Staying on your feet all day isn’t easy. Between servicing clients, moving equipment, stocking inventory, and keeping your workplace spick-and-span, being a busy barber doesn’t afford you a ton of downtime. And if you do manage to sit and catch your breath for a few minutes, you’re still spending the majority of your day standing and walking around. Even without the added effort and pressure of creating beautiful buzzes and flawless fades, staying upright for so long can be killer on your feet, ankles, and back – especially without the right footwear support. 

Luckily, we’ve got a detailed list of the best shoes for barbers to help you make such a decision. This article will explore several different footwear options to see which pair can provide you the most support and comfort while reducing fatigue and the risk of injury. Plus, we’ll explain how a good pair can boost your performance, and provide tips for selecting the best barber shoes. 

Why Is It Essential for Barbers to Wear Comfortable Shoes?

Everyone deserves to wear comfortable shoes! And for barbers especially, a comfy shoe can benefit their performance in a myriad of ways: 

Can help prevent or alleviate pain

Barbers need quality footwear to make it through the day as pain-free as possible. Comfortable shoes can provide the necessary cushioning to support your foot arches and back. The right shoes can even help alleviate pain from existing injuries so barbers can do their job without having to suffer through it. 

Can provide stability

The best barber shoes won’t only make your feet feel fabulous, they’ll give the rest of your body the balance it needs. Maintaining good posture throughout the day can reduce the strain on your neck and spine, making it easier for you to stay moving and flexible. 

Can look professional 

A barber who takes pride in their appearance will present more professionally to customers, giving a more sophisticated and trustworthy vibe. (How can you trust someone to make you look good when they don’t make themselves look good?) You don’t have to wear fancy footwear to the barbershop to impress your clients, but wearing shoes like flip flops isn’t a good idea either. It isn’t just a bad look for business, it’s a genuine safety and hygiene hazard. 

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8 Best Shoes for Barbers

The best shoes for barbers should be comfortable and supportive, without the need to sacrifice style. With so many shoe and sneaker options out there, it can get overwhelming trying to compare and contrast them all. Here, we list the best and most comfortable shoes for barbers to help you narrow down your choices: 

1. Nike Air Max 270 React

The Nike Air Max 270 React isn’t just a running sneaker, it’s a lightweight, comfortable shoe made from durable materials you can wear for everyday purposes. The soft foam bottom provides plenty of cushioning and shock absorption, lessening the impact on your ankles and knees. The Nike Air Max 270 React almost literally puts a spring in your step, while also providing balance and a true-to-size fit. 

2. Adidas Ultraboost 5X

Made in part from recycled materials, the Adidas Ultraboost 5X is a versatile sneaker that can serve as one of the best shoes for barbers. With a large toe box and plenty of cushioning, the Ultraboost offers ultimate comfort while also providing midfoot support, plus stability with its molded, external heel. The Ultraboost 5X’s design contains a knitted top to snugly conform to your foot and a rubber outsole so you never lose your footing. 

3. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v14

This high-performance shoe boasts maximum comfort with its breathable materials and stacked heel design. The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v14 sneakers have a thick, durable outsole, providing plenty of extra soft cushioning and a bouncy feel. With neutral support and secure midfoot fit, this all-around shoe can keep you on your feet without as much pain and strain. 

4. Hoka Bondi 8 Caged

With its light foam cushioning and extended heel geometry, the Hoka Bondi 8 sneakers offer wearers a softer, more balanced step. These lightweight, vegan shoes have a mesh construction and a wide, rubber outsole, providing you with both stability and comfort. They also just look super cool. 

5. Dr. Martens 1461

A classic, reliable brand, these slip-resistant leather Oxfords are the perfect example of a stylish, yet functional shoe. These Docs come with an air-cushioned sole and padded tongue, allowing wearers to stay on their feet for long periods of time with minimal fatigue or pain. Doc Martens are notoriously durable, and these particular shoes are simple to clean with just a damp cloth and a quick buff from a shoe brush. 

6. Kuru FLEX Via

Kuru footwear is known for its excellent arch support and shock absorption. The built-in sole flexes with each step, using its cupped heel design to help protect your feet. Made of mesh and rubber, the FLEX Via is a lightweight shoe with a generous toe box and full foot support that can alleviate pain and reduce the strain on your arches. 

7. Kane Revive

Built for recovering athletes, the Kane footwear company bills itself as a shoe “made for those who move.” The Revive shoes have a raised footbed to lessen pressure and promote circulation, providing comfort and support to your arches. This design also maximizes airflow with its perforated top, and comes with slitted soles to increase traction and flexibility. These shoes offer great support for those who may deal with chronic pain or are healing from an injury, and are easy to wash with a mild soap and water. 

8. WalkHero

WalkHero offers a diverse line of arch support shoes, with each containing premium orthotic insoles and maximum cushioning for balance and stability. These arch supports help relieve pressure on your knees and feet, alleviating pain, aligning your posture, and providing unparalleled shock absorption to prevent further strain. WalkHero shoes are particularly helpful for those with plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or flat feet. 

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5 Tips to Choose the Perfect Barber Shoe

If you’re struggling to settle on the perfect shoe for you, check out the following list of tips to make your research easier: 

1. Look for durability

An expensive shoe doesn’t necessarily equate to a quality shoe. The kind of shoe you need should be durable, made with resilient materials like leather or rubber. You want a shoe that can hold up to constant use and abuse with minimal wear and tear. Although certain brands might have a more attractive price tag, cheap, synthetic rubber mixes can fall apart quickly, which means you’re spending more money to replace them over time.

2. Look for safety

The barbershop is not the safest place for open toes, smooth soles, or high heels. The best shoes for barbers are sturdy and non-skid, which can prevent any tripping, slipping, or falling injuries. 

3. Make sure they’re easy to clean

As a barber, you’re exposed to a variety of chemicals and solutions everyday – and yes, accidents will happen where those substances might get on you. But rather than walk around with shoes covered in barbicide, bleach, formaldehyde, or other toxic elements, you should choose a shoe that’s easy to clean (or at the very least, hold up in the wash). 

4. Try on several kinds

Don’t settle for the first pair you put on that feels nice! The benefit of shopping for shoes at a brick-and-mortar store is that you can try on as many pairs as you like to find the perfect fit. Make sure you wear the same socks as you would for work so that you know exactly what they’re going to fit like and how your foot will feel inside. 

5. Read reviews

Whether you’re ordering online or buying in-person, user reviews are where you can get the skinny on how well the shoes really perform. Always do your due diligence when researching your shoe choices, and take care to read through any negative reviews. However, keep in mind that everyone’s feet are different – along with their ideas of comfort and a good fit. At the very least, you should always make sure the brand offers a decent return/refund policy! 

Work Comfortably with GlossGenius

The most comfortable shoes for barbers should also offer durability, support, and safety. Remaining upright for long shifts and darting around to answer the phone or stock products can eventually take its toll on your body. Choosing specialized footwear to improve your comfort will help prevent injuries or accidents that may impact your ability to do your job well. 

GlossGenius is an all-in-one platform for barbers that can streamline daily operations and support your business where you need it most. Client Management can provide valuable insights into your customer base, with details like who your most valuable clients are and where new ones are coming from. Our Custom Website Builder offers pre-designed templates so you can get the help you need to build your business page the way you want. Online Booking also makes it simple for clients to make an appointment in seconds, 24/7, with no app downloads or sign-ups. 

Try GlossGenius today and get a 14-day free trial!