9 Australian creatives share their go-to work shoes
IMAGE VIA @SHAAKIRAHJUSTINE/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY RUBY STALEY
Where comfort meets style.
The recent uptake of flexible working has created more freedom in the way many of us dress for our day jobs. Whether you’re a highly-skilled creative or a more traditional corporate worker, style remains a consideration but function typically comes out on top. Especially when it comes to footwear.
Though many creative roles don’t call for strict dress codes (or any code at all), many of us harbour a love for a special pair of shoes that bring us comfort and support, even on our most stressful days. On days when I’m pulling apart my wardrobe to figure out an outfit, I tend to gravitate towards my Dr Martens 8053 Quad Shoes.
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They tend to go with just about anything and they’re possibly the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. Whether it’s for the pursuit of comfort or in pulling a look, here’s what some of our favourite creatives love wearing on their feet while excelling at their chosen fields. After all, a good day at work starts from the ground up.
Munasib Hamid, she/her, DJ and creative
These classic Dr Martens Chelsea Boots are synonymous with Munasib! Ask anybody who knows me – they know these are my boots. I’ve had them for a couple of years now and they’re the perfect boot, [they] go with everything and have this sleek look to them from the front and side with the platform! If you scroll through my IG, you’ll see them featured in many different ways with many different looks: western clothes, eastern clothes and some of my fusion ’fits. My trusty black shoe, I love you!
Sisi Ludbey, she/her, designer
I bought these Vans because one day because I realised every other pair of sneakers that I owned was pink. It was time for a shoe that went with everything. Now all my pink sneakers are sad because they sit at home while I wear these every day. These go with anything so are super easy to style and comfortable – which for me is key.
Grace Ko, she/her, Founder of Baobei
I bought these silver ballet flats on the side of the street in Taipei for $30, and I was ecstatic. Is this what finding love in a hopeless place feels like? Honestly, I was actually after the Maison Margiela Silver Tabi Ballerina Shoes but I decided to go for the dupe. I take the rubbish out in them, I wine and dine in them, I do almost everything in them. I wear them with cargo shorts, lace tights, with a pair of oversized jeans – I’m yet to find anything they don’t go with.
Kitty, she/her, Co-Founder of Lucky Tooth Gems
My go-to boots! This is a vintage pair of square-toe boots my sister bought for me for my birthday (a classic Facebook Marketplace find). They are surprisingly so comfy! I wear them to work to feel a little more professional at our tooth gem studio as they elevate any outfit. When it’s warm enough, I love to pair them with some track shorts and a sweater, otherwise with some big baggy black jeans and a button-down men’s tee. I love having a backup uniform so I don’t have to think hard when I wake up in the morning, and these boots are a staple.
Shaakirah, she/her, Content Coordinator at Pash Social
I was slow to the Crocs cult, but these pink platforms are super comfortable and add a pop of colour to any outfit! I love how customisable they are and how each charm is an extension of my personality. They’re perfect for scurrying around the office and bring the fun to any work fit.
Meaghan Sinclair, she/her, Marketing Coordinator at SÜK Workwear
Dr Martens Jadon in Pisa Leather. I have worn them three to four days a week since I got them approximately 18 months ago. My very first pair of black Docs lived 10 glorious years, [and I’m] hoping to beat that record. My wardrobe is quite eclectic and colourful. [It’s] a mixture of Sük (of course), bold prints, giant dresses and cowboy hats.
Black staple boots are a must in order to bring harmony… [and] on to the boring (but important!) stuff. The laces provide good support for the ankles. The rubber platform sole has more energy return as I step, and takes longer to wear down. The side zip makes them easy to chuck on when I’m rolling out of bed and running late. And, these bad boys boost me to six feet tall. What a winner.
Emma Davison, she/her, hairdresser at Extra Silky
These are my Asics and I love wearing them the most! I initially bought this brand for its durability and then I picked the style that most suits my personal style. I like that they tie in with most of my looks. They’re my cutest trainers to dress up and I pair them with absolutely everything. They’re extremely comfortable for someone on their feet for 10-plus hours, that’s the priority! Sometimes I’ll cycle to work and they’re great for that too. Active, cute and comfy!
Zali Guecia-Ghelardini, she/her, model
When it comes to choosing my favourite shoes to wear to work, it’s quite a challenging question. Each morning, as I wake up, I engage in the delightful task of planning my outfit for the day. For me, it’s a reflection of my mood, and I make my wardrobe selection accordingly.
… Every day brings a unique look or vibe, making it difficult for me to settle on a single pair of shoes… I thoroughly enjoy coordinating colours, which means that when I opt for a pair of Jordan 1 Obsidian shoes, my outfit revolves around blue tones. On the other hand, black and white Panda Dunks are incredibly versatile, effortlessly complementing a wide range of outfits.
Now, let’s talk about high-top brown Ugg boots. They emanate a cozy and fun vibe with their fluffy texture and warm brown tones. Currently, I’m absolutely obsessed with wearing them, especially in the chilly weather of Melbourne. They not only keep me warm but also perfectly match my preference for earthy brown tones. Thus, my favourite work shoes at the moment would have to be the Anya Platform Ugg Boots.
Anucia de Boer, she/her, model and Founder of The Salty Sweet
Shoes are the trickiest thing for me when it comes to fashion. Blessed with a wide size-11 foot, I’m just beyond the size range of most women’s shoes. Which hurts because I love shoes!
Sneakers are my fail-safe and also convenient for my multi-hyphenate life. My current faves are my Adidas sneakers. Some days I’ll be going from model mode on set… into business owner life meeting with clients. Styling a look with my sneakers lets me be comfortable, show off my personality and feel confident.
Working for myself also means I spend a lot of time at home in trackies, so there are so many gorgeous things in my wardrobe waiting for their moment. I love to style my ‘fancier’ pieces back with my sneakers so I can wrap myself in my favourite clothes and still feel that relaxed and strong energy that sneakers bring to an outfit. Here, I’m wearing my mum’s vintage shirt, Zara pants, Collective Closets socks, Adidas sneakers and my grandmother’s chain.
Victoria Houllis, she/her, nail artist at Mannequin Hands
They’re the Martine Rose Shox! I had the great luck of having them fit me when they weren’t the right size for my friend (sorry Juliette). I wear them a few times a week, they’re comfy but cute – so even when I’m covered in nail dust I feel somewhat put together! I wear them with everything! There’s nothing they don’t work with.
Allie Daisy King, she/her, content creator and teacher
As a kindergarten teacher, I like to go full Jessica Day-core when I am teaching. My star Mary Janes from Acne Studios are my current work go-to shoe, as they are the perfect combination of cute, professional and comfortable. I love how they elevate any look to a Pinterest girlie-esque fit and as a bonus, the kids love them!
For more of the best work shoes, head here.
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