Precision-engineered shears and luxury blow dryers. Balayage boards and mannequin heads bedecked with real human hair. Tools like these might be the ones you want to sink your money into, but there’s another piece of equipment every hairdresser needs: a good pair of shoes.

Why? Because hairdressing is a physically demanding job that could have you standing up for eight or more hours a day. So while foot health might’ve been the furthest thing from your mind when you started out in cosmetology school, you won’t be able to stop thinking about it once your feet start to scream.

You’re probably no stranger to shopping for cute footwear to finish off your looks. But the requirements are a little different when you’re trying to keep your feet comfortable on the job. 

Here’s a list of the best shoes for hairdressers to make your decision a little easier.

The 9 Best Shoes for Hairdressers To Wear at Work

[CTA_MODULE]

Finding the perfect pair of shoes can be tricky, especially when you want to balance practicality and fashion. Whether you’re struggling with foot pain now or just want to avoid it in the future, this selection of clogs, slip-ons, and sneakers will keep you feeling as good as you look.

1. Dansko Professional Clogs

A classic choice for hairstylists, the slip-resistant sole on Dansko Professional Clogs provides excellent traction on wet and slippery floors, making them perfect for a busy hair salon. These leather clogs also have a roomy toe box, which helps reduce foot fatigue. With a timeless shape and a variety of colors to choose from, Dansko Professional Clogs are always a versatile and stylish choice.

2. Vans Classic Slip-Ons

The unisex Vans Classic Slip-On has become a staple in the hairstylist community. These shoes have a durable canvas upper and a padded footbed that provides excellent comfort and support. The slip-on design makes Vans Classic Slip-Ons easy to put on and take off, which is perfect for a busy salon. And the waffle outsole provides excellent traction on any surface, giving you the stability you need to stay on your feet.

3. Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel Slip-Resistant Shoes

Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel Slip-Resistant Shoes are a great option for hairstylists looking for a comfortable and slip-resistant shoe. These sneakers are made of leather and have a memory foam insole that provides excellent cushioning and support for your feet. They also feature a slip-resistant sole, making them perfect for salon floors.

4. Adidas Ultraboost

The Adidas Ultraboost is a unisex shoe that offers both style and comfort. These shoes have a primeknit upper that molds to your feet, providing excellent comfort and support. The boost technology in the sole offers excellent cushioning – making them ideal for a long day on your feet – and the Continental rubber sole provides excellent traction on any surface.

5. Crocs Work Specialist II Clog

Don’t let the hard shell and rigid appearance of Crocs fool you. They’re more lightweight than they look, and slipping on a pair of Work Specialist II Clogs is like dressing your feet in clouds. With enhanced arch support for all-day comfort and a nub-lined footbed designed to massage your tootsies as you walk, these Crocs are even comfy enough for nurses who pull 12-hour shifts – so they’re more than perfect for a day in the salon.

6. KLOGS Nursing Collection

Many nurses call KLOGS the most comfortable shoes they own, which should be all the proof you need that their nursing clogs will take good care of your feet. Lined with a full-length removable footbed for comfort and shock absorbance, the KLOGS nursing collection also accommodates arch supports and custom orthotics for issues like plantar fasciitis.

7. New Balance WX608v5 Slip Resistant

With a breathable suede-and-mesh upper, super-soft footbed, and durable rubber sole, the New Balance WX608v5 Slip Resistant work shoes were made for people who spend hours at a time working on their feet. The all-black exterior makes these sneakers easy to pair with anything, and the athletic style means you can head straight to the gym if you’ve got energy left at the end of the workday.

8. HOKA Bondi 8

A stamp of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) means the HOKA Bondi 8 is certifiably good for your feet. HOKA’s most cushioned road shoe, the Bondi 8 is made to absorb shock and offer comfort no matter how long you’re on your feet. A wide base reduces foot fatigue, and a breathable upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable throughout the day.

9. KURO KIVI 2

If heel pain is one of your main complaints, the KURO KIVI 2 is the slip-on shoe for you. The shoemaker’s patented KUROSOLE technology is designed to flex as you move, hugging your heels for comfort that lasts all day. Equipped with anti-slip outsoles and an easy-to-clean leather upper, this orthopedic shoe will keep you on your feet and looking fresh no matter what spills come your way.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

What To Look for in a Salon Shoe

The perfect footwear for stylists strikes a balance between comfort, safety, and style. Here’s what to look for:

Comfort

This is priority number one. A comfy pair of salon shoes should support your arch and heel, be breathable, and hold up to hours of walking and standing. And on top of that, they should be easy to clean. 

What’s comfortable to one person might feel terrible to someone else, so be sure to test out the shoes before dropping the big bucks. Don’t just take the word of an influencer on social media – try the shoes on, pay close attention to the way they feel on every part of your foot, and read reviews to learn from other people’s experiences.

Safety

Beauty salons are full of liquids and sharp objects, which is a recipe for disaster if you can’t stay steady on your feet. Non-slip soles are a non-negotiable, and reinforced toes keep your little piggies safe. Save your fierce heels for date night and opt for a low heel height instead. And make sure your shoes are flexible. Restricting movement is a great way to wind up with a rolled ankle.

If you find that orthopedic shoes are the only type that gives you the right mix of safety and comfort, rock them with pride! There are a lot more styles available now than ever before, so don’t be afraid to give your feet the support they need. 

Style

Style is not priority number one when it comes to salon shoes – sorry! But looks still matter. There’s no sense investing in a fancy pair of orthopedic shoes if they’re just going to sit on your closet floor collecting dust. Prioritize comfort and safety, but try to find shoes that will make you feel like the queen (or king) you are.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

More Ways for Hairdressers To Care for Their Feet

Buying a new pair of shoes isn’t the only thing you can do to make your feet more comfortable. Here are some other ways to keep your tootsies in top form:

Insoles and Arch Support

Padded and gel insoles make a huge difference in almost any pair of shoes. You can even buy insoles for heels (but we still don’t recommend that kind of footwear for the salon!).

Many shoe brands make specific insoles for a number of foot problems, providing arch support, metatarsal support (for the middle of your toes), and even orthotic support to help alleviate pain and improve the overall function of your foot. Unlike insoles, orthotics don’t just provide comfort – they actually redistribute the weight on your foot to relieve pressure on specific areas.

Flexibility and Fitness

Another way to care for your feet is to work on your flexibility and fitness. You might not realize it, but if you’ve had some kind of injury in the past – injuring your knee, ankle, or hip, for example – you might be compensating for it in the way you walk. Over time, that can lead to serious pain in your feet.

There are a ton of easy, at-home exercises you can do for your feet and ankles to relieve some pressure and keep your walking style healthy. A regular yoga class will work wonders on your feet, too – there are even yoga routines designed specifically for feet!

If your problems are too serious for DIY care, it’s worth checking in with a physical therapist for professional help.

Soft Floor Coverings

Walking back and forth all day on hardwood or tile floors can exhaust your feet, but adding soft floor coverings to your booth or salon is an easy way to take some of the edge off. You can find plenty of salon-specific vinyl floor coverings that won’t break the bank, but even putting down a rubber kitchen mat in the spots you stand on most will give you the extra bit of cushion you need.

Foot Care

Facials and manicures are great, but don’t forget to give your feet some love during self-care time. Make a daily habit of moisturizing, and add a time buffer between appointments so you can sit down and rest for a bit. 

Spoil yourself every now and then with a foot massage (an at-home foot massager machine will do!). And consider incorporating foot ice baths into your self-care routine. An ice bath can reduce inflammation, so it’s especially helpful if you suffer from chronic issues like plantar fasciitis.

[CTA_MODULE]

Work More Comfortably With GlossGenius

Keeping your feet healthy means you can take on more clients. And GlossGenius is here to help you attract and manage them. 

Our all-in-one platform is made to help hairdressers like you grow your clientele with features like Online Booking, Client Management, and even Marketing.

Ready to pair your salon-ready shoes with a platform that makes managing your business a walk in the park? Sign up for a 14-day free trial of GlossGenius today.