It’s no secret that barbers spend a lot of time on their feet. Every day, you’re up and down, cutting hair and cleaning up little messes. It’s not easy work—and it can be downright painful if you’re not wearing the right shoes.
As a barber, you know how important it is to have the right shoes for the job. Different types of shoes are better suited to various tasks—and we’re here to help you find the right fit for your feet.
We’ve created this guide to help you choose the best work shoes for barbers. We’ll cover everything from different types of shoes and their benefits to which brands are best suited for your needs, and even how to care for your new shoes properly, so they last as long as possible!
Before we delve into the details, let me first summarize the shoes that we discuss here:
- Best Overall: adidas Men’s Ultraboost
- Runner-up: Dockers Men’s Trustee Leather Oxford Dress Shoe
- Most Lightweight: Rockport Men’s Chranson Walking Shoe
- Most Stylish: Nike Air Force 1 ’07
- Best Value: Skechers for Work Men’s Felton Shoe
That said, let’s get into it!
Best Overall Work Boots for Barbers
adidas Men’s Ultraboost
The Adidas Men’s Ultraboost is the best work shoe for barbers because it’s designed to help you stay comfortable throughout your day, no matter how long or intense.
The seamless Primeknit forefoot is stretchy and breathable, so it won’t get too sweaty in the summer heat. This also means that your feet will stay cool and dry when the temperature drops in winter—so you’ll be able to stay comfortable no matter what the weather throws at you. The four-way stretch heel works with the tongue for a supportive foot, while an external butterfly heel counter works with its Boost foam midsole and heel bootie to provide extra cushioning and support.
The full-length Boost midsole foam feels responsive underfoot, which can help prevent fatigue during long shifts if you’re on your feet all day. Since it’s made of recycled materials (including ocean plastic!), you can feel good about helping to reduce waste while supporting sustainability efforts around the globe.
Finally, the torsion system features a supportive “bone” that flexes for a natural heel to midfoot transition—so even if you’re on your feet all day long, your body won’t suffer from fatigue or discomfort.
Runner-up Work Boots for Barbers
Dockers Men’s Trustee Leather Oxford Dress Shoe
If you’re looking for the best work shoes for barbers, Dockers Men’s Trustee Leather Oxford Dress Shoe is a must-have. These are classic, traditional dress shoes with a rubber outsole and all the features you need in a pair of comfortable work shoes.
These shoes are made from 100% leather and feature a rubber sole. The polished full grain leather uppers make these shoe ideal for the work day because they can be worn with any dress slacks for a classic appearance.
It has All Motion Comfort technology that provides outstanding cushions and flexible construction for long-lasting comfort. It also has a soft, latex footbed for exceptional comfort. These features make this shoe perfect for barbers who want to keep their feet comfortable while standing on their feet all day.
This shoe is also APMA-approved which promotes good foot health by providing a supportive insole with arch support to help distribute weight more evenly throughout your body. The durable rubber outsole ensures that these shoes will last for years!
Most Lightweight Work Boots for Barbers
Rockport Men’s Chranson Walking Shoe
The Rockport Men’s Chranson Walking Shoe is an excellent work shoe for barbers because of its high quality, durable materials, and construction. The shoe is made from 100% leather, a material that is not only strong but also soft and comfortable. The shoe’s sole is made from rubber and has been designed to provide shock absorption while walking or standing at your counter.
The heel measures approximately 1.25″, raising you by an inch while giving you enough room to move around comfortably in your shop. You can adjust the lace closure to fit your foot perfectly, ensuring that no matter how long you wear these shoes, they will never be uncomfortable or cause any pain or irritation on your feet.
This shoe also comes with truTECH, a lightweight comfort feature that absorbs shock and provides long-lasting cushioning in the heel area of the shoe. This feature helps reduce stress on your joints so that even after standing all day long at work, your feet will not feel sore or tired as they normally would if they had been wearing regular shoes without this technology built into them!
Most Stylish Work Boots for Barbers
Nike Air Force 1 ’07
The Nike Air Force 1 ’07 has a low-cut silhouette, which adds a clean, streamlined look to your outfit. The low-cut silhouette makes these shoes great for any occasion, whether you’re working in a salon or going out on the town.
The perforations on the toe add breathability—something you need when spending all day on your feet in a salon chair. Plus, the padded collar feels soft and comfortable when you put them on—no more blisters! It also has Nike Air cushioning in the heel and forefoot, which means you get lightweight cushioning all day—even if you’re on your feet all day.
The foam midsole adds cushioning for those long hours on your feet, plus perforations on the toe allow for breathability, so you don’t get too hot during those summer months. And finally, the rubber sole ensures that you have traction no matter what surface you’re standing on (or running across).
Best Value Work Boots for Barbers
Skechers for Work Men’s Felton Shoe
The Skechers for Work Men’s Felton Shoe is an affordable option for barbers while being comfortable and supportive.
This work shoe features a rubber sole that provides stability and durability while allowing traction in slippery conditions. The memory foam padded insole insert provides comfort, cushioning, and shock absorption for better impact absorption when walking or running on hard surfaces. The lace-up vamp allows for custom fitting to ensure an optimal fit for each wearer. The logos on the tongue/side add a stylish touch to this already fashionable shoe.
The synthetic fabric upper is breathable and durable enough to withstand heavy wear. The rubber sole provides traction so that you can move around your shop without slipping, and it’s OSHA-complaint so you can feel confident about the safety of your shoes.
Factors To Consider When Buying Work Shoes for Barbers
When you’re buying work shoes for barbers, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Durability
You don’t want to replace your work shoes every few months because they’ve worn out! We recommend buying shoes made from high-quality materials such as leather or canvas. These materials are known for their durability and can stand up against heavy use over time without showing signs of wear or tear.
Comfort
Comfort is key. While you want shoes that are comfortable and will last, you also want shoes that support your feet and protect them from injury. That’s why we recommend buying work shoes with a padded insole and a non-slip sole. The padding will help with shock absorption, while the non-slip sole prevents slipping when wet or on slippery surfaces.
Flexibility
Flexibility is also important. You’ll want to be able to move around easily in your shoes and get into different positions without feeling like your feet are being held back or restricted in any way. The shoe should bend easily and move with your foot as you walk so that you don’t have to worry about it getting in the way of your walking or cutting technique.
Color
Most barbers prefer black or brown shoes because they hide dirt well and don’t show stains as easily as lighter colors like white or tan (though if you do decide to go with a lighter color, make sure they’re easy enough to clean).
Safety
Safety is a major factor to consider when buying work shoes for barbers. You have to be able to stand on your feet all day long, and it’s crucial that you have shoes that will make sure your feet are protected from slips and falls.
It’s also important that your shoes don’t get too slippery when they get wet or damp, which often happens in the environment of a barbershop.
Price
Think about how much money you want to spend on shoes. If you’re just starting out as a barber and don’t have a lot of disposable income, cheaper options will probably be more appealing than expensive ones. But if you’re planning on working as a professional for many years (or even decades), it might be worth investing in higher-quality shoes—they’ll last longer and give you better protection from injury.
Material
The material of your work shoes for barbers is important for many reasons. It should be durable and resistant to wear and tear. It should also be easy to clean and sterilize, as you’ll be working in a professional setting where hygiene is important.
Ease of cleaning
You don’t want to have to spend a lot of time cleaning your shoes, and you also don’t want to get them dirty in the first place. You want your shoes to be able to be cleaned quickly so that you don’t have to spend all day scrubbing them.
Your shoes are going to get dirty in your day-to-day life as a barber—whether that’s from wet hair or just from walking around in them for a long time. If you can’t clean your shoes easily and quickly, then they’ll just get grosser and grosser over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a work shoe and an everyday shoe?
The biggest difference between a work shoe and an everyday shoe is durability. Work shoes usually have thick soles and are made of leather or other durable materials, while everyday shoes are usually made out of lighter materials that don’t absorb as much shock.
How long do work shoes for barbers last?
That depends on how often you wear them and what kind of treatment they get! If you’re someone who wears their shoes every day (or almost every day), then they’ll probably last between 1–2 years before they need to be replaced with new ones. If they’re just something you wear once or twice a week at most, then they’ll probably last longer than that—maybe even five years or more.
What should I look for in a work shoe?
You want a shoe that’s comfortable and gives you plenty of support so that you can stand for long periods of time without getting sore feet or blisters (even if you’re standing on concrete). Look for something that’s breathable and lightweight, as well as durable and flexible enough for moving around all day long.
The best work shoes will have shock absorption built into them, too—that way, they won’t hurt your knees or ankles when you bend over during the day!
Best Work Shoes for Barbers, Final Verdict…
Our top pick for barbers is the adidas Men’s Ultraboost–they’re stylish and lightweight, with a good grip on the bottom to keep you from slipping on wet floors or while going up and down ladders. They’re also super comfy and supportive—you’ll never be sore at the end of a long day in these shoes!
If you’re looking for something a little less pricey, we recommend the Skechers for Work Men’s Felton Shoe. These offer much of the same features as our top pick at about half the price.
When you’re a barber, you need to have the right shoes for the job. It’s important to have shoes that are comfortable and supportive but also stylish enough to allow you to express your personal style. Luckily, with a little research and some careful thought, you can find the perfect pair of work shoes for barbers!
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