If you’re a teacher then you know all too well how important it is to wear quality shoes to school. You don’t want to find yourself limping around the classroom all because of a blister! From sneakers and loafers to the comfiest of flats, check out the 25best shoes for teachers of all grade levels. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
25 Best Shoes for Teachers
1. Women’s Wool Loungers, $98, Allbirds.com
Allbirds make some of the comfiest kicks on the planet and they just so happen to be good for the planet, too. Their Women’s Wool Loungers are made from renewable materials—ZQ Merino wool and sugarcane soles—and are totally machine washable.
2. Aria 2.0 Flats, $79, VIVAIA
Teachers love their Aria 2.0 Flats! Just check out that impressive 4.8-star rating. Available in 15 different colors, these sleek, pointed-toe ballet flats are made from six recycled plastic bottles and are machine washable, to boot!
3. Gamina Platform Sneaker, $59.99, DSW
Who says teachers can’t rock sneakers? Of course, you can! The natural lift in this platform sneaks provides the appearance of a more elevated and polished look—plus, it gives petite teachers some added height.
4. Vegan Shoes, $248.40, Etsy
If it’s an easy-access slip-on shoe you’re looking for, these Vegan Shoes from Etsy shop KatzAndBirds have garnered quite a bit of attention. They may be on the pricier side of the budget, but they are loved for their chic style and customization options. Though these shoes may not be great for field day, they’re the perfect block heel option for teacher events like parent conferences or even a more formal look at work. Are you more of a Ms. Frizzle kind of teacher? Then any shoe by Hot Chocolate Designs is for you! These Mary Janes come in a geographical map print, but there are tons more patterns to choose from—including a looseleaf notebook pattern that’s known to sell out fast.
6. Women’s Tree Breezers, $98, Allbirds.com
One of the most beloved flats amongst fellow teachers are Tree Breezers—also made by sustainable brand Allbirds. With a stellar 4.8-star rating, these carbon-neutral shoes are significantly more comfortable than other flats thanks to their castor bean oil insole and sugarcane outsoles that provide plenty of support.
8. The Loafer, $165, Rothys.com
The Loafer from Rothy’s is another teacher shoe with a cult-like following—just peep any of the near 10K reviews! They’re casual, comfy, and sustainable as they are made from thread spun from plastic water bottles. Oh, and you can’t pass up Rothy’s 20% off discount for school teachers!
9. Matte Black Tieks, $175, Tieks.com
Made of smooth Italian leather, the Matte Black Tieks claim to be some of the most comfortable flats there are and are most easily recognized for their signature bright teal non-skid rubber soles. A must-have in any teacher’s wardrobe, these flats feature a cushioned back and a blister-free cushioned instep.
10. The RS01 Sneaker, $175, Rothys.com
Sneakers—but make it teacher! The Rothy’s RS01 Sneaker emits some strong 1980s Back to the Future vibes but like, in the best, most contemporary way possible. These sneakers are totally casual but elevated enough, thanks to their sleek, put-together design, to pull off at school; plus, they are sustainable, 100 percent machine washable, and knit with thread from plastic bottles.
11. Zoey Suede d’Orsay Flats, $59.50, J.Crew
An inexpensive Madewell dupe, the Zoey Suede d’Orsay Flats can be worn with everything from casual jeans to long skirts. These shoes feature a suede upper, cushioned insoles for comfort, and they come in black, saddle, and vintage burgundy.
13. The Starling, $120, Birdies.com
The Starling by Birdies is known to sell out quickly, so if you’re a professor looking for a new go-to school flat, get yours ASAP. Available in both seasonal and classic colors/prints, these woven, vegan flats have seven layers of comfort and a non-slip rubber sole that makes them perfect for both indoor or outdoor wear.
14. Men’s Tree Toppers, $115, Allbirds.com
Made with eucalyptus tree fibers, Men’s Tree Toppers is Allbirds’ take on high-top sneaks with a sustainable twist. They’re flexible, breathable, and perfectly minimalist so they can be paired with just about any school day ensemble for a classic, put-together look.
15. Clarks Adreena Mid Bootie, $89.99, DSW
While flats and classy sneakers are usually the preferred choice of shoe style for teachers, the Clarks Adreena Mid Bootie makes an awesome heel option for slightly fancier attire. With a casual, roomy fit, a supportive block heel, and a stylish almond-shaped toe, these are a go-to pick for fall booties from September on. So, the Gnarly Tee’s Women’s Customizable Teacher Name Casual Shoes aren’t exactly the perfect example of support and comfort, but how can you pass up these sweet, funky TOMS lookalikes? Ideal for elementary school or teachers with younger students, they can be personalized with your name.
18. Mark Fisher Caitlin Pump, $59.99, DSW
Though heels are few and far between on this list—because #COMFORT first and foremost—the Mark Fisher Caitlin Pumps are both supportive and casual enough to make it into your teacher-friendly wardrobe. A thick block heel grounds you when you’re feeling wobbly and a classic sweetheart top line says, “These are my fancy shoes.”
19. Dansko Professional Black Oiled Clogs, $130, Dansko.com
Teachers are to clogs as salt is to pepper. Seriously! All educators of all different kinds of backgrounds and subjects agree that Dansko clogs are the way to go. The Professional Black Oiled Clogs are one of the brand’s bestsellers thanks to their versatility and fellow teachers love how much support these shoes give to the feet and legs. We admit that token Birkenstocks aren’t appropriate for every teaching situation, but in some scenarios, some of the most stylish educators have been known to make ’em work. Plus, teachers everywhere totally swear by these soft and supportive footbeds… especially for Casual Fridays.
21. Dr. Scholl’s Dreamy Slip-On Sneaker, $39.98, DSW
If you’re a teacher dealing with painful foot-related issues like bunions, Plantar fasciitis, or heel spurs, then Dr. Scholl’s Dreamy Slip-On Sneaker is a literal dream come true. Being on your foot all day is tough, but throw a foot ailment in the mix and it can be downright torture. Luckily, these slip-on sneakers have a foam footbed, smooth fabric lining, and don’t sacrifice style.
22. Teacher Canvas Sneakers, $49.50, Etsy
These canvas shoes are what teacher dreams are made of! Handmade from Etsy, this vibrant shoewear features fun and funky hand-drawn designs of all things school-related: from rulers and protractors to art supplies and school buses. Your kids will love staring at these and you might even find you engross their attention all the more! These Crocs—yes, these snakeskin print flats are actually Crocs!—up the ante. With all the plush comfort of the signature clogs people love, the Crocs Women’s Sloane Flat are high quality, durable, and surprisingly stylish. No one—not even the nosiest of students—will know that you’re wearing Crocs to work; plus, they’re feather-light and breathable so that your feet never suffer… even on the longest of school days.
25. Back to School Custom Teacher Shoes, $65, Etsy
The Back to School Custom Teacher Shoes is the ideal combination of comfort and a charming, sweet print. With a handmade pattern featuring pink-hued glue, erasers, pencils, scissors, and paper clips, these fun kicks make the perfect back-to-school first-day pair. Next up, say ’thank you’ to your kid’s teacher with any of the 50 best teacher appreciation gifts.
