The Importance Of Comfortable Shoes At Work

Comfortable shoes in the workplace are like that trusty cup of coffee that never fails to kickstart your day – they just make everything smoother and more enjoyable. Ensuring you wear comfortable shoes isn’t just about feeling good; it's about setting a foundation for better posture, confidence, and improved focus at work. But how many women feel they get this luxury?

To find out, we surveyed over 1,000 working women on their footwear in the workplace. We then spoke to Dr. Suzanne Fuchs, podiatric foot and ankle surgeon at LuxePodiatry, and Dr. Miguel Cunha, founder and foot and ankle surgeon at Gotham Footcare, to share more insight about the importance of wearing comfortable shoes.

Our findings also revealed that 1 in 2 women struggle to find shoes that meet both their comfort and style preferences. Consider this: 43% of women confess that uncomfortable shoes have led to foot and back pain, impacting their health and productivity at work.

“ Your feet are the foundation of your body and play a critical role in overall body function and health as they are the primary structures that not only support your body weight but also enable proper movement and alignment of your entire body. Wearing uncomfortable shoes regularly may lead to problems such as lowered performance, pain and discomfort, foot deformities, arthritis, and injuries not only of your feet and ankle but also of your knees, hips, and back. ”

- Dr. Cunha

At Clarks, we understand that the right pair of women’s shoes can transform not just your outfit but your entire day. That’s why we meticulously craft shoes that look as good as they feel.

Revealing Women’s Shoe Culture Across Industries

Dressing for success at work often comes with a caveat, particularly for women in certain industries, where the choice of footwear can be a critical part of professional appearance.

47% of women acknowledge the importance of how they dress, including their choice of shoes, in their workplaces. This is particularly noticeable in sectors not immediately recognized for their fashion emphasis, such as Wholesale Trade and Construction Administration, where surprisingly, many women feel the pressure to wear heels. This reveals a challenging aspect of workplace attire, showing that the expectation to look a certain way spans various fields, not just those traditionally considered image-conscious.

A third of the women we surveyed feel an unequal expectation between the footwear men and women should wear in professional settings. This insight isn't just fascinating – it's a call to action for a more balanced approach to professional attire, wherein style and comfort aren't gendered concepts but universal standards for all.

Acknowledging these challenges, it’s heartening to see a strong preference emerging for footwear that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for style. A substantial number of women have reported difficulty finding shoes that meet both aesthetic and comfort standards, with 73% of women in FinTech reporting this as a struggle.

Here’s What Women Really Want To Wear At Work

Navigating the ever-evolving workplace dress codes can feel like trying to decode a secret fashion language, especially for women who are balancing comfort with professionalism in their shoes.

Most women voice the need for more flexibility within workplace dress codes. Among them, 59% of Gen Z, 57% of Millennials, 60% of Gen X, and 49% of Baby Boomers have difficulty finding footwear that ticks both boxes of style and comfort for the office. Across all generations, women also preferred to have the option to wear comfort shoes at work rather than eliminating heel requirements entirely. It's clear: the quest for the perfect work shoe transcends age, echoing a universal desire for shoes that feel as good as they look.

AI Reveals The Impact Of Footwear On Your Body

With all the talk about footwear, we wanted to see just how much of an impact a good pair of shoes can have on your body over time.

We asked both of our podiatry experts, Dr. Cunha and Dr. Fuchs, more about the importance of comfortable footwear and then used that information to have AI generate what the impact on your body could be. Check it out:

Here’s some more from our experts on the importance of wearing proper footwear long-term:

“ Wearing proper comfortable footwear is crucial for maintaining foot health and overall well-being. Proper footwear provides support, cushioning, and protection for the feet, reducing the risk of foot problems and discomfort. It helps maintain proper alignment and posture, reducing the strain on the feet, legs, and back. By wearing comfortable shoes that fit properly, individuals can promote foot health, prevent foot problems, and enhance their overall quality of life. ”

- Dr. Fuchs

“ The absence of proper footwear allows your arch to collapse, which can lead to a tremendous amount of stress being placed not only onto the foot but also onto the rest of the body. When we walk our feet naturally pronate which means that they rotate inward and slightly flatten. However, when we walk with improper footwear for prolonged periods of time, our feet pronate longer which may result in excessive flattening of the arch of the foot. ”

- Dr. Cunha

Finding Your Perfect Fit with Clarks

At Clarks, we believe that slipping into your work shoes in the morning should be just as comfy as sliding into your favorite slippers at home. Here are a few friendly pointers to help you find the perfect pair of workplace shoes, blending comfort with that chic, professional vibe:

• Make sure your shoes fit properly: Proper fitting shoes are the first step to comfort.

  “Many people are not aware how important it is to wear shoes that fit properly. Some people might also have trouble finding shoes that fit them well because they aren't aware of sizing options or styles available that suit their unique foot shape or size. Shoes are designed in different sizes and widths to accommodate different foot shapes. Appropriate size is crucial to prevent discomfort and injury.” - Dr. Cunha

  Clarks offers shoes in various sizes and fits. Our size guide can help you with your shoe journey.

• Arch Support is Key: Remember, not all feet are created equal! Look for shoes with good arch support that align with your foot's natural curve - like our Clarks Pro Sky. This is crucial if you spend most of your day on your feet.

  “Wearing shoes that don't provide adequate support can contribute to issues like arch collapse or flat feet over time. When the arches of the feet are not properly supported, it can lead to arch strain, flat feet or overpronation.” - Dr. Fuchs

• Consider the Heel: While high heels might elongate those legs, your feet will thank you for choosing a more moderate, chunky heel or a stylish flat at work. Stability is stylish, too—Clarks’ women’s heels are designed to keep you towering with confidence, not teetering with uncertainty. Not one for heels? That’s okay - our entire range of women’s dress shoes are designed with comfort in mind!

• Flexibility for the Win: Flexibility in your footwear allows for natural foot movement, making those inevitable sprints to catch the elevator nothing short of effortless. Our Mayhill Cove provides flexibility and comfort while remaining stylish for those more business casual days.

By keeping these tips in mind, you're not just buying a pair of shoes — you're investing in your comfort and confidence while at work. Explore the Clarks collection, where each pair is crafted with your wellbeing and style at the forefront. Step into the comfort that lasts beyond the 9-to-5 — because your feet deserve nothing less.

The Future Of Shoes At Work

Our findings revealed that many women face discomfort at work through footwear. At Clarks, we believe your career steps should be as comfortable as they are confident. We've always believed that one's professional climb should be supported by shoes as stylish as they are comfortable. So, let's collectively step into a future where comfort at work is not just an option but a standard.

Methodology

We surveyed 1,016 employed American women on their workplace attire, specifically around their footwear. Alongside that, we spoke with Dr. Suzanne Fuchs, podiatric foot and ankle surgeon at LuxePodiatry, and Dr. Miguel Cunha,foot and ankle surgeon at Gotham Footcare, to share more insight about the importance of wearing comfortable shoes, which was then fed into our AI image generator to show the impact of shoes on your body.

The data is based on self-reported answers, meaning respondents may have had biases or discrepancies between their own reported ability and their actual abilities. To help ensure that all respondents took our survey seriously, they were required to identify and correctly answer an attention-check question. Survey data have certain limitations related to self-reporting.

Fair Use Statement

We’d love for you to share these insights, all we ask is that you attribute Clarks for the findings and share a link to this page so that the data can be accessed in full.