Finding comfortable shoes is especially important for us flight attendants.
We are constantly on our feet at high altitudes, standing for over 10 hours on some days. So, it’s no wonder we can develop foot problems, sore and tired legs, and even back pain.
This article is intended to help you avoid those nasty side effects and buy a pair of shoes that will keep your feet happy at work.
This article will help you learn:
- How to find comfortable shoes designed specifically for your job.
- How to choose the best cabin crew shoes for your needs.
- Where to buy cabin crew shoes.
- What you can do to make a pair of shoes more comfortable.
Table of Contents
In a hurry? Here are my top picks:
- Best Shoes for a Flight Attendant Interview: Rockport: Total Motion Leah Pump
- Best Airport Shoes for Flight Attendants: Clarks: Teresa Step Pump
- Best In-Flight Shoes for Flight Attendants: Rockport: Total Motion Adelyn Ballet Flat
- Best Men’s Shoes for Flight Attendants: Clarks: Tilden Oxford
Flight Crew Shoe Requirements
The first thing you need to do when shopping for shoes as a flight attendant is to consult your uniform standards manual, this document will detail all the requirements your shoes will need to fulfill to meet the specific image standards imposed by your airline.
That said, most airlines have similar standards, so we will briefly summarize the common standards here.
General Standards
These standards apply to both men and women.
Material
Most airlines will require you to wear leather shoes, which are usually priced higher, but they also tend to be better quality, compared to other synthetic materials, since they are usually more durable, and, over time, they will mold to the shape of your feet and become softer, allowing your feet to breathe.
However, if you don’t need to wear leather shoes, or if you’re vegan, there are still many high-quality options.
We recommend opting for shoes made from vegan leather alternatives, these materials are generally cruelty-free, lighter weight, and more flexible than other synthetic alternatives.
Color
Most airlines will require you to wear black shoes, but there are other well-known airlines that allow for blue, red, or brown shoes as well.
This is why it is important to read your manual!
Style
Most airlines will dictate which styles they accept and which they don’t.
For example, pumps, oxfords, and loafers are usually accepted, while wedge heels, tennis shoes, and clogs are usually not.
The standards for women tend to be a little more detailed, so we’ll go into those here too.
Women’s Standards
Most airlines require women to purchase and wear three different types of shoes.
- Airport shoes: worn for boarding, deplaning, and while walking through the airport. These shoes are generally supposed to be either a pump, single-strap Mary Jane, dress ankle-boot, or heeled loafer style with a heel between 1 and 3 inches.
- Inflight shoes: these shoes are generally supposed to be flats, worn on the airplane after take-off for the in-flight service. Typically, these shoes should not be ballet flats and should have a ¼-½ inch sole to protect your feet (more on this later).
- Winter Weather Shoes: My airline also had us purchase winter weather shoes to wear outside the airport (to-and-from the hotel/home). These were supposed to be knee-high boots that we would wear with the skirt/dress uniform.
For women, especially, (but also men), the type of shoe you are allowed to wear may depend on the uniform you chose to wear.
For example, at my airline we could wear a flat, ankle-boot with the pants-suit uniform year-round, but we could only wear heels with the dress/skirt uniform sets.
Examples of Airlines Shoe Guidelines
This is Air Canada shoe guidelines:
United Airlines shoe guidelines:
British Airways shoe guidelines:
Finding the Right Shoe For You
In this section, we will go over the types of things you should consider when shopping for shoes, to find the best shoes for you.
Always Buy High-Quality Shoes
Investing in good quality shoes is the only way to keep your feet healthy.
It’s a false economy to try and save money on what are extremely important tools for your job.
As a flight attendant, you will be walking up and down the aisles at 35,000 ft all day long, which can be really hard on your feet, especially given the additional g-forces you experience during climb and descent.
As a result, it is common for flight attendants to suffer from heel pain, bunions, plantar fasciitis, muscle spasms, blisters, and in the long run, even back problems, such as sciatica.
Therefore, the first and most important thing to remember when choosing your work shoes is the materials they’re made from and how comfortable they are to walk in.
We are going for function over fashion here!
Find the Perfect Heel
Remember!
Different airlines have different rules, so make sure to consult your uniform regulations before you purchase any shoes.
As outlined above, most airlines require women to wear heels between at least 1” (2.5 cm) high and 3” (7.5 cm).
Ironically, lower heels are not necessarily better, or more comfortable. Some people need a higher heel.
So first, try to find out which is your ideal heel height to avoid foot pain, then make sure the shoes you are considering are wide enough to give you the stability and extra support you need to wear them all day.
Stiletto heels will never be the best option.
They have a very small surface area to walk on, and they will not be comfortable.
Ever.
They put more pressure on the ball of your feet, and they can cause plantar fasciitis.
We recommend block heels, platform shoes, or wedges (if your airline allows them).
If not, try a wide heel and/or soft gel insoles, to help transfer pressure off the ball of the foot and to make them more comfortable.
When selecting flat shoes, remember that ballet flats with thin soles can also injure your feet because they don’t have any arch or ankle support.
This is why most airlines recommend that your inflight shoes have a ¼-½ inch sole.
Get the Right Shoe Size
Choosing the right size is not always easy, especially if you buy your flight attendant shoes online.
Your size may vary according to different designs or brands, so to ensure that they fit you correctly, you should have your feet measured at a shoe store and then find the size that corresponds to your length.
Keep in mind that your feet and ankles will tend to swell and expand during the day, especially when you are at altitude inside a plane.
Select the Best Shoe Shape
Make sure the shoes you buy are also wide enough: think, round shape or square shape, not pointy.
Pointy shoes are beautiful, but if you wear them for long, you’ll end up with bunions, hammertoes, and perhaps even deformed feet.
Therefore, when trying on new shoes, always try them both on and stand up and walk around a little to get the feel of them.
Do you feel comfortable?
If they feel tight or stiff, don’t hope that one day they’ll become softer, that never happens.
Pick another pair.
Find the Right Balance Between Style and Comfort
In my career as a flight attendant, I have struggled to find shoes that followed the airline’s standards, and at the same time, were both comfortable and stylish.
Of course, I want to be comfortable and take care of my feet, but I also still want to look fresh, young, and professional.
That’s why I’ve worked hard to put together this list of the best shoes for flight attendants. I’m confident that, if you follow this, guide, you’ll be able to find attractive and stylish footwear without compromising on comfort and quality.
The Pros of Buying Online
Of course, you can also go to a traditional shoe store, but the sales folks are often pushy and will talk you into buying shoes that might not always be the right fit.
Online shopping allows you to take your time, and compare models, prices, and even see the reviews.
Since most online stores (including Amazon) allow you to return things for free these days, there’s usually no risk in ordering a few pairs of shoes and returning the ones that don’t work out.
That’s why we decided to focus on providing you with options that can be purchased online.
Now, let’s jump into the recommendations.
The Best Shoes for a Flight Attendant Interview and Beyond
In this section, I will review a few classic heels that will ensure you look put together and classy whether you are heading to an airline interview, or have been working in the industry for a while already.
These shoes are not the most comfortable on this list, but they are, in my opinion, the best balance of cute, and comfortable.
Clarks: Adriel Viola Dress Pump
- Heel height 3.25"
- Clarks cushion soft comfort
- Ortholite footbed
This classic pump is perfect for any airline casting day and if you get the job, it will likely be a perfect pump to wear to training, and on the job.
Our Rating: 8.5/10
- Elegance: 9/10
- Comfort: 5.5/10
- Quality: 8/10
- Durability: 7.5/10
Heel height: 3 in
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Rockport: Total Motion Leah Pump
- Textile lining provides breathability
- Foam backed lining provides cushioning and comfort
- Split suede non-slip provides a reduction in heel movement
- TPU midsole plate provides mid foot support and stability
- TruTech and TruTech+ provides shock absorption at the heel and rebound at the forefot
This beloved pump is another solid choice if you are looking for a pair of shoes to wear to your flight attendant interview because they will last you through training, and probably your first few years on the job too.
Heel height: 2.75 in
Our Rating: 9/10
- Elegance: 8/10
- Comfort: 7/10
- Quality: 8/10
- Durability: 8/10
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Naturalizer: Karina Pump
- Classic square toe pump for women with a comfortable fit
- 2.25 inch low block heel for everyday comfort
- Womens pump with a flexible, non-slip outsole and Contour+ technology for a premium fit and all-day comfort experience
- Leather or metallic leather upper create a timeless yet modern women's shoe
- Consciously packaged: 100% of our shoe boxes are made of 80% recycled paper + soy-based ink and shoes are designed using sustainable materials
A friend of mine who works for American loves this pump, it’s all she ever buys. It’s a classic shoe, with a classic design and construction, making it very durable. What it lacks in extras, it makes up for in longevity.
Heel height: 2.16 in
Our Rating: 8/10
- Elegance: 8.5/10
- Comfort: 6/10
- Quality: 8.5/10
- Durability: 9/10
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The Best Airport Shoes for Flight Attendants
Now I will focus on shoes that meet the requirements for “airport” shoes, the shoes in this section have a heel but aren’t quite as “flashy” as the ones I highlighted above, instead, they are designed to be great for long-term, every day, all-day wear.
Clarks: Emslie Lulin Pump
- Kick up your heels in these sweet Maryjanes.
- Leather upper.
- Classic adjustable buckle across vamp.
- Closed, rounded toe.
- Block heel. Textile insole and lining. Synthetic sole. Imported. Measurements: Heel Height: 2 in Weight: 11 oz Product measurements were taken using size 8, width B - Medium. Please note that measurements may vary by size. Weight of footwear is based on a single item, not a pair.
This Mary Jane is a favorite among veteran flight attendants because you can literally walk in them all-day-long.
It’s not the most attractive shoe in the world, but it is one of the healthiest shoes you can buy for your feet.
Heel height: 2.16 in
Our Rating: 8/10
- Elegance: 6/10
- Comfort: 9/10
- Quality: 8/10
- Durability: 8/10
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Franco Sarto: Nolan Pump
- Leather upper
- Round toe
- Slip-on fit for easy on/off
- Stitched detailing
- 2.75 inch stacked block heel
This loafer-meets-pump style shoe compliments any pant-suit uniform.
The way the shoe is designed takes some of the pressure off your foot, making them a decently comfortable heel to walk in, once you have broken in the leather to best fit your foot.
Heel height: 2.75 in
Our Rating: 8/10
- Elegance: 8/10
- Comfort: 7/10
- Quality: 8/10
- Durability: 8/10
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Clarks: Teresa Step Pump
As you are probably now starting to notice, the brand Clarks is a popular one for flight crews, this is partially because Clarks offers a discount for most airline employees.
- A chic court shoe in polished black leather, Clarks Teresa Step combines classic design with expert fit and comfort credentials
- Responsibly sourced black leather upper
- Ultimate Comfort 5mm PU foam footbed delivers lasting cushioning
- Rubber sole delivers flexibility and stability
- Heel height: 50mm
This particular style of Clarks is a great one for all-day comfort.
Heel height: 1.9 in
Our Rating: 9/10
- Elegance: 8/10
- Comfort: 8/10
- Quality: 8/10
- Durability: 8/10
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The Best In-Flight Shoes for Flight Attendants
In this section, I will go over the best flat or very low-heeled shoes that make for the perfect “in flight” shoes for flight attendants.
The emphasis here will be placed on the comfort of the shoes since these are likely the pair you will spend the most time wearing.
Dansko: Fawna Mary Jane
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Our Fawna Mary Jane effortlessly moves from casual to dressy, day to night, work to dinner date; the classic design is updated with contemporary features that keep your feet happy all day long
- COMPLETE COMFORT: The removable molded EVA footbed includes Dansko Natural Arch technology and cushioning, and an integrated insole with tuckboard and steel shank offers all day stability and support for all day comfort
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: These cute shoes are made with premium leather uppers, and leather and soft textile linings; the shoes include a hook and loop adjustable instep strap with buckle detail
- LIGHTWEIGHT SOLE: The women’s shoes are finished with a 1.5 heel and a lightweight rubber outsole, for long lasting wear
- DANSKO WOMEN’S SHOES: Providing quality footwear with legendary comfort, Dansko shoes for women are chosen by those who expect modern style with complete comfort wherever the day takes them
This flat Mary Jane is comfortable and provides your foot with great arch support. They’re really worth the price!
Heel height: 1.5 in
Our Rating: 9/10
- Elegance: 7/10
- Comfort: 9.5/10
- Quality: 8/10
- Durability: 8.5/10
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Clarks: Juliet Lora Loafer
- Heel Height 1.02 inches
- Ortholite footbed
- Cushion Soft technology
- Full Grain Leather
This loafer is a great shoe for in-flight. It’s cute and has one of the best insoles on the market.
Heel height: 1.2 in
Our Rating: 9/10
- Elegance: 8/10
- Comfort: 9.5/10
- Quality: 8/10
- Durability: 8.5/10
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Rockport: Total Motion Adelyn Ballet Flat
- 50mm heel
- Textile type of woven fabric for breathability, flexibility and styling
- Foot bed retention foam provides full foot contact and support 6mm
- Foam-backed lining provides glove-like comfort
- Tpu outsole provides support and stability
This is the only ballet flat I would ever recommend because it has a sole.
Heel height: 0.5 in
Our Rating: 9.5/10
- Elegance: 9/10
- Comfort: 9.5/10
- Quality: 8/10
- Durability: 8.5/10
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Shoes for Crews: Riley Sneaker
- Slip Resistant: Superior SFC slip-resistant outsole.
- Water-resistant: Treated to repel liquids from the surface.
- Extra Cushioning: New insole technology and cushion construction that provides greater comfort.
- TripGuard: Decreased trip hazard zone to allow fluid movement between slippery environments.
- Heel height: ½ inch
Don’t let the name fool you, this loafer-style shoe makes for a perfect inflight shoe. Don’t be alarmed the heel of the shoe has a hole in it, designed to relieve pressure.
Heel height: 0.5 in
Our Rating: 8/10
- Elegance: 8/10
- Comfort: 9.5/10
- Quality: 7/10
- Durability: 7/10
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The Best Low-Cost Shoes for Flight Attendants
In this section, I will feature two low-cost options if you really need a pair of cheap, but relatively reliable shoes.
All of these shoes are from the brand Dream Pairs, available on Amazon.
I relied on this brand as a new hire, they need to be replaced more often than some of the higher-priced options on this list, but they are solid choices for anyone on a budget.
BONUS: These shoes are synthetic, so they can be a great vegan option!
Dream Pairs: Mary Jane Block Heels
- Classic Style: These Mary Jane style heels have an adjustable ankle strap & feature a classic round toe & smooth PU leather upper.
- Workwear Essential: Stand and walk in comfort with these heeled pumps that provide you with arch support to keep you on your feet throughout the day .
- Supportive Insole: The 3-layer insole is covered with skin-friendly fabric and consists of a soft foam mid-layer & a breathable latex layer that is supportive.
- Comfortable Lining: Foam lining and thick padded back heel protect your feet from chafing.
- Stable Footing: The 2.8-inch low block heel gives a comfortable boost of height. The TPR outsole provides greater traction & is wear resistant.
These Mary Jane heels are comfy and affordable!
Heel height: 2.8 in
Our Rating: 7/10
- Elegance: 8/10
- Comfort: 8/10
- Quality: 5/10
- Durability: 5/10
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Dream Pairs: Work Pumps
- Work Essential Shoes: These heeled pumps are designed to provide you with support for all-day comfort even when you're on your feet for long hours.
- Comfortable Insole: The 3-layer insole is covered with skin-friendly fabric and consists of a soft foam mid-layer & a breathable latex layer that is supportive.
- Comfortable Lining: Foam lining & thickly padded back heel complemented with a smooth topline to protect your feet from chafing.
- Stable Footing: The 2.8-inch low block heel adds a comfortable boost of height. The TPR outsole provides premium traction & is wear resistant.
- Classic Style: Modern round toe style with a soft & smooth PU leather upper that is versatile & ideal for wearing with just about any work ensemble.
These pumps are practical, stylish, and great value for their price!
Heel height: 2.8 in
Our Rating: 7/10
- Elegance: 8/10
- Comfort: 8/10
- Quality: 5/10
- Durability: 5/10
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Dream Pairs: Pointed Dress Shoe
- Elegant Silhouette: A sophisticated pointed-toe silhouette adds elegance and these women’s pumps will keep you supported and looking stylish as ever.
- Sole Flexi Insole: These women’s pumps are designed to provide greater foot contact for all-day relief with an insole that features arch support and a cushioned latex layer.
- Soothing All-Day Comfort: The thick foam lining reduces fatigue from repeated impact along with a padded toe box that protects and minimizes discomfort.
- Extra Stability: With a 1.4-inch block heel and non-slip outsole, these low-heel pumps provide stability and support for long-lasting comfort.
- A Work Essential: These pointed-toe pumps can boost your mood and help you accomplish more, which is a must-have for women who need to stand all day at work.
These shoes sport a very low heel, making them perfect in-flight shoes.
Heel height: 2.8 in
Our Rating: 7/10
- Elegance: 8/10
- Comfort: 8/10
- Quality: 5/10
- Durability: 5/10
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Dream Pairs: Classic Formal Oxford (Men’s)
- Exquisite new vegan leather with plain toe design delivers a classic style
- Featuring a classic brogue and wingtip design, the smooth PU upper makes these lace-ups easy to wipe down and care for
- The cushioned latex insole and sweat-absorbing, breathable leather lining provide you with a comfortable walking experience
- The unique carved design on the sole is fashionable and avant-garde; the shoe box packaging is classic and elegant, making it a perfect gift for a friend/father/grandfather/husband/boyfriend/brother/son
- Suitable for various occasions, such as business wear, daily commuting, parties or banquets
This pair of classic-style shoes is my best budget-option for men.
Our Rating: 7/10
- Elegance: 8/10
- Comfort: 8/10
- Quality: 5/10
- Durability: 5/10
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The Best Men’s Shoes for Flight Attendants
In this section, I will go over a few options for men.
Though I can’t say I’ve personally tested any of these shoes, they come highly recommended by my colleagues.
Clarks: Tilden Oxford
- A shoe designed to take on the Monday through Friday grind
- Stretch Gore Panels for a Flexible Fit
- Ortholite footbed that softens impact and wicks away moisture
- Heel Height 1 inch
- Soft Themoplastic Rubber outsole provides comfort all day
These oxfords are classic looking, high-quality, and comfortable to walk in.
Our Rating: 9/10
- Elegance: 8/10
- Comfort: 9/10
- Quality: 8/10
- Durability: 9/10
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Dockers: Lawton Loafers
- Polished man-made uppers
- Slip-resistant safety outsole which meets ASTM F1677-05 standards for slip resistance
- Treated with Stain Defender, a revolutionary water and stain guard that protects your shoes from spills and stains
- Memory Foam insole shapes to foot for instant comfort and Fusion Footbed adds an extra layer of dual density cushion
- Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association for quality and effectiveness in allowing for normal foot function and promoting good foot health
These loafers are a great choice for men, and they’re vegan!
Our Rating: 8.5/10
- Elegance: 8/10
- Comfort: 9/10
- Quality: 8/10
- Durability: 8/10
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Cole Haan: Lenox Hill Cap Oxford
- Classic lace-up oxford featuring blind eyelets and cap toe
- Stacked heel
This designer oxford works hard! Bonus: Cole Haan offers discounts to some airlines!
Our Rating: 8/10
- Elegance: 8/10
- Comfort: 7/10
- Quality: 8/10
- Durability: 8/10
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Shoe Care and Accessories
In this section, I will give you a few recommendations for shoe accessories that will help you take care of your shoes, and make your shoes even more comfortable.
Leather Conditioner
This leather conditioner from KIWI helps to keep your leather shoes waterproof, clean, and polished looking.
It helps to prevent deep scuffs with long-term use.
We recommend using this if you have 100% leather shoes, and be sure to apply it before the first time you wear the shoes because it will help the leather mold itself to your feet too.
Shoe Tree
Shoe trees are wooden inserts that you put in your shoes to help them keep their shape while you aren’t wearing them.
These wooden shoe trees for heels are great!
While these wooden ones are great for men’s dress shoes.
Heel Guards
These sheepskin heel guards can be stuck into any pair of shoes to help cushion the back of your heel and prevent blisters.
These ones from Dr. Scholl’s are a good vegan alternative.
Orthopedic Inserts
Investing in a pair of orthopedic inserts can also be a great idea to help make your shoes more comfortable and healthier for you to walk in.
The best way to get a pair of inserts is to work with an orthopedic specialist who can assess what kind of support your foot needs most.
For example, do you need extra arch support, or do you need to protect your toes?
Thank you so much for this comprehensive list!
You are very welcome Tess ☺️
Not a flight attendand.i use clarks adtiel viola and walk for 8rhs with no problems. Buy leather and not patented as its softer.these are the best shoes i found so far. Lookung for high heels sandals…
I’m not a flight attendant, but rather will be teaching English in Japan next year and knew I needed to find comfortable, low heel shoes. This is very helpful to me as well! Thank you!
My pleasure teacher 😉
Have fun in Japan!