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7 Best Shoes for Massage Therapists in 2023 [Buyer Guide]

Massage therapy is, no doubt, a rapidly growing industry. Research shows that the business is now on an exponential growth more than ever as more people realize the need to rejuvenate and relax their bodies.

Being a fast-paced job that involves hours of movements, therapy sessions can become exhausting- especially if you do not have the right shoes. Quite strangely, some massage experts are not even aware that there are shoes designed for their profession.

Fun fact; massage therapists are expected to have anti-fatigue mats, right? Their essence is to reduce impact while getting in contact with the ground. Shoes serve the same purpose too. As you move from the neck to the back, thighs, calves, ears, and many more areas, they cushion your feet. This way, you won’t feel body aches at the end of the day.

This article takes a look at the best shoes for massage therapists that are worth their salt. We dug too deep to unearth the finest options based on many things including reviews and ratings from past customers. So yeah, we know you’ll find them to be extremely reliable.

In case you are out of time, hop over to our ultimate recommendation: Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk Slip-On Walking Shoe. It is light, well-cushioned, affordable, and available in numerous vibrant colors.

Alright. Let’s hotfoot straight into all the other worthy choices.

What Kind of Shoes Should a Massage Therapist Wear? Guide to Choose Right Pair

  • Shoes which provide great arch support, thus he/she can stand all day long if needs
  • Shoes must have enough room, means not too snug
  • The Shoe which are breathable and comfortable insoles
  • Easy to put on and put off

Best Shoes for Massage Therapist

Thinking, What are the best shoes for massage therapist? Just read on following reviews and guides to make yourself clear.

1. Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk Slip-On Walking Shoe


Don’t be fooled by the simple looks of Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk Slip-On Walking Shoe. It’s a real deal. This slip-on is mostly revered for its unrivaled comfort, which is delivered in a truly lightweight package.

The topping is purely fabric. This delivers a comfy, breathable environment that lets you concentrate on your patient rather than your feet. To soothe them further, this kick incorporates an odor-controlling ortholite lining and Resalyte cushioning. Resalyte is a proprietary tech that ramps up comfort without trading off responsiveness.

What’s more, the independent circular sensors in the sole of this shoe work to give you the flexibility and feedback you need while massaging your patients. Its minimalist design is a blessing because it makes it extremely versatile for all occasions. On top of that, it exists in multiple vibrant colors, which allows you to pick a choice that matches your wardrobe.

Top features

  • Breathable synthetic and fabric top
  • Resalyte cushioning
  • Ortholite insole
  • Circular sensors on the outsole
  • Multiple colors

PROS:

  • Lots of cushioning for more comfort
  • A very lightweight construction
  • Long-lasting fabric toppers
  • They can easily accommodate orthopedic inserts
  • Improved breathability
  • Offers the right support

CONS:

  • Sometimes run a half size smaller than the expected

If you want a shoe that gives you protection without compromising on comfort, support, and responsiveness, then go for Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk Slip-On Walking Shoe. It’s one of the heavily rated shoes on online market platforms with multiple positive reviews.

2. Dansko Women’s Professional Clog


It is not always that you will find a leather shoe that is both comfortable and flexible. Dansko has gone out of its way to give you just the right shoe for your massage therapy sessions. This casual and comfortable shoe will keep you working all day without feeling any strain on your feet.

Designed with leather socking, this clog is made to increase your output even during those long and extended massage sessions. This is especially so considering its properly cushioned EVA insole, and PU midsole that gives you just the right comfort and unmatched shock absorption.

Dansko Women’s Professional Clog is made for easy slip in and out. This helps give you an easy time even when in a hurry. Even better, you can have them off briefly during a short break. The riveted construction, wide heel strike, and the heel padding provide additional support that you totally need during your massage sessions

Gladly, this shoe features a roomier reinforced toe end that not only allows the toes to breathe but protects them as well. Furthermore, you will love its slip-resistant outsole that keeps you upright in case your working place has those extra slippery tiles.

Top features

  • Leather uppers
  • Protective heel counter
  • Wide heel strike
  • Anti-fatigue rocker bottom
  • PU( Polyurethane ) midsole
  • Reinforced toe box
  • Padded instep
  • Wide heel strike

PROS:

  • Offers the best breath-ability
  • Extremely comfortable for long working sessions
  • Great support and stability
  • Slip-on design makes it easy to wear
  • Highly durable leather construction

CONS:

  • May require some break-in period
  • The material can be a little stiff when working

Dansko Women’s Professional Clog is professionally designed for nurses, dental assistants, massage therapists, and any other folks who spend long hours on their feet. Besides comfort, this slip-on caters to arch support, stability, and toe safety.

Also read: Vet Techs shoes

3. Champion Men’s Encore Slip-On


Meet the one shoe that buyers request the company not to change anything because it is perfect; Champion Men’s Encore Slip-On. If you are a sneaker enthusiast, this will most assuredly exceed your expectations-just as it did for its previous buyers.

Basically, this shoe is like a sock only that it has a sole and is fairly thick to offer superior protection. This means you will never complain about your feet heating up or over sweating thanks to its massive breathability.

The mesh covering is also very soft and hugs snugly. Those with sores, tender skin, and tender toes can benefit a lot from its gentle caress. The kick’s footbed features a memory foam insole that absorbs much of the impact involved in day to day walking.

Champion Men’s Encore Slip-On is both an indoor and outdoor shoe and its style is vividly charming. This is not a safety shoe, though and that leaves it ideal for urban roads and casual walks. There is small reinforced stitching to the toe end for enhanced toe protection in case you knock into something hard.

Top features

  • Fabric top
  • Slip-on design with dual gore pads
  • Mesh lining
  • Memory foam insole
  • Reinforced toe end
  • Non-marking rubber outsole

PROS:

  • Stylish sporty accent
  • Comfortable design ideal for use all-day
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • Extremely meshed to allow air circulation
  • Very affordable

CONS:

  • May sometimes come smaller than expected
  • Not much variety in terms of colors

If you are on a tight budget but still want the best shoes for massage therapists, Champion Men’s Encore Slip-On will do. This kick is manmade for extreme comfort and in a super lightweight package. It packs a good punch-all for less than $50 bucks.

4. VIVObarefoot MEN’s RA II


The fact that this shoe features an ultra-thin sole makes it even more suitable for a massage therapist. But why? Because you are always on your feet moving up and down from one office or client to another. So such a minimalistic outsole with impeccable shock absorption could bring so much relief.

This shoe takes an all-time classic design. A design that allows you to wear anything in your wardrobe-from casual jeans, shorts to formal attire. This is usually the case with most oxford-style shoes. So yes, you will no longer be choosy with your clothing anymore. Quite unfairly, there are limited color options as of this writing.

VIVObarefoot MEN’s RA II Classic Oxford is all-season footwear endowed with ever-lasting wild hide leather. You can choose to walk through tall grasses, hit the smoothly paved roads, and take an extreme adventure through campsites and it will withstand the toil. What a formidable partner for all your needs.

Here are the two core reasons why this shoe cuts it as one of the best massage therapy shoes: zero drop and minimalist design. You see, VIVObarefoot MEN’s RA II doesn’t have so many bells and whistles. This makes it lightweight for a barefoot experience. The flat sole, on the other hand, conveniently allows you to have the best contact with the ground at all times.

Top features

  • Wild hide leather
  • Lace closure
  • Roomier toe box
  • Removable insole
  • Ultra-thin rubber outsole

PROS:

  • Ultra-thin construction for barefoot experience
  • Long-lasting leather upper
  • The fit is always true to size
  • An all-season footwear
  • A wide toe box that allows your toes to wiggle
  • Zero-drop sole that offers better contact with the ground

CONS:

  • Skimps on cushioning
  • Can be a little irritating when hot
  • Fairly expensive

If your priority is a lightweight shoe with a long-lasting service, you will love VIVObarefoot MEN’s RA II Shoe. It offers protection and support without overstressing its existence like other heavy shoes. Unfortunately, it does feel overpriced.

5. Dr. Comfort Ranger Men’s Therapeutic Diabetic Extra Depth Hiking Boot


Are you a massage therapist with an elevated sense of style? If so then we know you won’t pass up a chance to don Dr. Comfort Ranger Therapeutic Diabetic Hiking Boot.

Styled more like the famed Nike Air Jordan 1, Dr. Comfort Ranger will make you one of the coolest guys on the block. Its bold package consists of an aggressive, adventure-ready leather top and a flexible, tractioned outsole.

Naturally, Dr. Comfort Ranger Boot is designed for hikers. However, it bears phenomenal padding and comfort features that could come in handy for diabetic folks and massage pros. These features include padded tongue and collar, roomier toe, and gel inserts.

This is an extra-depth shoe that offers relief to tender toes issues like neuroma, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and much more. That’s why you see it come with a no-tie, no-untying, and easy-toggle contact closure. Unlike lace closure, this one ensures a great, comfy fit. There is an additional stylish Velcro loop closure for that is more of a design than a practical feature.

Top features

  • Full-grain leather
  • No-tie elastic lace
  • Breathable panels
  • Removable gel insoles
  • Protective toe box
  • Mid-cut design
  • Dual pull tabs

PROS:

  • A swanky design for modern professionals
  • Unrivaled comfort that also caters to those with feet problems
  • A gentle, easy to use contact closure
  • Durable yet breathable uppers
  • Extra protection to the toe area
  • Runs true to size

CONS:

  • A bulky design

Dr. Comfort Ranger Boot offers sufficient comfort so you can focus on the customer. The boot doubles up as an incredible gear for outdoor activities as well. Check it out if it fits your style.

6. Birkenstock Professional Unisex Profi Birki Slip Resistant Work Shoe


Birkenstock is a crème de la crème brand. If you look around, you’ll notice so many people wear sandals from them. Besides sandals, they also specialize in making slip-on. Their finest example is Birkenstock Unisex Profi Birki Work shoe.

Yes, this is actually a go-to-work clog. And the amazing fact is that very few shoes can deliver half its comfort. This slip-on has a minimalistic construction with no laces and no insoles and other things that add too much weight and bulkiness to a shoe.

Massage rooms are no different from bedrooms. They are smoothly tiled with mats and other therapy session gear. Birkenstock Unisex Profi Birki Work shoe makes for a great gear to have in such rooms because you can easily wear or remove it as the situations demand.

It doesn’t end there; this shoe is extremely adaptive. It molds to the peripheries of your foot thereby providing a uniquely comfy fit. This fit usually accommodates for arch support and heel support-things many shoes ignore.

Top features

  • Alpro-foam material
  • Slip-on clog
  • Contoured footbed
  • Birkenstock footbed

PROS:

  • The clog can be cleaned easily with water and soap
  • Its unique construction offers impeccable arch support
  • Takes a few seconds to wear or remove
  • The Alpro-foam material fosters both comfort and longevity
  • Casual design but ideal for professional work too

CONS:

  • Squeaks at times
  • Not much variation on colors
  • A little overpriced

Birkenstock Unisex Profi Birki Work shoe looks like an ideal gear for indoor massage sessions. It is also great for those indoor moments at home. If you have pronounced arch or uniquely shaped feet, this is probably one of the few massage shoes that will work for you.

7. Nike women’s FlyKnit Lunar3 running shoes


There are very few reasons why people go to trainers. The first is obviously comfort and the second is flexibility. As a massage therapist with long-standing and sitting sessions, these features can benefit you too. One sneaker that promises that is Nike women’s FlyKnit Lunar3 running shoes.

This shoe has both flawless design and eye-candy aesthetics. It’s also one of Nikes lower end sneakers that got a generous addition of their premium level technology. This includes the breathable flyknit upper and dynamic fit technology. The latter reduces the space between the shoe and your foot for the most amazing feet-regardless of your feet size and shape.

Take every step with ease thanks to the proprietary Lunarlon cushioning that offers great comfort while working or walking. What’s more, the pressure-mapped outsole helps to offer natural motion and additional comfort to your feet on every footstrike.

Basically, Nike women’s FlyKnit Lunar3 running shoe will become your second skin. It is so lightweight, fully breathable, and designed to give you athletic-grade comfort. This is a real deal.

Top features

  • Synthetic and fabric
  • Nike’s flyknit upper
  • Meshed upper
  • Trainer sneakers
  • Multiple color choices
  • Dynamic fit technology
  • Lunarlon cushioning
  • Foam-lined collar

PROS:

  • Delivers just the right fit
  • It simple, plain design can compliment any outfit
  • Guarantees comfort on every step
  • Strong yet lightweight material
  • Available in a variety of colors

CONS:

  • One shoe tends to fit better than its counterpart
  • Cleaning can be hectic

Nike women’s FlyKnit Lunar3 running shoe is an all-round shoe that can accompany you anywhere. Somehow, it perfectly meets the core needs of women-comfort, attractive design, and narrow design. The price range is wide so anyone can spend to their best ability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

a) What type of massage shoes help to relieve the pressure?

For better results, you are better off going for massage shoes with cushioned footbed as this helps lower stress on your heel and lower area of your foot. For better comfort, prioritize shoes with gel insoles, contoured footbed, and a roomier toe box.

b) Does weight matter for massage shoes?

Yes. For a massage session that requires you to be on your feet for long hours, you need lighter and flexible shoes that can help you move around easily. Heavy shoes will be a burden and a bother. In the worst cases, they can contribute to foot problems and back pains.

c) What is the best material for massage shoes?

Any material that is flexible, lightweight, and breathable works fine for massage therapy shoes. In most cases, synthetic and fabrics are highly preferable. The supple leather is ideal but the problem is that not all of them are soft. Additionally, tough leather might compromise on flexibility.

Conclusion

With the ever-increasing demand for massage therapy, this profession continues to become lucrative. However, you will stand out from the crowd if you understand the right attire for the job especially when it comes to shoes.

This article proposes some of the best shoes for massage therapists worth looking into. Our choices focus on comfort, ease of use, flexibility, breathability, and proper fit. As you can guess, such shoes tend to be expensive. Nevertheless, we have tried to include some cheaper options. You no longer have an excuse for working in inappropriate shoes.

Take a look at our list again and go for the design that best suits your specific needs. Pay attention to sizing because it matters. A good shoe will not help if it doesn’t fit properly. Also, sometimes a shoe might not meet your exact comfort needs. In such a case invest in a custom insole to ramp up comfort.

That’s all from us. Enjoy your massage therapy sessions. Toodles!