Teachers need lightweight, comfortable shoes to be able to stand and walk around all day without fatigue. There are top-rated men’s shoes in many categories, including oxfords, walking shoes, and hiking boots, that may work for teachers.
This article will provide suggestions in many price ranges, materials, and brands of shoes for teachers. Here are our picks for some of the very best men’s shoes for teachers on the market today!
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What are the Best Men’s Shoes for Teachers?
Here are our top 11 recommendations for the best mens shoes for teachers:
- Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe
- Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe
- Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe
- Skechers Men’s Go Walk Evolution Ultra – Impeccable Walking Shoe
- Rockport Men’s Sl2 Bike Toe Ox
- Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 Running Shoe
- Deer Stags Men’s Williamsburg
- Dr. Scholl’s Men’s Sync Oxford
- Skechers Men’s Go Max-Athletic Air Mesh Slip-on Walking Shoe Sneaker
- Fila Men’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe
- Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii Suede Waterproof Hiking Shoe
1) Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe
Flexible, comfortable and with a professional aesthetic, the Tilden's also have moisture wicking soles because - let's be honest - teachers get those sweaty feet!
The most highly recommended men’s shoes for teachers are the Clarks Tilden Cap shoes. These shoes balance comfort with a formal appearance.
Clarks is one of the most respected brands for dress shoes. They are well known for producing long-lasting, high-quality shoes.
The best feature of the Tilden Cap shoes is their stretch gore panels that provide a flexible fit. Teachers need shoes that provide enough comfort despite being on their feet throughout the day.
Moreover, the footbed is made of ortholite to provide cushioning, arch support and wick away moisture.
Buyers report that these shoes are excellent for everyday wear at jobs that require business dress. Moreover, they tend to buy a half size smaller because of the roomy toe box.
2) Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe
A bit more support, less formality (but still professional), these shoes are ideal for the active teacher inside and outside of the classroom.
The Rockport Eureka Walking Shoe is a business casual shoe option for teachers in a less formal environment. Rockport makes their shoes more comfortable with impact-absorbing midsoles, a latex footbed, and a rubber outsole. Moreover, the shoes are lightweight, which makes it easier to be on your feet teaching all day.
Rockport has 50 years of experience producing shoes and an excellent reputation. The Eureka Walking Shoe is meant to be a comfortable shoe, yet sleek enough that can be worn in a variety of environments, from business casual to slightly more formal.
Reviewers like that the shoes are slip-resistant and comfortable. Some reviewers report a lack of durability, however.
The Eureka Walking Shoe is waterproof and great for all kinds of weather. These shoes offer a great option for teachers.
3) Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe
For a more athletic aesthetic and functional active shoe, these Under Armour's strike the right balance of subdued, practical, and comfortable.
Under Armour Charged Assert 8 Running shoe is a casual, lightweight option for teachers allowed to dress in a more casual manner. These shoes come in a variety of colors, including black and white.
The best feature of Under Armour’s Assert 8 Running shoe is that it is lightweight while still being a supportive shoe design. Moreover, it is designed for optimal comfort. This helps prevent fatigue when teachers are on their feet all day.
Although the shoe may be too casual for some schools, if allowed, it offers ideal comfort.
Reviewers appreciate that it comes in a large range of sizes. Moreover, reviewers say they remain comfortable all day, even when standing and walking on concrete floors.
4) Skechers Men’s Go Walk Evolution Ultra – Impeccable Walking Shoe
For teachers needing to take off and on shoes quickly, or just for an easy quick and comfortable fit, these slip-ons are the perfect subtle classroom fit.
The Sketcher’s Go Walk Evolution Ultra is a casual walking shoe for teachers who do not require formal attire. These shoes slip on for convenience.
The Sketcher’s Go Walk Evolution Ultra shoes have advanced technology soles. The insole and outsole provide high-rebound. Moreover, the shoes are breathable and keep your feet cool.
The style may not fit with all teachers’ styles. However, teachers who prefer a high level of comfort and convenience will like these shoes.
Reviewers value the variety in sizes and widths. Moreover, they report that the shoes help with lower back pain (and foot pain).
5) Rockport Men’s Sl2 Bike Toe Ox
For something on the classy, yet durable side, these Oxford's are a great option (also great for more formal teacher events).
The Rockport S12 Bik Toe Ox shoes are lightweight, business formal shoes. Teachers who prefer a more formal style will appreciate these shoes.
The Rockport S12 Bik Toe Ox shoes are designed to be lightweight because they have a man-made sole instead of a heavy rubber sole. Moreover, reviewers report that the shoes are durable.
The main downside to these shoes is that they only come in brown gradient color. Some men are fine with brown shoes because it goes with a lot of colors.
6) Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 Running Shoe
Great support with shock absorbing rubber insoles and breathable mesh uppers. A nice athleisure alternative with a muted professional appearance.
The Brooks Ghost 14 Running Shoe is a great option for teachers who are high-energy and highly active. These shoes provide the ideal fit and arch support for feet while teaching.
The Brooks Ghost 14 shoes are certified A5500 Diabetic shoes. Additionally, they have received the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
Although these are some of the more expensive shoes in this article, Brooks is well known for exceptional quality and durability. Moreover, solid black shoes are less conspicuous than many other running or walking shoes.
7) Deer Stags Men’s Williamsburg
The Deer Stags Men’s Williamsburg shoes are affordable business casual shoes. Moreover, they are vegan-friendly.
This highly rated shoe easily fits into a teacher’s budget. Reviewers report that they are professional and comfortable, even on wide feet.
Some reviewers report that the shoes crease and therefore are not durable, but others state the shoes are high-quality and durable.
These shoes come in a variety of widths, including narrow and wide. They have a 1” heel and 0.25” platform.
8) Dr. Scholl’s Men’s Sync Oxford
A great compromise between professional and comfort, Dr. Scholl's is probably the best brand for footwear for standing most of the day.
The Dr. Scholl’s Sync Oxford is a sleek lace-up oxford shoe. These shoes are vegan and emphasize comfort for people who stand and walk a lot while working, like teachers.
Dr. Scholl’s is a brand known for its comfort. These shoes do not disappoint in this department. They have a rounded toe and contrast stitching.
Reviewers report that this is a stylish shoe and a comfortable one. However, like other synthetic shoes, they do not last as long as they would like.
9) Skechers Men’s Go Max-Athletic Air Mesh Slip-on Walking Shoe Sneaker
If sweaty feet is your issue, this is the ideal solution for teachers on the move and standing most of the day.
The Skechers Go Max Athletic Air Mesh Slip-on Walking Shoe is a vegan option that is made of textiles instead of synthetic leather. These shoes represent some of the lightest, most affordable shoes in this article. Teachers who often feel fatigued from standing all day will appreciate the lightweight of these shoes.
Like most Skechers, these shoes emphasize comfort with high technology support. Skechers advertises that the insole provides a proprietary “SQUISH” component for comfort.
Although these are quite casual, the solid black option may pass as acceptable for many teachers.
Reviewers report that the shoe runs small and narrow, so size up and opt for the wide version.
10) Fila Men’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe
These shoes are a great non-slip solution for teaching settings where slippery floors are possible or where slip and falls need to be avoided.
The Fila Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe represents a more heavy-duty option with a focus on the slip-resistant sole. It is slightly less casual than a walking shoe but still would not work for teachers in a more business dress-oriented school.
Although these shoes are highly rated with nearly 20,000 reviews, reviewers report a lack of durability. They say the shoes are initially quite comfortable, but the memory foam wears out too quickly. Moreover, some say the quality is unpredictable, with some shipments being better quality than others. Finally, these only come in black and white colors.
11) Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii Suede Waterproof Hiking Shoe
For outdoor programs or rural settings, this is a great waterproof hiker for teachers.
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus is an alternative to oxford and walking shoes, but with more of a work boots feel. These double as weekend wear for teachers who like to hike.
These shoes are highly durable and waterproof, but still lightweight and comfortable. They are great for rainy winter commutes.
Some reviewers report that these are not waterproof enough for all-day exposure to rain, but teachers who use them for short commutes would not see this issue. Most reviewers report that the shoes are comfortable and fit well.
Men’s Shoes for Teachers – Buyers Guide / FAQ
Teachers have a limited budget for shoes. Moreover, shoes are an important part of appearance. And shoes can have significant health impacts on teachers because they are on their feet a lot. So, it is important to find quality shoes at an affordable price that are acceptable for their school’s dress code.
Teachers looking for shoes should consider several factors. These factors include material, style, color, and price. Teachers looking for shoes should consider several factors. These factors include material, style, color, and price.
When choosing the fabric, consider your school’s dress code and your style of teaching. Teachers’ men’s shoes come in leather, suede, fabric, and synthetic materials. The fabric of the shoe tends to have the greatest effect on price and durability.
Some materials are more durable, like leather. Some materials are lighter weight, like fabric. Moreover, leather is more formal than fabric. Synthetic and fabric materials tend to be more affordable than leather.
More active teachers should try for a fabric shoe with cushioned insoles. Teachers with a formal business code may need to try a few different options before finding the ones with the best fit for their feet.
Shoe styles include casual, business casual, and business formal. Teachers who wear blazers or suits probably prefer business formal or maybe business casual. Less formal teachers may appreciate casual or business casual shoes. You should consider having a couple of options in case of more formal meetings or casual Fridays.
When choosing a style of shoe, consider both the dress code and your personal style of dressing. If you tend to dress more formally, your everyday shoes will need to be oxfords or other business-style shoes. If you tend to dress more casually, then your everyday shoes may be walking shoes or slip-on shoes.
Most of the shoes in this article are available in many colors. Darker colors tend to be more appropriate for teachers unless they are athletics teachers or working in a more casual school. Teachers may want to have a couple of color options to coordinate with different clothes.
When considering the color, look at the main color of the shoe in addition to the color of the soles and topstitching. Contrasting soles and topstitching can come across as more stylish or more casual, depending on the colors. Solid color shoes may come across as more formal or less stylish, depending on the style of the shoe.
Finally, teachers’ shoe options come in a wide range of prices, from as low as $30 to $130. Reviewers tended to rate durability worse in lower-priced options. However, the most expensive shoes may not fit in a teacher’s budget.
Balance durability with price when choosing shoes. Although you may save initially on cheaper shoes, they will end up costing more if you have to replace them within a couple of months.
Teachers should consider having multiple pairs of shoes, even if they only had one everyday pair in the past. Alternating shoes improves their durability because the insoles have time to expand between wears. Moreover, teachers come across as more stylish if their shoes go well with their clothes. Although multiple pairs of shoes cost more initially, this could save money by preserving the shoes overall.
Thanks for reading! Have a female colleague looking for a great pair of shoes? Check out our review of the best women’s shoes for teachers.