Hairstylists rely on a number of tools in order to get their job done. While hair styling tools and products are among them, choosing the right footwear is just as important. Hairstylists project a jovial persona in order to keep their clients engaged but there are hidden pains that come with this job. In particular, they spend most of their day on their feet. When you spend a great deal of time standing, it can take a toll on your feet. Wearing the right pair of shoes for a hairstylist is, therefore, a great way to overcome this.
Among the common complaints by hairstylists include sore and tired feet, varicose veins, and swelling legs. Choosing just about any shoe you can get your hands on simply won’t cut it. Find out how you can choose the right pair for hairstylists and get an in-depth look at the recommended models available in the market.
Top 10 Best Shoes for Hair Stylist Reviews in April 2021
This is a list of the recommended shoes for a hair stylist. Discover what their features are and how you can benefit when you choose them.
1. Dansko Women’s Professional Shoes
Starting off this list of the 10 best shoes for hair stylist is the Dansko Women’s Professional Shoes. Dansko is a brand that is known for the design and manufacture of clogs. The brand has also delivered the iconic silhouette that provides adequate support and stability for professionals, which is why it is called as such.
While they are a favorite among nurses and caregivers, they can be suitable for hairstylists, too. It comes with a roomy reinforced toe box and a contoured PU midsole. The inner frame of the Dansko Women’s Professional Shoes is also designed for stability and support. It also comes with a padded collar and protective heel counter so you can ease any pain from standing for extended periods of time. You can get sufficient stability while still allowing your feet to move freely and with ease. Finally, the anti-fatigue rocker bottom is cleverly added to bring comfort to each forward motion of your feet.
- It offers great support.
- It comes with a roomy toe box.
- It is constructed using durable materials.
- It has a slip-resistant outsole.
- It is quite stable in design.
- It is handmade so it can be inconsistent with sizing.
2. Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage Mcallen Food Service Shoe
Lightweight footwear is a must for hairstylists, which is why the Skechers Men’s Flex Advantage is included in this list of the top 10 best shoes for hair stylists. Skechers designed this shoe such that it feels as though you are walking on bare feet. It is designed in a way that you will be stepping on the ball of your feet as you walk, which lessens the impact on your ankles and knees. As a result, your feet will feel less fatigued by the end of the day.
It is also made with a breathable mesh panel that is constructed using the same materials used for making yoga mats. This ensures that your feet can get sufficient support that can lessen the impact on each step. It also comes with a memory foam insole along with a soft padded collar so you can get stability with comfort.
All of the materials that were integrated into this shoe are chosen because they are lightweight so that it can maintain its barefoot feel. For this reason, your feet will feel great whether you are walking or standing.
- It is made by a trusted brand.
- It is lightweight.
- It is slip-resistant.
- It is very comfortable and well-cushioned.
- It is highly breathable.
- It is constructed with super soft lining.
- It is not waterproof.
3. CROC Classic Clog|Comfortable Slip on Casual Water Shoe
Crocs is a classic and iconic brand. It is, therefore, not a surprise why it belongs to the list of the best shoes for a hair stylist. The Crocs Classic Clog is one of the most iconic shoes of all time since it is the ultimate definition of simplicity and comfort. It is a very lightweight shoe that makes it convenient to wear all day.
This is a highly breathable shoe because it is made with a number of ventilation ports that enable adequate airflow. It also comes with a slip-resistant tread so you don’t have to worry about accidentally slipping when you step on the floor. Since it comes with sturdy construction, it is very durable and can last for many years. Despite being durable and comfortable, this pair is relatively affordable.
The Crocs Classic Clog is versatile enough for men and women and is also available in a variety of color options.
- It is unisex.
- It is very flexible.
- Its rubber sole provides excellent grip.
- It is breathable.
- It is extremely durable.
- It is not the most aesthetically pleasing pair of footwear.
4. VANGELO Professional Slip Resistant Clog Men Work Shoe
Vangelo is an award-winning shoe manufacturer so you can expect nothing different from the brand with this Professional Slip-Resistant Clog Work Shoe. This shoe is a favorite among chefs and is also highly recommended for hair stylists. It is a great shoe when walking on hard and slick surfaces.
The Vangelo Professional Slip Resistant Clog comes with an EVA-foam based lining along with ortholite removable inserts. For this reason, you can expect unmatched comfort on your feet when wearing this pair. It is also extremely durable. The inserts are known for having anti-microbial properties that can wick away any excess moisture that can cause bacteria. This particular shoe has received a recommendation from the American Podiatric Association and has satisfied the US Precision Lab testing.
This slip-resistant clog is super lightweight and does not stain easily.
- It is equipped with safety features, such as slip resistance.
- It is extremely lightweight.
- It is very comfortable and comes with removable insoles.
- It does not stain easily.
- It is made with rubber outsoles.
- It does not have a toe box.
5. Dansko Women’s Olivia Loafer
The Dansko Women’s Olivia Loafer is one of the best shoes for a hair stylist because of its combination of a classic and modern vibe. The timeless style combined with modern technology gives you the best of both worlds.
This loafer comes with 1.5 inches of the heel so it is just the right platform to ease the impact on your feet. The well-cushioned heel and supportive sole provide enough stability and comfort. The flexible and solid construction ensures that this pair will endure for many years. However, it retains its lightweight feature so it feels like you are not wearing anything at all.
The removable polyurethane footbed offers long-lasting reinforcement to the feet. Moreover, the TPU outsole provides maximum traction on top of its great aesthetic look.
- It combines modern and classic style.
- It comes with a platform sole.
- It is well-cushioned.
- It allows your feet to move freely.
- It is made with solid construction.
- It delivers maximum traction.
- It is lightweight.
- It is not suited for those with wider feet or toes.
6. Easy Spirit Women’s Motion Lace up Oxford
The Easy Spirit brand is known for its ability to manufacture shoes that make life easy for its wearer. Therefore, the Easy Spirit Women’s Motion Lace-Up Oxford is an ideal choice for hair stylists. This pair comes with a sleek yet feminine look and is made with 100% leather. Given the quality of its material, this pair is known for its durability and quality.
It is also made with a rubber outsole that ensures you can get the best traction with this pair. The 1/4-inch heel is just right so that you can reduce the impact on your feet and heels with every step. It is also integrated with an anti-gravity cushion and flexible soles that provide the support and stability you need.
The brand is synonymous with the luxury of being comfortable. For this reason, consider the Easy Spirit Women’s Motion Lace-Up Oxford when shopping for shoes for hair stylist.
- It is extremely comfortable.
- It comes with a beautiful aesthetic design.
- It is well-cushioned.
- It has flexible soles.
- It offers great traction.
- Its style might be too feminine for some people’s tastes.
7. Aerosoles Women’s Drive Through Slip-On Loafer
Treat your feet to unmatched comfort and style with the Aerosoles Women’s Drive Through Slip-On Loafer. This is another shoe that boasts of a classic and timeless design. It gives you the best of both worlds as you can expect great style and functionality. The material of this loafer gives it crocodile-inspired texture and is available in different colors.
In terms of arch support, you can also get adequate support and stability with this one. It is made with an extra thick foam foot bed so that you can get unparalleled comfort. On the other hand, the subtle lift heel helps to reduce the impact on your feet when standing for too long.
The soles of the Aerosoles loafer are made with synthetic materials. Therefore, you can expect excellent grip with the right amount of flexibility to go with each stride.
- It comes with beautiful and classic design.
- It is made with thick foam insoles.
- It has a non-slip sole material.
- It is quite flexible.
- It has good arch support.
- It has a variety of colors to choose from.
- The sole materials leave a mark on the floor.
8. Saucony Women’s Jazz Lowpro
Saucony is a shoe brand that is best known for the manufacture of running shoes. However, the Saucony Women’s Jazz Lowpro is also a great option for those looking for the best shoes for a hair stylist. This one is available in multiple color options so you can choose what suits your style the most.
It is made with the Saucony trademark fit and feels. The combination of comfort and performance is something you would expect from this shoe model, too. It is a result of years of dedication to research biomechanics of top athletes in order to build a shoe that is engineered to maximize performance. Given the intensity of the activity performed by top athletes, you can rest assured that this shoe can handle the pain of standing all day long on the job.
The high-quality soles provide great stability for your feet. On the other hand, it also comes with a great cushioning system so you can stay comfortable when wearing it.
- It is designed for maximum performance.
- It comes with a great cushioning system.
- It can provide support for any intense activity.
- It offers great stability.
- It is available in multiple color options.
- It could feel snug in some sizes.
9. Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Faxon Low Sneaker
The Men’s Faxon Low Sneaker from Ralph Lauren is one of the top 10 best shoes for hair stylist. It comes in a wide range of prices so you can get them at an affordable price or a higher price tag. It is made with 96% canvas and 4% polyurethane material, along with a synthetic sole. It is also finished with a lace-up closure system that is inserted into metal eyelets.
This company has left its mark in the sneakers industry when it ventured into the manufacture of athletic shoes. In particular, the Faxon Low Sneake is lauded for its ability to ease pain when standing for long periods of time. It does offer a premium look and aesthetics that make it suitable for everyday use, aside from work.
The heel area of the Faxon Low Sneaker is well-cushioned, so that is great news. It provides sufficient support for the heels so you won’t feel any pain even when standing for several hours at a time. The upper mesh material provides great breathability and helps to encourage air circulation inside the shoe, making your feet feel comfortable and dry.
- It comes with a classic style.
- It has an aerodynamic shape.
- It offers comfort when walking.
- It has great support for the heels.
- It is highly breathable.
- It comes with a high-grip sole.
- It comes with rather thin soles.
10. Alegria Joleen Womens Shoe
The Alegria Joleen Women’s Shoe rounds up this list of the best shoes for hair stylists. It is manufactured in the US and is made with leather upper materials and lining. This shoe is designed to help you get through the day while maintaining comfort and support. For this reason, it is a great shoe for hair stylists looking for support and comfort.
You can expect the perfect fit every single time with the Alegria Joleen Women’s Shoe because of an adjustable hook-and-loop strap. It also comes with a padded collar so your feet can stay comfortable even when you wear it for several hours at a time – and even when standing.
Moreover, it comes with a synthetic sole that provides good traction on any kind of surface. The upper material is also stain-resistant so you won’t have to worry if you accidentally spill on it with dye or any material in the salon. The removable footbed provides extreme comfort to the wearer.
- It comes in a variety of style options.
- It is integrated with a comfortable footbed.
- It is slip-resistant.
- Its upper material is stain-resistant.
- It is durable and high in quality.
- It comes with a padded collar.
- The sizing can be quite inconsistent.
Buying Guide – What to Look For When Looking for Shoes for HairStylists, Hairdressers And Beauticians
Before you get started on shopping for the best shoes for a hair stylist, it is important to know the shape of your feet first. Consider the width and length of your feet to get the proper fit. This is very important for hairstylists because it can cause a great deal of pain on your feet if you do not get the right fit on your shoes. You could end up with painful calluses and blisters.
In addition, you should know the arch of your feet, as well. Identify if you have low-arched or flat feet, medium arched feet, or high-arched feet. Each of these types will require different styles of shoes and support.
In terms of choosing the best shoes for hair stylists, you need to look for functional features. This will help alleviate foot pain when you are standing all day long.
1 – Comfort
As mentioned above, standing on your feet can cause a lot of pain for hairstylists. Comfortable footwear can definitely contribute to easing that pain. The highest level of comfort can be expected when you wear shoes that have proper cushion and insole support, especially pain caused by prolonged standing. Also, make sure to look for shoes with a platform sole such that the shoes are raised by a few inches off the floor.
2 – Shock-Absorption
Another factor that can add to the comfort level when wearing a particular shoe is its ability to absorb shock. Aside from a cushioned interior, shock absorption can ease the pressure on your feet when you stand for too long. If it does not have shock-absorbent pads, you must at least have the option to put in removable ones.
3 – Lightweight
The key to keeping your feet comfortable is when you wear footwear that feels like second skin. Thus, it is important to choose lightweight footwear so it does not add any unwanted pressure on your feet with every step.
In addition, wearing shoes that are too heavy can cause fatigue on your feet. While cushions add to the total weight of the shoes, it is important to choose those made with lightweight materials so it does not make your shoes too heavy.
4 – Heel and Arch Support
Wearing shoes with adequate support is very important to ease pain for hairstylists. An ergonomically designed pair of shoes can deal with all of these issues. Ergonomic footwear lifts your arches, provides relief for pain, and offers stability. Here are some of the features to look for in your shoes to ensure that you get adequate support: insole pad, midsole pad, upper pad, toe box, ankle protector, outsole pad, and heel collar.
5 – Breathable Materials
A breathable material for your footwear is not a deal breaker; however, it is a welcome feature to have. Ventilated mesh panels offer maximum breathability on shoes for hair stylists. This will allow maximum airflow inside your shoes so your feet can stay dry and comfortable. Your feet are already tired from standing all day so you don’t want to be dealing with sweaty feet, either. At the same time, sweat can make your feet smell funky.
Choose shoes with looser weaves or open knits so you can get maximum comfort.
6 – Closed Toe
When you work as a hair stylist, you are working with a variety of tools all the time. Make sure your feet are protected from possible injuries by opting to wear closed toe ones. You do not always realize the hazards in your workplace so it is best to protect your feet to prevent any unwanted accidents.
7 – Flexibility
Shoes that are highly flexible are a must for hairstylists so it goes along with your movement. On the other hand, shoes with a low flexing point can aggravate any pain you are feeling on your feet, as well as cause numb toes and shin splints. However, avoid shoes that bend too easily because it can also be hazardous and might not offer enough support and structure.
Conclusion
Use the guide above to help you find the best shoes for hair stylists. While it might not be able to erase all the pain you are feeling, the support and alignment you get from wearing the right footwear can make the pain manageable so you can focus on doing your work and being good at it.