Teachers, Invest In Good Shoes

Posted by Barb on February 17, 2010

As teachers, we are constantly on their feet, moving around the classroom talking to our students to make sure they are on task or to answer questions.  Even when presenting a lesson in front of the class, you are most likely moving among the white or interactive board, your desk, laptop, or other pieces of equipment.  In order to due this affectively, invest in comfortable shoes. Think of good shoes as a must have teaching tool, just like your computer or lunchbox.

Now this doesn’t give you permission to wear ugly shoes just because they are comfortable.  Remember, teaching is a profession, so dress like you are a professional.  It also doesn’t mean you have to make a trendy fashion statement.  When you are shopping for teacher appropriate shoes, here are some things to think about.

Try them on. In order to get a sense of what comfortable, stylish shoes look and feel like, head to an expensive shoe or department store.  I’m not suggesting that you purchase any of these pricey shoes, but you need to know what you are missing.  Look to see how they are made, feel the leather, notice the sole.  Take mental notes of what features you like and don’t like.

Look for a good deal. Larger, higher-end department stores have sales half way through a season.  They often have coupons that are available in newspapers and on the stores’ website.  If you get to the store and don’t have one, ask the sales person (or even the person behind you in line) if they have any extra coupons.  20% off an already reduced pair of shoes can help anyone out, especially a teacher.  These sales and coupons will allow you to purchase more expensive stylish shoes that are well constructed and support your feet comfortably.

Shop the outlets and discount stores. Did you know that often major retail chains have outlets that purchase overstock items just to put in their outlet stores?  That’s right, manufacturers make more shoes than they have orders.  They need to move their inventory, so they sell to outlet and discount chains.  You can pick up the latest styles of high quality shoes at a faction of the piece of a department store.

Stick with the basics. Stay away from the wild colors when picking out a pair of shoes for school.  If you select a pair of black and brown fashionable shoes, you will be set for most school days throughout the year.

Don’t shy away from heels. The height of heels can vary.  Some of the platform and wedge heels appear to look higher than they really are.  Before you say you can’t walk around in those all day, try a pair on.  Another idea is to wear flat shoes to and from work.  Just before the students enter the building, slip on your comfortable heels.

Spend a little extra money. If you watch where you shop and select basic colors, you will buy fewer pairs of shoes that actually fit your feet and are comfortable.  Since you won’t  need to have as many school shoes, go ahead and spend a little more.

It may take time trying on many pairs of shoes in a few sizes (and in several different stores) in order to find the perfect pair, but it will be well worth it.  Believe me when I say, “Happy feet make for a happy teacher.”  So go ahead and splurge a little on yourself, you’re worth it!

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