles, legs, and feet, and even promote alignment and healthy posture. Moreover, we also look for shoes with shock-absorbing technology, providing stability to legs, ankles, and feet. What makes it all better is that cushioned footwear is available in multiple styles, including loafers, flats, and sneakers, thus making them look stylish too.
Slip-Resistance
One important factor is look for slip resistance in shoes, as running around the salon can be a precarious job. They keep hairstylists safe by providing reliable grip, traction, balance, and stability. What’s more, they also help protect people from falls and slips in oily and wet environments. Not only do they last longer, but also the in-built anti-skid technology is cushioned, making them ultra-comfortable to be worn for long times.
Which Shoes Are Best for hairstylists with plantar fasciitis?
Brands like Vionic, Asics, and New Balance shoes with heel cushioning and strong arch support are best for hairstylists with plantar fasciitis.
Are there some sandals Better for Hairstylists?
Some sandals, like orthopedic sandals or even Birkenstocks, are very much suitable for hairdressers as they come with good cushioning and arch support.
What Shoes Are best for hairstylists who stand all day?
Look for brands that offer orthopedic designs, memory foam insoles, good cushioning, and arch support.