Massage therapist jobs involve long work hours and can get quite exhausting without the right pair of shoes.
My daughter has been in this profession for some years now and has had her share of ups and downs. However, the most common complaint that I keep getting is that her feet hurt after a long day at the massage parlor.
So, I thought I should help her by trying out a few shoes which would keep foot aches at bay and help her relax at work. And I thought, why not share the reviews with my readers too?
Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today I will take you through some of the best shoes for massage therapists that you can try! You will also find a buyer’s guide that would help you make the selection.
So, without any more delay, let’s dive right in!
Top 5 Shoe For Massage Therapists Reviews
1. Skechers 13510
For people who have a penchant for wearing comfortable shoes, the Skechers 13510 is a must-try. This pair of shoes is perfect for working women who are busy throughout the day. Even when working in the absence of anti-fatigue mats, you can rest assured that your feet won't get tired.
Product Highlights
The reason that this pair of shoes made it to my list is the impressive features that it comes with. Thanks to its exceptional design, your feet will be able to respond to all types of surfaces without feeling any fatigue. It comes with GOImpulse sensors that make your stride better and keep foot ache at bay.
Not to mention, you can work long hours wearing this pair of shoes. They are so lightweight that you won't feel you're wearing anything. The design is minimalist and incorporates flexible paneling to ensure that the shoes qualify for breathable wear. This is possible because of the 360-degree responsive flexibility that each shoe provides.
Moreover, if you often experience pain in the ankle and knee joints, you have to give this pair a try. The sole present in the shoes is impact absorbent and works to improve your walking experience, alongside tackling leg aches.
What's There To Like About It?
As a user, the most important thing for me when buying shoes is to check how comfortable they are. And the Skechers 13510 scores a perfect ten on that. Whether you are working in the massage parlor, running errands, or simply taking a walk post dinner, these shoes will become your favorite companion.
Moreover, my daughter wouldn’t need to worry about having stinky feet after wearing the shoes for long hours. The antimicrobial sock liner helps prevent sweating and thereby restricts foot odor. As your feet sweat less, you’ll be able to walk more comfortably with a better grip.
What's There Not To Like About It?
There's hardly any complaint that I have with how well this pair of shoes functions. However, it is true that some people might face issues finding the right size. I would suggest that you always buy a size bigger than what you generally buy. If you are making an offline purchase, you won’t face this problem.
Pros and Cons of Skechers 13510
Pros
Cons
- Innovative placement allows the GOimpulse sensors to move together and independently
- Radically lightweight - No extra material, no extra weight
- 393 Degree Responsive Flexibility - SKECHERS GOwalk flexes and twists
2. Skechers 54600-BBK
Next up, I have another entry from Skechers, the 54600-BBK, which is an easy-to-use and comfortable pair of slip-ons. You can quickly put on or take off these shoes without having to spend a lot of time on them. And when it comes to cleaning, this pair won't give you a hard time at all.
Product Highlights
The first thing that caught my attention was the exceptional fit of the shoe. Its upper portion is made of mesh fabric that allows the shoe to adapt to the users' feet and provide an excellent grip. Also, the slip-on design, along with the heel pull-on loop, makes it super convenient for the user to put on the shoes.
Moreover, they are great for long-duration use. The soles are of high quality and help absorb impact. There's a midsole and an outsole that provide a great level of comfort and cushioning. As such, this pair will help improve your walking pattern and will only place the slightest pressure on your heels.
Not to mention, the insoles of this pair of shoes are pretty noteworthy. They not only provide excellent cushioning and support but also have a range of other features, such as high-rebound cushioning with responsive feedback.
What's There To Like About It?
What I loved most about these shoes is that they are pretty lightweight. The pair is not bulky and is suitable for all-day wear. It is designed in a way that the user can wear the slip-ons for the longest hours without feeling any foot fatigue.
When wearing them, your feet will receive extra cushioning because of the padded heel. This padding makes your stepping better and keeps your posture right.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Unlike the Skechers 13510, this product does not come with a high-quality GOImpulse sensor, and this might make the shoe feel a bit stiff initially. Simply put, the shoes might require a break-in period before it gets comfortable to wear. When I first tried this pair before buying one for my daughter, it was pretty stiff, and things only got better after a few weeks of use.
Pros and Cons of Skechers 54600-BBK
Pros
Cons
- SUPERIOR COMFORT AND SUPPORT: Advanced Goga Max insole technology combined with 5GEN cushioning provides responsive comfort for running shoes for men
- BREATHABLE DESIGN: Nearly seamless air mesh upper construction ensures optimal ventilation and comfort for these mens running shoes
- CONVENIENT SLIP ON STYLE: Easy wear design with padded heel and pull-on loop makes these sneakers for men perfect for an active lifestyle
3. Dansko 806020202 Women's Professional Clog
If you like leather shoes, you are in luck! The Dansko 806020202 Women's Professional Clog is made of high-quality leather and is super comfortable to wear. This pair of shoes is perfect for your massage therapy sessions as they will prevent your feet from getting strained.
Product Highlights
Because of the leather sock, you can wear the Dansko Clogs for extended hours during massage therapy sessions. What further adds to the comfort is the EVA insole and the PU midsole, which also work as shock absorbers. So, you can rest assured that your feet will always be well protected from injuries and sprains.
These clog shoes are not only comfortable but also quite easy to use. The design is such that you can easily slip in and out of them. You don't need to spend a long time tying laces. In other words, they are easy to wear even when in a hurry.
Moreover, you would be happy to know that the pair will help you work peacefully even when the massage rooms have slippery tiles. The outsole is slip-resistant, so there is no way that you'll slip or twist your ankle when wearing these shoes.
What's There To Like About It?
What I liked best about these shoes is that they look very stylish and come in 20 color options. Unlike most other shoes that I checked, this pair is made of leather and looks good with all types of attires. The shoes are sturdy, comfortable, and classy; everything a pair of shoes should be. To be honest, they have made a great addition to my daughter’s shoe collection.
She was quite impressed with the heel padding, which provides additional support during therapy sessions.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Like the Skechers 54600-BBK, this one, too, is a slip-on clog but in comparison with the former this pair is a bit bulky. People who are very short and lanky might find the shoes to be heavy. So, I would advise that you first try them out before making a purchase.
Pros and Cons of Dansko 806020202 Women's Professional Clog
Pros
Cons
- Your heel should lift up and down with every step, so if you are a half size, you may be more comfortable sizing up (for example, if you are a US 7.5, you may be more comfortable in an EU size 38).
- Step out in the iconic Dansko Professional clog.
- Leather upper.
4. Birkenstock 74011-35 Slip Resistant Work Shoe
Birkenstock is a highly popular brand on the market, and its Slip-Resistant Work Shoe is a must-try for every massage therapist. This pair is designed in a way that as you walk, it molds to the shape of your feet. It will keep your body weight well distributed over the whole foot and prevent all forms of strain.
Product Highlights
As the name suggests, these are great work shoes that are designed to provide the user with the ultimate comfort. They are available in three color options - blue, black, and brown, so you can make a choice based on your preference.
This slip-on clog features a minimalist design. You won't find laces or insoles that would've added extra weight to this pair of shoes. Without the additional features, the shoe is a lot less bulky.
Moreover, it is important to remember that massage rooms are not very different from bedrooms and often have magnificent but slippery tiles. This clog has grooves present on the outsole, which prevents you from slipping and injuring yourself. Also, the design is such that you can slip in or out of it as you please.
What's There To Like About It?
This pair of shoes is pretty sleek and there are not too many attachments present in the clog, which makes them pretty streamlined and comfortable to wear.
Also, I loved how adaptive the shoes are. As I have mentioned earlier, they are designed in a way that adapts to the shape of your feet to provide the ultimate comfort. Each shoe provides an additional arch and heel support that is not present in most shoes designed for massage therapists.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The complaint that I have with this pair of shoes is that it does not offer too many color variations. I have seen many young people complaining that there are not too many design variations and that they would have preferred some more options. When compared to the Dansko 806020202 Women's Professional Clog, which had 20 plus color options, this one only has three.
Pros and Cons of Birkenstock 74011-35 Slip Resistant Work Shoe
Pros
Cons
- The sizes mentioned on the bottom of the sole with M and L represent Men and Ladies
- Certified Anti-slip outsole
- Item is dishwasher safe (can be washed in the dishwasher after removing the insole)
5. Brooks Men's Ghost 14 Running Shoes
As the final entry on my list, I have the Brooks Men's Ghost 14 Running Shoes for you. This shoe will make for a great companion for your massage therapy sessions and will be a great pick if you go running as well. That’s why I decided to get it for my husband.
Product Highlights
The first thing to note about this product is that it is super comfortable to use. It comes with a midsole that features DNA LOFT cushioning that is soft and comfortable to wear. This type of midsole is pretty durable and won't be too squishy.
Coming to the inner portion of the shoe, you will find soft fabric lining that creates a premium feel. Also, the upper part of the shoe has a mesh cover. This prevents your feet from sweating by increasing breathability. So, you can say goodbye to stinky feet.
Moreover, you would be happy to know that each shoe comes with a removable foam insole. This provides comfort to your underfoot and the ultimate support to your feet. The soles are pretty soft, durable, and responsive so you can wear the shoes for long hours without experiencing any foot fatigue.
What's There To Like About It?
I loved the fact that this pair of shoes comes in a range of beautiful colors. If you like neutral shades, you will find beautiful browns and grays.
Moreover, I loved how this brand focuses on providing support to the users and ensuring that their feet are comfortable. For those who have to work for long hours in the massage room, this shoe is the best bet as it will provide you with the ultimate comfort.
What's There Not To Like About It?
As I have mentioned, this pair is great for running too. However, after using it multiple times, my husband noted that it is good for brisk walks and light running. If you are planning to cover a marathon wearing this pair, I suggest you find a more suitable pair of shoes. You can try the Birkenstock 74011-35 instead, as they are slip-resistant and ideal for wear during weekend hiking trails.
Pros and Cons of Brooks Men's Ghost 14 Running Shoes
Pros
Cons
- THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a smooth ride that won’t distract from the fun of the run. The Ghost 14 offers a simplified midsole construction which creates more seamless transitions. This Brooks Ghost 14 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. We recommend ordering Brooks running shoes 1/2 to one size larger than your dress shoe.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: The Ghost 14 offers neutral support while providing high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Ghost 13
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability - yet it feels lighter than ever. DNA LOFT now makes up the entire midsole, for a softer, smoother, ride.
Buyers Guide
When looking for the right pair of shoes for your massage therapist gig, there are a range of factors to take note of. Without considering these vital factors, you might spend a lot on the wrong pair of shoes.
So, to help you, I have listed down some of the most important points to keep in mind when choosing the best shoes for massage therapists. Let’s quickly take a look.
1. Durability
When a massage therapist buys shoes, it is very important that the pair is sturdy and durable. Massage therapists have to work for long hours, and their shoes should be resilient enough to take the load. Buying a pair that is durable is essential as that will save you the trouble of repairing the shoes every now and then.
Repair and replacements can be time-taking and costly, so be mindful, and invest in a pair that won’t give you much hassle. To ensure that the product you buy is durable, you need to check the material it is made of.
When choosing shoes, select a pair with the upper portion made of leather, suede, or canvas. These materials are pretty sturdy and won’t get damaged easily. For the sole, however, you must choose rubber. Select ones that work as good padding and are not too stiff, resulting in foot aches.
And it is not just the material that you should be careful about. The durability of shoes depends on how well they are stitched. So, keep an eye out for that as well! Moreover, it goes without saying that the durability of a pair also depends on how well you maintain it. Always ensure that you give the shoes a weekly wash and fix any stitching problem as soon as you notice it.
2. Comfort
Massage therapists have to move around a lot when attending to their clients. And if you want to do that well, and for a long time, you definitely need the right pair of shoes. You must pick comfortable shoes to ensure that your feet experience no strain. To be more efficient at work, your feet should be relaxed.
There are mainly three things that you should look at when measuring how comfortable the shoes are:
- Size
- Padding
- Elasticity
A pair of shoes which is of the wrong size will cause you more trouble than good. The shoe size should be correct if you would like to wear it comfortably. Other than that, look out for good padding and select a pair that has good elasticity as it will enable you to be comfortable even when shifting foot positions.
Also, it is best to select shoes that are lightweight and not bulky. This will enable you to wear them comfortably without straining your feet.
3. Cost
Price is a major factor when it comes to selecting the best pair of shoes for your massage therapist job. It is true that the more features the shoes come with, the higher they are priced. But when buying a pair, remember that costly shoes are not always the best. There is no point in paying exorbitant rates for features you might not need.
The best thing to do is chart down your requirements and budget before hitting the market. Look at the value offered and the price and try not to overshoot the budget. You should be able to get the best bang for your buck!
Some of you might be inclined to buy second-hand shoes to save some money. I would suggest not doing that. Second-hand shoes are known to often spread fungal infections. In an attempt to save money, you might end up experiencing a foot infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Massage sessions are generally long, and if you are wearing shoes that are too heavy or bulky, there’s a good chance that you’ll experience foot aches. I would advise that you always go for lighter variants, which are flexible and will help you move around with ease.
When buying massage shoes, it is best that you opt for materials that are lightweight, flexible, and breathable. Synthetic fabrics with mesh covers are often preferred for this purpose.
You can also opt for leather shoes, provided that they are soft and flexible. Some of them might require a bit of a break-in period. So, take that into consideration before making the purchase. I suggest that you stay away from tough leather as that might compromise easy movement.
My Final Recommendations
With that, it’s a wrap!Â
I hope that you enjoyed reading this guide as much as I enjoyed compiling all the information for you. To be a great massage therapist, besides acquiring the skills, you need the right set of attire for the job. That includes shoes as well.Â
While selecting a pair, make sure that they have the right grooves underneath to ensure that you do not slip and fall.Â
In case you are still on the fence about which one to purchase, let me help you. For its brilliant design, the Skechers 13510 remains my all-time favorite. And if you are on the lookout for a pair that requires minimal maintenance, give the Skechers 54600-BBK a try.Â
Until next time, take care!Â