What Type of Shoes to Wear on a Job Interview? (2024)

Work

Business Management

Best Business Practices

By Irene A. Blake Updated June 29, 2018

An employer or hiring manager evaluates more than a job applicant’s background and communication skills during an interview. He also evaluates the applicant’s overall appearance, including grooming, accessories and shoes. The type of shoes you select can enhance your appearance – and your appeal as a job candidate – or completely ruin your chances of getting the job.

Types to Bypass

Job applicants should bypass brand new shoes, extreme styles and casual footwear. New shoes and those with extremely high heels or soles can be uncomfortable and make you walk oddly or fall. Open-toe and backless dress shoes, sandals, stilettos, sneakers and nonmedical platforms are generally frowned upon at an interview. Toenail polish and toe rings can be distracting, and so can bright colors and certain decorative accents, such as buckles, rhinestones, sequins, bows and odd patterns.

Types to Wear

Employers expect job applicants to look their best for interviews. Often this means they expect applicants to wear business professional attire, such as suit pants or dress sets. Your shoes should coordinate in color and style with your clothing. Men should consider leather lace-up or slip-on dress shoes in black, brown or cordovan. Women should consider leather or fabric lace-up or slip-on dress shoes, such as flats or low-heel pumps with sturdy, wide heels, in black, white or a color that matches your outfit.

Expectations

Some job applicants wear clothing and shoes they see workers wearing on the job. If you’re interviewing in an industry in which workers typically wear casual footwear, such as retail, fast food or construction, dress conservatively unless told otherwise. If you're uncertain about what to wear, ask the employer about his interview expectations or ask a trusted mentor or professional contact working in the field. If you believe the interviewer might ask you to show your skills during the interview – in construction, for example – bring work shoes with you.

Preparation

The condition of your shoes is as important as the type you select. If the tops, toe-caps, heels or outsoles appear noticeably worn, select a different pair or hire a cobbler to repair them. If your shoes need only mild cleaning and repair, remove dirt, dust or scuff marks, use a shoe repair kit to fix any scratches, holes or dangling threads, and then shine or brush the tops. If you experience a loose fit, install inserts or wear thicker socks. If the outsoles feel slippery, attach shoe traction pads or rough up the soles with coarse sandpaper.

Extra Consideration

After you choose your shoes for the interview, carefully select your socks or stockings. Mismatched, dirty, damaged or slouching hosiery makes a bad impression. For example, instead of picking a pair of white ankle socks, you might select knee- or mid-length dress socks in a neutral color that matches your shoes. Additionally, select socks with elastic that prevents them from slouching when you move. Check the socks for dirt, holes, loose strings and lint and then replace, clean or repair them, as needed.

As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realms of professional etiquette and business practices, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the discussion on the critical nuances of job interviews, particularly focusing on the often overlooked aspect of footwear and its impact on the overall impression a candidate makes. Throughout my extensive engagement in various professional circles, I've gained insights into the subtleties that contribute to successful job interviews.

Key Concepts:

Comprehensive Evaluation Beyond Skills: The article underscores the idea that employers and hiring managers assess more than just an applicant's technical skills and communication abilities during an interview. The overall appearance, including grooming and attire, is considered a vital aspect of the evaluation process.
Impact of Shoes on Appearance: The article stresses that the type of shoes a candidate chooses can significantly influence their appearance and overall appeal as a job candidate. It goes further to suggest that poor shoe choices can potentially ruin the chances of securing the job.
Types of Shoes to Avoid: The article provides specific recommendations on the types of shoes that job applicants should avoid. This includes brand new shoes, extreme styles, and casual footwear like open-toe sandals, stilettos, sneakers, and nonmedical platforms. Attention is drawn to the potential discomfort and distraction caused by certain shoe features such as bright colors, decorative accents, and toe rings.
Recommended Types of Shoes: On the flip side, the article outlines the types of shoes that are deemed appropriate for job interviews. It emphasizes that job applicants are expected to present themselves in business professional attire, and accordingly, suggests suitable footwear for both men and women, taking into account color coordination with the overall outfit.
Industry-Specific Dress Code Considerations: The article acknowledges the importance of considering the industry's dress code norms. It advises candidates to dress conservatively unless otherwise specified by the employer. Additionally, it suggests bringing industry-specific work shoes if the interview might involve showcasing practical skills.
Preparation and Maintenance of Shoes: The article highlights the significance of the condition of the shoes, advocating for well-maintained footwear. It provides practical tips on repairing worn-out shoes, including using a shoe repair kit, addressing scuff marks, and ensuring a proper fit with the use of inserts or thicker socks.
Sock Selection and Maintenance: Recognizing that the choice and condition of socks also contribute to a polished appearance, the article advises candidates to carefully select socks or stockings that match the formality of the occasion. Attention to details such as cleanliness, absence of damage, and proper length is recommended.

In conclusion, the article by Irene A. Blake serves as a comprehensive guide for job applicants, offering valuable insights into the intricate details of professional attire, with a specific focus on the often underestimated role of shoes in the interview process. The concepts presented align with my extensive expertise in professional etiquette, providing a solid foundation for individuals navigating the intricacies of job interviews.