Best Work Shoes for Big Guys
- By Team Shoethority
We tested several work shoes to find out which shoes were the best options for big guys across various industries.
We understand that not all shoes are designed for all people. Because of that, we tested several different work shoes to find ones that provide comfort, good fit, and impact absorption for larger men.
While there are several different styles on this list, our top choice was a versatile loafer that can be worn in many different work settings. The Hush Puppies Leverage Loafers are a formal, neutral shoe that can be worn to work in an office and across the service industry.
More importantly, we chose them because they are work shoes that are comfortable for big guys. For larger men who need a shoe with good arch support, impact resistance, and padding, these shoes can be a great fit. Our testers loved the comfort and fit and found this to be a shoe you can wear all day.
Of course, we also tested several other shoes, and wanted to include a variety. From safety boots to walking shoes, we put together a list of shoes that work for people who are larger, taller, and heavier and may have had trouble finding comfortable shoes in the past.
With this list, our hope is that finding comfortable and durable work shoes doesn’t need to feel like a chore.
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Table of Contents
Best Overall
99/100
Our Score
Hush Puppies Leverage
Hush Puppies Leverage
Why this product?
These can handle harsh conditions and weather. They also have a Climate Control lining.
99/100
Our Score
The buyer’s guide of this article has all the details on what aspects to look for in a great work shoe for big guys. However, I’ll summarize here by saying that a good work shoe should look professional, feel comfortable, and get you through your work day. The Hush Puppies Leverage Slip-On Loafer does just that.
These shoes are incredibly professional looking. They have a full-grain leather upper in black or brown and a classic design that can easily be dressed up or down depending on how formal your office environment is.
Slip-on shoes can be hard to find if you’re a larger man, but these fit great because of the elastic goring which provides extra room for your feet as you take them on and off and even while you wear them. In addition, these shoes come in both wide and extra wide sizes..
The Hush Puppies Leverage Loafers are also comfortable. The instep and collar are both well padded. The EVA footbed isw contoured to your feet and has the Hush Puppies Strike Back gel heel pad for added impact resistance. In addition, the footbed is removable.
Finally, these shoes really excel in the fact that the leather upper is waterproof. These can handle harsh conditions and weather. They also have a Climate Control lining to add breathability and odor control.
Pros
- Removable footbed
- Waterproof upper
- Climate Control lining
- Impact resistant
Cons
Best for Walking
99/100
Our Score
New Balance 577 V1
New Balance 577 V1
Why this product?
The shoe comes with polyurethane midsoles and extra cushioning in the heel that uses Abzorb technology to absorb impact.
99/100
Our Score
For work in a factory, warehouse, or other job that has you moving during your shift, a walking shoe can be a great choice. The New Balance 577 is easy to slip on and off, well-cushioned, and good for big guys.
The 577 is a hook and loop shoe, meaning there are velcro straps rather than laces. This makes them so easy to wear and a good choice for men with larger feet who may have trouble with traditional lace-up shoes. These come in both wide and extra wide options as well.
The rubber outsole of the 577 is good quality and athletic looking. It has great grip on a variety of surfaces. In addition, the shoe comes with polyurethane midsoles and extra cushioning in the heel that uses New Balance Abzorb technology to absorb impact.
One con that our testers and reviewers experiences is that, if you have larger feet, the velcro straps may not be long enough to fully secure the shoe. However, these shoes are a good price and of good quality. We liked the leather upper and the solid color, which gave it a more formal look than many walking shoes on the market.
Pros
- Easy to slip on and off
- Well-cushioned
- Provides great grip
- Absorbs impact
Cons
- The velcro straps may not be long enough
Best Safety Boot
100/100
Our Score
Irish Setter 83606 6" Aluminum Toe
Irish Setter 83606 6" Aluminum Toe
Why this product?
The Irish Setter 6” Work Boot is built to last. The outsole feels bouncy and soft, but it’s thick and abrasion resistant.
100/100
Our Score
There’s a chance you’ve already heard of Irish Setter Work Boots, as they’re a safety boot often recommended, especially for larger men. This is because they are durable, have great safety features, and are very comfortable.
The Irish Setter 6” Work Boot is built to last. The upper is made of full-grain, waterproof leather. The outsole feels bouncy and soft, but it’s thick and abrasion resistant. The outsole is also heat resistant, a great feature for electricians, roofers, and others who work on hot surfaces.
In addition to the heat-resistant outsole, these boots have an aluminum toe cap which is lightweight but protects your toes. It also has electrical hazard resistance. The outsole has EVA Traction Tred to provide extra grip.
In terms of comfort, the Irish Setter Work Boots take a few days of break-in period as the leather adjusts to your foot. However, once you’ve broken them in, we found these boots to be very comfortable. They have a removable polyurethane footbed and a Texon insole.
Overall, we found these boots to be tough but comfortable. It’s hard to find work boots that are lightweight and work for large feet. They do come in regular or wide sizes to give you a better fit.
Pros
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Heat resistant
- Protects toes
Cons
- Longer break-in period
Best Formal
98/100
Our Score
Dr. Scholl's Harrington II
Dr. Scholl's Harrington II
Why this product?
These shoes bring that signature comfort and add the features that are needed in a good work shoe, like slip-resistance and increased breathability.
98/100
Our Score
The Dr. Scholl’s Harrington II Work Shoes were so good that after testing, one of our testers decided to purchase a pair. Dr. Scholl’s shoes excel in comfort. These shoes bring that signature comfort and add the features that are needed in a good work shoe, like slip-resistance and increased breathability.
These shoes are extremely comfortable, with a padded ankle collar, wide toe box, a memory foam insole with Comfort Insole Technology, and a gel heel for impact resistance.
One of the things that makes these shoes great for anyone who is overweight is that they are incredibly breathable. They use a Dri-Lex moisture-wicking lining and Aegis Microbe Shield technology for odor control.
The Harrington II also has a durable slip-resistant outsole. The Dr. Scholl’s Lock Step Outsole provides great grip on various surfaces and is even oil-resistant. It’s also non-marking, so you don’t need to worry about scuffing up your work surfaces.
Dr. Scholl’s Harrington II Work Shoes are made of a smooth leather upper and come in black and brown. They have a neutral, professional look that can easily be dressed up or down.
Pros
- Brings signature comfort
- Slip-resistant
- Incredibly breathable
Cons
Best Clog
98/100
Our Score
Birkenstock Professional Tokyo
Birkenstock Professional Tokyo
Why this product?
Birkenstock is well known for its cork-latex sole. The cork sole is anatomically designed to fit the shape of your foot.
98/100
Our Score
Clogs are often a favorite choice of shoe because they are so comfortable and easy to wear. These Birkenstock Tokyo Work Shoes make clogs into office-appropriate footwear. Our testers were impressed by the comfort and support these shoes provided, and the durable materials and slip-resistant outsole just make them even better for work settings.
Birkenstock is well known for its cork-latex sole. The cork sole is anatomically designed to fit the shape of your foot. It has a deep heel cup to protect the heel bone, arch support, and a toe bar to stimulate circulation as you wear them. It also has a great, roomy toe box.
The shoe has an EVA midsole and is lined with soft suede for all day comfort. The upper is made of high-quality leather. The Tokyo shoe has adjustable straps for the perfect fit and an open back for breathability.
The sole is made of rubber, with a non-slip tread, oil- and grease-resistant, and Birkenstock’s Super Grip technology for increased traction to keep you on your feet. The Birkenstock Tokyo Work Shoe is highly comfortable and formal enough to work in many offices, medical centers, or even kitchens.
Pros
- Durable
- Supportive
- Slip-resistant
- Protects the heel bone
Cons
Best Soft-Toe Work Boot
97/100
Our Score
Danner Men's Bull Run Moc Toe 6"
Danner Men's Bull Run Moc Toe 6"
Why this product?
The signature Danner Wedge sole is oil- and slip-resistant. It also comes with electrical hazard protection.
97/100
Our Score
The Danner Men’s Bull Run Work Boot is a durable and sturdy yet lightweight and comfortable work boot that is great for large men. It’s a great shoe choice for outdoor workers, yet light and professional enough that you can wear them indoors too.
The Danner Men’s Bull Run boots are made with a quality full grain upper. It may require a break-in period to allow the leather to adjust to your feet, but once the leather has been broken in, these shoes can last for years. Plus, they are designed in such a way that specific parts, such as the sole, can be replaced when they wear out, without needing to replace the entire shoe.
The outsole of these work boots is made of a soft rubber compound. The signature Danner Wedge sole is non-marking and oil- and slip-resistant. It also comes with electrical hazard protection, important to many workplaces.
The nylon shank in this work boot adds extra durability and stability. There is a large toe box for big guys, and the shoe does come in wide.
The leather is unlined, which makes this shoe much more breathable and easy to wear through any weather. All in all, this shoe is designed for workers. Our testers found it to be great for workers of all sizes, which isn’t always the case.
Pros
- Durable and sturdy
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Provides electrical hazard protection
Cons
- May require a break-in period
Best for Stability & Arch Support
97/100
Our Score
Propét Stability X Strap
Propét Stability X Strap
Why this product?
The shoe comes in wide and extra wide sizes and has an especially long velcro strap–good for thicker feet.
97/100
Our Score
The Propet Stability X Sneaker offers amazing stability and support. If your work has you on your feet all day, you may want to consider these shoes. They are comfortable, breathable, and great for bigger guys.
The support of the Propet Stability X Sneaker comes partly from the EVA midsole designed with extra arch support. The padded tongue and collar also add support, as does the thick rubber outsole.
One of the reasons this shoe is so good for larger men is because of its mesh upper. This gives you plenty of room, more flexibility, and good breathability. In addition, the shoe comes in wide and extra wide sizes and has an especially long velcro strap–good for thicker feet.
In terms of comfort, a brushed nylon lining keeps the breathability while increasing the comfort. The shoe comes with the Propet Extra Volume double insole design. The footbed is removable to allow space for an orthotic insert, but the included PU insole has a gel pad at the heel and cushioning ridges throughout.
Pros
- Breathable
- Supportive
- Has long velcro strap
- Has removable footbed
Cons
Best Dress Shoe
97/100
Our Score
Rockport Men's Classic Penny Loafer
Rockport Men's Classic Penny Loafer
Why this product?
It uses truTECH sport technology for additional shock absorption properties and has extra padding in the heel.
97/100
Our Score
Whether you work in a formal office setting or need a pair of dress shoes for meetings, interviews, and events, we’ve got you covered. After testing a few dress shoes, our favorite dress shoe for big men is this Rockport Classic Penny Loafer.
This shoe has a wide toe box and generally wears a big large, making it a great choice if you have larger feet. In addition, it comes with wide sizes as well. The loafer style makes these easy to put on and take off and comfortable to wear through the day.
We thought these were a great choice for bigger guys because it has an excellent EVA footbed which molds to your foot for all day comfort. It uses truTECH sport technology for additional shock absorption properties and has extra padding in the heel.
The outsole is made of polyurethane and has some slip-resistance. It’s a great choice for wearing into the office or pulling out for important events and meetings. The padding in the footbed makes it comfortable enough to wear all day, while the smooth leather upper makes it quite dressy when you need.
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Provides shock absorption
- Has extra padding in the heel
Cons
Buying Guide
If you’re a big guy looking for the perfect pair of work boots, it might help to first figure out where your priorities lie.
What factors do you need to consider?
What elements make a pair of shoes great for someone who is tall, has large feet, or weighs more?
Here’s a quick guide to help you think through purchasing the best pair of work shoes for you.
Formal Style
Style is important when it comes to work shoes. The first thing you’ll want to do before purchasing a pair of work shoes is check with your workplace to see if there are any specific guidelines you need to follow.
If your workplace doesn’t have any specific guidelines, take a look at what other employees wear. You will most likely need a neutral color like black, brown, white, or dark blue.
In terms of style, you’ll probably want shoes that are made of leather or faux leather. They shouldn’t be mesh or plastic-looking if you need a more formal style. We’ve included a variety of styles and levels of formality to help you choose the idea shoe for your work setting.
For example, if you work on a construction site or in manufacturing, you may need a safety boot with a reinforced toe. Similarly, if you are on your feet all the time, you may be able to wear a more athletic-looking shoe that has good support.
Cushioning
Cushioning is extremely important in a good work shoe. Chances are you’ll be wearing these shoes for long shifts, and cushioning is the thing that will make your shoe comfortable all day.
For heavier men, cushioning becomes even more important. The more weight you carry, the heavier the impact as you walk and move around. Your work shoes should be able to resist the natural impact from walking, especially if your job requires moving heavy objects.
Some things to look for when it comes to cushioning are shoes with durable and flexible foam insoles and midsoles. Look for materials like Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA), memory foam, or gel inserts.
Make sure to also find shoes that are well cushioned all over, including the ankle collar and tongue. These can increase all-day comfort.
Arch Support
Similar to cushioning, finding a shoe with good arch support can be crucial to getting a good work shoe that is comfortable all day. Having good arch support affects more than just the comfort of your feet, too. Arch support can help improve your posture and prevent back pain according to OrthoFeet.
As I mentioned previously, heavier men land their feet with higher impact. This means your arches may tire out faster. Luckily, this can be countered with finding shoes that have great arch support.
If you can’t find a great shoe with the proper arch support for your foot, another option is to find shoes that have removable insoles that can be replaced with orthotics.
A Non-slip Sole
A non-slip sole seems like a no-brainer for a work shoe. Whether you work in an office, a restaurant, a manufacturing plant, or anywhere else, you need to be confident that you will stay on your feet.
Many workplaces have slick surfaces, even without any spills to add extra slipping dangers. A good non-slip sole can save you from a lot of pain or even just embarrassment.
Non-slip soles usually have small grooves that dispel water and / or oil and tread patterns that can handle multiple surfaces.
Comfort
We’ve already talked about comfort in terms of cushioning and arch support, but it’s worth mentioning again as its own section, because there are other elements that go into comfort than just padding and arch support.
A comfortable shoe will have good ventilation. Your feet should be able to breathe. Not only will this reduce odor and increase the lifespan of the shoe, but it can also keep your feet cool through a long day at work.
Finally, a comfortable shoe, well, feels comfortable.
It’s hard to describe the elements that lead to a comfortable shoe, especially since people are all different and your feet, and work, might change what kind of shoe is comfortable at the end of the day.
This is why it’s essential to try on a shoe before committing to them. Know that many work shoes do need a bit of a break-in period. Try on the shoes you’ve chosen before purchasing if you can. Then, walk around in the shoes for a few hours before you wear them to work, just to make sure they are comfortable and adjusted to your feet.
With these elements considered, and again, remembering any specific workplace guidelines you need to follow, you should have no trouble finding the ideal work shoe for you, even if you are a larger guy who has had trouble finding shoes that fit well and comfortably.
Conclusion
There are a lot of different work shoes on the market. Even if you don’t need specific shoes with wider sizes, more room in the toe box, and additional shock absorption, it can be hard to find shoes that meet your needs. For big guys, finding shoes that will be comfortable all day at work can be an even greater challenge.
To help you find shoes that fit you well and are actually comfortable, we choose several categories, such as work boots, dress shoes, and clogs. We hope to help you find work shoes that you love.
Our top choice was the Hush Puppies Leverage Loafer, a slip-on shoe that we found to be highly comfortable and great for many workplaces. Versatile and durable, we think it’s a great work shoe. Its gel heel pad provides impact resistance for large workers and the EVA footbed adds a layer of comfort.
No matter what style of shoe you need, you can find a pair of shoes that works for your size and weight. Many shoes come with wide sizes, extra heel padding, and durable comfort. Just click on the shoe above to read more reviews or purchase!
