3 Best Work Shoes

Based on our intense scrutinization, the clear top dog in work walking shoes is the Hoka Bondi SR. Yes, being tireless for a whole day of busting our asses at work is great but what we especially loved about the shoe is the protection we got from various hazards. The whole time we tested the shoes, no fluke ever happened - no tripping, instability, wet feet, and unreliable quality.

Even if we spilled some liquid on the shoes, Bondi shielded our feet completely. We double-checked this in the lab and did the smoke test to verify its impermeability. The exiting smoke was almost non-existent compared to the amount that we pumped so we scored the breathability 1/5, proving how impassable the upper was.

We find moving hurriedly at work inevitable. Fortunately, with Bondi, this isn’t a big deal as it is so sticky that it made us surefooted 100% of the time. In our lab, we measured the hardness of the outsole at 73.1 HC. This isn’t only 3.7% softer than average but it’s also just the perfect degree for an outsole to clutch hard onto the floor, preventing any sliding on slippery areas. 

Another fantastic thing about Bondi for work is its robustness. Pressing our Dremel tool to its upper made us realize how hard it is to penetrate and wear out the shoes, as our tool only tapered the material very slightly. However, we can’t vouch for Bondi in terms of lightness. We weighed it at 14.3 oz (404.0g), which is 50.5% heavier than average.

Hoka Clifton LS offers the best comfort among all the best work shoes we personally experienced and lab-tested. With its insanely plush cushioning and stable platform, we feel surefooted and relaxed all day. We have no hesitations in bringing this to work daily because it’s made of high-quality and durable materials.

Clifton LS offers a generous 35.2/27.0 mm heel and forefoot stack. This leads to an 8.2 mm drop that protects our heels from landing impact and relieves the pressure off our Achilles. Our toe-offs feel extra smooth thanks to its slightly rockered structure. 

On foot, the foam feels mind-blowingly comfortable without bottoming out. It’s soft enough to absorb impact and firm enough to provide a supportive ride. Our durometer confirms a balanced 21.3 HA. Further enhancing our surefootedness is the extremely vast landing platform. We saw one of the highest lab measurements at 122.8/95.5 mm in the heel and forefoot.

Clifton LS is built with robust materials that ensure longevity — such as suede and real leather in high-wear areas, and an above-average 80.5 HC outsole as per our durometer. It surpassed the average in our toebox (5/5) and heel padding (4/5) Dremel tests. Underfoot, we felt that the Durabrasion Rubber grips well on any indoor and outdoor surface.

Unfortunately, all the foam and resistant materials tipped the scales to a heavier 10.8 oz (305g) vs. the average 9.5 oz (269g) walking shoe.

Working long hours on foot requires the best arch support and our wear tests and lab assessments of the top work walking shoes led us to the Brooks Addiction Walker 2. Built with foot health in mind, this podiatrist-approved shoe can alleviate foot pain. True to its reputation, it excels in providing security and stability through its unforgiving construction, stiff posts, and well-balanced cushioning. 

Central to AW2’s stability system are the Extended Progressive Diagonal Bar in the midfoot and a sturdy arch-supporting post, which work in tandem to prevent inward foot rolling. While some may consider these features outdated compared to newer stability designs, they prove to be remarkably effective and reliable. We tested the shoe's torsional rigidity by attempting to twist it manually, and it exhibited exceptional resistance, earning a flawless 5/5 rating.

Other than support, an excellent work shoe needs to be comfortable and AW2 doesn’t skimp on this department. Boasting an above-average 35.7/23.5 mm stack. This provides exceptional comfort, with the foam maintaining its shape even under heavy pressure, making it ideal for those suffering from foot conditions. Our durometer confirms the balanced cushioning is 25.9 HA.

All this support comes at the weight of cost. At 13.7 oz (388g), AW2 is 39.6% heavier than average. Those who prioritize lighter options should check alternatives.