Your shoes feel fine when you leave home, but after a few hours they press on your toes or slip at the heel. When choosing shoes for work, the fit needs to last throughout the shift. Start with your workplace's requirements, then try the shoes with the socks you actually wear.
Your working environment determines the footwear you need
A shop, a hospital ward and a workshop have different requirements. Ask which features and protection your tasks require. These may include toe protection, puncture resistance, protection from liquids or specific hygiene requirements. Comfortable everyday shoes do not replace required safety footwear.
On wet or dirty floors, the sole needs to suit both the surface and whatever makes it slippery. The word “non-slip” does not guarantee grip in every environment. Ask for relevant documentation and follow your workplace's selection and fitting procedures.
Check the fit after your feet have been working
Try shoes later in the day, when your feet may have swollen. Measure both feet and fit the larger one if they differ. Walk around wearing the right socks and any prescribed insoles.
- Your toes need room to move. Check both width and height over the forefoot. Extra length does not always solve a narrow fit.
- Your heel should stay in place. Adjust the laces or other fastening without creating pressure over the top of your foot.
- The shoe should feel comfortable straight away. Do not rely on a tight shoe stretching to the right size.
Cushioning needs to work with the shoe
On hard floors, cushioning may make standing and walking more comfortable. Judge how it feels when walking and turning, rather than just pressing the sole with your hand. An insole also takes up space. Check toe room and heel hold with it in place, and consult the person responsible before altering safety footwear.
Not everyone needs the same arch support or sole design. Footwear can affect comfort, but a particular shoe cannot guarantee relief from back, knee or hip problems. Read more about shoes and posture.
Shoes cannot replace movement and breaks
Long periods in the same position can be tiring even in well-fitting shoes. Discuss opportunities to alternate tasks, move around and sit for a while when work allows. Recurring discomfort is also a reason to review working-surface height and your ability to change position.
Regularly check for wear, debris in the tread and damage that could reduce grip or protection. Clean the shoes according to the manufacturer's advice and follow your workplace's replacement procedures.
When discomfort keeps returning
Tell your supervisor or occupational health service if your shoes rub or your working day regularly causes pain. Seek medical advice for persistent or worsening symptoms, numbness or wounds. Severe pain, inability to walk or a newly warm and swollen foot needs prompt assessment. Our foot pain guide describes further warning symptoms.
