Best Work Shoes For Men & Women

PostedFeb 28, 2020

Finding a pair of work shoes can be hard work! Depending on your industry and the requirements they have, it can be a painful process (no pun intended) to find something suitable. Of course, you want them to be comfortable, stylish, work – and often – orthotic friendly too.

Here, we’ve broken down a range of occupations, and some styles of shoes we sell at Grundy’s Shoes that may be suitable for you.

CHEFS/SURGEONS

MEN & WOMEN

BIRKENSTOCK PROFI BIRKI

The Birkenstock Profi Birki is specifically designed for professional use, so is perfect for chefs and surgeons, and those in slippery working conditions. It has a waterproof upper, a removable anatomically contoured Birki-foam footbed which will mould to the shape of the foot, and a PU sole which is non-abrasive and resistant to grease, acid, oil, chemicals and lye, with a pronounced heel and deep tread pattern for maximum slip resistance.

Compliant with Australian Standard AS/NZS 2210.3, they also have a hand washable outer so you can easily keep them clean!

BIRKENSTOCK PROFI BIRKI - $124

BIRKENSTOCK LINZ

The Birkenstock Linz has a smooth leather upper that will resist stains and dirt, and an adjustable Velcro strap for extra security and a custom fit. It also has a closed heel counter, and a slip resistant and oil and grease-resistant super grip rubber sole, with a natural heel profile and deep heel cup which keeps the natural padding of the foot where it belongs and offers support for long work shifts on your feet. Not recommended for full-time kitchen use, but can be suitable for chef work depending on dress code and duties.

BIRKENSTOCK LINZ - $216

CORPORATE/OFFICE

If you need the standard black heel or flat, but want something stylish and comfortable, FRANKiE4 has a selection of styles to choose from.

For a flat option, FRANKiE4 AiNSLEY is your classic, pointed toe sandal with an adjustable ankle strap and an elasticised inner gusset for that extra bit of flexibility. The standard F4 functional footbed has heel and arch support and forefoot cushioning, as well as a durable rubber sole so you get lasting wear out of them.

FRANKiE4 AINSLEY - $209

CHARLOTTE is a t-bar flat with studded detailing for added style. This one comes with the removable footbed and FRANKiE4 custom fit assembly, enabling a wide to narrow fit according to what you need. It also has padding and cushioning as well as the durable rubber sole.

FRANKiE4 CHARLOTTE - $199

For heels, the TESSA has an appropriate 65mm heel, and are so comfortable, that you won’t be dying to throw them on the floor at the end of the working day. TESSA has stylish crossover straps and a classic pointed almond toe, as well as an adjustable ankle strap which is also elasticised underneath. The supportive and cushioned F4 footbed means your feet will be thanking you, with an additional 4mm of cushioning under the footbed, and a total of 7mm forefoot cushioning.

FRANKiE4 TESSA - $224

HISPANITAS HI99429

Another t-bar style but in a 6mm block heel, this beautiful Hispanitas HI99429 heel also has some perforated detailing on it to break up the heaviness of the black. This style also has an elasticised buckle, and the Hispanitas TRIFLOW technology, which cushions each step, providing flexibility and comfort on the tread. A perfect office shoe!

HISPANITAS HI99429 - $259

NURSES

FRANKiE4 ADDi

Specifically created as part of the FRANKiE4 ACTiVE collection, this leather mary-jane style ADDi, has an adjustable velcro strap, and is ideal for nurses who are on their feet all day. It comes with the F4 custom fit assembly, removable functional footbed with heel and arch support and forefoot cushioning, as well as a slip resistant dual-density PU sole.

FRANKiE4 ADDi - $199

FRANKiE4 WiNNiE

Another part of the F4 ACTiVE collection, WiNNiE is a sneaker style, with a soft and flexible leather upper for you to easily move around in, as well as flared midsole, which provides a more stable base and improves weight distribution. Of course, she has the F4 removable footbed with heel and arch support and forefoot cushioning, as well as a slip resistant rubber sole. So if you are on your feet all day and need something supportive, but also want to be stylish, WiNNiE is a go to!

FRANKiE4 WiNNiE - $229

ECCO AQUET 207113

This ECCO shoe has been a favourite by nurses for a long time, those who need a sturdy, all black lace up shoe. It has a leather upper, full anatomical last shape and a removable padded inner sole with ECCO Comfort Fibre System which provides a cool, hygienic environment so your feet don’t get too hot!

ECCO AQUET 207113 - $199

HOSPITALITY

KEEN PTC OXFORD

One of the favourites for hospitality workers, this PTC OXFORD style has a water and stain resistant leather upper and KEEN.PROTECT toe guards for the best protection. Not only that, but they have a moisture wicking textile lining, and a removable KEEN.CUSH footbed which is a blend of PU, cork and memory foam that contours to the foot and gives you the cushioning you need for a long day on your feet. It has a KEEN.GRIP oil and slip resistant rubber outsole, and meets or exceeds the ASTM F1677-96 Mark II non-slip testing standards.

KEEN PTC OXFORD - $179

WiNNiE – As mentioned for nurses, WiNNiE is a sneaker style, with a soft and flexible leather upper for you to easily move around in, as well as flared midsole, which provides a more stable base and improves weight distribution. Of course, she has the F4 removable footbed with heel and arch support and forefoot cushioning, as well as a slip resistant rubber sole. So if you are on your feet all day and need something supportive, but also want to be stylish, WiNNiE is a go to!

We also have a shoe which has been recommended by flight attendants, which is the ARA 12-13436 ORLY, at an appropriate 5cm heel height. It has a leather upper and lining with the ARA HighSoft Flex Technology, for flexibility and padded undersole lining, as well as rubber soles, which is what you need if you’re standing all day.

ARA 12-13436 ORLY - $229

FOR THE MEN

ROSSI 301 ENDURA (UNISEX) – HOSPITALITY

Most people are aware of the classic ROSSI 301 boot, suitable for all day wear, on the farm, or even in the hospitality industry. They have an easy slip on closure with elasticised gussets, and a removable PU footbed, as well as air cushioned slip resistant soles which are protected by nitrile rubber, protecting you from fats and heat rated to 300c.

ROSSI 301 ENDURA - $159

ECCO CALCAN – OFFICE

If you’re a corporate or office worker, you might need something classic but of course, comfortable. The ECCO Calcan has a leather upper and lining, and a removable padded inner sole with ECCO Comfort Fibre System, providing a cool, hygienic environment so your feet don’t get too hot. It also has a ECCO direct-injected PU with TPU heel flick and leather welt construction, with FLUIDFORM™ - a direct injection process that uses fluid materials to follow one-of-a-kind anatomical lasts and form the most comfortable base for your shoe, so you can be on your feet all day long in comfort and class.