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When it comes to the best shoes for the office, I’m looking for options that’ll check the following boxes: They’re cute enough to wear outside of work (so I can stretch my dollars), they’re design-forward enough to look professional, and they’re so comfortable that I can commute in them with little to no thought. Here are 17 options that do just that.
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My newfound obsession…
I never expected that 2026 would be the year that I would fall in love with FitFlop, but now I have a couple pairs of flats from the brand. These leather ballerinas have on-trend ruched detailing, along with the brand’s supportive insoles.
And the Mary Janes that have gotten tons of compliments…
This is the other pair of FitFlops I have that have caused people to stop me on the street to ask where they’re from. They’re a monochromatic, square-toe Mary Jane with an elastic strap. They’d look good with everything from denim to slacks, and I spent a whole weekend in NYC walking in them with no foot pain.
The Gap shoes my friend put me onto…
Given the nature of my job, loved ones text me all the time to tell me about products they’re obsessed with. The latest? This pair of Gap wedges my friend Daera swears by for walking around Chicago. She says that she’s worn them to the office, then to drinks, and ended the day with no foot pain. They’re minimal (but very chic), and remind me of The Row…but for $70.
A pair of flats that require no break-in time…
The Leonie Flats from Loeffler Randall are definitely a splurge, but they’re worth it. They come straight out of the box ready to wear and don’t cause any blisters. They’re made of a glove calf leather, making them extra soft, pliable, and comfy. Pick from countless colors.
A more modern take on a classic loafer…
If you’re looking for a pair of stylish flats you’ll wear for years to come, don’t forget about Alohas. While the brand’s most popular styles include the Rosalind and the Sway, I’m loving these loafers for work. Because the front toe has exaggerated ruching, they feel modern enough to wear on the weekends.
The best office-appropriate sneaker…
For the workplaces that do allow sneakers, these ones (also from Alohas) are equally worth the investment. Because they’re sleek and practically monochromatic, they’ll sit discreetly underneath a trouser.
Old Navy sandals that look designer…
Our team has been saying this for months now, but Gap brands are simply doing the most (at prices that are actually doable). This pair of chunky wrap sandals reminds me of designer styles I’ve seen from Chanel and Hermés, but are only $35. The sleekness of this style makes it a no-brainer for the office, and the thick sole means you’ll be able to walk for miles without any pain.
A classic pair of suede ballet flats…
Don’t forget about Ann Taylor’s Weekend line. There are a lot of professional, yet versatile styles that you can wear in pretty much every situation. These suede bow flats check all my nonnegotiables when buying shoes, plus they’ll look good with trousers and denim shorts.
A pair of heels you’ll actually want to wear…
This is another pair of affordable shoes that look like a designer knock-off (hello, Manolo Blahniks). They have a slingback to keep your feet securely in place and the heel itself is just 2-inches tall.
My favorite clogs of all time…
I was excited when Rothy’s launched The Penny Clog because I’m a loyalist to the brand’s original clogs, but they can feel a little too casual for work. This style marries the loafer silhouette with the brand’s comfortable clog, making them perfect for the office. If you wear a half size, be sure to size down.
A dupe for Flabelus…
Flabelus, the Spain-based ballet flat brand, has gone pretty viral in the last year, but I was unsure on sizing and I didn’t want to spend over $150 on them. So when I saw that Rothy’s came out with The Cruisers this past year (they look eerily similar), I knew I needed to give them a try. I love them because their insoles are extra-cushioned and you can throw them in the wash when you need to give them a clean.
The easiest way to wear the sneakerina trend…
This style is somewhere in between a low-profile sneaker and a classic Mary Jane. If you do wear them to the office, I’d be sure to wear them with longer trousers. With these, you can wear no-show socks for added comfort. I also love that there are Velcro closures for getting out the door quickly.
The most comfortable pair of jellies I’ve ever worn…
This past summer, I also got very into Melissa shoes. All of the brand’s shoes are made of a soft PVC that doesn’t rub or blister. Not to mention, Melissa’s insoles are bouncy and cushiony. I have the Possession Mules, but these slides are great if you’re looking for a solid sandal for the office.
A classic pair of heeled ankle boots…
You can’t go wrong with this suede pair from Sam Edelman. They’ll hit a little past your ankle and they have a sculpted block heel that’ll take you from day to night. They’re perfect for fall and winter, when you’re looking for a style that’ll keep you warm, while still looking put-together. Pair them with tights, too.
A pair of heels that are Anne Hathaway-approved…
If these heels are good enough for a pregnant Anne Hathaway, then they’re good enough for us. They’re under 2-inches tall, have an antislip outsole, and enhanced arch support. The sole even is made of a sweat-wicking material.
A flip-flop that looks way more expensive than it is…
These thong sandals from Reformation are another style that look like they could be designer, but are a fraction of the cost. I love the pop of red on this pair because it makes them look more substantial. They're sustainably made in Brazil from a soft, supple leather. PS: This style runs large, so be sure to go half a size down.
A noteworthy sneaker alternative…
Whether you’re looking for a preppy style or a general alternative to loafers and flats, go for a boat shoe. They’re ideal for a dressier office environment (especially on the days when you’re wanting to wear a sneaker, but you know that you can’t).