Women should pay attention to the overall shape, width, and length of their feet to find work shoes that fit perfectly. Experts also recommend trying different styles and brands first to find the pair that best suits their needs.

2. Weight and durability

Weight and durability are essential considerations when choosing work footwear as these have a significant impact on overall comfort and longevity. This is especially important for employees working long hours and standing all day.

In general, men’s work shoes are heavier and made of more durable materials, especially in industries such as construction and heavy machinery operation. Women’s work shoes are often lighter, depending on the nature of their work. Women’s footwear uses similar materials as those for men as to not compromise durability.

3. Comfort and safety features

Because men and women often face similar workplace hazards, they should look for work shoes with enhanced comfort and safety features, including:

• cushioning: footbed and insoles must provide adequate cushioning to decrease impact
• electrical hazard protection: shoes must have sufficient insulation to reduce the risk of electrical shocks in environments where live wires or electrical equipment are present
• odour control: technology that fights bacteria build-up that cause foul smell is important
• slip resistance: the outsoles must provide reliable traction to prevent slips and falls
• toe protection: footwear must have reinforced toe caps to protect against impact or compression injuries
• waterproofing: special materials or treatments that keep the feet dry in wet or rainy conditions are a must-have

 Find out what you can do to prevent foot injuries in the workplace in this guide.