The Work from Home era is over. The corporate overlords have decided it. Now we’re back to the morning dilemma of getting dressed for work. How can I dress professionally for the office while still wearing something comfortable enough for the commute? Because, let’s face it, whether you’re walking a few blocks, driving your car, or embarking on your daily public-transit odyssey (shout out my fellow subway commuters), you don’t want to be wearing stiff shoes that will give you blisters and bother you all day long.
The Best Commuter Shoes Overall
Thursday Boot Co. Penny Loafer
If you’re looking for something a bit more polished than a sneaker, a loafer is the obvious choice. The problem with loafers, however, is that since they’re usually worn without socks, they can easily give you blisters. But these penny loafers from Thursday Boot Co. have a full glove leather interior lining that’s extra soft and gentle on the skin. The rubber lug soles also provide a small platform for extra comfort and traction, and the insoles provide good shock absorption too.
| Colors |
5 |
| Sizes |
7-14 |
| Upper Material |
Patent leather |
The Ol’ Reliable
Clarks Desert Boots in Brown Suede
Menswear guys have been recommending them for decades, and business-casual office commuters have been wearing them since business casual ever became a thing. Clarks desert boots are incredibly comfortable, they look good, and they’re affordable enough that you don’t need to take the usual suede-boot precautions. Wear them hard for two years, toss them, get a new pair.
| Colors |
8 |
| Sizes |
7-15 |
| Upper Material |
Suede |
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Feel Like Work Boots, Look Like Dress Shoes
R.M. Williams Craftsman Boot – Black Yearling Leather
The standout pick from our dress-boots story actually makes a god-tier commuter shoe. R.M. Williams boots were originally work boots for cowboys in the Australian outback. That, paired with the modern comfort soles, means you and your sweet feet will never have an ache (or a pain) for the decade or more you wear these to the office. Once you work out the price per wear (plus a few resoles) you start to realize they’re not that much more expensive than the other stuff.
| Colors |
2 |
| Sizes |
5-13.5 |
| Upper Material |
Yearling leather |
The Sneakers You Can Wear in Any Office
Common Projects Achilles Low
Everyone who ever said the Common Projects Achilles Low was done, played out, or never coming back is going to look dumb very soon. First, they will always look smart. Second, they’re well-made and comfortable—always will be. Third, and most importantly … the tide is turning, as it always does. Give it a few years and the biggest designers in the world will be sending white sneakers down the runway.
| Colors |
1 |
| Sizes |
39-47 |
| Material |
Leather |
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Best Commuter Sneakers You Take Off at the Office
On Cloud 6 Waterproof Shoe
Listen, we’re not saying you have to take them off at the office. These work in plenty of settings. But if your workplace is a touch more formal, they won’t fly.
That said, you are seeing On sneakers everywhere these days for good reason. The brand makes some of the best-quality athletic sneakers on the market, including styles that can work for the office. These are definitely on the sportier end of the spectrum, but they’re a good choice if you walk to work or live in a rainy area and need a good pair of waterproof sneakers.
| Colors |
5 |
| Sizes |
7-14 |
| Upper Material |
Polyester |
Best Commuter Sneakers for Arch Support
Aetrex Drew Arch Support Sneaker
Sometimes our feet need a little bit of help to stay healthy and pain-free. That’s where Aetrex comes in. These sneakers have a premium leather upper that works well in an office setting, but they also have a ton of features that make them extra comfortable and supportive, like a removable insole (that can be replaced with a more customized orthotic if necessary), unique arch support that helps relieve plantar fasciitis, and orthotic technology and cushioning. If you suffer from foot pain, flat feet, or plantar fasciitis, these are a great choice.
| Colors |
Black, tan, taupe |
| Sizes |
8-13.5/14 |
| Upper Material |
Leather |
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Best Commuter Chelsea Boots
Amberjack Chelsea Boot
When it comes to boots, we’re big fans of the Chelsea boot. Amberjack is known for making some of the most comfortable men’s shoes out there, like these Chelsea boots with an athletic-inspired outsole and insoles made from heat-activated foam that molds to your foot. The blend of modern comfort with a classic style of boot makes for a great work shoe you can wear all through the fall and winter.
| Colors |
14 |
| Sizes |
7-15 |
| Upper Material |
Full-grain leather, Italian suede, or nubuck |
Best Leather Commuter Sneakers
Allen Edmonds Barnes Lace-up Sneaker
Typical sneakers might be a bit too casual for your workplace, but put some leather on them and they’re suddenly much more dressed up. Allen Edmonds makes some of our favorite dress shoes, and we’d even put these leather lace-up sneakers in that category. They’re sleek and elevated with the comfort you get from a sneaker—and they come in wide sizing if you need a bit of extra room.
| Colors |
6 |
| Sizes |
7-14 |
| Upper Material |
Leather |
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Best Waterproof Commuter Boots
Timberland Stormbucks Waterproof Boot
We love a classic pair of Timberlands, but they can lean a bit too “work boot” and less “office appropriate.” Luckily, the brand makes a more dressed-up style in the Stormbucks waterproof boot. With a waterproof full-grain leather upper, an anti-fatigue removable footbed, and a steel shank for arch support, they both look stylish and feel comfortable enough to wear all day, rain or shine.
| Colors |
Dark brown, rust red, black |
| Sizes |
6-15 |
| Upper Material |
Waterproof premium leather |