Just as the scope of traditional 9-to-5 jobs has shifted over the past several years, so too has workplace style. Even before COVID changed our world and lifestyles in 2020, most office cultures had shifted to a more casual vibe for wardrobes and footwear. As work from home (WFH) became the norm for more and more people post-2020, casual style morphed into an even more comfy, super-casual zone. Now, the pendulum appears to be swinging back a bit. With more and more people back in the office or in hybrid, semi-on-location jobs, “office style” is also regaining some of its tradition. Loafers, oxfords, Mary Janes and ballerina flats — all infused with modern comfort — are trending up.

Sneakers still have their place at work, too. Where sneaker style is really buzzing right now is for those working in healthcare and hospitality jobs, where slip-resistant sneaker silhouettes with comfort and tech aplenty are very in-demand, according to brands.

ROXY AT WORK / BAYSHORE  

For on-the-move work, the slip-on Bayshore is a slip-resistant casual sneaker style with a canvas upper and a flexible outsole. It is designed for all-day comfort and support. MSRP $75.

Classics Make a Comeback: Office Style

There is a notable return to classic style in office footwear options. ECCO reports seeing a continued trend in the “wear to work” category for women. “Within this trend, there is a strong demand for flats and updates to classic silhouettes,” says Dan Leonardi, head of sales; Americas at ECCO.

Upcoming Fall 2025 styles such as ECCO’s Dress Classic loafer in a supple suede with a kiltie and tassel detail and the brand’s Margot Ballerina with a cool Origami overlay in the toe are “super wearable while also offering a nice touch of style to classic looks,” explains Leonardi. “This is an area that we thrive in due to the all-day comfort and overall quality of our shoes combined with our leather.”

Classic Mary Jane styles are trending in 2025, with several brands offering comfort-infused takes on the silhouette. “Mary Janes are performing exceptionally well for us as a brand,” confirms Sydney Simas, VP, Simco Imported Shoes (Arcopedico), who adds that “comfort still remains a top trend for consumers selecting footwear for the office.”

It’s also important to note that “office footwear” is often “everyday footwear,” as consumers look for footwear that can transition easily from the workplace to after hours.

“Our experience suggests that in general there continues to be little distinction between what our customers wear for work versus time off,” explains Justin Orrell-Jones, president and CEO, Finn Comfort USA. “Much of this, we think, is driven by the continued acceptance of athleticized styling. However, in our women’s collection we have seen an uptick in what we would consider slightly more traditional styles, particularly in black, that certainly have less athletic styling to them.”

Sam Sproull, brand marketing manager, Warson, agrees that as trends in office footwear continue evolving, with comfort and versatility as driving forces, more professionals are seeking shoes that “transition seamlessly from home to office environments.” Sproull adds, “Classic styles with modern twists, like oxfords or loafers with ergonomic designs for all-day wear are becoming more popular. There’s also growing demand for shoes that incorporate performance features like moisture-wicking materials, cushioned insoles, and lightweight construction. This blend of style and functionality is critical, catering to both the aesthetic preferences and practical requirements of today’s workforce.”

Alegria’s VP operations Irene Chen and designer Emily Pierdinock-Hagen note that, “Consumers today are seeking longevity and versatility in their purchases. They want items that are easy to throw on and can seamlessly support them throughout their day—whether they’re at the office, working from home, or running errands in between. Style, comfort, and functionality are top priorities, which is why hybrid footwear continues to thrive in the market.”

Liam Bourke, EVP/GM, revere, states, “As hybrid work continues to shape professional wardrobes, the demand for versatile footwear continues to build. Versatility is key. Employees want shoes that seamlessly transition from home to office without sacrificing a contemporary look and comfort features. Loafers, refined sneakers, and contemporary oxfords are leading the way – these are styles that can easily blend premium materials with supportive footbeds.”

Revere / TIMARU MARY JANE

This wardrobe essential transitions seamlessly from office attire to casual outings. It has a premium leather upper, a removable orthotic footbed and a bunion-friendly design with a spacious toebox.  

Finn Comfort / Nagasaki

From the brand’s Finnamic Collection, the Nagasaki is a Mary Jane style shoe with a hook & loop strap. It boasts classics style in black leather with a patent black detail on the strap. MSRP $405.

Alegria / Osmosis

This easy-on/easy-off Fall ’25 slip-on clog has a Wood Look Rocker, a stain-resistant leather upper, adjustable buckle strap and slip-resistant outsole. MSRP $120.

ECCO / Dress Classic 15 Tassel Loafer

This new, upcoming AW25 style is crafted from premium suede and features ECCO’s FLUIDFORM for soft flexible movement and a naturally supportive anatomical fit. MSRP $150.

Cole Haan / ØriginalGrand Energyweave Oxford

A day-to-evening style, this perforated toe Oxford features a flexibile sole, shock absorption and a FlowerFoam cushioning system, made with a minimum of 25% dandelion rubber. MSRP $170.

Florsheim / Fleet Work

This Composite Toe Elastic Work Sneaker delivers style, protection and comfort. It boasts SupaStep heel technology, elastic no-tie laces and instant, all-day comfort right out of the box. MSRP $148.

Remonte / Anuschka 02

Stand out in style with the Anuschka 02, featuring a synthetic patent upper and a sport sole. The loafer also includes the brand’s Lite ‘n Soft Removable insole. MSRP $140.

Sneakers Get the Job Done: Healthcare & Hospitality

There is a growing preference for athletic-style footwear among healthcare workers as well as food service/restaurant workers and crew, who are on their feet non-stop. Warson’s Sam Sproull indicates that the trend towards athletic styles here is “due to the need for all-day comfort, support, and durability in fast-paced environments.”

Lightweight construction in athletic styles helps reduce foot fatigue during long shifts while slip-resistant outsoles are essential for traction on hospital floors. “Cushioned and responsive midsoles provide shock absorption for all-day comfort and breathable uppers keep feet cool and dry during long hours,” notes Sproull. “Easy-to-clean uppers are necessary for some to maintain hygiene in medical settings. Finally, an athletic fit with flexibility allows for natural foot movements and agility.”

For these jobs that require hours of standing or walking, consumers “really need long-lasting comfort and support throughout the day to stave off heel pain, arch pain and general fatigue from those long shifts,” explain Alegria’s Irene Chen and Emily Pierdinock-Hagen.

To ensure lasting support, Alegria applied its comfort footbed tech into athletic style shoes in its ReBounce Collection that features a proprietary cork blended footbed so that the arch support underfoot is robust, even at the end of a long shift. The Alegria Fit Collection offers a wide toe box to accommodate the natural shape of the toes and swelling throughout the day from standing and walking. With the work environment in mind, many of the brand’s athletic styles are paired with water-repellent LiquidShell technology so spills can easily roll off the upper

“For nurses and healthcare workers, footwear is more than just a necessity—it’s an endurance tool,” says revere’s Bourke. “The rise of athletic-inspired designs reflects the need for lightweight, cushioned, and slip-resistant shoes that can handle long shifts. Shoes that cater to this category need to combine arch support, responsive cushioning, and durable outsoles, ensuring both function and fatigue-fighting comfort.”

In the hospitality sector, Bourke says, “Footwear must strike a balance between durability, slip resistance, and professional (and even fashionable) aesthetics. We’re seeing a shift toward modern clogs and sleek, supportive sneakers that offer all-day comfort without compromising on style.”

Skechers sees nurses gravitating to its sneaker styles and is encouraging customers throughout the month of May to round up their in-store purchases at Skechers retail locations as a donation at checkout. These contributions will support the American Nurses Foundation’s programs and advancements in nursing.

DC Work Crew / Gaveler

This throwback style is a fit for work crews, such as kitchen staff. It is slip-resistant, lightweight, cushioned and offers Electrical Hazard Protection. MSRP $85.

Atom / ACTIVITY

Part of a new group from Atom named Activity, the sneakers are non-slip, available in black with more colors coming soon, and offer 55% initial margin for retailers, the brand says. MSRP $110.

Reebok / LITE PLUS 4 WORK

A lightweight soft toe athletic-style work shoe, the Lite Plus 4 feaures a FuelFoam midsole for all-day comfort. Also has a heel tab for easy entry and a slip-resistant rubber skin. MSRP $90.

SAS / Chuy-X

A classic loafer silhouette meets the classic slip-on gore sneaker. The Chuy-X for women has a Tri-Pad comfort footbed and U midsole and rubber outsole for supportive, durable wear. MSRP $275.

Alegria / EXHAULT

The Exhault, shown here in Surreal Green, is a Fall 25 style with a water-repellent Liquid Shell upper, built-in arch support, removable footbed and a slip-resistant outsole. MSRP $120.

Skechers Slip-ins Work SR / Glide-Step Pro – Edura

This slip-resistant, hands free Slip-in style features an Air-Cooled memory foam insole, Glide-Step design and is Electrical Hazard (EH) safe design tested. MSRP $100.

TAOS / DETOUR

The newest addition to the brand’s active-inspired sneaker collection has a suede, mesh and nylon upper, a soft, moisture-wicking terry cloth lining and a rubber guard on the toe. MSRP $160.