12 Comfortable Work Shoes For the Office and Beyond

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When finding the perfect pair of work shoes, style ranks high on our wish lists — but naturally, so does comfort. From the subway to the office to after-work cocktails with your friends and beyond, these are the shoes you'll practically be living in daily, so it's important to shop for a pair that'll keep you feeling comfortable, supported, and chic. Ahead, we curated a list of this season's best and most comfortable work shoes for women, from slingback heels and black flats to business-casual shoes that can meet any office's dress-code requirements. Most importantly, they all have one thing in common: they'll become your go-to everyday pair.

Depending on your job or daily journey, your comfort (and commute) requirements might have different needs. If you work in a more dressed-up environment with a walking commute, opt for classic, comfortable flats that you can wear with trousers. If your workplace is more casual and you drive, you can probably get away with wearing a pair of heels to spice things up. And, of course, we also made sure to include some versatile sneakers that pair well with all clothing items — and are even favorites of our own editors.

Keep reading for our complete guide to the best women's work shoes. With styles from brands like Old Navy, Rothy's, and Everlane, there's something at every price point and markdown. Find your favorites and shop this season's best comfortable work shoes for standing all day.

— Additional reporting by Marisa Petrarca

01
Best Scallop-Trim Flats
amazon.com

Best Scallop-Trim Flats

Skechers Honeycomb Flat ($45)

We're obsessed with the scalloped detailing of these breathable and seamless knit-fabric flats, available in five neutral colors perfect for work. Shoppers praise the design but rave even more about their comfort. Case in point: one shopper who gave them a five-star rating wrote: "Finally, shoes that are comfortable all day! I'm a Pre-K teacher and I'm on my feet all day. My feet are no longer tired at the end of the day! The padding inside is so cushiony and the fabric is comfortable and really does stretch."

02
Best Sling-Back Heels
amazon.com

Best Sling-Back Heels

Miraazzurraa Sling Back Pumps ($50-$60)

These women's work shoes are as comfortable as they are chic. The style features a chunky heel that adds height while remaining fashionable. Its soft cushion footbed is bound to serve you on long days spent on your feet, while its straps keep you nice and secure. Wear them with a comfy pair of jeans, a maxi dress, or even denim shorts — they go with anything. And right now, they're 64 percent off for Black Friday on Amazon.

03
Best Mary-Jane Shoes
dsw.com

Best Mary-Jane Shoes

Journee Collection Aizlynn Flat ($50, originally $80)

These Mary-Jane shoes will invite plenty of compliments at the office, no matter which shade you choose of the five that are available. While your own outfit might involve more layering with polished separates, this shoe speaks volumes on its own with the bow detailing. "Purchased these to wear to a wedding. So perfectly comfortable for dancing and walking around the winery. The vibrant red color and Mary Jane style. What a perfect match!" reads one review.

04
Best Chunky Penny Loafers
amazon.com

Best Chunky Penny Loafers

Steve Madden Women's Lotto Penny Loafer ($50-$90)

These chunky shoes go well with white socks and have a cushioned footbed that's comfortable to walk in. They're retro-inspired, so you'll look straight out of the '90s with these business-casual work shoes. We love that they feature the silhouette's classic penny slot design and that they come in a total of five colors.

05
Best Slip-On Sneakers
nordstrom.com

Best Slip-On Sneakers

Sperry Top-Sider Crest Twin Gore Seacycled Sneaker ($70)

The cork footbed and memory foam used in the construction of these comfortable shoes make them easy to wear all day if your office dress code is semi-casual. The black colorway also makes them appear a bit more sleek, and you can feel great knowing you've made a sustainable choice with a recycled polyester upper, lining, and sole.

06
Best Versatile Loafers
nordstrom.com

Best Versatile Loafers

Sam Edelman Loraine Loafers ($68-$170, originally $150-$170)

These versatile loafers are like a two-in-one shoe. The backs fold down, so you can wear them like slides on days you want to slip 'em on and go. They're a great versatile shoe to add to your collection, and their minimalist design can be paired with anything. Plus, these women's work shoes are also available to shop in a range of different colors, so you can shop out the perfect style for your closet. Some colors and styles are on sale right now for as low as $80.

07
Best Modern Mules
nordstrom.com

Best Modern Mules

Nisolo Ama Woven Mules ($108-$180)

These woven mules are made of real leather, which means it will likely take a few wears to break them in, but once you do, you'll never want to take them off. These formal slip-on shoes (which are outfitted with a cushioned insole, FYI) are perfect for everyday wear and will take you from spring to summer and fall with no problem. They come in a variety of different colorways, and the low-heel design will give you just enough height without hurting your feet. Right now, they're 33 percent off at Nordstrom.

08
Best Shiny Faux-Leather Loafers
oldnavy.gap.com

Best Shiny Faux-Leather Loafers

Old Navy Faux-Leather Chunky-Heel Loafer Shoes ($26, originally $40)

Hurry if you want these loafers, a brand bestseller for their affordable price and comfortable fit. The shiny, faux-leather exterior looks high-end, made from a mix of recycled and regular thermoplastic rubber. For more, read our editor's complete review of the Old Navy Faux-Leather Chunky-Heel Loafer Shoes.

Editor Quote: "These loafers are so comfortable that it's hard to believe the price tag — and I'm far from the only Old Navy shopper who thinks this. Scroll through the ratings section on Old Navy's website, and you'll see that nearly every review attests to how comfy they are. The footbed is made of a cushioned woven twill that I was able to wear for the full day without desperately craving to take them off — as is the case with many of my shoes." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Commerce

09
Best Pointed-Toe Flats
rothys.com

Best Pointed-Toe Flats

Rothy's The Point Flats ($149)

You don't have to worry about breaking in these flats, because they feature a surprisingly durable soft and flexible upper. They are machine washable and come in about 20 different colors and patterns.

Editor Quote:"If you've ever invested in footwear without a heel because you were looking for comfort, only to be disappointed by a restricting shape that caused more pain than a sky-high stiletto, then you're in my boat, and Rothy's is the solution." — Sarah Wasilak, associate content director, Commerce

10
Best Block Heels
everlane.com

Best Block Heels

Everlane The Italian Leather Day Heel ($175)

There's nothing better than a classic block heel that can take you from business casual to a fun night out, and these black heels deliver exactly that. The comfortable shoe has an elasticized back for extra comfort and a sturdy block heel to support you for hours on end. Right now, Everlane is having a sale with up to 50 percent off select styles.

11
Best Leather Sneakers
koio.co

Best Leather Sneakers

Koio Retro Runner Sneakers ($207, originally $295)

Gwyneth Paltrow and Joe Jonas are fans of these stylish sneakers starring a vintage-inspired silhouette made from sustainably sourced materials, including Italian leather and suede. Their neutral colorway gives them a sleek and elevated feel that's perfect for dressing up or down. For more, read our review of the Koio Retro Runner Sneakers.

Editor Quote: "I just adore the look of these sneakers. Everything about the style screams 'everyday sneaker,' from the neutral colorway to the low-rise frame and even the shoe's resemblance to a classic tennis sneaker." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Commerce

12
Best Ballet Flats
margauxny.com

Best Ballet Flats

Margaux The Demi Flat ($245)

What separates Margaux's footwear from others is that the label offers a diverse size range, including sizes US 3 to 14 and three width options. One of our contributors who formerly had a difficult time fitting into ballet flats deems them her personal favorite for how comfortable they are, from their unstructured silhouette to their plush foam padding. Learn more via our complete review of the Margaux Demi Flats.

Editor Quote: "After slipping into one pair that was a little too big, and then another that was the size below, the third narrower option felt like they had been made just for me. They were beyond comfortable (thanks to their killer padded insole), didn't pinch anywhere, and miraculously didn't allow my heel any allowance when it came to slippage." — Avery Matera, contributor