When you're working in a custodial role, you need to have your priorities straight. You need to be able to move quickly and efficiently but also keep an eye out for any hazards that may cause injury. You also need to be able to stand for long periods of time without needing to take breaks.
There are many different kinds of work shoes available on the market today, but not all of them are suitable for a custodian's job. It's important to choose high-quality shoes that will provide your feet with the support they need while also protecting them from hazards like water damage and injuries from falling objects.
We've done the research for you—and we've come up with our top picks for the best work shoes for custodians. Whether you're looking for something that is lightweight and breathable or something that can handle a lot of wear and tear, we've got you covered!
Before we delve into the details, let me first summarize the picks for best work shoes for custodians…
That said, let’s get to it!
Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
If you're looking for work shoes that are comfortable and durable, look no further than the Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot.
These boots feature premium waterproof leather uppers and a breathable textile lining for all-day wear. It's made with a durable rubber outsole with the B.S.F.P.™ motion efficiency system that works with your foot's natural range of motion, so you can get around all day without feeling tired or sore.
The removable, dual-density EVA cushioned insole provides comfort and is perforated for additional air circulation—and it's removable so that you can replace it with your own orthotic if needed! Also included is a padded tongue and collar to keep out debris while providing comfort around your ankle area.
Finally, the lace-up vamp makes them easy to put on and take off, while the cushioned tongue and collar add extra comfort when you're on your feet all day long—and trust us: custodians know how important that is!
New Balance Men's Slip Resistant 626 V2 Industrial Shoe
If you're looking for a shoe that will help you get the job done, New Balance Men's Slip Resistant 626 V2 Industrial Shoe is the best work shoe for your custodial needs.
This shoe features a compression molded midsole and leather upper that are designed to be durable and long-lasting. It also has a non-marking outsole (which means it won't scuff up your floors) and an oil-resistant outsole (so it's easy to clean).
This shoe has been tested according to ASTM D471-16a to provide superior traction under various surface conditions and passes ASTM F2913-18 to provide superior traction under various surface conditions. With these features, you can focus on what really matters: keeping your facility safe for its employees and guests!
This shoe may be eligible for Medicare reimbursement if you have a Medicare code of A5500—and if you're on Medicare, then these shoes are a great value! With these features, you can focus on what really matters: keeping your facility safe for its employees and guests.
Cat Footwear Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
If you're looking for a steel-toe work shoe that is comfortable, durable, and safe enough to protect against accidental electric shock, the Cat Footwear Men's Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot is a perfect choice.
The boot has a Climasphere™ breathable insole which helps keep the foot cool and dry even when working outdoors in direct sunlight. It also has Goodyear Welt Construction, which ensures long-lasting quality and durability. They're made with quality oiled full-grain leather or nubuck, and they feature a T3 Rubber Outsole that delivers slip resistance to help prevent slips on slick floors.
The engineered nylon mesh lining provides all-day comfort while still keeping your feet dry. They also have a steel shank that helps support your foot while providing stability so you can work longer without feeling fatigued. And if you're working around electrical hazards, the Electrical Hazard (EH) protects the wearer against open circuits up to 600 volts in dry conditions (ASTM F2413-18).
Made at a Gold Rated Tanneries (LWG), this boot meets international standards for environmental impact and sustainability—so you can feel good about what's going into making it!
KEEN Utility Men's Vista Energy Mid Composite Toe Work Shoe
The KEEN Utility Men's Vista Energy Mid Composite Toe Work Shoe is one of the most energy-returning shoes in its class, with a lightweight midsole that provides 50% more energy return than standard EVA foam—so your feet won't feel sore after hours of work.
It has an oil-resistant outsole that keeps it slip-free even when wet, so you don't have to worry about tripping over anything while walking around campus or on other surfaces where there might be oil. The non-metallic carbon fiber toes are 15% lighter than steel, so they won't weigh you down or hurt your feet as much when you're doing tasks like lifting heavy objects.
The KEEN footbed provides midfoot support, and the non-mutilating upper lets you get in and out of your shoes quickly, so you don't have to waste any time taking off your shoes at the end of the day—and if you're wearing these shoes for work, every second counts!
The KONNECTFIT heel-capture system will keep your feet firmly planted on the ground while you're working on hard surfaces. The secure fit lace capture system will keep your laces locked into place so they won't come loose during use or while walking. Lastly, it also has an electrical hazard (EH) or electric shock resistant (ESR) footwear rating, which means that the shoes are safe to wear near live electrical circuits.
Skechers for Work Men's Workshire Condor Work Boot
Skechers for Work Men's Workshire Condor Work Boot is designed to be comfortable, safe, and stylish all at once. The shoe features a relaxed fit design, so you can wear it all day long without feeling like you're wearing a too-tight boot that's going to leave your feet sore at the end of the day.
It has a smooth leather upper with a lace-up front, which allows you to adjust the fit of the shoe as needed. The Skechers Memory Foam™ cushioned comfort insole is designed to provide shock absorption when you step down on hard surfaces—and it makes this shoe incredibly comfortable overall. And it's EH Safe tested ASTM F2892-11 for safety—you can wear these shoes around live electrical hazards without worrying about getting shocked!
The Skechers® logo detail on the back of the heel adds just enough flash to make these boots stylish without being over-the-top or distracting from your work duties. Plus, it helps keep everyone in your workplace aware of where their shoes came from—and who made them!
1. Comfort
When choosing work shoes for custodians, comfort is a top priority. Custodians should choose shoes that are comfortable to stand in all day long but also provide the support they need while on their feet. A good pair of work shoes should fit snugly without pinching or leaving too much room on the toes.
2. Durability
The shoes you wear on your feet should be able to handle the rigors of your job, but they don't have to look like work boots or industrial-strength shoes. It's up to you to find a balance between style and functionality that works best for your needs.
It's important that the shoe you choose is made of high-quality materials, so it lasts a long time.
Look for shoes that are made with durable leathers such as cowhide or pigskin or synthetic leathers like polyurethane or nylon.
3. Slip resistance
A custodian's job is often performed in public spaces, and they frequently encounter wet floors or other slick surfaces. The last thing you want is for your employees to fall down while on the job!
To ensure that you're buying the best slip-resistant shoes possible, make sure they are made with a non-marking rubber sole that won't leave marks on any surfaces it comes into contact with.
4. Water resistant
When cleaning up spills and mopping floors throughout the day, it's important that your shoes can handle getting wet without becoming soaked immediately afterward (which could cause them to smell bad).
Look for shoes with water-resistant materials such as leather uppers or canvas uppers that have been treated with waterproofing treatments like Scotchgard™ for extra protection against liquids.
5. Breathability
It can be hard to find a shoe that's both comfortable and breathable, but it's essential for working in the custodial industry. If your shoes aren't breathable, they'll take in more moisture than they release, causing your feet to sweat and swell up. That means you'll end up with blisters and calluses on your feet—and that's not something you want to deal with at work.
6. Supportive Footbeds
Custodians rarely have to lift anything heavy, but they do walk around in their shoes all day and often have to stand for extended periods of time on hard floors and concrete surfaces.
The best work shoes will have supportive footbeds that cushion your feet without making them feel too tight or constricted while providing adequate support so you can stand comfortably throughout your shift without tiring out early on any one particular leg before the end of your shift rolls around at midnight!
7. Style
As a custodian, one of your most important goals is to maintain a professional appearance. That means not only wearing clean and pressed clothes but also having well-kept shoes. It's important to pick out a pair of shoes that will go with your other wardrobe pieces so that they don't clash and distract from the overall look of your outfit.
8. Budget
While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option possible, it's important to keep in mind that these shoes will often not last as long as their more expensive counterparts. In addition, they may not be as comfortable or protective as you need them to be.
When you're shopping for affordable work shoes, make sure you take into account all of your needs before making a purchase. You should consider how much use the shoes will get (i.e., how often you'll wear them), how much damage they might suffer during use (i.e., whether or not they're likely to get wet or dirty), and how long they'll last before needing replacement (i.e. if they're made from high-quality materials).
Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
By following these tips above, you'll be able to find the best work shoes for custodians. No matter what your specific needs are, there's a pair of shoes out there that will help you do your job better.
You don't have to worry about sacrificing comfort or style when you choose your shoe—you can have both! And if you're looking for something a little more durable or waterproof, keep an eye out for those options as well.
Overall, the Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is an excellent choice for custodians who want to protect their feet while cleaning up messes! The shoe is waterproof so that you won't have any issues with water leaking through the shoe, even if you stand in puddles or get caught out in the rain while working. It also has a lightweight construction, so it won't weigh you down as you work.
A lot of what makes a great pair of shoes is personal preference, but we hope that this guide has been helpful in giving you some ideas about what kind of shoe might be right for you. With the right pair of shoes, a custodian can keep up with their busy schedule and maintain a safe environment for their coworkers and students.
Before we go, let me, one last time, summarize the top picks:
