Only flight attendants truly grasp what it takes to get the job done physically. This is true whether you are working on domestic or international flights. Flight attendants are a lot like nurses regarding how much time they spend on their feet while tending to the needs of airborne travelers.
There are two things to consider when in the market for new flight attendant footwear. First, you want a shoe that provides the appropriate level of support. You also want to look as stylish as possible within the guidelines of your airline’s dress code. There are plenty of fashionable options for flight attendant shoes on the market.
Shopping for new work shoes can be annoying. Most aesthetically pleasing shoes aren’t meant to be worn for hours. You also probably don’t want to wear unsightly orthopedic shoes while you’re working a flight. The key to finding the perfect flight attendant shoe for you is a blend of form and function.
First, be sure that you understand the guidelines regarding the shoes you are allowed to wear while working. Each airline has different standards. Most will require you to wear all-black shoes. Airlines have different dress codes. The height of heels you are allowed to have can also change. Don’t spend cash on shoes you aren’t allowed to wear at work, even if they are a tax write-off.
The following are eight great options if you are on the hunt for the best flight attendant shoes.
1. The Naturalizer Warner Pump
The Naturalizer Warner Pumps are some of the best heels for flight attendants. If you are looking for an elegant and sophisticated look in your footwear at work. They are great because you can wear them both at work and out on the town once you land.
The first thing you will notice on the Warner Pumps is the block heel. It’s wide enough to support you throughout the day. They also have a square toe, so they fit the standards for just about any airline when it comes to style
The Warner Pumps are great for those looking for a green option. They are made out of 90% recycled paper. The ink used to dye them black is also soy-based. These heels are designed to look great. You can get these pumps in a size range from 5 to 13. They also come in both medium and wide widths. There is a reason Naturalizer has been selling shoes since 1927.
2. Clarks Warren Slip-On Loafer
The Clarks Warren Slip-on Loafers are flight attendant heels designed for someone who desires a more understated look. They are also durable enough to be a daily driver, even with the rigorous demands of flight attendant life.
The shoes have a cute look thanks to the roped button trim on each shoe. The buttons serve no function, though. They are only there for decoration. This is because the Warrens are slip-on loafers. The heels on the shoes are about two inches high.
The shoe’s material is 100% leather. These pumps are some of the most durable shoes in the sky. The durability is enhanced by the fact that the stylish leather body is combined with rubber soles. They can help you through a 2-hour connecting flight or an international journey.
Inside the shoes, you will find a cushion-soft sole. The comfortable cushioning is largely due to the Ortholite footbed. Ortholite is a nearly 100% breathable material that is designed to not compress during use. The cushioning provided is the same throughout the lifetime that you have the shoes. These shoes also won the Wings Pro Award for Best Loafers in 2022.
3. Clarks Women’s Adriel Viola Dress Pump
These are the ideal shoes if you are a flight attendant who wants to look great in the terminal too. The heels are 3.25 inches high, giving them a more fashionable look than some of their counterparts. The Adriel Viola Dress Pump is a shoe that you can wear both at work and out to a restaurant after you land.
These dress pumps have a more elegant look than some of their counterparts. The body is also completely constructed from leather. They come in seven different colors and patterns, so you can buy versions for casual wear on other occasions. Of course, you can get the traditional black that your airline requires. There is no removable insole, but the sole does feature Clarks cushion soft comfort technology on the inside. Like other Clarks shoes, the foot is made with Ortholite technology.
4. Naturalizer Flexi
Your search should stop at the Naturalizer Flexi if you are looking for a shoe with great comfort. You are sure to get the support you need all flight long with these flexible flats. It’s in the name. These are some of the best flight attendant shoes because they move with your foot to give it the support it needs without being constrictive. These shoes are simple but sophisticated.
The heel is just 3/4 of an inch, so they are good for a flight attendant who prefers to be closer to the ground while they are flying at 30,000 feet. They have an everyday timeless look. They also provide great stability because of the non-slip outsole. Objectively, these flight attendant shoes are ideal for the person who is looking for footwear focused on function over form. These shoes come in sizes in a range from 5-12 and have a round toe with a tan insole.
5. Dansko Fawna
If you were to ask what I think the overall best flight attendant shoes are, the Dansko Fawna would be one of the first models that came to mind. These shoes are made with the best materials, are adjustable, and look great. They are the most luxurious flight attendant shoes allowed in the skies.
The strap on these classic Mary Jane-style shoes is adjustable, meaning you can form it perfectly to your feet. Nothing is more comfortable than a perfectly fitting shoe and the Fawnas provide the ability to for the shoe to your foot. One of the premier features of the Dankso Fawna is the proprietary Dankso arch support technology. The arch support helps you stay comfortable all day while wearing a shoe with a slight heel.
The upper portion of the shoe is made with Nubuck leather. It is also treated with 3M Scotchgard. They are some of the most-resistant flight attendant shoes on the market. It will take much more than a scuff, scratch, or spill to damage these world-class shoes. The shoes also have the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association thanks to their long-lasting support and comfort.
6. ECCO Women’s Sculptured 45 Plain Dress Pump
These shoes from ECCO are an ideal option for those looking for the best heels for flight attendants. If your airline requires at least two-inch heels, they meet the requirements. When you buy flight attendant shoes from ECCO, you are making a climate-conscious decision. This is because ECCO uses the DriTan process for leather making. This process is scientifically designed to use 80% less water during the construction of each shoe.
The shoes also feature the company’s FluidForm Technology. This provides direct comfort and natural support. The material and rubber used in the sole are made completely via injection. There is no stitching and no glue used to construct the comfort portion of the shoe. These shoes are scientifically designed to be as comfortable as possible while reducing the company’s carbon footprint.
7. Rockport Men’s Style Leader 2 Slip-On
Male flight attendants need shoes too and these loafers are the ideal choice. Rockport is a trusted name in the industry when it comes to the best shoes for flight attendants. Rockport is known for using manmade soles in its footwear, providing the durability you need to last through the rigorous demands of being a flight attendant.
You are walking a lot as a flight attendant. This is why the Truetech comfort technology provided in Rockport shoes is advantageous. They are designed to provide extra cushioning in both the heel and foot while leaving flexibility in the midsole of the shoe. This is perfect for a flight attendant who is constantly walking back and forth during the flight. They also have a classic square-toed look that goes with any uniform.
8. Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford
Another great men’s flight attendant shoe is the Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford. It has a more dressy look than some of its counterparts in the industry. It provides a stately look thanks to the one-inch sole. They are square-toed and are made with premium leather, giving them a sleek and fashionable look.
The comfort and support provided by the Tilden Cap Oxford is a result of Clarks’ Thermoplastic Elastomers sole. These soles provide maximum cushioning. They are also breathable, so your feet keep cool and dry throughout the workday. These shoes are great if you prefer a flexible feel. They have Stretch Gore Panels for a dynamic fit that moves with you.
If you are looking for the best flight attendant shoes on the market, start with these eight options. Each of them has comfort technology that helps you stay fresh throughout the workday. They also provide a variety of looks. You can exhibit your personal style while meeting the standards of your airline.