Best Shoes for Work - How We Tested 

 

 

Terri: Ivory Leather - Stylish Work Shoes

 

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When you're dressing for smart business and business casual scenarios, you want to look your best while staying comfortable throughout the day. But how can you find that sweet spot between comfort, professionalism, and style? It's actually easier than you might think to find the best shoes for work.

 

With Sole Bliss shoes, you can skip the discomfort of traditional work shoes but still keep a polished appearance thanks to our range of professional footwear which is ideal for people with wide feet or foot conditions that cause pain and discomfort.

 

When designing our best shoes for work, we have created a unique approach in our testing process to make sure you get the best in both style and ease. Before we launched our first collection in 2017, we spent five years researching and developing our shoes, collaborating with European artisans from family-run factories in Italy and Spain as well as teaming up with top British podiatrists. This extensive testing process helped us refine our designs, adding key features and technologies to provide maximum relief in the most comfortable work shoes you’ll ever wear.

 

 

Key Features to Look for in Business Casual Shoes

 

Ahead of planning your dream work wardrobe, it’s crucial to consider the features when shopping for business footwear. Whether you are power dressing with a pair of impactful formal shoes or dressing down with smart work sneakers, Sole Bliss offers a range of options designed for ultimate comfort.

 

To achieve this, we’ve incorporated our innovative 'Juanet Technology'® across our entire collection, ensuring that every pair provides exceptional support and relief for those with various foot conditions. Key features include:

 

Wide Toe-Box for Extra Space

 

When you slip on a pair of Sole Bliss work shoes, you can trust that the deep and wide toe box provides ample space for your toes to spread naturally. This helps reduce crowding and prevents discomfort. For those with bunions, the wider toe box prevents rubbing, which can further aggravate the condition. This design means you don't need to size up to accommodate conditions like bunions, ensuring a perfect fit without feeling uncomfortable.

 

 

Carmen: Black Suede - Comfortable Work Shoes

 

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Durability and Materials

 

With Sole Bliss, you don't have to choose between style and comfort at work. Our best shoes for work are designed to keep you looking professional while providing the relief you need. Whether you need durable work shoes, stylish office footwear, or casual work shoes, Sole Bliss has the perfect fit for your workplace needs.

 

Our professional footwear is crafted from the finest Italian leathers and features flexible materials that adapt to different foot shapes, even if you are living with conditions such as bunions. This adaptability ensures a comfortable fit that reduces pressure points and allows for natural foot movement.

 

We also recognise that all foot shapes are different, so we've designed some of our shoes with an adjustable strap for a customised fit. This feature ensures perfect comfort throughout the day, particularly benefiting those with bunions by preventing rubbing and pressure on sensitive areas.

 

Many of our stylish work shoes, including loafers, also have a seam-free design around the bunion area to prevent blisters and sores. This thoughtful construction not only enhances durability but also provides a smooth, irritation-free experience, making your workday a breeze. Whether you're walking between meetings or standing for long periods of time, our shoes offer the ease you need to stay focused and productive.

 

 

Comfort and Cushioning

 

Fashion should not have to sacrifice comfort – something that we at Sole Bliss take very seriously. When designing our office footwear, we have ensured that our shoes include foam insoles that deliver exceptional comfort and support.

 

The base layer provides strong shock absorption, protecting the ball of the foot and reducing forefoot pressure, making them ideal for those with bunions. The middle layer contours to your foot's shape, offering custom support that evenly distributes weight and alleviates pressure points. The top layer ensures all-day softness and cushioning, making every step light and comfortable.

 

We haven’t forgotten arch support either. All of our close-backed shoes feature a small memory foam pillow for superior arch support, holding your foot in the correct position and counteracting pronation (the inward rolling of the foot). Additionally, our Bunion Bed® stretch panel is discreetly integrated into the shoe lining, adapting to the shape of bunions and providing extra cushioning to reduce friction and pressure. You’ll be skipping into the office!

 

 

Hampton: Black Leather & Luxe Leopard - Work Sneakers

 

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Style and Professionalism

 

One thing that Sole Bliss shoes do not lack is style and sophistication. A firm favourite among professionals and A-listers alike, you can be rest assured that our chic aesthetic will translate well in the workplace.

 

We have an eclectic range of options to choose from, including elegant loafers, mid-heel pumps and fashion-forward sneakers, ensuring that you look both polished and comfortable throughout your working day. Check out some of our favourites below.

 

 

For Formal Environments

 

 

Ingrid: Black Suede - Work Shoe Guide

 

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Ingrid is a classic staple that everyone should have in their work wardrobe. Versatile, chic, and handcrafted from luxuriously soft black suede, these smart block heels complement various outfits, including most business work uniforms.

 

We love their classic almond toe shape and full soft leather lining. Additionally, our Bunion Bed® stretch panel, generous toe-box design, and triple-layer underfoot cushioning provide all-day comfort and support, making them perfect for long hours at work.

 

 

For Casual Workspaces

 

 

Terri: Silver Leather - Casual Work Shoes

 

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Balancing the tricky act of smart casual can be challenging. But with our Terri loafers, you can look perfectly polished while maintaining a more dressed-down appearance. These striking silver loafers will be the talk of the office for all the right reasons. Plus, you can rest assured that you’ll be working in pure comfort, thanks to their Bunion Bed® stretch panel, triple-layer underfoot cushioning, and superior arch support.

 

 

For Active Professions

 

 

Feather: Bronze Weave Leather - Work Trainers

 

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Feather by name, feather by nature! Our new lightweight trainers are ideal for active professions and all-day wear. Their anatomically contoured footbed with luxurious underfoot cushioning provides maximum comfort, while the Bunion Bed® and wide toe-box perfectly accommodate bunions and wide feet. With its sporty, versatile design, Feather is right on-trend, ensuring you stay stylish and comfortable throughout your busy day.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Size and Fit

 

The majority of our styles fit true to size, so you should choose your usual shoe size. However, it's important to consider the width of your foot when selecting your style and size. If you have wider feet or specific foot conditions such as bunions, certain styles might be more suitable for you.

 

To ensure the best fit, you can read the specific Fit Notes on each style's product page for more detailed sizing advice. These notes provide additional guidance on whether a particular shoe runs narrow, wide, or has special features that accommodate different foot shapes and sizes. This way, you can confidently select the perfect pair that offers both style and comfort.

 

 

Tamara: Black Snake Print Leather - Best Work Shoes

 

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Best Colours and Materials for Work Shoes

 

In the past, it was always best to have a selection of neutral colours in your wardrobe for a business casual look, and we agree that this is still important to consider, especially if you are in a more formal environment. Tones like beige, navy, and black are always winners and complement all types of outfits.

 

However, we are thrilled that the more modern workplace allows fashionistas to experiment more with colour. So why not incorporate a bright pink, futuristic silver, or even leopard print to jazz up your outfit while having a lot of fun?

 

When choosing materials, it’s important to wear ones that offer comfort and prevent rubbing. We’ve kept this in mind when designing our shoes at Sole Bliss, only working with the finest Italian and Spanish craftsmanship to deliver durable and comfortable footwear. Suede offers a softer, more textured approach, adding a touch of luxury to your footwear, while patent leather adds a high-gloss, sleek look that always gives the ‘wow’ factor when going for a more polished look. If you’re looking for the ultimate in comfort, breathable fabric is also recommended, helping to keep your feet cool and comfortable, especially during long hours at work.

 

 

 

Nancy: Black Leather - Formal Work Shoes

 

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What to Wear for Different Work Environments

 

When it comes to workwear, there are four main styles to consider: business formal, business professional, smart casual, and casual. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you nail your look no matter where you work.

 

Business formal is all about making a strong impression, typically in high-profile corporate environments. Think tailored suits and ties, power dressing, and neutral colours like black, navy, grey, or beige. Women typically opt for low, chunky heels with closed toes or polished loafers, while men stick to classic dress shoes. The goal is to look sharp and professional without any distractions.

 

A notch below formal but still smart is business professional. This means smart dresses, pencil skirts, pant suits, and blazers paired with more relaxed items like jumpers or button-down shirts without a tie. Women usually wear low to mid heels, dress flats, or loafers in various colours while men choose loafers or dress shoes. It’s a great balance between polished and approachable.

 

Most workplaces accept business casual these days, giving you more choice when curating a wardrobe. Women typically go for trousers, skirts, blouses, jumpers, or cardigans with interesting details like ruffles, bows, prints, and a variation of shades such as pastel or jewel tones. Men might opt for chinos, polo shirts, or button-down shirts. You can leave the jacket at home, but steer clear of denim. Shoes should still look professional, so think loafers, ballet flats, or ankle boots for women and loafers, brogues, or clean trainers for men.

 

Finally, casual attire is becoming more common in workplaces. This includes jeans, casual trousers, and comfortable tops. Shoes can be more relaxed—clean trainers, casual loafers, and comfortable flats are all good choices. Just ensure everything looks neat and put-together to maintain a professional appearance.

 

With these guidelines, you’ll be ready to tackle any work environment with confidence and style. Remember, the key is to match your outfit to the setting while expressing your personal style, and don’t forget to finish your look with a fabulous pair of Sole Bliss shoes!

 

To shop the full collection, please visit: https://solebliss.com/collections/all

 

 

Elsa: Black Suede - Work Shoe Recommendations

 

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