As a flight attendant, you will spend countless hours on your feet – serving passengers and crew as well as moving around the plane. Therefore, you must ensure you invest in the best shoes for flight attendants. These shoes are designed to offer optimal support, and comfort throughout the day.
Designed with wide heels and thick soles, flight attendant shoes offer the much needed stability and balance when you are on your feet for a long period of time. When you wear the right shoes for flight attendants, you don’t have to worry about foot or back pain and fatigue. However, this is not all the shoes has to offer.
The ideal pair is built to maintain both style and comfort – after all, as a flight attendant, you want to maintain a stylish, modern, and immaculate appearance. So below, we’ve outlined the top 10 best shoes for flight attendants for this year – to help you find the perfect pair to make your travel more enduring, comfortable, and fun.
If you are a flight attendant struggling to find the right pair of shoes for work, you are at the right place. Check out our review of the top best shoes for flight attendants to find the perfect pair to wear this year.
1. Clarks Women’s Emslie Lulin Pumps
This shoe tops our list and for very good reasons. This pump structured shoe is amazingly comfortable – Even after standing hours on your feet, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. Plus they are durable and made from high-quality materials and can hold up to a few years.
Just check the reviews on any major site – awesome!
The Clarks Women’s Emslie Lulin Pumps features a supple full grain leather fabrication for maximum comfort and flexibility. Designed with a low and chunky heel, these Mary Jane pumps are both stylish and comfortable; allowing you to enjoy a height boost whilst going for hours without any foot pain.
The interior of the shoes features fabric lining for a soft and comfortable feel. Additionally, the flight attendant pumps feature a soft interior padding with proprietary Ortholite footbed for shock absorbing performance and superior cushioning. In addition to its cushioning, the Ortholite footbed is highly breathable thus, delivering maximum ventilation inside the shoes.
Furthermore, the flight attendant pumps feature a simple hook and loop closure for an adjustable fit and to make it easy to put on and remove the shoes. At the bottom, the pumps are fitted with durable rubber outsoles for added durability.
- Breathable and highly cushioning footbed
- Block heel boosts your height without causing foot pain
- Adjustable hook and loop closure offers a personalized fit
- The full grain leather fabrication makes the shoes flexible and highly durable
- Not fitted with removable insoles
2. Rockport Women’s Total Motion Leah Pumps
The Rockport Women’s Total Motion Leash Pumps are available in a choice of 5 different color options to suit your style and needs. You can choose to have the pumps in black Nappa, black patent, black suede, dark taupe pearl, or neutral beige.
The heeled pumps are constructed from leather and a man-made rubber outsole for added durability and functionality. In the interior, the textile lining offers a soft, supple feel and optimal breathability. The foam backed lining on the other end enhances cushioning for long lasting comfort.
The split suede non slip soles further prevent heel movement whilst the TPU midsole plate increases stability and foot support. The shoes are fabricated with a patented TruTech and TruTech+ footbed as well to prevent impact from shock and to offer high energy return with every step you take.
- Lightweight build, at only 10 ounces
- Available in 5 color options to choose from
- Built with a partially removable footbed for added comfort
- The mid-length design offers all day endurance and eliminates foot pain
- The pumps can be somewhat wide thus, causing the foot to slide out from time to time
3. Clarks Women’s Adriel Viola Dress Pumps
Whether you choose to rock snake prints or glossy pink style heels, the Clark Women’s Adriel Viola Dress Pumps allows you to do so thanks to the choice of 12 available patterns and color options. The leather fabricated pumps feature a 3-inch heel style to boost your height and accentuate your legs without causing any discomfort or pain to your feet.
This build allows you to wear the pumps throughout the day with maximum comfort and flexibility. Plus, the heel size is perfect for professionals – not too high and not too low. On the interior, these pumps for flight attendants boast a proprietary Clarks cushion for soft comfort.
The Ortholite footbed on the other end provides an impact absorbing performance whilst yielding high energy return as you walk. The round toe design affords the pumps with adequate space to accommodate your feet.
- The footbed is super cushioning and breathable
- Comfortable heel size prevents foot pain whilst accentuating your legs
- The heel size is perfect for professionals
- The round toe design offers adequate space to accommodate your feet comfortably
- The outer material deteriorates over time
4. Aerosoles Women’s Silver Star Pumps
Integrating a classic feminine court pump design, the Aerosoles Women’s Silver Star Pumps complement any outfit. To complement this classy and feminine style, the pumps feature a sophisticated Napa and leather suede construction.
The strong and robust inseams on the other end offer a sturdy finish and resilient soles. Furthermore, the pumps are constructed with wide block heels that measure 2 inches high for that professional look. A patent-pending advanced heel rest technology helps to distribute body weight towards your heel and away from the ball of your feet to guarantee all day comfort.
Furthermore, the block heels are inserted with a memory foam footbed for incredible cushioning and shock absorption. The padded insoles soothe and pamper your feet – so you even forget that you are wearing pumps.
- Available in black, bone suede, denim, cork combo pattern, mid-brown suede, and black suede
- Advanced heel rest design to evenly distribute your weight for all day comfort
- Made from luxurious looking Napa and suede leather
- The strong and robust inseam designs strengthen the shoes
- The shoes run a little large in size
5. LifeStride Women’s Rozz Pumps
With the LifeStride Women’s Rozz Pumps, you are guaranteed incredible comfort, support, and flex. The heeled pumps are fitted with cushy and breathable interior foam to improve your comfort with every step. Furthermore, the soft interior lining offers a supple feel to leave your feet pampered. The extra arch and heel support on the other end offer great balance and stability whilst the ultra flexible outsole makes every step easy.
The round toe, slip-on Mary Jane style pumps are fitted with adjustable straps and buckles to deliver a personalized fit. The round toe design facilitates adequate spacing to comfortably accommodate your feet. Furthermore, the flight attendants pumps are available in regular, medium, and wide fit to cater to different wearers.
- Available in regular, medium, and wide fit
- Highly flexible outsole to make every step flexible
- Arch and heel support for extra balance and stability
- Soft interior lining leaves your feet pampered
- The toe box is a little tight during the break-in stage
6. Rockport Women’s Total Motion Adelyn Ballet Flat Shoes
Designed with a flat heel, the Rockport Women’s Total Motion Adelyn Ballet Flat Shoes offer great comfort. The low heel height and pointy toe design improve the shoes’ versatility to make them great for any occasion. These affordable flat shoes for flight attendants are constructed from a leather exterior for improved durability.
A textile woven interior of the shoes enhances the shoes’ breathability, flexibility, and style. Furthermore, the foam-backed lining offers a glove-like comfort and snug fit. The foam footbed offers full foot contact whilst maintaining impressive cushioning and high energy return. The TPU midsole on the other end facilitates increased balance, support, and stability. At the bottom of the shoes, the rubber outsole offers superior flexibility and traction.
- Low heel high and pointy design increase versatility
- Foam-backed lining offers a glove-like comfort and fit
- The TPU midsole offers support, balance, and stability
- Full grain leather exterior is durable and easy to clean
- The toe box is sometimes too tight
7. Skechers Women’s Go Step Lite-Mystic Walking Shoes
The special thick rubber sole structure of the Sketchers Women’s Go Step Lite-Mystic Walking Shoes offers high rebound cushioning with responsive feedback. These top rated shoes for flight attendants feature a proprietary SQUISH component and an exclusive resalyte material to enhance comfort, flexibility, and support.
Additionally, the shoes integrate a patented 5GEN midsole technology which delivers anatomically correct arch support and shock absorption. The smooth and lightweight Perform Tex fabric upper on the other end allows for increased versatility. The nearly seamless microfiber fabric also boasts a durable leather-like finish with enhanced breathability. At the bottom, the shoes are fitted with multidirectional traction rubber outsoles which provide slip-resistant performance, even on wet grounds.
- Slip-resistant, multi-directional traction rubber outsole
- Lightweight midsole and outsole with patented Goga Matrix sole structure for increased flexibility and support
- Slip-on sporty and casual ballet flat skimmer design
- Highly breathable microfiber upper material
- The heels don’t offer great traction
8. Hush Puppies Women’s Epic Mary Jane Shoes
Integrating a patented Zero technology, the Hush Puppies Women’s Epic Mary Jane Shoes offer lightweight comfort and exceptional flexibility. Designed with heels that measures 1.25 inches high, the shoes offer great stability and support whilst accentuating your feminine legs. Additionally, the shoes are built with hand-burnished and smooth leather upper material for added durability.
Around the shoes, you will notice elegant stitching which is not only meant to better the appearance of the shoes but to also enhance their durability. The interior on the other end is lined with breathable microfiber material for added air circulation. The shoes also integrate a molded and contoured removable EVA footbed for increased cushioning. Molded rubber outsoles at the bottom of the shoes provide excellent traction. For easy on and off, these flight attendant shoes are designed with adjustable hook and loop top straps as well.
- Durable leather upper material with elegant exterior stitching
- Breathable microfiber lining provides adequate ventilation
- Patented ZeroG technology offers a lightweight and flexible sole structure
- Highly stable molded wedge heel design
- Their construction doesn’t offer the best quality
9. Clarks Women’s Tarah Brae Dress Pumps
The Clarks Women’s Tarah Brae Dress Pumps are designed with maximum comfort in mind. The elegant dress block pumps feature an intricate cushion plus padding and patented Ortholite footbed to keep you comfortable all day long. The footbed and padding don’t only enhance cushioning but also help to provide a snug and stable fit.
Constructed from premium leather, the polished block heel is highly durable and robust. Additionally, its leather lining offers a supple and soft feel to your feet whilst maintaining long lasting durability. At the bottom, the dress pumps are fitted with a non-slip rubber outsole. Measuring just 2.34 inches high, the heels offer just the right amount of stability and support needed for professional wear.
- Constructed using premium quality leather
- Cushion plus padding and Ortholite footbed offer optimum cushioning
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole design
- Polished exterior for added elegance and style
- Narrow and shallow toe box causes pain overtime
10. BZees Women’s Electric Pumps
Just like how your back enjoys support from a good quality orthopedic mattress, the BZees Women’s Electric Pumps integrate free foam footbed to offer excellent cushioning and support for your feet. Constructed from dynamic stretch uppers, you will enjoy excellent flexibility from the shoes, whether you are walking or running.
Plus, their design makes caring for them quite easy – simply toss them into a washer for a quick clean. At the bottom, the flight attendant pumps are fitted with air-infused outsoles with excellent support to make you feel like you are walking on air. Three cozy insoles fitted inside the shoes on the other end provide good cushioning and shock absorption. A removable sock liner inside the shoes enhances ventilation and breathability as well.
- Available in light brown geo print, navy, grey radiant ribbed, black, tan gradient ribbed, and chocolate diamond lines
- Cloud technology for lightweight performance
- Machine washable
- Air infused outsoles for maximum flexibility and support
- You need to use a heel guard to prevent the shoes from slipping off
How To Choose The Best Shoes For Flight Attendants
Choosing comfortable shoes is a priority for a flight attendant. Remember, you will be working on your feet for long hours in a day. Therefore, you want to invest in a pair that is flexible to walk on and one that doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort to your feet and even, your back.
Check The Material
The number one feature you want to look out for when choosing the best shoes for flight attendants is the material. Many airliners recommend that their flight attendants wear leather shoes. Leather is favored for its rugged and durable properties.
However, it still provides great flexibility, softness, and retains the shape of your feet. Due to these good qualities, it tends to be quite costly, nevertheless, worth the investment. Additionally, you can opt for other affordable but good quality materials such as canvas or faux leather.
Choose The Right Heel
For flight attendant shoes, the heel matters. Typically, airliners prescribe two types of heels for flight attendant shoes. The first types, heeled shoes, are worn during boarding, deplaning, and airport transits. The second type, flat or low heeled shoes, are worn whilst in the air.
The first type of shoes are sometimes known as airport shoes whilst the second type of shoes are known as cabin or service shoes. Flat or low heeled shoes are used during service to make it easier for you to work and move around to serve the passengers and crew. Since you will be on your feet for long during this time, lower heeled shoes offer better support, balance, and comfort for your feet.
For most airliners, heels worn by flight attendants should not measure more than 3 inches high. Stiletto heels on the other end are strictly prohibited. As a general rule of thumb, choose heels that offer the most foot comfort then, choose heels that are wide enough to give you stability and extra support. If your airline permits you, block heels, platform shoes, or wedges are the best options.
If not, then you can opt for low and wide heels and complement them with soft gel insoles to help distribute your weight from the ball of the foot. This principle is the same for flat shoes. Just because your shoes are flat, it doesn’t automatically mean that they will be comfortable if worn for a long time. Instead, ensure that the flat shoes you opt for are designed with thick soles and heels that measure at least half an inch high. If not, complement them with soft gel soles.
Opt For The Right Shoe Size
Choosing the right shoe size is not always easy, especially when shopping online for flight attendant shoes. For one, the fit varies depending on the shoe style and brand. Furthermore, when you are up in the air, at high altitude inside the plane, your feet and ankles tend to expand and swell.
The best way to go is to pick a size larger than your regular size when choosing cabin shoes. For transit shoes, you can opt for the regular size. Before you purchase the shoes you have in mind, go through customer reviews to understand how they fit.
Consider The Shoe Shape
Typically, the best shoes for flight attendants are available in round or square shape. Pointy shaped shoes are quite elegant but not the best choice for flight attendants. This is because when worn for long, they tend to cause discomfort to your feet, bunions, and hammertoes. The round and square shaped shoes offer adequate space for your feet to comfortably breathe. Always check your shoes before travel to ensure they fit comfortably. When worn, they should not feel tight or stiff. If they do, opt for an alternative pair.
Style Vs Comfort
As a flight attendant, both style and comfort play a significant role when choosing the right pair of shoes. As much as comfort is important, you also don’t want to look like you are wearing grandma’s shoes. So, when you are choosing the right pair of shoes, have style in mind, whether you opt for loafers, court shoes, pumps, or block heeled shoes.
FAQs
Q: Will I Be Forced To Wear Heels If I Have A Medical Condition?
A: No, flight attendants are not forced to wear heels if they have a medical condition. Instead, they are allowed to wear orthopedic shoes. However, a written medical certificate is required by the employer. Furthermore, the shoes must hold the same standards – black, closed, and with no decorative straps.
Q: Are Flight Attendants Allowed To Wear Boots?
A: Yes, some airlines allow flight attendants to wear boots during the colder seasons. However, boots must be plain black and made out of leather only. The maximum coverage should be to the knees whilst the heels should measure no more than 3 inches high.
Q: Do Flight Attendants Wear Pantyhose With Their Shoes?
A: Yes, flight attendants wear compression pantyhose with their shoes. These stockings help to promote adequate blood circulation during long flights and even during prolonged seating positions. Additionally, as you are up in the air, especially at high altitudes, your feet will swell and expand. Wearing compression pantyhose helps to reduce the swelling. Furthermore, pantyhose help to prevent blisters whilst also keeping you warm in cool cabins.
Q: What Shoes Should I Avoid As A Flight Attendant?
A: Generally, most airlines recommend that you avoid the following type of shoes;
• Suede, canvas, or textured shoes
• Ballerina style flats
• Platform shoes
• Chunky shoes
• Outdoor boots
• Buckled, buttoned, or lace up boots
• Shoes with contrasting or decorative stitching
• Shoes with adornments
Conclusion
It is no doubt that the responsibilities of a flight attendant are quite demanding. That along with the pressure to maintain an immaculate appearance and long working hours can be quite exhausting. Whilst the travel part is still fun, you must ensure you have on the best shoes for flight attendants so you are comfortable and able to focus on the more important things.
Putting on the right pair of shoes also protects you from discomfort, injury as well as chronic back and feet pain. So the list of the 10 best shoes for flight attendants is the perfect place to being your search for the right pair. If you are still struggling to make the ultimate choice, let the detailed buying guide outlined above guide you through the process.