High-quality, breathable, and lightweight shoes are a must-have when you spend hours and hours working on your feet. Whether you’re a nurse, a chef, or a hair stylist, you’re guaranteed to perform better when you don’t have to worry about swollen and tired feet. What are the best shoes for hair stylists, then?
Now, there are numerous features to keep an eye on when shopping for shoes. But, the best shoes for hair stylists have to be comfortable, supportive, and secure.
They also have to protect you from health problems such as poor circulation and swelling, varicose veins, and plantar fasciitis. Oh and, they have to (or should) look cute enough for you to want to wear them every single day.
Sure, that does sound like a lot of work. On one hand, you probably don’t want to spend a bunch of money on something you’re going to damage with bleach, dye, and pretty much everything else you work with.
On the other, you definitely want to ensure your feet are taken care of considering they’re the ones that take a beating on a regular.
What do you do, then? Worry not, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about how to choose the right shoes for the work you do. We’re also bringing you a couple of the best shoes for hair stylists at the moment. Online shopping could save you some time and money, too.
How to choose the best shoes for hair stylists?
We already touched upon the fact that hair stylists need comfortable, supportive, and protective shoes. Whether we’re talking about slippers, sneakers, or even boots, there are a couple of things to keep an eye on to ensure you get exactly what you need for the work that you do on a daily.
First off, the best shoes for hair stylists need to be breathable and lightweight. When you spend most of your workday standing, you’re guaranteed to go home with swollen, torn, and tired feet.
We would go as far as to argue that you should shy away from getting hardwearing, heavy-duty work shoes to ensure you don’t have to carry the added weight around all day long.
Go for shoes made with breathable fabrics (mesh, maybe) and lightweight rubber outsoles because those features are supposed to provide you with enough support without having to sacrifice comfort.
On the other hand, the best shoes for hair stylists also need to offer you the right amount of heel and arch support.
We know we’re throwing the word support left and right. That’s because support’s one of the biggest features that are guaranteed to save you from health problems such as fallen arches and the above-mentioned plantar fasciitis.
For example, shoes that are too flat offer little to no support. But, shoes that are too high add stress and pressure on your back. So, you need to figure out what works best for you and your feet before you venture out to spend a huge chunk of your salary on the newest Nikes.
Other than that, check out the shoes we picked out for you based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for something comfortable and cute or supportive and lightweight, we’ve got your back with these stylish suggestions.
What are the best shoes for hair stylists at the moment?
Choosing the best shoes for hair stylists can be a chore! One day you’re checking out the Nike, Hoka, and Crocs websites searching for something that catches your attention. But the other, you’re trying to figure out whether the shoes you’re planning on getting have all the features you need.
What can we say to ease your problems?! Follow the features we mentioned beforehand, and don’t forget to check whether your shoes are flexible enough. Of course, shoes that are designed for running, working out, and hitting the gym are going to have different levels of flexibility and support.
Shoes that are designed for standing (a.k.a. best shoes for hair stylists) need just enough flexibility to ensure your feet have enough room to move. Also, remember that your shoes should be wide enough. Wide outsoles combined with a spacious toe box should provide you with enough wiggle room.
Enough chit-chat, though! Throw a glance at the ten best shoes for hair stylists at the moment!
1. Dansko Professional Clogs
Right off the bat, Dansko Professional Clogs are the shoes you’re guaranteed to see at the salon because they’re super supportive, comfortable, and stylish.
Now, you might not care about appearance that much and you might not be reaching for shoes that work with your style. However, Dansko Clogs deserve the hype they get considering how creative and lively they are.
As for those features we’ve been going on and on about, Dansko Clogs are the ones to keep an eye on. First things first, they’re padded for comfort and support, but they’re still breathable and lightweight. They’re also equipped with wide rubber outsoles and a wide toe box.
They offer a springy energy return (meaning they offer shock absorption because they place the foot forward). And, they’re handmade which answers the question of whether they’re worth the staggering price.
We would argue that they’re worth the money considering they’re equipped with pretty much anything you might need, but you should make the decision based on how much you’re willing to spend at the moment.
2. Clogs USA Austin
Sure, the Dansko Professional Clogs might hold the “best shoes for hair stylists” title. But, Clogs USA Austin deserves a close second spot considering how comfortable, wearable, and stylish they are.
They’re made with something known as “oiled leather” which makes them both soft and hardwearing at the same time. Now, these clogs aren’t that different from the ones we talked about beforehand. However, they’re equipped with a couple of characteristics we haven’t seen thus far.
For example, they offer custom orthotics (when necessary) and removable footbeds which guarantee a personalized wearing experience. They’re made with a leather buckle that provides you with the ability to make them tighter or looser, depending on what you need.
But, they’re around the same price as Dansko Clogs which means they’re on the more expensive side. You can get them on Amazon for anywhere between $125 to $145.
3. Crocs Specialist II
Crocs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but workers across the world swear by them! While most Crocs would be appropriate to wear at the salon, the Cross Specialist II features enhanced arch support which makes them perfect for the type of work most hair stylists do on a daily.
Therefore, when you’re wondering what the best shoes for hair stylists are, don’t close your eyes to the Crocs Specialist II. Other than the enhanced arch support, they’re also equipped with waterproof construction, a thicker, contoured footbed, grippier outsoles, and higher heels (we’re not talking about stilettos, though).
Of course, Crocs offer 360-degree comfort (known as the Iconic Crocs Comfort) considering they’re built with flexible, lightweight, and breathable Croslite foam.
And, we don’t even have to talk about the fact that Crocs are cushioned, comfortable, and wide enough to accommodate pretty much anyone’s feet. As for the Crocs Specialist II, you won’t have to pay more than $40 to get your hands on them.
4. Alegria Joleen
Here’s the thing, you’re probably not familiar with the Alegria Joleen shoes considering they’re not as talked about as some of the other brands we mentioned (Crocs, for example).
However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t one of the best shoes for hair stylists out there. Especially for colorists and stylists working with harsh chemicals, dyes, and other products that might damage your footwear.
Hence, the Alegria Joleen shoes are waterproof, stain-resistant, and slip-resistant. They’re designed to offer excellent arch support to ensure a stress-free posture. They’re equipped with rubber outsoles, a removable footbed, and a padded collar for added support and comfort.
They’re easy to slip on and off (while keeping sufficient levels of stability and security). Oh and, they’re enriched with wide outsoles and a wide toe box for added wiggle room.
Now, the Alegria Joleen shoes might not be the most attractive shoes you’ve ever seen which might make you rethink your decisions once you see the price tag. Whatever the case might be, they’re worth the money!
5. Birkenstock Florida
Who doesn’t know about Birkenstocks? When you’re searching for the best shoes for hair stylists for the summer, you might want to check out the Birkenstock Florida sandals.
We would suggest wearing sandals on days when you’re not working with bleach, dye, and other chemicals (because you’re better safe than sorry). But, when you do wear sandals – wear the Birkenstock Florida ones.
First and foremost, they’re super comfortable because they’re made with cork-latex and designed to wrap around your feet perfectly. They’re padded for comfort, and they’re constructed with something known as Birko-Flor (a synthetic material that’s tear-resistant and skin-friendly).
And, they’re equipped with buckles for aesthetic reasons, as well as practical ones considering you can use them to tighten or loosen your Birkenstocks as much as you want. As for the elephant we haven’t addressed, Birkenstocks are super, super fashion-forward at the moment.
Therefore, if that’s something that matters to you, get your $100 to $130 ready and get your hands on the Birkenstock Florida sandals.
6. Vangelo Slip Resistant Clogs
Going back to clogs, the Vangelo Slip Resistant Clogs deserve a mention considering they’re comfortable, slip-resistant, and ultra-lightweight. Granted that you’re looking for clogs rather than sandals during the summer, the Vangelo Slip Resistant Clogs seem to offer all the features we talked about.
As a matter of fact, Vangelo clogs are recommended by the American Podiatric Association (APMA) because they’re padded for added support and comfort. Not only that, but they feature removable (custom) orthotics made with antimicrobial properties meant to keep the sweat-feasting bacteria away.
To make matters even better, Vangelo slip-resistant shoes are tested by the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) which means that they have proof that they’re hardwearing and durable. Oh and, you don’t have to break the bank to get them because they’re around $50 on Amazon.
7. Skechers Go Walk 4 Pursuit
We couldn’t brush over the fact that most salon workers prefer wearing sneakers. Clogs, slides, and sandals are great for warm weather, but they’re not that great for people who prefer more coverage and warmth.
Don’t worry, though, because the Skechers Go Walk 4 Pursuit might be the best shoes for hair stylists who are searching for sneakers. Skechers sneakers are famous for their comfort, whether you spend your day moving around, running, working out, or standing.
They’re lightweight, breathable, and wearable considering they’re equipped with rubber outsoles. They’re made with bamboo-lined, high rebound footbeds which provide antibacterial odor control and offer shock absorption. They’re enriched with arch support, too.
They’re not as expensive as some of the other sneakers you might stumble upon while searching for the best shoes for hair stylists especially if you get them while they’re on sale.
8. Dr. Scholl’s No Chill Sneakers
Now, these sneakers are the doctor’s orders! We’re kidding, but we’re not kidding about the fact that Dr. Scholl’s No Chill Sneakers are one of the best shoes for hair stylists for a reason.
“Because fashion and function have always been Dr. Sholl’s thing,” you can expect these sneakers to be supportive, protective, and stylish.
Other than appearance, these shoes also offer padding to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the day. Of course, they’re lightweight, breathable, and flexible. And, they’re pretty sustainable considering they feature fabrics made from plastic bottles.
Don’t worry, you can get your hands on one of these on Amazon – but, the prices range anywhere between $15 and $75, depending on the style you go for.
9. Hoka One Bondi 8
Need we say anything other than the fact that you can easily get plantar fasciitis when you wear uncomfortable shoes while working on your feet all day long?!
We know you’re looking for the best shoes for hair stylists because of that, and that’s why we’re suggesting you opt for the Hoka One Bondi 8 sneakers.
Now, these sneakers are gorgeous. Not only do they feature orthopedic rubber outsoles, but they’re padded more than any other sneaker we mentioned beforehand. They’re made with softer, lighter foams and they’re equipped with a billowed effect (brand-new extended heel geometry).
They provide you with excellent shock absorption and they make sure to distribute your weight evenly across the foot. And, they’re approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Other than that, they’re breathable, lightweight, and easy to slip on and off when necessary.
But, they are a little more expensive than some of the other sneakers we talked about considering they go up to $165.
10. Crocs Literide 360 Pacer
Last but not least, we couldn’t forget about the absolutely amazing Crocs Literide 360 Pacer sneakers. We know that most salon workers adore the signature Crocs because they’re lightweight, easy to wear, and everyone wears them.
But, we (and you) shouldn’t sleep on Crocs sneakers because they’re all that and more! Crocs Literide 360 Pacer sneakers are made with 360 degrees of LiteRide foam underfoot that’s super soft, lightweight, and breathable.
They’re heat-mapped to the foot to ensure ultimate support and comfort. They’re equipped with rubber outsoles to prevent you from slipping and falling while you’re working on slippery surfaces.
And, they’re even cuter than the signature Crocs we know and adore. They’re also not as expensive as some of the other sneakers we talked about considering they go for around $60.
Whatever your style preferences might be, we’re sure one of these shoes will make your salon days much, much easier. Good luck!
Read more: 10 Best Shoes For Barbers For A “Short Cut” To Comfort
