Top 10 Best Narrow Work Shoes for Men & Women
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Most people tend to underestimate the importance of a comfortable pair of work shoes. In the end, they end up paying a high price due to discomfort. In addition, if you have an active occupation that involves constant standing or walking, then you need to find a comfortable pair of shoes. If you have long and multiple shifts ahead, then you don’t have an option if you want to keep your feet healthy – a comfortable pair of shoes is paramount.
Some of us are cursed with either narrow or wide feet. You’ve got to have a pair of shoes that fit your feet well or your work day is going to be uncomfortable and or painful. So now that we’ve reminded ourselves of the importance of wearing a comfortable pair of work shoes, which model do you buy? Here are our recommended narrow work shoes for thin feet for men and women.
Top 5 Best Narrow Work Shoes for Men
Brooks Men's Addiction Walker, Brown, 13 EE
Are you looking for a pair of narrow work shoes for overpronation? If yes, then the Brooks Addiction Walker is perfect for your needs. Designed for men and women who spend a considerable amount of their time walking or standing, this pair of shoes comes with a wide range of technologies, which provide endless levels of support and comfort.
These shoes for thin feet provide maximum medial support, which goes a long way in correcting severe overpronation. The outsole is made of a compound, which is both flexible and hardwearing. You can comfortably wear these shoes on hard floors, and the impact will not be transferred to your feet, thanks to the flexible sole unit combined with the advanced midsole technology.
The midsole unit features the proprietary BioMoGo DNA midsole, which is a combination of BioMoGo and DNA. BioMoGo retains its heel to toe cushioning for a long period while the DNA material changes based on where the pressure is applied in the midsole. With this midsole, it’s easier to walk or work comfortably for long hours, without experiencing any pain in the feet or joints. They also come with a roomy toe box, which allows your toes to wiggle for additional comfort. The spacious toe box also makes them great narrow shoes for bunions, hammer toes, and plantar fasciitis.
New Balance mens 813 V1 Lace-up Walking Shoe, Black/Black, 8.5 Narrow US
The New Balance MW813 combines a flexible upper and supportive cushioning to deliver all-day comfort and seamless motion control. Featuring soft leather on the upper, this material provides your foot with the right amount of support while its flexibility allows faster steps and easier movement. Both the collar and the tongue come with mesh fabric lining, which facilitates proper interior ventilation. These two areas are also slightly padded to deliver additional comfort especially when you have to walk or stand for long distances. On the other hand, the lace-up closure delivers an adjustable fit while securing your foot inside the shoe.
The outsole unit features a full-length rubber, which is slip-resistant, flexible and hardwearing. Therefore, you can confidently walk with these shoes on different surfaces, without worrying about slipping hazards. One of the most outstanding features of these shoes is the ROLLBAR technology, which supplies supportive cushioning while reducing rear-foot movement. They also come with a foam midsole, which cushions your feet as you walk. These shoes are also equipped with the Walking Strike Path Technology, which delivers stability and support all through.
Clarks Men's 26085015 - Un Ravel 10 N
Most narrow work shoes tend to be plain, without much consideration for the style. However, with the Clarks Unstructured Un.Ravel, you don’t have to sacrifice your style for comfort. In fact, they deliver comfort luxuriously and stylishly. The uppers of these narrow shoes for adults are made of durable leather. The interior is lined with lambskin with minimal stitching to ensure minimal friction while preventing blisters. Traction will never be a problem as long as you are wearing these shoes, thanks to the lightweight EVA outsole, which not only minimizes foot fatigue but enhances the durability of these shoes.
The insole features vegetable-tanned leather, which is also removable. Therefore, if you have a foot condition such as plantar fasciitis that calls for additional cushioning and support, you can replace the insole with custom orthotics, while keeping in touch with your stylish side. You will also notice that the sole unit features unique air circulation vents, which allow ample breathability while keeping your feet fresh and cool. On the other hand, the channeled mesh technology creates a clear path to allow warm and moist air to escape, while bringing in cool and fresh air.
Brooks Men's Glycerin 14- Black/High Risk Red/Anthracite, Narrow (B) Width
If you are looking for a pair of pillowy and super-soft cushioned shoes for the ultimate walking or training experience, then the Brooks Glycerin 14 is your best bet. These shoes are very supportive, come with great arch support, and they deliver a comfortable and flexible ride, regardless of where you are using them. They are also available in vibrant colors, which means you don’t have to look dull when you are working out or walking.
The uppers of these narrow work shoes for men are made of open mesh, featuring 3D overlays. They are highly breathable, thanks to the large vents in the mesh. These also come with a midfoot saddle, which provides a direct connection between the sole unit and the lacing system to keep your feet secure while providing additional support to the upper. Once you put these shoes on, you will notice that the collar and tongue are sufficiently padded for a cushy feel. They also come with a soft sock liner, which supplies extra cushioning and comfort.
Just like other shoes from Brooks, these narrow shoes for standing on concrete have been equipped with the proprietary DNA midsole, which provides you with all the cushioning you need for a comfortable cruising experience. The midsole is light, responsive and flexible for a smooth ride. If you have narrow feet or just narrow heels, then you might want to have a look at the Glycerin 14. And with a flexible and grippy rubber outsole, you can now enjoy the great outdoors as much as you want, thanks to these comfortable walking shoes for men.
Brooks Men's Addiction 12- Narrow (B) Width
The Brooks Addiction 12 is a great pair of motion control running shoes, engineered to deliver the best when it comes to comfort, support and cushioning. These narrow work shoes for overpronation come with an HPR Plus outsole material, which is denser than ordinary outsole rubber for increased resistance to wear and tear as well as extended use. They can perform exceptionally well on a wide range of surfaces, thanks to its flexible but durable outsole.
Similar to other running shoes from Brooks, the Addiction 12 features BioMoGo EVA cushioning, which is highly durable. This midsole also delivers exceptional impact resistance, while preventing muscle fatigue. This pair of narrow shoes for flat feet also features Rollbar technology, which helps to reduce or prevent overpronation. The heel area also comes with additional cushioning to protect your feet against impact as well as energy return.
Just as you might have expected, the uppers are made of lightweight and highly breathable mesh, featuring moisture wicking technology. The use of synthetic mesh enhances the structure of these shoes for narrow feet, supports your foot in the right places and increases their longevity. Their toe box is spacious while the lacing system delivers a customizable fit.
All in all, if you have a narrow foot width, these are some of the best running shoes for narrow feet that money can buy. These training shoes will save you much knee pain in the long run, thanks to its superior cushioning and excellent arch support.
Top 5 Best Narrow Work Shoes for Women
Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 16, Silver/Blue, 5 2A - Narrow
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 16 remains one of the most versatile pairs of work shoes. You can easily transition from an aerobics class to the running track with these shoes, without skipping a beat. These narrow work shoes for plantar fasciitis are equipped with a wide range of advanced features to give you a comfortable wearing experience while ensuring adequate feet support at all times.
Apart from being comfortable, they also alleviate all the pain associated with flat feet and overpronation. Their outsoles are made of high abrasion rubber, which supplies exceptional traction while increasing the durability of the GTS 16.
The Adrenaline GTS 16 is perfect for narrow feet. Comfort remains a key selling point when it comes to Brooks running shoes, and the Adrenaline GTS 16 doesn’t disappoint regarding comfort. They are equipped with innovative cushioning technology, which adjusts to your gait, pace as well as the running surface.
It also adapts to your weight to ensure a comfortable running or walking experience. Unlike the previous version, the GTS 16 features more depth, superior shock absorption as well as improved traction and durability. These narrow work shoes for women deliver a stable and strong ride, as well as additional cushioning around the heel area.
Clarks Women's Keesha Rosa Pump, Black Leather, 7.5 Narrow US
These shoes are all about classic elegance. If you are looking for low-heel, comfortable dress shoes, then you will love the Clarks Keesha. Most dress shoes tend to have a narrow toe box, leading to plenty of discomfort. However, that is not the case with these dress pumps.
Their toe box is spacious enough to allow your toes to wiggle as much as they want. Apart from being comfy, these narrow work shoes for women are also cute. Also, you can wear them with a wide range of outfits including official pants and dresses, or even wear them for casual occasions.
Their uppers are made of tough but pliable leather, which provides all the support and protection that your feet need. Further, this leather is flexible, thus allowing your feet to move comfortably. These shoes for narrow feet also come with an Ortholite footbed, which supplies endless comfort while the
Cushion Soft technology ensures your foot is properly aligned, whether you are walking or standing. The interior features soft linings that prevent irritation, blisters or hot spots while the rubber outsole is ready to provide all the traction you need.
Dr. Comfort Women's Paradise Pewter Diabetic Mary Jane Shoes
The Dr. Comfort Paradise Pewter is one of the best pairs of narrow work shoes for diabetics. Designed as diabetic work shoes, the Paradise Pewter comes with a wide range of comfort and support features, to alleviate all the pain and discomfort associated with diabetes, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and neuropathy, among other conditions. These shoes for thin feet are properly fitting and well made. Apart from that, they are made of the highest quality materials to ensure durability and extended foot protection.
They come with extra depth and width to accommodate different types of feet. Also, the extra room inside helps to alleviate the pressure on bunions, swollen feet, or hammer toes, to give you a comfortable fit. As a bonus, they come with a free pair of orthotic inserts, which you can use for additional comfort and support.
Also, these shoes for overpronation don’t require any break-in period, since they are ready to wear straight out of the box. With these on your feet, you can finally enjoy stepping outside your home, without worrying about painful feet.
Clarks Women's Rosalyn Adele, Black Leather, 7 2A - Narrow
Step out in style with this classic pair of loafers from CLARKS. Designed with comfort in mind, these loafers come with a sturdy leather upper, which ensures ample foot protection at all times. Their interior features a soft lining material that eliminates friction, irritation or any unnecessary rubbing for all-day comfort. The heel platform measures 1.5 inches, high enough for style and low enough for comfortable walking.
Unlike other dress shoes that come with traditional insoles, the Rosalyn Adele features Ortholite footbeds. These footbeds provide maximum comfort and support, every time you slip these shoes on. Furthermore, they are breathable, thus ensuring proper air circulation at all times. Also, they are equipped with Cushion Plus technology for comfort and long-lasting support.
These are ready to wear straight out of the box, and they are comfortable enough to wear an entire day. Their toe box is spacious enough – a feature that makes them great narrow work shoes for plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, bunions and fallen arches.
They come with a square heel, which makes them stable. Therefore, when you are walking in these shoes for overpronation, you don’t have to worry about tripping or sliding. Also, these are highly versatile, which means you can easily dress them up or down, depending on the occasion. And with their sturdy construction, you have an excellent pair of shoes that you can comfortably wear for many years.
Dr. Comfort Betty Women's Therapeutic Diabetic Extra Depth Shoe:Chestnut 10.5 Medium (A/B)
If you spend plenty of time on your feet, then you need a pair of shoes for narrow feet that is both comfortable and has the right amount of support. That pair of shoes is none other than the Dr. Comfort Betty Chestnut. Apart from being comfortable and supportive, these orthopedic shoes for thin feet can accommodate a wide range of foot problems, thanks to the stretching material on the upper.
The uppers are made of full-grain leather, featuring a soft interior lining and seamless construction to prevent blisters and unnecessary irritation. Also, the mesh Velcro used on the upper promotes ventilation while preventing the build-up of sweat, perspiration and unpleasant foot odors.
The collar is slightly padded to provide ankle support and prevent chafing. If your work involves moving from one place to the other, then you should have this pair of shoes on your feet. They are feather light, which means minimal fatigue on your feet. Furthermore, the Velcro closure makes it easy to remove them, especially if you want your feet to enjoy some fresh air. They also come with additional gel inserts.
Narrow Work Shoes Buying Guide
When it comes to narrow work shoes, you need to find a pair of shoes that suits your specific work environment. However, most people make the mistake of focusing too much on appearance and tend to forget the importance of performance.
As much as it’s important to adhere to the specific dress code, it’s even more important to pay attention to comfort and functionality. In short, you need to ensure that you have chosen a pair of narrow work shoes that will keep your feet safe, healthy and comfortable at all times. Here are some tips to guide you.
Comfort
If your work involves walking or standing for long periods, it’s important to choose a comfortable pair of shoes. Individuals who work for long shifts such as teachers, nurses or chefs will quickly understand the need for a comfortable pair of work shoes. When choosing work shoes, comfort should take priority over style.
For instance, if you come across two pair of shoes, one that is comfortable but not stylish, and another one that is stylish but uncomfortable, you should obviously choose the comfortable one. When your feet are happy, you will enjoy your day and your performance levels will be equally high.
On the other hand, wearing the wrong pair of shoes can significantly affect your performance and efficiency. There is also the issue of psychological discomfort. If the shoes you are wearing are giving you constant problems, you will have a hard time focusing on what you are doing.
You might spend more time and energy than you normally do when completing a certain task. Furthermore, an uncomfortable pair of shoes can contribute to bigger problems that might require more money to treat. Therefore, never compromise on comfort over anything. It should always take center stage when it comes to work shoes.
Flexibility
Some work environments involve plenty of movement. For instance, nurses or waiters have to constantly move from one place to the other. Therefore, such work situations call for a pair of shoes with great levels of flexibility.
If a pair of shoes is not flexible, then it will lead to discomfort as well as low work efficiency. People who work in such environments should look for a pair of shoes with flexible uppers, insoles, midsoles and the outsole.
For instance, a pair of shoes with a stiff upper will not only hinder movement, but it will deteriorate fast especially at the area where they bend. When it comes to performance, flexibility plays a vital role.
Apart from limiting your movement, a non-flexible pair of shoes will exert unnecessary pressure on the arches of the feet. If you believe you can avoid flexibility, imagine walking with a pair of shoes made of wood.
You will end up with plenty of blisters, not mentioning painful ankles, knees, back and other joint pain. Therefore, ensure the shoes you have chosen are flexible enough to suit your workplace.
Cushioning and Support
Insufficient cushioning can significantly reduce the comfort factor in shoes. If you spend many hours on your feet, you will be placing a considerable amount of load on your hips, heels and ankles.
On the other hand, narrow work shoes with sufficient cushioning and plenty of shock-absorbing materials will be remarkably comfortable. For example, most work shoes come with EVA midsoles, since they deliver exceptional comfort as well as shock absorption and cushioning. Ultimately, they will improve your comfort.
If you have a condition that requires additional support and cushioning, then it’s advisable to choose a pair of narrow work shoes that comes with removable insoles. When the insoles are removable, you can easily replace them with custom orthotics to improve the support and cushioning levels of the shoes.
Apart from affecting comfort, support and cushioning will also affect your performance levels. Something as simple as arch support is capable of changing the way you work or stand. If you have high arches, then the cushioning should be able to support your arches and improve your posture.
You should also note that besides supporting your feet, cushioning can have a direct effect on your back, ankles, knees, hips, lower spin and other joints in your body. Most poor-quality shoes lack a sufficient support system. And when you stand with such shoes for many hours, you will be placing plenty of stress on the above named joints. On the other hand, adequate support allows you to adopt your natural posture, leading to increased performance at work and minimal health issues.
Breathability
Regardless of your work environment, it’s important to choose narrow work shoes that are highly breathable. Shoes that lack breathability will retain both heat and perspiration. Apart from accumulation of unpleasant odors (which you then have to clean out), a pair of shoes that lacks breathability might also end up contributing to irritation as well as bacteria-related foot ailments.
And as these bacteria multiply and thrive inside, you might eventually end up with foot fungi. The breathability of shoes is usually directly proportional to the materials that have been used. Shoes that are made of thick materials have minimal breathability. Such shoes are ideal for winter.
On the other hand, if you work in an environment with plenty of heat such as a commercial kitchen, you should always ensure that your choice of footwear is highly breathable. When your feet can breathe properly, you will enjoy a comfortable working day, which means greater levels of performance.
Materials, Weight and Durability
Most people tend to underestimate the issue of weight when buying narrow work shoes. While it might not be as important as support, it has an indirect impact to the comfort levels of the shoes. For instance, if you work involves plenty of movement and you purchase a heavy pair of shoes, you will be spending more energy during foot motion and you will tire faster as compared to wearing a lighter pair of work shoes. Materials have a direct impact on the weight of a pair of shoes – the thicker the cushioning, the heavier the shoes.
Shoes with thin cushioning lack adequate support. On the other hand, shoes that come with nylon and mesh uppers are lighter than those made of leather. However, they are more breathable than those made of leather. Ultimately, your choice of materials will depend on your specific situation, since work environments call for different types of footwear. But most importantly, try to find a pair of shoes that offers the right balance between weight and durability depending on conditions of your workplace.
Closing Remarks
The best work shoes are those that meet the job’s expectations, suit your style, promote foot health, keep you comfortable and perform exceptionally well throughout the year. You should also note that no single pair of shoes is perfect for everyone. Therefore, when choosing your work shoes, keep in mind the job that you will be performing and remember to consider your foot shape and style, since you will be wearing these shoes the entire day.
