Best Shoes for Retail Workers

Retail workers spend most of their day on their feet, some in more challenging environments than others, depending on the retailer type.

Therefore the best shoes for retail workers that provide comfort and support, including protection against work environment hazards, are vital.


Why You Need Good Shoes for Retail Work

Working in retail means many long hours on your feet, while you are encouraged to do so with a smile on your face.

Standing all day alone can take its toll on your feet, legs, back, and knees, causing aches, pains, and fatigue. Not to mention work environment hazards such as slippery floors, puncture risks, and heavy objects that may fall on your toes, depending on which line of retail you’re are in today.

For these reasons, comfortable, supportive, and protective footwear is necessary, along with footwear that looks good and professional enough for your work environment.


Choosing the Best Shoes for Retail Work

Here are some tips on choosing the best work shoes for the retail environment;

  • Appearance – Depending on the type of retailer you are working for, you may need more stylish and dressy shoes for a professional environment such as a clothing or jewelry retailer, an example. However, if you work for an industrial or outdoor retailer, you will need more protective shoes that are more casual in style.
  • Breathability and Moisture Management – Wet and sweaty feet that are overheated are no fun n a work environment. Therefore always look for breathable and lightweight uppers materials and moisture-wicking interior linings.
  • Comfort – Cushioning in the sole and midsole offers comfort and shock absorbency ideal for standing or being active on your feet all day.
  • Slip Resistance – I would strongly suggest both an oil and slip-resistant sole made out of rubber with lug patterns for any retailer type.
  • Protection – In your more heavy-duty and industrial trade forms, protective steel or alloy toe, waterproofing uppers, and a puncture-resistant sole are desirable. Electrical Safe materials in a shoe are advised, especially if you contact many electrical tools and equipment.

Features of a Good Shoe for Retail Workers

black shoe for retail workers

  • Uppers – Leather, textile, or mesh can be used to construct the uppers, some upper designs may also have a waterproof lining. An interior moisture-wicking lining prevents excessive moisture build-up and odors.
  • Comfort – For comfort, an EVA, padded tongue, and collar provide a comfortable fit, whereas a shock-absorbing midsole and memory foam removable cushioned insole is ideal for cushioning and shock absorbency. Right arch and heel support help you to keep a proper balance and prevent injuries. A Dri-Lex moisture-wicking lining and Aegis Microbe Shield control odor and bacteria. There is also the option of a Cushioning insole designed for comfort, with a gel cushion at the heel for shock absorption and heel protection, or a Memory Foam Cool Fit and anti-compression insole.
  • Sole -For the sole rubber is the best option, and you can look at different technologies such as; Slip-Resistant nitrile rubber traction outsoles, slip-resistant Lock Step Outsoles, or oil- and slip-resistant non-marking outsoles. Choosing a sole tested with ASTM F1677-96 Mark II standards to meet Oil-resistance or that meets SATRA TM63 and TM144 standards is also the right choice.
  • Protective – Protection features such as a Steel Toe and Alloy Toe or Nylon shank with ERGO Technology engineered to integrate stability, flexibility along with Electrical Hazard Safe Materials can come n handy.
  • Options – I have picked different shoe and boot options, some models for industrial and outdoor retail work use, others for more casual environments with fewer hazards and a more formal retail scenario.

Reviews: The Best Shoes for Retail Workers

Here we have listed some of the finest shoe models that you will discover for Retail Workers.
We hope you love the shoes we recommend!
So that you know, We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.


1

Dressy Shoes for Retail Workers

The PTC Oxford from Keen Utility is ideal for retail work in a more formal or professional environment and casual setting.
  • The synthetic and textile smooth uppers offer ample protection and water resistance.
  • The shoe boasts an elegant Oxford lace-up style for a snug and comfortable fit.
  • A combination of recycled PU, cork, and Memory foam footbed molds to your fete for adaptable, customized comfort and support.
  • The outsole is oil and slip-resistant and meets ASTM standards so that you can work safely.
  • The toe offers light protection against falling objects.
  • There is also a stability shank and compression-molded midsole for stability and shock absorbency.

2

Slip On Shoe for Retail Workers

The Go Walk range from Skechers offers casual, comfortable, and lightweight support ideal for the less hazardous and more relaxed work environments.
  • The Uppers consist of textile and mesh materials that offer lightweight breathability.
  • There is a comfortable and adaptable memory foam insole.
  • You can also rely on the FlexSole lightweight shock absorbing and flexible midsole.
  • The Skechers walk range is available in many color selections.

3

Waterproof Outdoor Retail Work Shoes

The Moab ventilator is a Hiking shoe, but I have chosen it for retail work in a more outdoor or industrial environment.
  • There is 100% genuine and durable suede leather and mesh that is lightweight, breathable, and completely waterproof for the uppers.
  • The Closed Cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out.
  • For stability and support is a molded Nylon arch shank.
  • What makes the shoe is the slip resistant and durable Vibram rubber TC5 outsole, with its lug and durable tread.

4

Slip-On Shoe for Retail Workers

Another superb robust model for all Retail work environments is the Work Jungle from Merrell.
  • The uppers consist of leather and mesh materials, and there is a Moc toe for protection.
  • The Kinetic fit base offers a contoured footbed with arch support and cushioning.
  • Inside the shoe, the breathable fabric linings control moisture and aid in ventilation.
  • The shoe model is available in wider width options for every foot type.

5

Comfortable Shoes for Retail workers

The Skechers for Wor Sure Track Trickel is sturdy and comfortable for every work environment in retail.
  • A Low cut design in the shoe offers a custom fit for the wearer.
  • Supple leather uppers and a padded tongue and collar for optimal comfort.
  • There is a memory foam cushioned removable footbed and a ventilated lining to keep you cool.
  • The outsole consists of Nitrile Rubber that is ASTM tested and rated safe and slip-resistant on wet and oily floor surfaces.

6

Sneaker for Retail Workers

Something a bit more comfortable and casual from DR. Scholls for those less hazardous work environments.
  • The shoe has leather and synthetic uppers with a DriLex moisture-wicking lining.
  • A cushioned insole provides all-day comfort and cushioning, and there is additional Gel heel cushioning and protection.
  • The non-marking rubber outsole also ensures excellent oil and slip resistance.
  • You will find a memory foam cool fit, anti-compression insole for the ladies in the Inhale model.

7

Shoes for Retail Work

These two models from Skechers are breathable and cushioned work shoes, ideal for retailers.
  • The Uppers are a soft and breathable mesh fabric.
  • There is a comfortable cushioned insole in memory foam and a shock-absorbing midsole.
  • The rubber outsole is highly slip-resistant.
  • The colors available are neutral black and white.

8

Retail Work Shoe

The New Balance 680v6 is a comfortable athletic shoe for long days on your feet that makes for the ideal retail work shoe.
  • There are plenty of colors, sizes, and width options available.
  • The uppers are soft and breathable mesh.
  • Inside is an ABZORB shock-absorbing midsole and cushioned insole.
  • The rubber outsole is durable and slip-resistant.

9

Shoe for Retail Work

The DR. Martens Chelsea boot is one of the most durable retail work shoes that you will find.
  • The boots are extremely durable and more formal in appeal.
  • They have genuine leather uppers and a comfortable padded insole.
  • The design is easy to slip on and off.
  • The outsole is oil, chemical, and slip-resistant on all surfaces and very durable in gum rubber.

10

Shoe for Retailers

A comfortable and cushioned work for nurses from Skechers.
  • These shoes are comfortable and durable.
  • They have leather uppers and a thick rubber sole.
  • Inside is a cushioned insole and an EVA foam midsole.
  • They also have a moisture-wicking smooth lining.

Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Retail Workers

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Keen Utility® - Dressy Shoes for Retail Workers PTC Oxford PTC Oxford
  • Memory Foam Footbed
  • Oil and Slip Resistant Sole
  • Toe Protection
Keen Utility98.2
2Skechers® - Slip On Shoe for Retail Workers Equalizer Go Walk Joy
  • Cushioned
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
Skechers97.4
3Merrell® - Waterproof Outdoor Retail Work Shoes Moab 2 Vent Moab 2 Vent
  • Waterproof
  • Slip Resistant
  • Breathable
Merrell97
4Merrell® - Slip-On Shoe for Retail Workers Work Work Jungle
  • Kinetic Fit Base
  • Breathable
  • Slip-On
  • Waterproof
Merrell96
5Skechers Work® - Comfortable Shoes for Retail workers Sure Track Trickel Sure Track Trickel
  • Relaxed Fit
  • Slip-resistant Sole
  • EH Safe
  • Ventilated
Skechers Work98
6Dr. Scholl’s® - Sneaker for Retail Workers Monster Inhale
  • Cushioned
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Non-Marking Sole
Dr. Scholl’s96
7Skechers® - Shoes for Retail Work Flex Advantage Bendon Ghenter Bronaugh
  • Slip Resistant
  • Breathable
  • Cushioned
Skechers97.2
8New Balance® - Retail Work Shoe 680V6 680V6
  • Cushioned
  • Bretahable
  • Lightweight
  • ABZORB Midsole
New Balance97.2
9Dr. Martens® - Shoe for Retail Work Chelsea Boot Chelsea Boot
  • Slip Resistant
  • Durable
  • Pull On
Dr. Martens97.4
10Skechers® - Shoe for Retailers Energy Energy
  • Cushioned
  • EVA Midsole
  • Rubber Sole
Skechers97.4


About the Author

David Alegeta

David is a long-distance hiker, a writer and an editor whose favorite topics include backpacking and trail running. He is an adventure athlete who covered over 20,000 miles. He frequently speaks to groups about the benefits of proper footwear and has written numerous articles on this subject. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his family.