Nike By You
The 4 best work shoes by Nike
Buying guide
Ditch the clunky boots—or pointy heels—and slip into some of the brand's most comfortable footwear.
Last updated: 9 April 2024
6 min read
Whether your job is a labour-intensive one that requires you to be on your feet all day or if it's a desk job that calls for a business casual dress code, one thing remains true for all types of gigs: your feet need to be supported. And, comfortable work shoes are not only acceptable, but in many workplaces, they've become the norm.
The best work sneakers need to offer both comfort and support—especially for those who walk to work or spend most of their shift on their feet.
"Wearing uncomfortable shoes, especially shoes that lack proper arch support, for an extended amount of time can place a tremendous amount of stress—not only on your feet but also on the rest of your body", podiatrist Miguel Cunha, DPM said. "Everyone can benefit from having a pair of comfortably cushioned running shoes, as they are specifically engineered to provide the most arch support, comfort and protection of your feet".
Nike running shoes offer the most support of any other footwear created by the brand, meaning that they're not only great for logging miles on the track or trail, but they're also the ideal sneaker for your office (or at least getting to it). For that exact reason, Jesse Olsen, expert product line manager for Nike Running pulled together a few styles to address your work shoe needs.
Whether you're walking to the office or running around a classroom, here are the most supportive Nike sneaker styles that will help you stay on your feet throughout your workday.
4 Nike running shoes that double as comfortable work sneakers
1. When durability is the main priority, start with Nike Pegasus shoes.
When it comes to durability, the classic Nike Pegasus sneaker—made with signature Nike Zoom Air technology—is the top choice for ensuring you get all the support you need for as long as possible.
Shoes made with Nike Zoom Air technology offer responsive cushioning that feels springy and comfortable for a significant amount of time. "That's one of the reasons why we refer to the Pegasus as the 'workhorse' of our road running line", Olsen said.
Styling tip: The Pegasus comes in a wide range of both neutral and bold colours—consider completing a neutral work look with a colourful pair of sneakers. There are also waterproof and trail options in the Pegasus line if your job requires you to be outdoors.
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2. When looking for a shoe that supports supinators and pronators, check out Nike Infinity shoes.
Looking at the underside of your shoe can tell you a lot about how you stand, walk and run. According to Cunha, if you see wear on the top outer edge of your shoe, you're probably a supinator who tends to place weight on the outside of your feet. For a pronator, weight is placed on the inside of the foot, so wear will appear on the top inner edge instead. If the wear seems fairly even, you have a neutral gait.
In the case of high-impact activities like running, you may want to find something specifically tailored to your gait. But, at work, you may prefer a versatile sneaker designed with comfort in mind. The Infinity shoe will help accommodate your gait, whatever type you have.
For a work shoe that's compatible with almost all gait types, pick up the InfinityRN 4. The shoe, which offers a ReactX midsole, positions the foot higher off the ground than other models, offering ample cushioning. "It also features a wide footbed for extra support", Olsen explained.
"The bottom of the shoe also has a rocker shape that helps transition smoothly from heel to toe and through your stride", he said. "This combination of cushioning and support is a great solution for various types of foot strikes and gaits".
Styling tip: The Infinity's statement sole is worth showing off. You can opt for a minimal black and white colourway or try an option with a multicolour midsole for an unexpected twist. Since the Infinity is also customisable, you can tailor the look of your sneaker to your liking.
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3. Need good arch support? Try Nike Zoom Structure shoes.
Spending all day in shoes that lack proper arch support can cause discomfort and place unnecessary stress on your feet. Cunha explained that imbalances like these can exacerbate existing issues in the body—not just in the feet, but also in other areas such as the knees and back.
Olsen recommended the Structure shoe line for those wanting to prioritise arch support. That's because the shoe is designed to help distribute weight across your foot and support your arches.
"Comprised of soft foam on the medial (inner) side of the shoe, the contoured shape of the midsole provides additional arch support for added stability and comfort", he said.
Styling tip: As a bonus, these shoes can add extra height, so if you're usually inclined to wear heels or platforms, these sneakers make a great alternative. Pair them with high-waisted flared trousers, a long-sleeve crop top and an oversized gilet for a sleek and professional look.
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4. When seeking out maximum cushioning, reach for Nike Invincible shoes.
Are your feet often tired and achy at the end of a long day? Any shoe in the Invincible Collection (which uses Nike ZoomX, the brand's highest-performing foam innovation) is an ideal work sneaker, especially for those who spend hours standing on unforgiving hard surfaces.
"ZoomX is incredibly responsive and lightweight, allowing us [product line managers] to use a generous amount of the foam for maximum cushioning, without it feeling heavy or bulky", Olsen said.
Styling tip: Go with a classic black sneaker—it's sleek enough to style with trousers for a more formal office look. In a creative office, an option like a bold University Red pops against blue jeans or a white skirt.
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Remember: fit matters most
Despite high-quality features like thick cushioning and supportive arches, if a sneaker doesn't fit well, it won't offer the right comfort or support. Testing out a few different models of sneakers for work can help find the material and construction that feels right for you.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you replace your work shoes?
Spending all day on your feet can cause major wear and tear on shoes, even if they look to be in pretty good condition. Cunha recommended swapping out your work sneakers at the same cadence you would your running shoes, after about every 300 to 500 miles of use.
For context, Cunha explained that's about every 10 months if you primarily walk or stand in running shoes. To help keep close tabs on your shoe use, try writing down the date of purchase to track when it's time to upgrade to a new pair. Alternatively, you can set a reminder on your phone when they'll need to be retired.
How can you tell if your work shoes fit well?
To ensure you've got the right size, Cunha suggested measuring a thumb's worth of space between your toe and the top of your shoe. You should also be able to wiggle all of your toes comfortably. If you can't, then your toe box may not be wide enough.
"[Nike Product Line Managers] often recommend runners have a shoe fit a little roomier than tighter at the initial try-on, as running lots of miles or being on your feet all day can often make an athlete's foot swell", Olsen said.
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Words by Aemilia Madden