• 2481 Bloor St. W, Toronto

Share:

Group of construction workers overlooking a work site

How to Choose the Right Footwear for Your Job

The proper footwear for your job can make a world of difference.

Footwear that ticks all the boxes – safety, comfort, support, and durability – not only makes your day-to-day more enjoyable, but your feet will also thank you. Here are some simple yet effective tips to follow when choosing the most suitable footwear for your job:

1. Recognize the potential hazards and risks of your job

Workers at a manufacturing factory

First and foremost, footwear should be specific to your job. Various jobs have differing demands, and therefore you should choose accordingly. For example, if you work in construction, you may opt for footwear with toe protection, a higher collar, and slip-resistant soles, as the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety recommends. A mix of protection and grip is critical for outdoor jobs with heavy objects and lifting.

2. Understand the demands of your job on your feet

Nurse wearing a mask and scrubs

Knowing the demands of your job on your feet is equally crucial for choosing the most appropriate footwear. If you work indoors and are on your feet, we recommend looking for well-supported, more lightweight, breathable footwear. For instance, a nurse or teacher may stand or walk for multiple hours daily, adding stress to their feet and legs. Walking or running shoes may be more appropriate for these professions as cushioning, breathability, lighter weight, and support can be beneficial.

Cooks, chefs, barbers, hairdressers, cashiers, and manufacturing employees may also prefer lighter-weight shoes as they are constantly on their feet. Want to know more about how different jobs affect our feet? See our complete guide on how our jobs affect our feet differently.

3. Know your shoe size

Construction worker wearing work boots

Ill-fitting shoes are the leading cause of foot pain and problems: 8 out of 10 shoes fit incorrectly. We recommend verifying your shoe size, as our feet can shrink and swell throughout the day and the year based on the season. Therefore, do a shoe fitting later in the day to accommodate the slightly enlarged size. (And under the same conditions as you would work, for instance, with your work socks.) In addition, your feet may change size due to aging, so we recommend regular sizing checks for accuracy.

Visit a local foot clinic or specialty shoe store for a proper fitting. Here at Feet First Clinic, our chiropodists perform footwear assessments. The chiropodist will examine your feet and gait and make footwear recommendations to match your foot shape, structure, alignment and accommodative needs.

4. Identify your foot type

Teacher standing in front of a classroom full of kids

Knowing your foot type can help you choose the correct footwear for your job. Foot types vary significantly from person to person but generally classify as:

  1. Flat feet: Feet with little to no arch, which causes the arch of the foot to make complete contact with the ground. You may overpronate and require more structured shoes or custom orthotics to correct the biomechanical issue.
  2. Neutral feet: Feet with a moderate arch. Generally, people with a neutral arch don’t require footwear with added stability features.
  3. High arches: Feet with a high arch that makes zero to minimal ground contact. You are more likely to under pronate and require structured shoes or orthotics to correct the pattern.

A chiropodist can help determine your foot type and recommend appropriate footwear.

5. Check the profession’s safety standards

If you work in a profession with specific safety standards, prioritize the information on the shoe’s label or the manufacturer’s website. Specific footwear may need to meet standards to adequately protect you and your feet from the risks and hazards of the job. Certain symbols are also displayed on footwear boxes to let you know which is appropriate for your job.

Need support finding the proper footwear for your job?

We can help. From a thorough footwear assessment to recognizing and treating foot pain, we have your solutions. Visit us at the clinic or book an appointment ahead of time.

Related Posts

Request an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!


Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures. She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.