When you started out in cosmetology school, one of the last things you probably expected was how much it was going to hurt your feet standing all day. A wise woman once said, “to be the best hairstylist you can be, you need the best shoes you can get.” Hairdressing is a physically demanding job: you’re on your feet for 8-plus hours a day, straining your back, working your fingers, and shuffling between sinks, chairs, and shelves. And believe it or not, foot problems are one of the most common health hazards for hairdressers. But as you already know, there’s so much more to a shoe than size and price. So how can you choose the best salon shoes for your needs? Let’s dive in.

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What to Look for in a Salon Shoe

Another wise woman once said “let’s get some shoes” (not sorry if you’re too young/old for that reference). But when it comes to what you want to wear around your salon, you have to strike a balance between comfort, safety, and style. Here’s what to look for.

Comfort

First and foremost, your salon shoes should be comfy. What does comfy mean? 

• Supportive of your arch and heel
  
• Breathable
  
• Durable
  
• Easy-to-clean
  

Comfort means different things to different people, so make sure you try on a shoe before rocking with it. The soles of your feet won’t tire out immediately, but they will over a few hours or days with the wrong salon shoes.

Safety

In a salon setting, safety is incredibly important. You want to make sure your salon shoes are supportive and safe for an environment full of potential slip and fall hazards, as well as a lot of sharp objects. Here are some qualities to look for:

• Non-slip soles (super important)
  
• Protective (like reinforced toes)
  
• Low heel height (fierce heels are unfortunately not work safe)
  
• Flexible (restricted ankle mobility can lead to a rolled ankle)
  

Some folks may require orthopedic shoes, and while they might get a bad rap (although chunky sneakers are in now), there are a lot more styles available now than ever before. Don’t be afraid to give your feet the support they need.

Style

The best shoe for your salon is the one you want to wear. So that means you have to like it! So try to be mindful of the style, and choose something palatable to your tastes. You may wish you could wear snakeskin all day, but your sweaty feet will disagree.

Salon Shoes for Men and Women

Nowadays, there are styles available for men and women in salons, so fret not – there’s a home for your feet, no matter what you identify as. For men in particular, if salon-focused brands aren’t appealing to you, so long as the shoes fit the criteria above, your feet and your wardrobe can reach an agreement. A good example is the Nike Airmax series: an iconic fashion sneaker with a supportive sole that’s perfect for a salon environment.

5 Best Shoes For Hairdressers to Wear at Work

As a hairstylist, you know that your job requires you to be on your feet for a long time. This means that your shoes need to provide the right amount of support, all day comfort, and style to help you get through your day without causing any foot pain.

Finding the perfect pair of shoes can be tricky, especially when you want to balance practicality and fashion. That's why we've put together a list of the five best shoes for hairstylists that look and feel great – based on comfort and style.

1. Dansko Professional Clogs

Dansko Professional Clogs are a classic choice for hairstylists. These clogs are made of leather and feature a slip-resistant sole, making them perfect for salon floors. The Dansko Professional Clogs also have a roomy toe box, which allows your toes to move freely, reducing foot fatigue.

The non-slip outsole is perfect for a busy hair salon, providing excellent traction on wet and slippery floors. These clogs come in a variety of colors, making them a versatile and stylish choice.

2. Vans Classic Slip-On

The Vans Classic Slip-On is a unisex shoe that 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 them easy to put on and take off, which is perfect for a busy salon. The waffle outsole provides excellent traction on any surface, making them ideal for a hairdresser.

3. Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel Slip-Resistant Shoes

The Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel Slip-Resistant Shoes are a great option for hairstylists who are looking for a comfortable and slip-resistant shoe. These shoes 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.

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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. The Continental rubber outsole provides excellent traction on any surface, making them perfect for a hair salon.

5. Nike Air Max 270 React

When you think of Nike, you might think of running shoes. But, the Nike Air Max 270 React has become a popular and comfortable option for hairstylists who want to make a fashion statement. These shoes feature a breathable upper and a foam sole that provides excellent cushioning for your feet. The Nike Air Max 270 React shoes also have a durable rubber outsole, making them perfect for the salon environment.

Finding the right shoes for your workday is going to depend on what you’re looking for in terms of style and comfort. There are plenty of great comfortable shoes out there for hairstylists, not just limited to the five we mentioned. But, each of these shoes we just went over provide great support, comfort, and style, making them perfect for hairstylists who spend long periods of time on their feet.

If the above five types of shoes don’t fit your needs, keep reading to make sure you know how to evaluate other shoes on the market.

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Beyond The Salon Shoes: Caring For Your Feet

There are a number of ways you can make your feet more comfortable in your salon. It’s not just your shoes, it’s what you do with them.

Insoles and Arch Support

If you’ve been in the salon business long enough, you’ve probably had a house call made by Dr. Scholl. Padded and gel insoles can make a huge difference in your everyday shoes, providing comfort and support when needed. Even if you don’t have a specialized pair of salon shoes, inserts can instantly make your sneakers more comfortable. You can even purchase insoles for heels, if that’s your thing.

Insoles can offer support for a variety of problem areas on your feet: many shoe brands make specific insoles for arch support, metatarsal support (the middle of your toes), and even orthotic support. Orthotics, unlike insoles, 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 – like a knee, ankle, or hip – 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’s even yoga routines specifically for your feet!

If you’re experiencing more serious problems, make the time to visit a physical therapist for additional, clinical support.

Soft Floor Coverings

You could also consider adding soft floor coverings to your booth or salon. Walking back and forth all day on hardwood or tile floors can exhaust your feet – rubber floor mats are an easy way to take some of the edge off. There are a ton of options out there for salon-specific vinyl floor coverings that won’t break the bank, but even a rubber kitchen mat can make a difference, too.

Foot Care Is Self Care

Don’t be afraid to prioritize some ‘me-time’ for your feet!

Here are a few tips:

• Schedule sitting time between appointments to get off your feet
  
• Get a foot massage
  
• Dunk your feet in an ice bath
  
• Moisturize daily
  

Coping With Plantar Fasciitis

A common injury among hairdressers is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects to your heel. Some might feel it in their midfoot, others might feel it in their heels. If you start to feel a consistent, throbbing pain when you first start walking in the morning, you may have plantar fasciitis. It will typically start to feel better throughout the day, but can return when you’ve been sitting for a while.

Since it’s an inflammation, you can treat it with ice, rest, and anti-inflammatories. However, if your pain persists, you should consider seeing a podiatrist for advice and medical-grade inserts or orthotics. The risk factors for plantar fasciitis include weight, age, and lifestyle – like running around a salon all day – so it’s important to be mindful of how you’re taking care of your feet.

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Choosing the right salon shoes and following some self-care for all your toes can help you avoid plantar fasciitis, but some people are more prone than others. As with any medical condition, consult your doctor if you have any questions – Dr. Google only knows so much!