The Barefoot Office Shoe Edit

There was a time when smart footwear came with an unspoken trade-off.

Yes, the work shoes may have looked polished and professional, but comfort was expected to take a back seat. Pinched toes, stiff leather and hard, unforgiving soles were an accepted part of office attire.

Thankfully, smart barefoot shoes have come a long way. Alongside the trainers and outdoor footwear that people associate with barefoot shoes, there is now a growing choice that is suitable for offices, schools, meetings and formal occasions. 

Here's why you should take a closer look at barefoot shoes for work.

Angles Chronos 2.0 - Black | Adults Elegant Lace-Up Shoes

Real Life Happens in Work Shoes

Work shoes work hard. They are there for the commute, lunch break, and the trips to the coffee machine. They get you through meetings, presentations, and all that standing around making polite conversation at networking events. Then they do it all again tomorrow.

And you can't get away with looking scruffy. Most workplaces still expect footwear to look smart and put together, however casual it is. 

Xero Women's Dillon White | Lightweight Barefoot Trainers

Smart Shoes, Reimagined

Barefoot shoes are increasingly proving that they can work in a grown-up space. The latest generation combines clean lines, innovative materials and a sharper eye for design. They are challenging assumptions about what barefoot footwear can look like.

Here are just a few of our picks for office footwear that looks the business and is designed to support your feet from 9-5.

Loafers

The unofficial champion of smart-casual footwear. Cute and comfortable, barefoot loafers give a bang-up-to-date look that is as easy to wear at work and at the weekend.

Peerko Footwear | Barefoot Shoes for Natural Movement

Be Lenka Fiorela | Black Suede Barefoot Moccasins

Lace ups

If in doubt, buy the Oxford. Timeless, versatile, and smart without feeling overly formal, it's one those styles that works just as well in the office as it does at a party or a formal occasion. This iconic style genuinely works anywhere. A true wardrobe staple.

Angles Chronos 2.0 - Black | Adults Elegant Lace-Up Shoes

Peerko Smart Shoes Business | Elegant Barefoot Dress Shoes

Sneakers

The workplace has changed and so has office footwear. Clean, simple leather trainers are now perfectly at home in professional settings, particularly when paired with smart trousers, knitwear, or relaxed tailoring.

Origo Everyday Men's Leather Caramel | Barefoot Trainers

Be Lenka Enigma Leather Sneakers | Barefoot Comfort

Ballet Flats

Never underestimate this simple feminine design. A good ballet flat is charming, flattering and always means business.

Be Lenka Sophelia | Black Barefoot Ballet Flats

Groundies Women's Lily 3.0 Black | Women's Black Ballet Flats

Boots

Whether you are pulling on a Chelsea boot or zipping into a sleek knee-high, a good boot can take you anywhere.  Barefoot boots for work are practical enough for autumn weather, smart enough to really pull together your look.

Be Lenka Symphony Black | Vegan Barefoot Long Boots

Peerko Glamour Boots Black | Stylish Barefoot Fit

Step Outside the Box

There are days when blending in isn't on the agenda. Bring your personality to the office with shoes that are made to stand out. 

Shapen Sheen Loafers Leo | Women's Barefoot Shoes

Peerko Go Boots Cosmic | Stylish & Smart Barefoot Boots