Are Barefoot Shoes the Best Shoes for Teachers? Why It’s Time to Go Minimal

We’ve heard from countless teachers roaming their schools’ hallways that switching to so-called “minimalist” or “barefoot” shoes has been the key to feet that feel better all day long.

Walking the aisles checking homework, pacing while teaching lessons, or just standing in the hall while kids come and go can all contribute to tired, achy feet.

The reality is that teachers work 50+ hours a week, and spend much of their day standing up and moving around, which can put big demands on their feet. Teachers understand the importance of choosing comfortable shoes, but the shoes they think offer the most comfort may actually be one of the causes of discomfort.

Keep reading for the best shoes for teachers, and the reasons to make the switch over to barefoot shoes.

Which Shoes Make Sense for Teachers?

What exactly is it that makes one shoe more comfortable than another? To answer that, we must consider the day-in, day-out activities and responsibilities of teachers, as this understanding reveals the features that will offer the most long-term comfort for your feet.

Ultimately, the best shoes for teachers should…

• Allow you to move efficiently around the classroom and in the hallways
• Offer comfort even when you’re on your feet all day,  so you can focus more on your students and your lesson plans and less on your tired feet.
• Be breathable, which is indispensable for people who are active and on their feet throughout their day, like teachers. Shoes with proper ventilation ensure your feet remain comfortable and dry. Excess moisture can also lead to blisters–another reason to look for breathability.
• Be lightweight, so teachers can avoid the fatigue that comes with wearing heavier shoes.
• Be flexible, so that your feet can move naturally, whether you’re walking the halls or pacing during lessons.
• Provide adequate toe space. Teachers need shoes with ample toe room to allow the toes to move freely, preventing cramping while accommodating various foot shapes and sizes.
• Look professional and meet your school’s dress code.

Comparing Normal Shoes with Barefoot Shoes in the Classroom

Teachers who experience soreness or fatigue throughout the day may have their shoes to blame. There are a few issues that “standard” or “conventional” shoes may cause:

• The excessive padding mutes the feedback the nerves in your feet send to your brain, interfering with mobility.
• The overreliance on padding could weaken the feet over time.
• The raised heel can affect your posture.
• Conventional shoes typically contain a narrow toe box that squeeze the toes, which can lead to discomfort and other foot issues

Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, have a wider, foot shaped toe box and non-elevated heel.

Conventional shoes often have a narrow, pointed toe box that squeezes toes together, ultimately leading to podiatry issues and balance problems. Barefoot-type shoes, on the other hand, boast a wider, foot-shaped toe box to allow toes to spread naturally, which may provide better balance, mobility and agility.

In addition to an uncomfortable pointed toe box, normal shoes have a raised heel, which negatively affects posture and can put strain on the ankles, knees, hips and back. Barefoot shoes have a non-elevated heel (also “zero-drop”) that can help improve posture. This means that the heel and forefoot are the same height, allowing the feet to be in a more natural position.

The thick soles and excessive padding of conventional shoes don’t allow your feet to move or toes to spread – it’s like wearing a cast on your foot, restricting your foot’s natural movement, reducing joint mobility, and may cause the muscles to weaken over time.

Barefoot shoes don’t provide any external arch support. It may sound counterintuitive, but this design allows you to build strength just by walking and moving around. This helps your feet eventually become strong enough to act as their own support system.

To summarize, barefoot shoes help teachers to…

• Move naturally
• Experience better mobility, balance, and agility that comes from the foot being in a more natural position.
• Strengthen the feet over time so they become their own support system

Teachers, It’s Time to Make The Switch to Barefoot Shoes

To get through the school year in comfort, you need footwear that will enable natural movement, so you can spend hours comfortably on your feet. Barefoot shoes provide teachers the comfort and support they need to be at their best. They are so comfortable and lightweight, many teachers forget they’re even wearing them!

Teachers Love Wearing Xero Shoes!

If you spend most of the hours of the day on your feet, you’ll want to buy a pair of Xero Shoes. But don’t take our word for it!

Here’s what teachers have to say about their Xero Shoes:

“Xero shoes have been life changing… I am an elementary teacher and on my feet for 5-7 hours per day.”

“The best pair of boots I’ve ever had. So beautiful! I’ve played in the snow and run in the rain with these boots. I’m a kindergarten teacher so I spend at least an hour outside every day even if it rains or snows…these boots are great. Only at -10c my soles of my feet were feeling bit cold.”

“I am so happy I bought these shoes! As a teacher, I wanted a comfortable shoe that was dressier than my xero sneakers, but just as comfortable. These shoes fit so nicely and easily go with dress slacks or jeans.”

“I bought the Dillon slip-ons in both available colors (black and gray), and in my usual Xero size (I have Prios, Aptos, HFS, and the lace-up Dillon). They fit perfectly, and Xero has nailed the look with these. I just wore them all day right out of the box and there’s not a single complaint I could make. I imagine that these will be my daily go-tos, and I am curious to see how they wash when the need arises. PLEASE make these in navy! I’m a teacher whose school color is navy. I wear a ton of navy logo-embroidered shirts, polos, etc. with khakis to work in, and would absolutely love to be able to rock some navy Dillons.”

“This is my 4th pair and I’m a fan! 3 athletic shoes and one pair of sandals. I’m new to the barefoot shoe club, and feel that my balance, stride and foot muscles are improving. Standing flat works wonders for one’s posture and back. I’m a 62-yr-old teacher looking forward to healthy strong feet!”

Find Your Next Pair of Shoes

We have a wide selection of minimalist dress and casual shoes for teachers to fit your school’s dress code. Browse great styles for men and women.

Dress Shoes

For more formal dress codes

• Phoenix leather
• Mika

Casual Shoes

Pair with nice jeans or slacks

• The Dillon
• The Glenn
• Kelso

Multi-purpose shoes

For the laid back dress codes or casual friday.

• Zelen
• Nexus Knit
• Prio
• Prio Neo