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.
But do you know:
How to find comfortable shoes designed specifically for your job?
How to choose the best cabin crew shoes?
What type of heel is better?
How do you find the right pair of shoes for your feet?
What are the best shoes for working on your feet all day?
Okay, let’s dive right on and answer all those questions.
Table of Contents
Always buy good 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.
If you are a flight attendant walking up and down the aisles at 7000ft all day long, you must understand that it’s really tough on your feet. We can suffer from heel pain, bunions, plantar fasciitis, muscle spasms, blisters and in the long term, even back problems such as sciatica.
So the first and most important thing to remember when choosing your work shoes is the material that they’re made from. Don’t judge your shoes by style only, keep in mind that they need to be comfortable for long days at work.
Some airlines will require you to wear leather shoes, which are usually priced higher, but they have so many benefits when compared to other synthetic materials.
They are usually more durable and they will mold to the shape of your feet and become softer, allowing your feet to breath.
However, if you don’t need to wear leather shoes and you want to wear animal-friendly ones, you still have many other good quality options. You can try vegan shoes, canvas shoes, and synthetic faux leather shoes. They are lighter, cruelty-free, and they can also be flexible.
As always, make sure that they are made of high-quality material and if possible, hand-made.
Find the perfect heel
Some airlines like mine will require two different types of shoes for female flight attendants.
We have heeled shoes for boarding, deplaning, and when transiting at the airports (airport shoes). Then we can switch to flat or low heel shoes while in the air (cabin or service shoes).
But different airlines do have different rules, so checking on these should be the first step in your selection.
For example:
Air Canada shoe guidelines:
United Airlines shoe guidelines:
British Airways shoe guidelines:
As you can see, heel height for heeled shoes in most of the airlines must be at least 1” (2.5cm) and may not exceed 3” (7.5cm).
So first, try to find out which is your ideal heel height to avoid foot pain, then make sure they are wide enough to give you the stability and extra support you need to wear them all day.
Stiletto heels are not going to be the best option. They have a very small surface area to walk on, and they are not going to be comfortable. Ever. They put more pressure on the ball of your feet, and they can cause plantar fasciitis.
Try block heels, platform shoes, or wedges, if your airline allows you. If not, use a low and wide heel and try soft gel insoles, to help transfer pressure off the ball of the foot and to make them more comfortable.
For example, one of the following products:
- 💚 INSTANT RELIEF – Whether you’re at the office, dancing the night away, or out shopping with your girlfriends, our shoe inserts will give you the protection you need.
- 💚 LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD – We all want to look great in our high heels but we know it can come at a price. The sexier the heels the more our feet are in agony. With our amazingly soft, gel based, and cloth covered high heel inserts we can finally enjoy our day free from pain.
- 💚 FEEL LIKE YOU ARE WALKING ON CLOUDS – Enjoy every step you take with confidence and comfort. Now you can wear all of your favorite heels all day or night without worry.
- 💚 NO SLIP NO PROBLEM – Our adhesive foot pads will stay in place all day with no risk of ruining your favorite pair of shoes.
- 💚 LIFETIME SATISFACTION GUARANTEE – If this product does not relieve your ball of foot pain simply let us know and we will refund you in full! No Questions Asked. We stand behind our product and we know that it will help you.
- Wear high heels without foot pain - Relieve foot pain typically associated with high heel shoes. Prevent issues related to flat feet or low arches such as plantar fasciitis and ball-of-foot pain
- Reduce stress on the balls of your feet - Our Catwalk orthopedic arch support insoles for women's dress shoes allows less stress to be placed on the balls of your feet, reducing the conditions for ball of foot pain and metatarsalgia
- Provides arch support, cushioning and comfort - Our Catwalk women's dress shoe arch support inserts provide enhanced support and extra cushioning under the balls of your feet for improved metatarsal support and foot pain relief
- Slimline design for easy fit - Thin, slim fit heel inserts for women's shoes - their low profile allows you to use them with most fashion and high-heeled dress shoes, as well as pumps and flats
- Works with flats and heels - Our Catwalk orthotic insoles for women's shoes provide arch support that can be worn not only in high-heeled fashion shoes, but also in flats and ballet shoes due to their ultra-thin, low profile
- Designed specifically for women with foot pain from high heels
- Ultra-Soft Gel Arch - Shifts pressure off ball of foot
- Discreet Design " Clear gel and slim design wont make shoes feel tight
- Designed for all high heels 2 and higher
For flat shoes, remember that ballet flats with thin soles can also injure your feet because they don’t have any arch or ankle support, so always buy at least a ½ inch heel height for your inflight shoes.
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.
Always keep in mind that your feet and ankles will tend to swell and expand during the day but especially when you are at high altitude inside a plane.
So if you have any doubts between two sizes, I recommend that you choose the larger one to make sure they are not too small or too tight.
The best shoe shape
Make sure the shoes you buy are also wide enough: 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.
So 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 still want to look decent and not like a grandma.
So that’s why I’ve worked hard to put together this list of the best female flight attendant shoes. I’m sure you’ll be able to find attractive and stylish footwear without compromising on comfort and quality.
You can buy your work shoes in a regular shoe store, but it’s always a little bit of a struggle. You sometimes end up having someone pushing you to buy something that is not exactly what you want or need and it can take you the whole day. So, take your time, compare models, prices, and read the reviews.
Leather shoes
Classic pumps
These are all plain (no adornments), not exceeding 3” heel and made of leather.
Keep in mind that they look quite similar and basic because many airlines, like mine, are very strict about their uniform guidelines.
Clarks
Clarks is a British brand, famous for its comfortable and long-lasting shoes since 1825. All their shoes are made of Premium leather and come with Ortholite footbed insoles to provide extra cushioning.
- Heel Height 1.3 inches
- Comfort Features: Ortholite Footbed; Cushion Soft technology, Durable Rubber outsole
- Smooth Textile Linings for barefoot wear
- Premium leather uppers
Heel Height: 1.3”
- Leather upper
- Leather Lining
- Rubber Sole
- Block heel
- Heel Height: 5.5 cm
Heel Height: Heel 2”
Wide fit available
- Round-toe pump with decorative toe strap, lightly padded collar, and chunky stacked heel
- Ortholite molded insole with Clarks Plus technology. Textile Lining
Heel Height: 3”
Narrow and wide fit available
- Cushion Soft technology with OrthoLite footbed
- Smooth Textile Lining
- Durable Composition Rubber outsole
- Premium Leather Uppers
Heel Height: 3”
ECCO
A danish shoe company, the leader in innovative comfort footwear
- Sophisticated uppers handcrafted from premium leathers ensuring utmost softness and lightness
- Anatomical shank with pu and plateau construction, so the wearer walks on te soft pu for optimal comfort
- The full direct-injected pu outsole with an elegant, leather wrapped heel is light, comfortable and flexible
- Moulded anatomical footbed with a premium leather sock lining
- 1.5" (35mm) heel height
Heel Height: 1.5”
- Demure pump featuring textured rubber heel and padded, aerated footbed
- Flexible sole
Heel Height: 1.5”
Geox
Italian famous footwear brand for everyday comfort.
- Breathable
- Italian patent
- Comfort cushioning
Heel Height: 2”
- A classic-looking court shoe from Geox elevated with a contemporary twist and enhanced with extraordinary comfort levels. 3" heel height
- The outsole has been enhanced with Geox’s Italian patent so that feet can experience the benefits of utter breathability and a sensation of unmitigated well-being.
- Made from ultra-lightweight super-pliant and cushioning EVA, the sole effectively absorbs all the knocks and vibrations coming up from the ground. The innovative footbed provides differentiated cushioning around the three main zones of impact and cradles the foot as you walk, allowing you to enjoy unparalleled comfort levels.
Heel Height: 2”
Heel Height: 3”
Aerosoles
Aerosoles is a leading shoe brand that offers high quality, comfortable, and stylish shoes.
- Square toe pump
- Heel rest technology
- Memory foam footbed
- Diamond flex soles
- Core comfort and stacked leather heel
Heel Height: 0.7”
Wide Fit Available
- STYLE & DESIGN: Go from corner office to happy hour in these block heel pumps. They pack a one-two punch with an array of the season’s freshest colors plus innovative comfort technology (including a removable footbed). 2 ¼” Heel.
- COMFORT & QUALITY: Comfort foam footbed and sumptuous padded insole to soothe and pamper your feet.
- STRONG & DURABLE: Manufactured with high quality materials and stitched with precision allowing for strong and robust inseams with sturdy and resilient soles.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Constructed with Heel Rest Technology, a patent pending technology found only in Aerosoles. This custom design distributes your body weight toward your heel, and away from the ball of your foot. The result, superior comfort in both high heels and wedges so you look and feel great.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: You can return this item for any reason and get a full refund: no shipping charges. The item must be returned in new and unused condition.
Heel Height: 2.25”
Wide Fit Available
- STYLE & DESIGN : Show up at the office looking your best and because your feet will be in comfort, you’re sure to do your best work. Our newest pump construction is a fresh, feminine take on the classic. It’s made with luxurious with a 2” covered heel.
- COMFORT & QUALITY : Comfort foam footbed and sumptuous padded insole to soothe and pamper your feet. Built with leather and synthetic material to provide exceptional comfort and detail.
- STRONG & DURABLE : Manufactured with high quality materials and stitched with precision allowing for strong and robust inseams with sturdy and resilient soles.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY : Heel Rest Design: A patent pending technology found only in Aerosoles. This custom design distributes your body weight toward your heel, and away from the ball of your foot. The result, superior comfort in both high heels and wedges so you look and feel great.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE : You can return this item for any reason and get a full refund: no shipping charges. The item must be returned in new and unused condition.
Heel Height: 2”
Wide Fit Available
Heel Height: 3.25”
Wide Fit Available
Rockport
Rockport is an American footwear supplier that combines top quality shoes at the best prices.
- Trutech and trutech shock absorbing heel cushioning and resilient forefoot cushioning
- Retention foam foot bed provides full foot contact and support 6mm
- Foam-backed lining provides glove-like comfort
- Tpu outsole provides support and stability
Heel Height: 1.75”
Narrow and Wide Fit Available
- Eva footbed conforms to the shape of the foot for a personalized fit
- Nylon shank, full grain leather
Heel Height: 2”
Wide Fit Available
- Adiprene by adidas shock-absorbent cushioning protects the heel at impact
- Mid foot support and stability
- 6 millimeter of retention foam provides full foot contact and support
- Full grain leathers are easy to clean to maintain and extend product life
- Foam-backed lining provides glove-like comfort
Heel Height: 2.25”
Wide Fit Available
- 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
Heel Height: 2.75”
Wide Fit Available
- ALL-DAY COMFORT FOOTBED: 6mm of retention foam helps to provide full foot contact and support for confident, comfortable step in these womens heels
- SHOCK ABSORPTION: truTECH and truTECH+, Rockport's lightweight comfort system, provides long-lasting cushioning in the heel and rebound at the forefoot, while absorbing shock
- MID-FOOT SUPPORT: PU midsole plate gives you mid-foot support and stability for added comfort when you walk or stand
- STABILITY AND STRENGTH: Molded ABS heel helps provide impact resistance and toughness; PU outsole helps give you support and stability with every step
- HEEL HEIGHT: 3 inches (75mm)
Heel Height: 3.25”
Wide Fit Available
Platform leather pumps
- Leather, faux leather, suede, or fabric upper.
- Round toe.
- Scooped vamp.
- N5 Contour technology.
- Smooth lining.
Heel Height: 3” Platform: 0.5”
Narrow and Wide Fit Available
- Extrememly comfortable
- Flexible sole
- Very durable
- Good support
- Platform sole for extra cushion
Heel Height: 3.25” Platform: 0.25”
- Heel height 3.25"
- Clarks cushion soft comfort
- Ortholite footbed
Heel Height: 3.25” Platform: 0.5”
Wide Fit Available
- Demure pump featuring textured rubber heel and padded, aerated footbed
- Flexible sole
Heel Height: 3.25” Platform: 0.25”
Loafers, flats, wedges, and Mary Janes
Some airlines may accept Mary Janes or wedges, and loafers or flats if you wear pants. Unfortunately for me, my airline doesn’t, so my choices are limited to the ones above.
So please don’t forget to double-check your uniform and grooming guide to see if you can wear these.
Loafers
- Complete a work look that says smart and sophisticated with the Clarks® Juliet Lora slip-on loafer.
- Smooth leather uppers with a round toe.
- Easy slip-on style loafer.
- Soft fabric linings.
- Cushioned footbed for added comfort. Durable man-made outsole. Imported. Measurements: Heel Height: 1 in Weight: 10.2 oz Product measurements were taken using size 12, width D - Wide. Please note that measurements may vary by size. Weight of footwear is based on a single item, not a pair.
Heel Height: 1.02”
Narrow and Wide Fit Available
- Low dress loafer with double-stitched apron toe
- HP02 Flex technology
Heel Height: 1”
Narrow, Wide and Extra-wide Available
- Full grain leather uppers
- Soft genuine leather skeletal linings and leather socklining
- Soft memory foam plus EVA footbed provides customized comfort.
- 1" heel height
- An enviornmentally friendly molded PVC outsole provides traction and durability
Heel Height: 1”
Narrow and Wide Fit Available
- Leather uppers with stitching accents
- Slip on style for an easy on and off
- Fabric lining
- Cushioned footbed featuring N5 comfort elements for added comfort
- Rubber outsole
Heel Height: 0.75”
Narrow, Wide and X-Wide Available
Flats
Tip: If you are having trouble finding cabin service shoes and you like to wear flat ones, e.g. ballerina pumps but you need them to have at least a 1” heel, take them to a shoe repair shop. They can increase the heel height easily by adding new rubber caps. It’s amazing what they can do with your shoes: change the heel, lower a shoe heel, stretch new shoes… don’t be afraid to ask.
- STYLE & DESIGN: Keep it simple (and comfy) in these pared down slip-on flats. Genuine Leather upper, Balance synthetic materials.Heel measures approximately 0.5"
- MADE FOR ON-THE-GO: Wear them with a pair of slacks or a skirt—your legs will be in top form either way. Heel rest technology shifts your weight toward your heels and away from the balls of your feet. Easy slip on and off for your convenience. Available in all essential colors, which can make your everyday outfit.
- STITCH 'N TURN TECHNOLOGY Constructed with Heel Rest Technology, a patent pending technology found only in Aerosoles. This custom design distributes your body weight toward your heel, and away from the ball of your foot. The result, superior comfort in both high heels and wedges so you look and feel great.
- Heel Rest Technology: A proprietary technology found only at Aerosoles. This custom design distributes your body weight toward your heel, and away from the ball of your foot. The result is superior comfort in both high heels and wedges so you look and feel great.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE : You can return this item for any reason and get a full refund: no shipping charges. The item must be returned in new and unused condition.
Heel Height: 0.5”
- 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
Heel Height: 0.2”
Wide Fit Available
- Memory foam cool fit insole
- Smooth, perforated or microfiber upper
- Flexible sole
- Soft chambray lining
Heel Height: 1”
Extra-wide Fit Available
- OrthoLite Molded footbed
- Cushion Soft padding
- Smooth Textile Linings
- Durable TR outsole
- Premium Leather
Ortholite Molded Footbed
Wedges
- Heel height 2.2"
- Ortholite footbed
- Cushion soft
Heel Height: 2”
Wide Fit Available
Heel Height: 1.81″
- Faux leather upper
- Toe box and heel counter partially crafted with recycled materials
- Slip on style for an easy on and off
- Fabric lining
- Cushioned footbed features a plush layer of Velocity with Memory Foam for added comfort
Heel Height: 1.5″
Orthopedic shoes
Orthopedic high heel shoes are biomechanically engineered to offer the world’s most comfortable heels for work.
Heel Height: 2”
Wide Fit available
Heel Height: 2”
Wide Fit Available
Synthetic shoes
Pumps
- Just what your wardrobe ordered
- Smooth, shiny or satin synthetic, fabric or cork upper
- Soft knitfit lining
- Plush foam insole
- Flexible rubber sole
Heel Height: 1″
- Classic Round toe & Trendy Colors
- Heel height: 1.5" (approx)
- Platform height: 0.25" (approx)
- TPR rubber sole
- Latex padded insole for added comfort
Heel Height: 1.5”
Heel Height: 2.5”
- À LA MODE: Classic in design and style, Jolie by J. Adams features the minimalist silhouette of the quintessential closed toe pump that'll add a sophisticated edge to your everyday outfit. Available in all essential colors, including Black, Nude, White, and Red in vegan leather and suede materials.
- OUR STYLING TIP: Perfect for daily business casual or professional, for dressing up or down with skirts, slacks, dresses, or jeans.
- MADE FOR ON-THE-GO: Easy slip on and off for your convenience. Who said fashion can't be effortless?
- YOUR COMFORT, SECURED: A soft, cushioned foot bed ensures a painless platform for all standing and walking needs. With the chunky block heel, the stability of your feet is guaranteed.
- MEASUREMENTS: 2.85" heel. If in-between sizes, going down a 1/2 size is recommended.
Heel Height: 2.85”
Platform synthetic pumps
Heel Height: 2.5”
Platform: 0.1”
Wider fit pumps
- Low-heel pump with rolled topline
- Padded and perforated footbed
- Cushioned lining
Heel Height: 1.25”
- Timeless round-toe pump with mid-heel
- Cushioned insole
- Super Flex sole
Heel Height: 2”
- Sophisticated uppers handcrafted from premium leathers ensuring utmost softness and lightness
- Anatomical shank with pu and plateau construction, so the wearer walks on te soft pu for optimal comfort
- The full direct-injected pu outsole with an elegant, leather wrapped heel is light, comfortable and flexible
- Moulded anatomical footbed with a premium leather sock lining
- 1.5" (35mm) heel height
Heel Height: 3” Platform: 0.5”
Wide and Narrow fit Available
Loafers
- Flexible Sole
- Available in Medium and Wide widths
Heel Height: 1.5”
Available in Medium and Wide Width
Heel Height: 2.25”
Wedges
- FITTING TIP: TRUE TO SIZE, WIDE WIDTH CUSTOMER MIGHT ORDER HALF SIZE UP.
- Heel height: 1.75" (approx)
- Platform height: 0.2" (approx)
- TPR rubber sole
- Slightly padded insole for added comfort
Heel Height: 1.75”
Mary Janes
- Upper: imitation leather ; Sole:Rubber .
- 1.5''/2" Heeled dance shoe featuring a gentle breathable lining, supersoft skin-friendly innersole being made of memory foam cushion, an attached ankle strap with a pin buckle.
- Plushy and comfy cushioned lining provides extra support and flexiblity.
- Perfect dance shoes in ballroom practicing including a wide range of latin flamenco waltz modern salsa tango rumba samba professional dance practice and performance. This type of character shoes are also perfectly matched with work outfits, casual jeans, skirts or dresses
- True to size. Order your street shoe size.
Heel Height: 2”
These are classic dance shoes used in traditional folk dances from Eastern Europe. If they are comfortable to dance in, they should be good enough to work in.
- Classical Mary Jane flats. Buckle ankle strap as the theme elements.
- Synthetic leather uppers. 10 low-profile but elegant colors in Morandi colors system available.
- Soft and durable rubber flat shoes outsoles; Selected PU shoes lining.
- Occasions: casual, office, school,etc.. Very low weight to step on everywhere. Designed in USA, Made in China.
- Any quality issue, tell CINAK to exchange for free within 1 year. Check CINAK's size chart in below details page to get better fit.
Flat
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!