As a busy school SLP, I spend a significant portion of my day on my feet, walking up and down the hallways of my schools. I don’t know about you, but I average at least three to four miles of walking during each school day. On top of that, I have very sensitive feet. I don’t know how many different pairs of shoes I’ve tried on, knew immediately they would cause blisters in the first hour of wear, and put them back on the shelf. Or worse – actually bought new pairs, but didn’t wear them for more than a day or two due to blisters or foot pain.
The search for cute, comfortable shoes for the school day has seemed endless at times! But today, I’d like to share with you some tried and tested recommendations from your fellow school SLPs.
For myself – a girl with slightly wide size ten feet, and one that is sadly not coordinated enough to wear heels – I have a few favorites I wear year round.
1) Sperry Top-Sider Angelfish Loafer
I’ve had one pair of these that have lasted me through the past three school years! I finally just replaced them with another pair. (Maureen from The Speech Bubble SLP also swears by Sperry Loafers!)
2) New Balance Tennis Shoes
My favorite brand for comfortable shoes for casual Fridays. (Jessica from Consonantly Speaking also loves New Balance for her high arches!)
I heard about these shoes recently – they claim to be “the ballet flat, reinvented.” I’ve always loved how ballet flats looked, but have never found a pair that didn’t give me blisters or had enough cushion in the sole. They are definitely in the “splurge” price range, but I decided to give them a try, especially with their generous return policy. I’d read many rave reviews online, but honestly expected to be disappointed, just like with all the other flats I’ve tried. Boy, was I wrong! These have turned out to be some of the most comfortable shoes I own – and I’ve tested them through long school days and a trek around Chicago, with no blisters or soreness.
Now, for some other SLP recommendations!
Speech Time Fun & Danielle from Sublime Speech both swear by Toms.
Jenna from Speech Room News & Kristine from Live Love Speech both recommend Sanuks.
Courtney Gragg & Kathryn from Kids Games for Speech Therapy prefer Skechers ballet sneakers.
Felice from The Dabbling Speechie wears All-Stars to work.
Lauren from Busy Bee Speech loves her Clark ankle boots, while Erin from Mrs. T SLP recommends Clark wallabies, and Dean from Dean Trout’s Little Shop of SLP loves Privo by Clark shoes.
Do you have any favorite shoes to add to the list?
Aerosoles are cute and comfy and Dansko brand is fantastic (started with nurses who were on their feet all day).
I love my heels, but also do some nifty boots! I also go with Dansko clogs and …really I'll wear anything.
I have some from SAS that are really good for me. I also am on my feet between 4 1/2-6 miles a day at school. The closest one is 100 miles from where I live, but since I have shoes from them, I can always order them directly from the store and they will send them to me.