21 Best Work Shoes for Women 2025, According to Style Editors

Hokas are arguably the sneakers of the moment—take a walk down any city street and you’ll likely spot a pair. (Even Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawakubo is a fan.) “My new favorite work shoes are the Hoka Cliftons—they’re amazing,” says Alexis Paules, RN, a nurse based in Pennsylvania. “I [recently] sprained my lower spine, and now my shifts can be complicated by occasional lower back pain. The shoes I wear truly make a difference in how much that pain comes back, and these shoes have proved to minimize that discomfort the most. These sneakers have a cushiony heel that you almost bounce on when walking—perfect for me.”

While technically built for running, if you’re someone that spends long hours on your feet in a hospital, kitchen, or hair salon, the premium memory foam and non-slip tread on these make them a no-brainer. “I’m spending long, demanding hours on my feet,” says Emily Martinez, a nurse in the tri-state area. ”When I’m focused on looking after patients and rooms, I need footwear that can keep up, so that it’s not even a second thought. I wear the Hoka Bondi.”

• What we love: Good traction; layers of cushioning for shock absorption, support, and weight distribution; plush fabric won’t rub at the heel
• What could improve: May run small; sport-specific style and hard to dress up
• Sizes: 5-12 (multiple widths available)
• Colors: 12
• Material: Textile and synthetic upper, rubber outsole