Best Shoes for Airline Pilots

Airline pilots are in a profession that requires them to be on their feet for eight hours or more. They also need to wear comfortable shoes because they spend most of the day walking around the airport and inside the plane.

Pilots also spend a lot of time crouched down, so it is important that they have good ankle support as well. Airplane pilots must not only look professional but feel comfortable too!

Airline pilots wear specialized shoes that are meant to ensure a good grip on the ground and give them an extra measure of protection for their feet. These shoes have to be comfortable enough and durable enough for all-day use in airports and provide protection at high altitudes with less oxygen.

The best shoes for airline pilots are typically made with leather or other synthetic materials and steel toes and rubber soles for traction. There are many different brands that we have listed below. Just make sure you buy one that is specifically designed for airline pilots!

Top 7 Best Shoes for Airline Pilots Reviews:

ECCO Men’s Helsinki Oxford

The men’s Helsinki Oxford is well-known by those in the know as an internationally renowned look. These premium shoes with leather soles and rubber heel provide comfort for those that spend all day on their feet, while the durable upper will maintain a timeless style. Sporty meets stylish, and it doesn’t get any more masculine than this reliably chic shoe.

Polyurethane soles provide insulation from not only being stepped on but also electrical or heat shock, while the blind eyelet lacing ensures they stay snugly put no matter what kind of turbulence you fly through.

We know you like to take risks, but we want to be safe. Find your foot’s perfect match with ECCO Men’s Helsinki Oxfords, which have moisture-wicking lining and direct-injected 1 component PU outsole for shock point protection. Double stitch seams ensure a longer life and better comfort!

Paired with a navy tie, they’ll prove the perfect wardrobe addition for when you take to the skies. Engineered with beautifully detailed stitching throughout the shoe, these are Oxford every professional should own.

This 100% leather shoe will float your feet with beauty and comfort at ease while giving sturdy support for a long day on the runway training new arrivals. Keep your feet dry and comfortable with the moisture-wicking lining, direct-injected one-component PU outsole with shock point, and blind eyelet lacing.

This oxford is perfect for any professional or family man who’s on their feet all day long! Above all else, it will protect you from safety mishaps such as a puncture or slipping due to oil seepage onto the surface of the sole.

That means more time spent relaxing in your home rather than worrying about replacing shoes after every work shift. In addition, these shoes are designed specifically for Airline Pilots, so you can feel confident that these men’s shoe offers you all the comfort necessary while traveling through airports or around cities.

Pros

• Moisture-wicking lining  
• PU outsole for shock point protection
• Double stitch seams ensure longer life and better comfort
• Leather soles and rubber heel provide comfort 
• Comes with bike-toe oxford with blind-eyelet lacing

Cons

• Quality is not good enough

Allen Edmonds Men’s Park Avenue

A handsome and sleek pair of men’s black leather Allen Edmonds Men’s Park Avenue shoes made in the USA by craftsmen rooted in a tradition of quality, comfort, and style.

These shoes feature some standard models that are right for airport professionals with long hours on their feet. 100% natural leather uppers designed to excel at shoe-gazing, the comfort provided by Cushion Soft construction, signature padded collar, an extremely lightweight synthetic sole in cement, all held together with Goodyear Welt construction.

Take the leap with a genuine leather shoe, and you’ve started with a solid foundation. With its rich tanned color and sleek angled front, this Airline Pilot endorse dress leather shoe is one that’s going to take years to tarnish in your closet. This handsome shoe features premium leather uppers, Balmoral lace-up closure for an adjustable fit, and Airline pilot styling. It just might be the classiest shoes you’ve ever seen.

Style is one of the important attributes that set Park Avenue apart from other dress shoes. With a sleek leather upper and lace-up closure, these shoes will add polish to any outfit.

Available with an optional black or brown dress leather sole, this shoe can be enjoyed in many different settings. Each Allen Edmonds men’s Park avenue shoe size runs true to standard US sizes meaning you don’t have to guess your size on top of everything else!

With smooth and breathable calfskin leather lining, this is a classic form-fitting men’s shoe with an especially accommodating fit for high arches. Strongly made of light padding for excellent comfort, these are perfect for those who consider themselves on their feet all day.

And the single oak leather sole provides durability that every pilot needs in their Airline shoes. The Foot shaped comfort lasts perfectly for those with sensitive high arches features of Park Avenue. 

Pros

• Leather lining and insole
• Single oak leather sole provides durability 
• Features smooth and breathable calfskin leather linings.
• Strong construction & light padding for comfort
• Balmoral lace-up closure for an adjustable fit

Cons

• Not comfortable enough

Nunn Bush Men’s Bleeker Street Slip-on Loafer

The Nunn Bush Men’s Bleeker Street Slip-On Loafer was designed as an antidote to making you leave the cockpit just to change out of your shoes!

You can travel in comfort (and style) knowing that this shoe is made with 100% leather, reinforced stitching for durability and moisture resistance.

This loafer even has nylon laces against moisture damage and an auto-adjustable fit for your own personal feet.

This is the perfect shoe for casual weekends and business trips alike. The 100% full-grain leather upper of this slip-on shoe provides you with the maximum comfort that you need when roaming around from one place to another.

It even features a soft cushion footbed which will keep your feet nice. The shoemakers have been crafting comfortable and stylish shoes for more than a hundred years, creating an image of excellence, comfort, and style.

The Nunn Bush Men’s Bleeker Street Slip-on Loafer is a perfect starting point for your daily adventures.

Fit in style versatility with these classic bicycles toes that conform to you with elastic gore, while the twin brass eyelets offer durability and everyday comfort. Nothing says doer more than genuine leather upper materials that come with a slick shine so you can always look your best without needing any effort at all.

The elastic gore ensures that the shoe will always stay in place while you’re looking good, no matter where you are. From this long heritage of experience and innovation, they’re pleased to introduce their latest line of footwear-the timeless styles that have made America’s favorite for so many decades.

You’ll also be safe from trips back home when flying because this shoe features non-slip rubber outsoles with steel shanks; plus, it’s manufactured exclusively for Airline Pilots!

Pros

• Features a roll impact zone with a dual-density midsole.
• Reinforced stitching for durability and moisture resistance
• Features a soft cushion footbed
• Perfect starting point for your daily adventures
• Fit in style versatility with these classic bicycles toes

Cons

• Not durable enough

Florsheim Men’s Medfield Plain Toe Oxford Dress Shoe

The Florsheim Men’s Medfield Plain Toe Oxford Dress Shoe is perfect for your high-pressure occupation in uniform. Whether it’s an early morning set or lengthy layover between flights, these durable leathers, and luxuries features will be both saving your feet and leaving you looking sharp as a tack. Durable materials to keep pace with men like yourself who are constantly on the go and cost-conscious enough to make sure they’re buying quality without paying the price. 

The Florsheim Medfield offers a mix of timeless and modern with its sleek lines. It’s perfect for your next Airline Pilot get-together. Smart and secure, the polished Medfield is ready to travel.

Burnished leather upper with a breathable Suedetec lining makes trekking from coast to coast a breeze, while flexible rubber soles keep feet comfortable through TSA checkpoints at every harrumphing stop along the way. This shoe is perfectly intact, thanks to toe caps designed for airplane pilots who know what it takes to stay on the ground in style.

The Florsheim Men’s Medfield Plain Toe Oxford Dress Shoe is a durable yet stylish dress shoe that flies high with features like genuine leather and breathable, moisture-wicking Suedetec linings.

The sturdy rubber sole will not let you down when it comes to rainy days in the city or tricky terrain on an airplane. And as if comfort wasn’t enough, no other dress shoe out there has a fully cushioned removable footbed for your tired feet all day, or Ortholite High Rebound Foam decreases shock and absorbs up to 30% of your body weight, perfect for those 14-hour flights!

The Florsheim Men’s Medfield Plain Toe Oxford Dress Shoe is so finely engineered that it wears like an old friend from day one. When you need comfort and style, the Florsheim Medfield Plain Toe Oxford Dress Shoe is a perfect choice.

The Ortholite X-40 rebound foam features a long-lasting cushioning system with built-in moisture management which means your shoes can provide all of the right support with no sweat! It runs true to size; suits those who are active and want their dress shoe plus more. Available in medium width and wide width and suitable for Airline Pilots.

Pros

• A breathable, removable footbed
• Made based on a classic design.
• Ortholite High Rebound foam features a long-lasting cushioning
• Built-in moisture management technology
• The Medfield features clean lines and a burnished finish 

Cons

• Not perfect for wide feet

Hush Puppies Men’s Strategy Oxford

Hush Puppies Men’s Strategy Oxford shoes are made of leather and wear like iron. They’re also ultra-comfortable and breathable thanks to holes in the upper that allow airflow, so even if they’re not air-conditioned, that doesn’t mean you need to be uncomfortable.

And they’re faux-suede lined so your toes can still breathe, too plus, these guys have metal eyelets in the lace area, so when security needs a look before boarding or deplaning, flipping those over is easy.

These are the Hush Puppies Men’s Strategy Oxford. If you’re an Airline Pilot who needs reliable shoe protection in all weather conditions, then your search is over!

With these sturdy leather loafers, your feet stay protected from climate changes and wet surfaces, so you can focus on making every flight a smooth one. With their exceptional footbed, they’re perfect for life on the go.

With protective leather uppers, molded tongue padding, and cushioned collar lining, they’ve got protection covered from heel to toe as well as in-flight comfort with a fabric vamp lining that regulates climate right up your legs.

To top things off, they offer hush puppies double-thick stitching at the toes prevents moisture penetration, ensuring you don’t have wet socks. Don’t just take our word for it, though, but see what is the customer has been so excited about!

Keep your pups quiet with the Hush Puppies Men’s Strategy Oxford! This shoe has every feature needed for a long day on your feet, contoured EVA footbed, gel heel pad, and Airline pilots suitability. The removable leather-covered EVA footbed provides cushioning underfoot while absorbing shock from heel strike.

These oxfords are made of leather and feature direct attach construction to create a permanent chemical bond between the upper and outsole that provides for durability and shock absorption.

Pros

• Waterproof full-grain leather uppers with leather quarter 
• The removable Leather-covered EVA footbed provides cushioning
• Provides durability and shock absorption.
• Back gel heel pad provides additional cushioning during heel strike.
• Direct-attach construction creates a permanent chemical bond between the upper and outsole

Cons

• Don’t have enough arch support

Rockport Men’s Style Leader 2 Bike Slip-on

Rockport Men’s Style Leader 2 Bike Slip-on makes a great addition to any uniform, even the leather ones. They’re perfect for your daily commute, whether driving or cycling. They come in black and brown colors, and they combine style with function.

Complete the daily grind in style. Experience the latest Airline Pilot innovation and slip into comfort with a new men’s bike slip-on from Rockport, just what you need to get those miles covered quickly.

The Rockport Men’s Style Leader 2 Bicycle Shoes are the perfect choice to keep your feet protected from potential hazards that might be encountered on a typical day.

These boating shoes for men with shock absorption have a leather upper, and they provide an allowance for air between the hull, deck, or stationary object at high speeds. Keep these on hand at all times, and then pick them up when you need some new shoes for that job interview!

The slip-on design of these weatherproof boat shoes lets you easily slide in and out of them as needed. Boaters that want extra protection wear these in addition to their regular sneakers or boots because they offer great durability and comfort! Velcro straps on either side allow you to adjust sizing while also providing additional support where it is most necessary during long flights.

These slip-on are designed specifically for Airline Pilots to reduce the physical stress of long periods of sitting. With its lightweight design and shock absorption, you will feel Spring.

Tested for performance, this slip-on is equipped with all of the practical features that make it easy to feel good about your schedule or seize any opportunity while on the go. They’re recommended for use by airline pilots because the style is flattering enough for luxury travel yet practical enough to keep a jetliner sanitary.

Pros

• Slip-on design
• Lightweight shock absorption
• Adjustable straps for a perfect fit
• Providing additional support during long flights
• Looks good with a suit and tie

Cons

• Narrow on the ankle and toe box

Cole Haan Men’s Lenox Hill Cap Oxford

Find comfort with the Cole Haan Men’s Lenox Hill Cap Oxford as it relieves pressure causing fatigue and soreness by taking up the cushioning burden off your feet.

Study after study has found that walking in shoes with poor arch support can lead to physical complications like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, flat feet. Fortunately, this shoe utilizes thick foam inserts as well as a raised heel to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your workday!

These Cole Haan Men’s Lenox Hill Cap Oxfords are perfect for you! Wear them as your favorite dress shoes, or slip them on and feel the luxury of an Oxford shoe no matter where you’re coming from.

That might be because these Airline Pilots-approved kicks not only are made from genuine leather, they’re also waterproof and rubber-soled to keep them safe for when the plane hits some serious turbulence! 

With this lightweight Cole Haan Oxford on your feet, you’re all set! This slip-on style is anything but ordinary; premium materials and craftsmanship make the Lenox Hill Cap an experience to behold.

Show attendees will be mesmerized by the silhouette of these eyelets shining in their faces. Daring convertible lace-up shows off a debonair attitude while suede leather lifts from soles with every step for that extra high-class detail.

The Airline pilot lifestyle demands dependable gear; take a chance on this one and never mind strapping it tight around those fancy oxfords to go where no other show has gone before.

This classic lace-up oxford features blind eyelets and cap toe, so don’t worry about giving up any cord room. And with the stacked heel, those long days on the runway won’t be as tough on your feet as they would in some of the competitor’s shoes.

Pros

• Made from genuine leather and rubber soles
• Waterproof for protection during turbulence
• Classic lace-up oxford featuring blind eyelets
• Great arch support and heel cushioning
• Utilizes thick foam inserts and raised heels to ensure comfort

Cons

• Not accurate sizing

What Shoes Do Airline Pilots Wear? 

Airline pilots are required to wear a certain type of shoes while on the job. Those shoes must pass the FAA’s standards for protection and comfort. Safety is always a concern, especially if there’s an emergency in which you need to escape from your airplane quickly.

The FAA’s shoes for pilot’s requirements and guidelines are what the pilots must follow. At first glance, it may seem like this is an extensive list of requirements. Most airlines expect their pilots to wear a particular type of formal shoe that looks similar to a dress shoe. However, there are other things to consider when choosing your pilot shoes, such as comfort and practicality.

How Vital Are Comfortable Shoes for Pilots?

For a pilot, it is very important to have comfortable shoes that provide maximum support. Think of all the time you spend standing around in them and taking those long walks (and even longer flights).

This makes your feet doubly susceptible to discomfort from tight-fitting dress shoes or, even worse, cheap shoes that don’t fit at all. You will also be required to remove your shoes in security checks, at the office, and even while visiting your superior.

Do Pilot Shoes Have to Be Durable?

The answer to this is both yes and no. On the one hand, all shoe manufacturing companies have quality-control specifications for their shoes that they are supposed to meet before bringing them to market. This means that all of your shoes should be able to handle a decent amount of walking (unless you get really bad blisters).

However, there’s no reason that a shoe for pilots can’t have additional durability beyond this. For example, we recommend shoes with a Goodyear rubberized sole, which is very tough and resilient even if your feet sweat a lot or get wet frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Shoes Can Pilots Wear?

There are many different types of shoes that pilots can wear. The most common are boots and high-top sneakers.

If you have a choice, it is recommended to go with boots because they provide more protection for your feet and ankles. They also provide better traction on the ground in case of an emergency landing or takeoff, which could help prevent injuries to your feet and legs.

High-top sneakers do not offer much protection from the terrain and would be better suited for wearing when not on the ground as well as during indoor training sessions or flying.

Do Pilots Wear Special Shoes?

Pilots do not wear special shoes. They use specially designed boots that have a protective rubber outer sole and steel toe cap, with the inner sole made of a soft material to protect against impact injuries.

The boots are usually high-top or low-top in design and come in many colors to blend into the background.

Can a Pilot Wear Sneakers?

Pilots have a unique set of physical demands, and the primary one is a requirement for them to be able to take off fly, and land without the use of the engines.

Sneakers are not appropriate for pilots because they are not as efficient for running up and downstairs. Instead, pilots should wear shoes with a low heels so they can run easily up and down stairs without injuring themselves.

Can Airline Pilots Wear Cowboy Boots?

Airline pilots are not allowed to wear cowboy boots while flying. Cowboy boots are not appropriate for the cockpit because they might be too heavy and create a safety hazard by tripping someone on the ground.

Can a Pilot Wear Coyote Boots?

Coyote boots are not the best choice for pilots. They may be useful if you are flying in an aircraft that will have a rough landing and need to absorb some impact, but they do not offer any protection from an accident.

In addition, the lining on coyote boots is made of foam, so it does not provide any extra protection against harsh conditions such as sharp rocks or ice.

You Can Check It Out to Best Shoes to Wear Through Airport Security

Conclusion

This article has given you the best shoes for airline pilots. When considering what shoe to buy, consider how often you will be on your feet and whether or not that is enough to warrant a more expensive option.

Airline pilots need a shoe that is durable enough to withstand long hours of walking yet still look professional in front of passengers. The best shoes for airline pilots have many features such as padded insoles, slip-resistant outsoles, abrasion-resistant uppers, and all-important qualities when your job involves navigating airports all day!

We recommend Cole Haan Men’s Lenox Hill Cap Oxford; they come highly reviewed by those who’ve tried them before. We hope this list of seven options has helped make your decision easier!

If it hasn’t, we have an additional section below with some final thoughts about choosing the right pair of shoes for airliners pilots. Make sure to share this guide so other aviation professionals can benefit from our research as well!