How to Choose the Right Work Shoes? The Complete Guide for 2026

Work shoes are one of the most important investments you'll make for your job. The right work shoes protect your feet, reduce fatigue, and keep you comfortable all day long. But with hundreds of models, different safety classes, and various materials, choosing can be overwhelming.

In this guide, we'll walk you step-by-step through everything you need to know to find the perfect work shoes.

1. Determine your safety class

The first and most important step: what safety class does your employer or the Occupational Health and Safety Act prescribe? The most common classes in the Netherlands are S1, S1P, and S3, each with their own protective properties.

Read our comprehensive article on the difference between S1, S1P, and S3 for more details per safety class.

2. Choose the right type: low, mid, or high

Work shoes come in three heights, each with its own advantages:

Low-cut work shoes (sneaker-style)

Maximum freedom of movement and lightweight comfort. Ideal for work where you walk a lot, squat, or kneel. The most popular choice in the Netherlands. Examples: Sparco Gymkhana, Sparco Practice.

Mid-cut work shoes

A middle ground: slightly more ankle support than low models, but still flexible. Suitable for work on uneven terrain. Examples: Sparco Indy Mid.

High-cut work shoes (boots)

Maximum ankle protection and support. Suitable for rough terrain, construction, and situations where extra stability is needed. Examples: Sparco Arctic, Sparco Targa.

3. Pay attention to the materials

Upper leather

The material of the upper largely determines the durability, breathability, and water resistance of your work shoe. The most common materials are full leather (durable, water-repellent, less breathable), mesh/textile (lightweight, very breathable, less durable), and combinations of leather and textile (the best of both worlds).

Toe protection

Modern work shoes use composite (fiberglass or plastic) instead of steel. Composite is lighter, does not conduct cold, and offers the same 200 joules of protection. All Sparco work shoes use composite toe protection.

Midsole

For S1P and S3 work shoes, a puncture-resistant midsole is mandatory. Textile midsoles (Kevlar) are lighter and more flexible than steel and cover a larger area of the sole.

Outsole

Pay attention to grip (tread depth and pattern), heat resistance (important in certain industries), and oil resistance. A good outsole makes the difference between slipping and standing firm.

4. Comfort and cushioning

Comfort is not a luxury — it is essential for your productivity and health. What should you pay attention to?

Weight: Lighter work shoes (under 600 grams) significantly reduce fatigue over a full workday. Look for models with composite protection and textile midsoles for the lowest weight.

Cushioning: EVA midsoles (the same technology as in running shoes) absorb shocks and relieve pressure on your joints. Especially important if you work on hard floors.

Breathability: Mesh panels and perforated footbeds keep your feet dry and comfortable. Important: breathability and water resistance are contradictory — you must choose what is more important for your situation.

Insole: A good insole offers extra cushioning and support. Many work shoes come with a removable insole, so you can replace it with an orthopedic one if needed.

5. Fit: how to find the right size

A work shoe that doesn't fit well, no matter how light and safe it is, is a bad work shoe. These are the golden rules for determining the correct size:

1. Measure your feet at the end of the day — your feet swell during the day and are at their largest in the evening.
2. Wear the socks you wear at work — thick work socks make a difference of half to a full size.
3. Allow a thumb's width of space — there should be about 1 cm of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
4. Walk around for a few minutes — check that your heel doesn't lift and there are no pressure points.
5. Consider insoles — if you use your own insoles, bring them with you when trying on.

Ordering online? Use our Sparco size chart for an accurate size comparison. At BRENDS, you can return for free within 14 days if the size is not right.

6. Maintenance and lifespan

With good maintenance, work shoes last significantly longer. Here are the most important tips:

After each workday: Let your work shoes dry at room temperature. Never on a heater or in direct sunlight — this damages the material. Remove the insoles to speed up drying.

Weekly: Brush off dirt and mud with a soft brush. Use a damp cloth for stubborn dirt. For leather work shoes: treat regularly with a leather care product.

When to replace? Work shoes should be replaced if the protective toe cap is damaged or deformed, the sole is worn and offers insufficient grip, the upper leather shows cracks, or the cushioning no longer feels effective (on average after 6-12 months of intensive use).

Quick checklist: choosing work shoes

Conclusion

Choosing the right work shoes doesn't have to be complicated. Start with your safety class, choose the height that suits your work, pay attention to weight and comfort, and ensure the right fit. With these steps, you'll find work shoes that keep you comfortable and safe all day long.

At BRENDS, we are happy to help you find the perfect Sparco work shoes. Still in doubt? Our customer service is happy to advise you.