Now, you might not think twice about the type of footwear you put on each day before you go to work. However, when you spend most of the day standing on your feet, you’re guaranteed to regret your decision at the end of the day. Or, you can get your hands on one of the best shoes for barbers and get going!
Selecting supportive, protective, and comfortable footwear can make a world of difference for a barber that doesn’t have the time to rest between clients. Whether you’re a sneakerhead or open to different suggestions, we’re more than happy to preserve your back, knees, and hips with the right pair of kicks.
We urge you to keep reading to uncover everything you need to know about shopping for barber-appropriate footwear and a few of our favorite picks with the right amount of arch support, stability, and style. With so many options out there, you’re going to need all the help you can get.
What to consider when shopping for the best shoes for barbers?
Before we show you the wondrous world of sneakers you can wear to work without worrying about blisters and bruises, we need to talk about the features that are bound to make your workday better. What are the best shoes for barbers, then?
When trying to decide between the myriad of features that promise to get you through the day pain and pressure-free, you need to consider what your day looks like. Whether you spend the day standing on your feet, walking, or running makes a difference – each undertaking requires a different feature.
What do we mean by that? When you’re a barber, you spend most of your workday standing or walking around your barbershop.
Because of that, you require the type of footwear that’s going to offer you plenty of support, padding, and comfort, but little to no flexibility. But you can’t forget about shock absorption, too, because you’re walking on hard surfaces and putting pressure on the balls of your feet for the most part, too.
On top of that, you can’t forget about the type of foot you have – you might need added arch support for pronation problems, for example. Other than that, you can consult with a podiatrist beforehand to ensure you’re getting the right footwear for your specific needs.
With that out of the way, though, you can proceed to check out the extremely supportive, stylish kicks we’ve prepared for you down below.
Which shoes for barbers are guaranteed to make achy feet a thing of the past?
1. On Cloud 5 Push
Starting with high-fashion footwear, On Cloud 5 Push sneakers attest to the fact that you can stay on top of trends without opting for ugly, uncomfortable sneakers. Sure, “the ugly footwear trend” works for celebrities, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts.
But you might be on the hunt for something slightly more attractive. We’ve got your back because On Cloud 5 Push sneakers are everything you need and more.
With a lightweight design to keep your step springy, On’s signature CloudTec padding to ensure you’re comfortable, and an athletic upper to keep your feet grounded, there’s no way you can go wrong with one of these bad boys. So, what are you waiting for?
2. Nobull Arctic Gum
We can’t lie, the Nobull Arctic Gum sneakers are designed for gym workouts.
However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t perfect for barbers considering that they’re made with a few favorable features that promise to keep you supported and protected throughout the day.
Before you argue that they’re “too sporty,” these sneakers are super simple, seamless, and sleek which means they’re perfect for casual ‘fits.
Other than that, they’re breathable and lightweight because they’re made with a mesh upper and a textile frame. On top of that, they’re padded for comfort, too, which means you can count on them to get you through the day unscathed.
We can’t forget about the toe bumper meant to add more stability and support, either. We’re rooting for these sneakers, what about you?
3. Cariuma Salvas
Cariuma Salvas sneakers are great for barbers who want a comfortable fit without a comfortable appearance. You know what we’re talking about.
These simple, sleek sneakers are wearable, sustainable, and versatile. They’re made with sustainable manufacturing and materials which means they’re an excellent choice for people who are concerned with the planet.
They’re made with cork insoles for comfort and rubber outsoles for grip which happens to be exactly what you need when you’re walking on wet, slippery surfaces. They’re pretty affordable compared to some of the other styles we’ll mention down below, too.
4. Hoka Clifton 9
Hoka sneakers are great for anyone’s 12-hour shifts, there’s no question about that. However, the Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers are perfect for barbers that spend most of the day walking on hard, wet, and slippery surfaces.
We know that these Hokas are meant for running, but we urge you to keep an open mind. Where do we even start? Hoka Clifton 9s are made with a symmetrical, protective cushion bed and compression-molded EVA foam midsoles for the ultimate comfortable experience ever.
However, they’re equipped with a breathable knit upper that allows airflow and dermabrasion rubber outsoles that protect you from slipping and falling. What’s not to adore?
5. Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2
OK, keeping up with the theme of wearing workout sneakers to work, the Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2 sneakers deserve the “best shoes for barbers” title.
Why’s that, you might be wondering? Barbers with narrow feet might struggle to find footwear that fits them right, but that’s going to be a thing of the past with Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2 sneakers.
With a narrow frame, spiderweb-like elastic design, a Flyknit upper, and lots of padding, they’re a great option to consider.
Nike sneakers are known to be high-quality and hard-wearing, too, which might make you feel a little better about the staggering price. Nikes are everyone’s favorite sneakers and that’s why they’re a type of footwear you can’t go wrong with.
6. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12
Whether you’re trying to figure out the best way to stay comfortable or on the hunt for a fashion-forward wardrobe must-have, there’s something about New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 sneakers that guarantees to attract attention.
Worry not, these New Balance sneakers are snug, comfortable, and cushioned to the Gods – there’s no question your feet are going to adore them.
They’re made with Fresh Foam underfoot padding, midsole mapping, and rubber outsoles. They’re equipped with a Hypoknit upper for a more streamlined overall design. They’re stylish, but they’re effortless and timeless, too.
7. Adidas Ultraboost DNA
Adidas offers affordable alternatives, too, but we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to talk about the Adidas Ultraboost DNA sneakers.
At the end of the day, you’re paying to keep your feet happy and healthy and these sneakers are guaranteed to achieve that. After all, the very name of the brand guarantees you’re going to wear these sneakers over and over for years to come.
Now, what makes the Adidas Ultraboost DNA sneakers worth your money? For starters, they’re lightweight and breathable which means they are going to keep your feet dry for the most part. Furthermore, they’re made with a PRIMEKNIT textile upper which promises to mold to your foot.
We can’t forget about the Continental Rubber outsoles, either, because they’re responsible for keeping you on your toes throughout the day – quite literally.
8. Kuru Atom
Needless to say, the best shoes for barbers come with plenty of padding, stability, and arch support. Not to mention that they provide you with comfort no matter how many hours you spend standing on your feet – that’s exactly how we’d describe the Kuru Atom sneakers.
Kuru Atom sneakers are equipped with a heel-hugging design that keeps you feeling snug and a thick-cushioned midsole with a non-marking rubber outsole. What more could you ask for?
9. Crocs Bistro Clogs
What are you supposed to wear to work when you’re adamant about not wearing sneakers?
We understand not everyone’s a sneakerhead, and that’s why we’re offering you the next best thing – Crocs Bistro Clogs. Crocs are made of a proprietary foam resin that provides excellent cushioning and support, also known as Croslite.
Crocs, Bistro or otherwise, are comfortable, protective, supportive, and slip-resistant. Contrary to popular belief, Crocs are pretty trendy, too, which might be something you’re on the lookout for.
10. Birkenstock Professional Birki Clogs
We can’t talk about Crocs without talking about Birkenstocks, too. Birkenstock clogs are supportive, comfortable, slip-resistant, stylish, and easy to clean which makes them excellent for barbers who don’t have the time to battle lace-up sneakers.
Birkenstock clogs are special, too, because they’re made with a removable cork footbed which can be shaped to fit the contours of your feet for customized support.
Before you say anything, we’re rooting for both clog styles because they’re super similar anyway. But now you have to figure out which of the two pioneers of “the ugly footwear trend” works better for you. Birkenstock vs. Crocs battle, anyone?
