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The 5 Best Shoes for Hairdressers & Beauticians
The workplace is where we spend a fair share of our allocated 24hours as humans. Beauticians are hardworking people who are always up and doing, pouncing about on their heels trying to achieve the best possible haircut, thus making their feet a centre of attraction and making the need for perfect foot care absolutely important because hell knows no fury like the agony and misery of a hairdresser with wrong shoes!
The Importance of Correct Footwear for Hairdressers & Beauticians
The need for knowledge of the best shoes for hairdressers becomes very important - something specifically made for hairstylists, for more effective work and tolerable environment. Some of you might be wondering what is the importance of having a specific work shoe as a hairdresser; well the answer is simple – since hairdressers are always on their feet, it is important that they wear shoes that will keep their foot in alignment, something that is not too tight and provides enough leeway to move around. Wearing tight footwear could lead to some gruesome foot conditions like:
Corns:
This is when there is formation of hard, dead skin mostly around the joints due to extensive pressure on the specific area mostly by a poor choice of footwear. Loose footwear’s (that allow the foot glide recklessly about) and closed back shoes (that put pressure on the heels) are common examples.
Nail Issues:
As a hairdresser, you work to make people look beautiful and sometimes forget the need to look after your own self. Wearing tight shoes with little to no toe box allowance is extremely bad as it can lead to nail deformations due to intense pressure. Thus causing things like ingrown toenails and fungal infections to thrive.
Athlete's Foot:
This is a nerve wrecking fungal infection that occurs due to lack of breathability in footwear thus leading to a damp environment favourable to fungi. It is also very contagious, with intense symptoms like itching, flaking of skin and inflammation. This is why as a hairdresser who works long hours, you need footwear that allows your foot to breathe and stay dry.
Flat Feet (AKA Collapsed Arches):
Flat feet is when a foot has low or no arches at all. Mostly caused due to continuous pressure on the Achilles tendon and all muscles found at the back of the leg. This causes a strain on the supporting ligaments and with time a total collapse of the arches paired with pain on the heel area.
Joint Pain:
Prolonged use of a shoe that does not give you all the balance you need at work can ultimately lead to joint problems like arthritis and kneecap pain. Especially with high heels, as the heels tend to bend a lot to compensate to the lack of proper shock absorption at the sole.
Back Pain:
This is mostly common amongst the heel lovers; improper footwear at work over a prolonged period of time will definitely take a toll on your back. This is why, as a hairdresser it is wise to stick to low shoes, and if you do opt for heels make sure they are good ones.
Stay Away from Heels:
Generally, heels are bad for hairdressers, here are some reasons:
- Heels can cause a painful swelling at the back of the heel
- Puts the feet in unnatural positions, which can lead to injuries
- Can cause ankle injuries and sprains
- Can cause a pain under the foot, commonly referred to as plantar fasciitis
So one thing is certain, heels are a resounding NO NO for hairdressers when it comes to appropriate work footwear.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Pair of Hairdresser Shoes
To be more informed on what shoes are going to serve you best as a hairdresser, here are some tips to have in mind.
Must Have Enough Toe Box Room:
While picking out that killer pair of shoes, you might want to make sure that it has adequate room up front. The toe box plays a very important role when it comes to shoes and comfort, so you want to pick a shoe with a spacious toe box to avoid cramping of the toes.
The toe box needs to be wide enough to accommodate all 5 toes comfortably. Be aware that how good a toe box fits will determine on the shape of your foot! This has more to do with not just the space but also the depth of the toe box. Someone with a wide foot needs a deep toe box for proper foot accommodation.
Consider the Durability of the Shank:
A durable shank will provide more comfort and support to your foot, thus it doesn’t need to be flexible. A proper pair of shoes is one that cannot be easily squeezed at the heel counter.
The Sole:
This is a very important factor to look at for; the shoe needs to have a good insole system that is well padded, soft and an excellent shock absorber. The insole should also fit the shape of your foot, so you might want to consider buying a shoe that comes with removable insoles, this way you can opt in for a nice orthotic insole. Or you can just simply look for an orthopedic shoe for hairstylists (we will get to this soon!)
The Heel:
As a general rule of thumb, it is always wise to go for shoes with a small bit of heel (about half an inch) for more comfort and less damage on impact.
Shoe Materials/Durability:
The shoe needs to be durable enough, with the upper parts produced from quality, organic materials to help improve comfort and allow air into the shoe to keep it dry and relaxed.
The 5 Best Shoes for Hairdressers
To help you reduce the stress of shoe hunting, we have gathered info on five (5) of the best hairdresser shoes. Have a look!
1. AETREX WOMEN’S ERICA BALLET FLAT
The Erica ballet flat is a wonderful choice for women looking for a pair of footwear that suits their busy and hectic schedules. Something that is comfortable and still borders on the line of classy and chic. These pair of flats are made from lush imported leather, with a perfect blend of balance, alignment and support thanks to its amazing Lynco ortho foot bed.
Features
- Simple yet classy design
- Snug fit
- Comes with a Lynco ortho foot bed
- Comes with foam cushions for even better comfort
- Has an anit-bacterial technology to combat bacteria and keep the foot dry and clean
- Moderately priced
- Has enough traction to support walking on various surfaces
2. DANSKO MEN’S WAYNE SLIP-ON
A nice pair of shoes for the hardworking male hairdresser! This is also made from imported leather and comes with a synthetic sole with a platform of about 0.75inch. The upper part of this shoe is made from full grain leather and also has a padded collar. One thing we love bout this shoe is its snug fit and simplicity – which just proves that less complicated is always the best in life!
Features
- Simple and elegant design
- Snug fit
- Made from imported leather and synthetic sole
- Padded collar for more comfort
3. DANSKO PROFESSIONAL CLOGS
This clog made by DANSKO is another amazing creation geared towards hairdressers, as this clog provides you with all the comfort and support your foot will need on a busy day at the salon. It comes with a padded instep collar, a vibrant rubber sole and spacious toe box. Of course this dainty clog is fashionable and available in superb colors/prints.
One key feature of this clog is its AMAZING shock absorption system as it puts the foot in a forward position which encourages a light feeling while walking about – you will basically be bouncing about doing your hairdressing duties without a care in the world.
Features
- Glossy and intricate design for a clog
- Slip resistant
- Removable insoles (great for custom orthotics)
- Comes with an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance
- Wide toe box for superb toe accommodation
- Shock absorbent
4. CROCS SPECIALIST II
So many people have their own opinions about crocs and whether or not they are gross or not, BUT before you brush off the thought, you should remember that the ultimate goal here is comfort at your workplace yeah? So eyes on the price!
The Crocs Specialist II is a unisex shoe that was designed dearly with foot health and comfort in mind. As a matter of fact, this product boasts of 360-degree comfort! You can’t get such elsewhere now can you? Oh, it also meets workplace standards (with superb anti-slip threads, high heel, waterproof build and thick foot bed) this croc is made to weather all storms!
Features
- Great for extended periods of use
- Comes with an enclosed toe
- Easy to take care of
- Comes with a back heel strap
5. SALOMON MEN’S SPEEDCROSS 3 TRAIL RUNNING SHOES
This is a sweet option for men who want something that is more masculine and sporty too! The Speedcross 3 Trail is an excellent choice then. It is made of imported and synthetic materials which boast of durability. The shoe comes with Sensifit technology and Quicklace systems for an improved experience. There is also the presence of an anti debris mesh on the upper part of the shoe to keep it fungi free, dry and clean.
Features
- Fashionable design
- Comes with EVA midsoles for extreme shock absorption
- Has a protective toe cap (made from rubber)
- Functions on Sensifit and Quicklace systems for improved performance
- Shoe is very true to its size and comes in over 25 various colors
Before you go…
These are just some examples of the best shoes for hairdressers, as there are tons of shoes out there, some are good enough, while some will leave you in pain and fury, so make sure you follow our guide and pick only the best quality because foot health is so important! And as a hairdresser this is footwear you will be stuck with for a good portion of the day so be wise! However, our recommended overall pick will have to be the Crocs Specialist II because this footwear is the true definition of comfort at the workplace – that is, if you are into crocs. Generally all the shoes aforementioned should do the trick.
