About to start a new job as a car salesman?
Well, then you must have started shopping for suits, ties, and other essentials to look presentable right from the first day. And, choosing the dress shoes is where you probably got stuck.
I say this because I had faced a similar situation when my son Mark started working as a car salesman a few years ago. After all, there are a multitude of dress shoes to choose from, which can make the task quite confusing!
But over the years, a bit of research and some inputs from his colleagues have helped me make better choices. That’s why I’m here to guide you on this based on what I’ve gathered so far.
Hi! This is Stacy, and today I’ll help you pick the best shoes for car salesman. So, without further ado, let’s get to the details.
5 Best Shoes for Car Salesman
1. Nunn Bush Bleeker Street Loafer
I’ll start off with these Nunn Blush shoes that have always been my son’s favorite. Thanks to their stylish yet durable design, they’re still in good shape and are one of his most frequently used pairs.
Product Highlights
First things first, the shoe has a dual-density outsole made using high-quality rubber that’s resistant to frequent slipping. What does the trick is a tread pattern crafted on the rubber that enhances the durability of the outsole and adds to its traction.
As a result, you’re protected from accidental tripping or falls while walking through the car showroom. I also loved how the heel incorporates a rolling-impact zone to reduce shock during a stride.
Speaking of the surface material, the leather exterior exudes a classic appeal that makes the shoe look great with any formal get-up. Not to forget the convenient toe slip-on style of the shoe that lets you put it on within seconds while moving out. And, rest assured of a perfect fit with the efficient elastic on the twin gores on either side of the vamp.
What's There To Like About It?
The best part about this slip-on shoe is that it provides users with the comfort of athletic shoes while maintaining a charming look characteristic to dress shoes. In fact, it didn’t need any break-in time, ensuring my son’s comfort right from the first day he wore it, and his feet were never pressurized.
What makes this possible is its athletic-inspired lightweight sole that provides adequate flexibility and strength. Another great benefit is that he could mix and match his semi-casual suits with these shoes on different workdays.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I wish this shoe was easier to maintain, as I had to use a strong leather conditioning formula for retaining its shine in these few years since my son bought it. So, if you’re willing to put in the effort, this pair would definitely be one of the best you’ll come across on the market.
Pros and Cons of Nunn Bush Bleeker Street Loafer
Pros
Cons
- This classic bicycle toe slip-on provides style versatility while the twin gore elastic assures a perfect fit.
- Genuine Leather upper constructed with a classic shine to always look your best.
- KORE Outsole provides the comfort of your favorite athletic shoes with the refined look you need to look great. Developed to make walking easier and more comfortable than shoes from other brands. Features a rolling impact zone, with a dual density midsole. Slip resistant non-marking rubber pods assure positive grip, although not intended for heavy back room/restaurant use.
2. Clarks Derby Lace-Up Oxford
If you’re in love with timeless shoe styles, another option I’d highly recommend is this Derby Lace-Up Oxford Shoe from the well-known brand Clarks. Efficiently constructed using superior-grade materials, it also offers the decent business look that all salesmen desire.
Product Highlights
This classic style shoe uses a leather covering that’s lab-tested for purity, so you’re sure to get the elegance of authentic leather with this option. Moreover, its distinct shine and smart design consisting of a low-cut profile with smooth lines can enrich your overall attire considerably. Not to forget the lace-up style of the shoes that adds to the sophistication.
Another advantage is the use of quality-controlled rubber for the outsoles, just as our previous pick. This helps prevent accidental slipping and extends the lifespan of the shoe as well.
Additionally, the heels have an efficient shock-absorbing ability, which further enhances its durability.
You’ll also appreciate the moisture-resistant and breathable insole that keeps the footbed damp-free and your feet comfortable. Thus, even after a long day at work, your feet will feel healthy when you take off the shoes.
What's There To Like About It?
This derby-style shoe stands out by virtue of the extra cushioning it incorporates in the OrthoLite insoles, which is supportable and soft enough to provide ideal comfort.
My son loves the shoe primarily due to this feature, as the high-quality cushioning makes it comfortable and convenient to walk throughout the showroom. Naturally, he never has to deal with strained feet as while wearing other ordinary models, which, of course, is a great relief for me!
What's There Not To Like About It?
I was a bit disappointed to find that the shoes had a slightly different color compared to the image shown on the retail site. They were a light tan shade, whereas the color of the shoes shown online was brown dark tan. This was quite unlike the Nunn Bush Bleeker Street Loafer which came in the exact cognac shade that I saw online.
Pros and Cons of Clarks Derby Lace-Up Oxford
Pros
Cons
- Heel Height 0.98 inches
- Removable Ortholite footbed
- Ensures a flattering fit with excellent wearing comfort
3. Rockport Charles Road Cap Toe Oxford
Last year, I bought these 100% leather shoes from Rockport, one of the earliest brands to have come up with quality shoes and boots. This pair utilizes built-in technologies to offer the perfect fit and adequate comfort; no wonder it’s going strong till date.
Product Highlights
To begin with, this shoe is designed using 100% pure leather to provide the superior durability that’s needed for extensive use. And, the firm stitching from one side of the welt to another further strengthens the shoe structure.
The outer layer also looks smooth and stylish as it’s polished to perfection and designed to go well with any formal or semi-formal suit. You even get the shoes in two additional colors, viz. truffle tan and black.
Speaking about the comfort provisions on offer, the spacious toe-box with a soft fabric lining facilitates smooth and strain-free performance. Even the insole is shock-absorbing, thereby protecting your feet from accidental collisions or falls.
All in all, you can move, run, stand, or walk smoothly — just what a car salesman needs for attending to customers throughout the day.
What's There To Like About It?
Having tried a number of shoes from different brands by now, my son has grown weary of weak footbeds that develop cracks within a few months. This also pressurized his feet to some extent and has given rise to discomfort during work hours.
But, this shoe was a class apart, as its footbed was much more durable and molded to his feet over time to ensure the ideal fit. As a bonus, the padding surrounding the feet provided better comfort, promoting ultimate stability and comfort during work.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only thing that disappointed my son was an odd popping sound the shoes made while he walked, which wasn’t the case with the Clarks Derby Lace-Up Oxford shoes. However, the quality, comfort level, and longevity of the shoes exceeded my expectations and were enough to make up for this fault.
Pros and Cons of Rockport Charles Road Cap Toe Oxford
Pros
Cons
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Experience the ultimate in lightweight footwear technology, our shoes offer unparalleled comfort and reduced fatigue, perfect for all-day wear, designed with advanced breathable materials, they ensure your feet stay cool and dry
- FLEXIBILITY: Optimized Flexibility for Active Lifestyles, experience superior movement and enhanced comfort with our shoes, designed for dynamic flexibility and support in every step
- CUSHIONED COMFORT: Rockport's lightweight comfort technology absorbs step shock and provides long-lasting cushioning in the heel
4. Ecco New Jersey Lace-Up Oxford
Next on my list is this model from the European brand Ecco, which is perfect for salesmen who lay equal importance on performance and style. My son has reserved this one for his special days at work, such as during auto trade shows.
Product Highlights
First of all, this shoe uses impressive full-grain leather on the top and has triple-stitched seams on its vamp skin, which are part of traditional shoe styling techniques. However, this style surprisingly manages to impart an overall modern look to the shoe that everyone will love. Not to forget the thin shoe laces that add to the elegance of this model and help complete the business look.
Furthermore, you’ll feel just as good while wearing it for long hours at a stretch, thanks to its interior lining made of soft fabric. Even the insole is leather-covered to provide additional cushioning and comfort to the feet.
Speaking of the footbed, it has a bit of cushioning too and efficiently absorbs moisture throughout. This ensures that the feet feel cozy as you walk around while catering to your customers.
Lastly, the shoe is available in two other appealing color variants, viz. cognac, and mink.
What's There To Like About It?
The stability of these shoes is another factor that’s often compromised by standard brands, which Mark has very well understood in these few years. In fact, he barely escaped a fall several times while wearing some models with weak and unstable outsoles.
That’s why, I once chose this option having a polyurethane sole with a shock-proof structure and added cushioning. And, I was glad that it worked pretty well to keep his feet stable throughout.
What's There Not To Like About It?
When it comes to long-term durability, this shoe loses out to the Rockport Charles Cap Toe Oxford. That’s because the insoles and leather upper might not be able to withstand extensive use for more than a year, unlike the former. So, it’s best to use this model sparingly to retain its durability and visual appeal.
Pros and Cons of Ecco New Jersey Lace-Up Oxford
Pros
Cons
- Bicycle toe oxford featuring four blind eyelet lacing and lightly padded collar
- Moisture absorbent insole
- Direct injected, one component polyurethane outsole with shock point for traction
5. Florsheim Medfield Cap Toe Oxford
I’d also like to talk about this Florsheim shoe that one of Mark’s colleagues had suggested a few months ago. It has rendered a stable performance so far and comes with visually appealing clean lines that render a formal look.
Product Highlights
This classic style shoe has a flexible and highly durable rubber sole that eases swift movement and stays intact despite extensive use. In fact, the sole can efficiently withstand any sudden shock during movement, thereby promoting a steady lifespan of the shoe.
Also, the moisture-wicking and breathable Suedetec lining adds to its convenience of use while keeping the feet comfortable throughout. This means you don’t have to worry about the discomfort arising from wet shoes while attending to your clients.
And in the process, it also prevents the growth of germs inside the shoe, thereby keeping the feet healthy and strain-free all the while.
Another significant feature is the full cushioning added to the insoles combined with shock-absorbing OrthoLite high-rebound foam. Together, these materials enhance comfort and add to the stability of these shoes.
What's There To Like About It?
Mark was initially a bit skeptical about buying this model as the daily-use Florsheim he had bought years ago wasn't a perfect fit.
But, his colleague assured him that the fitting wouldn’t be a problem with this one, and he was right! The toe box was spacious enough to accommodate the foot comfortably, and he said it felt neither too tight nor too loose while walking. In fact, I can say it’s among the best-fitting shoes in his collection!
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only thing I felt could be improved was the leather quality, as I often had to polish and dust the upper to maintain the burnished look of this shoe. In this regard, it falls behind the ECCO New Jersey Lace-Up Oxford that utilizes a much more durable full-grain leather variety.
Pros and Cons of Florsheim Medfield Cap Toe Oxford
Pros
Cons
- CLASSIC STYLE: The Medfield features clean lines and a burnished finish and comes in a variety of patterns.
- QUALITY: The uppers are genuine leather. The linings are breathable, moisture-wicking Suedetec. The sole is durable, flexible rubber.
- COMFORT: The insole is a fully cushioned, removable footbed with stability heel cup and shock absorbing Ortholite High Rebound Foam.
Buyers Guide
Since Mark started working as a car salesman, both he and I have made quite a few erroneous choices with regard to dress shoes. And, all of those were hasty decisions made merely by glancing through the specifications of some models.
While some of the shoes started giving in after a few months of regular use, others didn’t provide the expected comfort and safety. Also, it resulted in a loss of valuable effort, time, and money.
I soon realized that before making a choice, it was crucial to consider some key factors which affected the long-term performance of such shoes. And since then, I’ve made it a point to take these into account.
So, here’s a brief insight into the most significant points you should consider while choosing the best shoes for car salesman:
1. Professional Look
One of the key requisites for the job of a car salesman is maintaining a decent attire while interacting with clients. And, good-looking shoes complete the dress code for such professionals. So, make sure you don’t choose a pair that might not give you a formal look.
It’s best to go for classic styles or modern versions with clean lines as that will help maintain an overall professional get-up. And as for the color, I’d suggest going for brown or black pairs as they mostly make for a great combination with any formal dress.
2. Leather Quality
The leather quality of a shoe determines its appearance and longevity. As such, it’s crucial to check whether the chosen model uses pure and long-lasting leather. Another benefit of going for quality leather is that it ensures better foot comfort.
While going through the details of any product, make sure to ascertain whether it comes with 100% pure leather. You can also scan verified product reviews to know what customers are saying about the leather quality.
3. Comfort
Remember that comfort is the ultimate objective when you’re selecting a shoe for your job as a car salesman. You’ll need to stand for hours while dealing with many visitors at the car showroom, so the shoe should keep your feet strain-free and healthy.
To ensure this, it’s essential to consider different factors such as the cushioning on its footbed, the softness of the leather used, and the nature of its outsoles. That’s why you should check each of these parts to ensure they’re suitable for extensive use.
4. Fitting
Getting the best fitting is another crucial factor to keep in mind in this regard. After all, an inappropriately fitting pair of shoes will make you uncomfortable at work and might even affect your confidence while dealing with clients.
Pick the pair that uses direct-inject technology to ensure the best fit. Also, make sure to correctly compare the measurement of your feet and toe with the shoe dimensions.
5. Moisture-Resistance
Most of the standard dress shoes on the market often fail to prevent excess moisture in their toe boxes, causing discomfort and sometimes even leading to health hazards. As such, ensuring proper air circulation within the shoes is a key to making the right choice.
You’ll have to devote hours to dealing with different customers in the course of your work as an automobile salesman. So, don’t miss out on picking shoes that come with breathable and moisture-resistant insoles.
6. Durability
It’s equally important for a car salesman to ensure that the chosen shoe is suited for extensive use for months at a stretch. The materials used should be durable enough to withstand regular use. So, it’s best to go for options that come with an efficient design and utilize genuine leather and other manufacturing materials of superior quality.
That’s why you should opt for brands that accord to all requirements for providing the desired durability.
7. Budget
Considering the budget is a vital factor when it comes to buying any item for long-term use.
Now, you should ideally pick a model that’s in line with your budget but shouldn’t compromise the quality in the process. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that the cost-effective alternative you’re going for is in accordance with the standard needed for your job as a car salesman.
8. Warranty
Before you finally decide to purchase a shoe, make it a point to check the availability of a service guarantee or warranty. This will ensure you to reach out to the brand if you face any issues within the warranty period.
FAQs
Yes, a breathable dress shoe that comes with full cushioning can prevent unwanted odors by promoting natural air circulation. Ensure that the insole of the shoe you’re choosing is breathable enough to prevent excessive sweating which causes such odors.
It’s always better to go for shoes that come with a leather upper, as pure full-grain leather is perhaps the most durable and long-lasting shoe material.
Notably, the types considered best in this regard are Oxfords, Derby, and Loafers.
In case you opt for an Oxford, keep in mind that the traditional varieties are more stylish. However, comfort Oxfords come with thicker soles that provide more comfort for long work days.
My Final Recommendation
With that, I’ve almost reached the end of my guide. I hope it has helped clear all your doubts regarding dress shoes suitable for car salesmen. Now, it’s time to take your pick from the options I’ve suggested.Â
But, in case you’re still unable to make a choice, here’s a quick recap of my personal favorites from the list. The Nunn Bush Bleeker Street Loafer is the overall best option, in my opinion, as it provides the right balance of comfort, durability, and style that car salesmen generally look for.Â
However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option of similar quality, the Clarks Derby Lace-Up Oxford will be an ideal choice.Â
That’s all from my end today. See you with another guide soon!Â










