The best Teacher Shoe

I have tried a lot of shoes during my teaching career. I even wore heels at the beginning of my teaching career. I tried Rothys. However, each school year I go back to my favorite teacher shoe, Naturalizer. I hope this blog helps you navigate their website, and you can find your new favorite teacher shoe.

When do I buy my teacher's shoes? I prefer to buy new school shoes each August because shoes are on sale for the summer. However, Texans only experience cold weather two months out of the year so having sandals or espadrilles are perfectly capable of being used throughout the school year. Depending on the year, I might buy some flats in April or May to get winter clearance shoes. However, there is never a wrong time to buy shoes.

I have a very hard time finding shoes. I have wide toes, but not wide feet so wide shoes don’t work for me. I also have tendonitis on the top of my left foot. I have also strained both my Achilles’ tendons in both my feet. I would love to wear tennis shoes every day, but it’s just not possible. Having comfortable shoes is a must, and I’m trying to do look professional and cute as much as possible. My go-to shoe is the Naturalizer. Naturalizer’s cushion is just far superior to most women’s dress shoes on the market.

What about the price? If you are fortunate enough to live by an outlet, expect to never pay more than $35 for shoes. This is a great deal! They will last all year long. If you want to replace the insoles, you can wear them for many years. I have found the espadrilles wear down because it rains year-round where I live, and it does destroy those shoes. Sign up for their emails! (If you don’t have a junk email dedicated to emails, you need to create one. I only look at my junk email on Saturdays, and it helps me decide when I purchase things I want versus need). I recently bought two pairs of shoes for $70.

Are you talking about the brand my grandma shops at? Yes, I am! I will be honest and tell you most of their sandals I wouldn’t ever wear. Naturalizer definitely has an old lady reputation, but I’m here to tell you to start shopping there. My grandma definitely loves them though. 80% of their sneakers scream I am 70 years old and still want to coordinate my outfits. However, 20% of their inventory would look great with some teacher outfits. They have heels and boots that are fashion-forward. Gen-Z might not like ballet flats, but who cares? I’m not wearing chucks with my dress at work (no judgment if you do). I currently have two freport flats that are used weekly. In previous years, I have worn pairs of their espadrilles all spring and summer long. I know my northern readers still experience snow in April, so I suggest looking at their water repellent boots during their Spring sale to start purchasing for next year. Try them out!

What should I buy if I must have a heel? Naturalizers have heels! They have professional closed-toed ones, and if you are looking for open-toed ones for spring and summer they have them? Are you looking for a nontraditional heel? Search lug sole flats on their website. I personally love wedges and they have plenty to choose from. Are you attending a wedding this summer and don’t want to waste money on shoes you will never wear again? You don’t have to worry about that with Naturalizer. You can use a fancy heel and teach in August.

I really care about sustainable fashion, am I able to shop at Naturalizer? Yes! They have sustainable sneakers. While options are limited, it may speak to some of my readers. Personally, I prefer tennis shoes to sneakers therfore I don’t see myself buying any in the near time future.

Do you really prefer them to Rothy’s? Yes, after I washed my Rothys there was a little snug and with my wide toes, my Nauturalizers are more comfortable. I like to wipe my shoes down to clean them, not wash them. My washer machine is not far from my living room, and I don’t want to hear my shoes going around in the machine as I get my weekend chores done. Naturalizer soles just outperform Rothy’s soles. If I’m walking over 5,000 steps in a day, I’m choosing my Naturalizer shoes.

These are LifeStride shoes I purchased on the Naturalize website.

Is there any shoe you recommend other than Naturalizer and Rothys? Yes, I love Ann Klein. They are affordable and comfortable. I usually purchase a pair at DSW. However, I find the brand limited to three colors and not a big diversity in styles. I have never tried TIEKS, but honestly, $100 for shoes would not have been in my first-year teacher budget and some habits are hard to change.

If you are looking for a gift for a new teacher or you are a teacher yourself, I hope you are ready to try Naturalizer.

*I am not affiliated with Naturalizer or any other company mentioned in this blog. This blog is not intending to be taken as medical advice.