24 Shoes That Teachers Actually Swear By
Your students already want to follow in your footsteps, so you may as well make them stylish footsteps.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. Elastic strap flats that over 2,500 reviewers love for a cute, comfy everyday footwear option even when they're ~strapped~ for cash.
Check out BuzzFeed's full write-up on these flats.
Promising review: "THE MOST COMFORTABLE SHOE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS/TEACHERS. As a student teacher, I'm constantly on my feet and moving from my own college campus to preschools and chasing after those 4-year-olds. I've had these for almost a month now and 1) they've only gotten more comfortable with each wear and 2) I haven't complained once about these shoes. The straps don't bother me and the part wrapping around my ankle doesn't irritate me at all. I will definitely be getting these in LOTS of colors :)" —Miss Katy
Get them from Amazon for $9.89+ (available in sizes 5.5-11 and in 23 colors and prints).
2. ~Class~y heeled Oxfords to help you master that whole "academic chic" vibe. Bonus points for pairing with a cozy cardi and a scarf on top.
Promising review: "Am I wearing flats?????? As a teacher, I'm on my feet all day. I've never successfully worn anything resembling heels before to work. I’m shocked to say that these shoes are just as comfy as my flats! The designers who created these are geniuses." —mls046
Get them from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in sizes 4.5-11 and in 11 colors).
3. Fabulous glitter sneakers that'll help you inspire your students to ~shine~, not to mention teach the important lesson that practical shoes can still be super fun.
Promising review: Promising review: "I love, love, love these shoes and receive so many compliments when I wear them. I'm very particular about my shoes. I usually buy expensive shoes to wear to work teaching second grade. I have three bulged discs in my lower back that make wearing good shoes important. These shoes have the support I need. I can wear them to teach in all day, to go shopping, and out and about. I've never had any problems when I wear them. I've worn these a ton and none of the glitter has worn off. I want to purchase the rose gold color next." —Teach2Learn
Get them from Amazon for $10.51+ (available in sizes 5-11 and in 47 designs).
4. Cute Mary Jane heels, aka the one kind of Mary Jane that the principal won't confiscate. 😂
Promising review: "I love LOVE these shoes. Always getting compliments from students and other teachers!" —Lovelikegold
Get them from Amazon for $21+ (available in sizes 5.5-11 and in 16 colors).
5. Wonderfully quirky fabric map-print Mary Jane flats you should probably hit add to ~cart~-ographer on ASAP.
Reviewers recommend going by the size chart on the listing.
Promising review: "I LOVE these shoes. I teach sixth grade social studies and ELA, and let's just say that these world map print shoes are everything I could have hoped for. They're unique, adorable, and put me right up there with everyone's favorite TV teacher, the Frizz. They're comfortable too — I can wear them all day, run from one side of my room to the other to grab the ringing telephone, and since they're rubber soles and super quiet, I can use my stealth mode to catch kids passing notes with zero effort. I wear a 7 normally and these size 7s are a smidge big, but if I ordered a 6 they'd have been too small. Shoe inserts would snug them up, I just haven't done it yet since I'm actually really happy with them as they are. I'm actually looking for another pair to buy!" —Teacher Gal
Get them from Amazon for $47.59+ (available in sizes 5-11 and in 11 prints).
6. Versatile lace-up wedge booties that over 1,700 reviewers have given an A+ in comfort and style.
Promising review: "So comfortable and I get so many compliments! I'm a preschool teacher and have been wearing them to run around with the kids and they've been great — even on my mulch-filled playground. It feels like I'm wearing sneakers." —Natalie Gonzalez
Get them from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes 5-12 and in 11 colors).
7. Game-changing simple pumps available in a huge variety of colors, prints, materials, and widths and that over 1,800 reviewers swear by for heels that are actually comfortable.
Promising review: "I purchased these for my daughter's wedding on the recommendation of a 24-year-old teacher who said they were comfortable enough to wear all day. I am so glad I listened. I ordered them in taupe, navy and black since I found such a great deal on Amazon. Size is perfect, plenty of cushion, nonslip sole, and it's a shoe that you can wear anywhere. Nothing trendy here, but I know they will be the most worn shoes in my closet." —Mom/Nurse Ann
Get them from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in sizes 5-12 regular, 6-11 narrow, and 6-12 wide, and extra-wide)
8. Adorable lace flats that'll serve as excellent role models for your students — they play nice with everyone, from pants to dresses.
9. Ankle-strap mini wedges for when you want something that's a ~step up~ from flats but that won't be making you miserable by lunchtime.
Promising review: "I ordered this shoe in navy. And then I ordered it in gray, red, and nude. I had to cut myself off before I ordered every color, but I'll probably order more before you know it. I LOVE THESE SHOES. I get so many compliments, especially when I wear the red ones. They're comfortable. I'm a teacher, so I'm on my feet all day. There's no perfect shoe for that, but these are comfy enough that I don't mind them by the end of the day. Great quality, too." —Mary Claire Becan
Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes 5-11 and in 13 colors).
10. Cute and chunky clog heels likely to result in your work group chat getting ~clogged~ with fellow teachers wanting to know where you got them.
Promising review: "These are my new favorite shoes. They are true to size. It feels like they have some cushion and the soles and the bottoms have anti-slip grips. The slight chunky heel is just enough, not too much. As a teacher, I'm on my feet all day and I've worn these two days in a row, including the day that I had lunch duty and was on my feet for eight hours. I like them so much I got the black pair too!" —D
Get them from Target for $34.99 (available in sizes 5-12 and in two colors).
11. Cushy, easy-to-fasten wedge sandals that are, believe it or not, Crocs. Not the classic and controversial clog Crocs, but their grown-up, chicer older cousin.
They've got a genius buckle that you buckle normally to whatever hole you want first time you wear them, and but then a hook clasp allows you to take them on and off without unbuckling after that!!!
Promising review: "I absolutely ADORE these shoes. I’m a teacher, and I’m on my feet and moving ALL day. I love wedges because I’m flat-footed and need the support. I have this style in tan and black. I’m a little obsessed. I already have another tan and another black pair in a box for when I wear the others out! The faux hook buckle is the greatest invention ever. Why didn’t this exist when I was a little girl trying to buckle my black patent leather shoes? These look fabulous with dresses, a cute pair of shorts, ankle and cropped pants, boyfriend jeans, etc. People will compliment my shoes, and the first thing I tell them is that they’re CROCS! I love their reaction." —HP
Get them from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes 4-11 and in two colors).
12. Surprisingly comfy strappy heels you can easily wear to future dressy occasions with grown-ups, too.
Promising review: "I’m a teacher, and I’m on my feet all day. I love these shoes. Every time I wear them someone tells me how cute they are, which is true. They are very cute, but even better than that, they are the comfiest pair of heels I own. The strap across the top of the foot provides stability, and the cushioning inside is awesome. Love love love these shoes!" —Nicole
Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes 5-11 regular and 6-11 wide).
13. Low-heel booties that are the the ultimate footwear staple — I'm talking as basic as the ABCs and 123s.
14. Classy and classic loafers in a cheerful hue with grippy bottoms so your recurring stress dream of tripping on your way up to present at assembly that you've been having since you were a student yourself doesn't come to fruition.
Promising review: "Super comfy and a great fit! As a teacher I can walk around all day in these!" —Bezuramona
Get them from DSW for $39.99 (available in sizes 5.5-12 and in six colors)
15. Casual cutout booties stylish enough you'll also want to wear them on weekends.
Promising review: "I really love these boots! I was worried because some Soda shoes run small, but these fit my feet perfectly. They breathe nicely, and I wore them for my eight-hour work day without any discomfort. I'm a teacher, so comfortable, stylish shoes are a must! I will most likely purchase other colors." —Ashley
Get them from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes 5.5-11 and in nine colors).
16. Iconic Dr. Martens Chelsea boots, because who says teachers can't be rock 'n' roll? Besides, these would be just as cute with jeans as they would a fit-and-flare dress.
Promising review: "I got these two weeks ago and have been wearing them nonstop. They keep out the Minnesota snow and go with everything. I’m a teacher and these are great mix of work-appropriate and super functional/comfy. They are super cute to boot! Yes, pun intended." —Stpmpls
Get them from DSW for $149.99 (available in sizes 6-11) or Dr. Martens for $150 (available in sizes 5-12 and in two colors).
17. Stretchy Skechers flats that are a heck of a lot more flexible than your curriculum.
Promising review: "I’m a teacher, so standing on my feet all day is the thing. Most shoes can be too tight or too loose as the day wears on, or they're ugly. These are comfy, expandable with swollen feet, and don't make me look like I’m a hundred years old. Bought them in every color." —CJ
Get them from Amazon for $29.64+ (available in sizes 5-11 regular and wide and in three colors).
18. Chain-detail cushioned flats, which just might be the missing ~link~ when it comes to putting together a cute and comfy work outfit.
19. Retro-inspired cutout detail Mary Janes that are giving me serious Jess Day vibes.
Reviewers say they run a bit small!
Promising review: "For the price, these heels absolutely deliver! The footbed is cushioned, which I wasn't expecting. They're cute and comfortable. I'm a teacher and wear these to work, and I've had no problems. I'll order them in another color later." —Julie Anne
Get them from Amazon for $29.80+ (available in sizes 5.5-11 and in 21 colors and prints).
20. Clarks platform wedges that'll allow you to stand tall at the front of the class all dang day.
Promising review: "These shoes are SO comfortable and also very stylish! As a teacher, I have to stand for long periods of time and these shoes never hurt my feet. If you're looking for comfort and style, these shoes are what you want!" —Customer
Get them from Amazon for $42.81+ (available in sizes 5-12 regular and 6-12 wide and in five colors).
21. School-themed printed slip-ons sure to ~supply~ students, parents, and coworkers alike with a reason to compliment your style.
Promising review: "I'm a teacher and on my feet all day. These shoes fit well and are comfortable enough to wear every day if I wanted to. When I walk into school with these shoes on, I get more compliments than on any other piece of clothing. Many coworkers have asked me where I got them because they want to buy them, too. They took quite a while to be delivered but I can confidently say they were worth the wait." —Katja Frazier
Get them from Amazon for $39.95 (available in sizes 5-12).
22. Polished Aerosoles block heel pumps that may force you to ~block~ off some time in your lesson plan for compliments.
Some reviewers say they run large!
Promising review: "I'm a busy principal who walks the halls of my school each day. These shoes give much-needed support and are super comfortable, even right out of the box! Usually I have a break-in period with new shoes, but not these. I highly recommend them for teachers or any professional who is on their feet during the day. They're super stylish too!" —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes 6-12 regular and wide and in six colors).
23. Classic Clarks cushioned clogs (your homework is to say that three times fast) I hereby grant you permission to wear every day of the week.
Promising review: "I am a teacher, so I need comfortable shoes because I’m walking all day, and these are super comfy!" —Janbe
Get them from Clarks for $70 (available in sizes 5-12 in narrow, medium, and wide and in three colors) or Amazon for $33.82+ (available in sizes 5-12 regular, 7-11 narrow, and 6-12 wide and in four colors).
24. Trendy block-heel, pointed-toe booties to give your students a lesson in fashion (they're learning from a master).
You getting ready to show off your awesome new footwear at school:
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.