The Best Shoes for Trade Show Organizers and Exhibitors, According to a Podiatrist

May 30, 2019

We've all been there — only a few hours into a looong trade show day, and your feet are already aching. When your feet hurt, it can truly be difficult to think about anything else. Yet aside from kicking off your professional shoes in favor of your old Nikes, what can you do to ensure your feet will be comfortable and presentable for the entire day?

Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a podiatrist based in New York and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, says you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. She recommends brands like Vionic, which offers a wide range of colors, patterns and styles in shoes that are “good for your body and soles,” she says.

It might sound obvious, but to get the most mileage out of your day without painful feet, women should keep their heel height to 3 inches or less, says Dr. Sutera. You should also limit your time in them by wearing “commuter shoes” during your walk to and from the trade show.

Dr. Sutera warns against “breaking in” your shoes for an event. For that matter, if shoes need a lot of breaking in, you should reconsider buying them in the first place. “Shoes should feel great the first time you try them on in the store,” she says. (If the toe is just a little snug at first, you can use a shoe spray and a shoe stretcher overnight until it gives.) It’s a good idea to wear your shoes at home for about 30 minutes a day for several weeks leading up to your event to give you a good idea of how they’ll hold up, she advises.

Avoid the common pitfalls of buying shoes that don’t fit quite right just because they’re on sale, or wearing shoes that used to be comfortable but have lost their padding. Both are surefire ways to create problems like blisters, which are nearly impossible to remedy mid-show. If you do find yourself with a blister, treat it by adding padding inside the shoe, and applying antibiotic ointment and a bandage, says Dr. Sutera.

Finally, don’t plan to wear the same shoes every day of a multi-day trade show. Though it’s tempting to bring fewer pairs to squeeze by with just a carry-on, wearing the same shoe every day for long periods of time can cause pain even if they are generally comfortable.

Keeping all of these things in mind, here are Dr. Sutera’s recommendations for the best comfortable and stylish shoes for trade show organizers and exhibitors.

Kaitlyn Wedge

These have a 2.5-inch heel, but the wedge style (available in four colors) makes them feel like flats. The cute ankle-tie ribbon adds flair with dresses for summer.

$130, vionicshoes.com

Kaitlyn









 


Touareg Vibe Oxford

This handsome style for me, which comes in black or brown, looks like a dress shoe, but feels like a sneaker for days when you're working way longer than 9 to 5. 

$90, macys.com

Clarks








Jeules Pumps

With fun patterns like powder blue raffia and cutout blush suede, plus a manageable 3-inch heel, these pumps were practically made for spring meetings — but don’t look like “work shoes.”

$70, macys.com

Jeules










Mia Block Heel

From red patent to snakeskin, these low heels compromise zero style for functionality. They’re available in both medium and wide in eight colors.

$140, vionicshoes.com

MIa









Sullivan Slip On

This easy-on, modern leather shoe features a stylish burnished tow with amazing orthotic support and comes in three shades.

$150, vionicshoes.com 

Sullivan








Tali Grand Bow Wedge

Accent your business-professional look with a feminine bow detail. These low wedges with a delicate ankle strap are available in nude, black and red — i.e., they go with anything.

$150, zappos.com

Tali









Blaire Heeled Sandal

For the woman who wants a little more detailing in her footwear, these suede block-heeled sandals are the perfect transition shoe for afternoon meetings to evening cocktail reception.

$140, vionicshoes.com

Blaire

 









Bruno Oxford

A classic mens' look without the classic pinching, this practical, professional shoe comes in five different shades to match your event attire.

$150, vionicshoes.com

Bruno









Banks Pump

Practical without looking matronly, these elegantly structured pumps are nearly flats, with a 1-inch heel and a closed toe that work in even the most conservative setting.

$70, amazon.com

 

Banks

 

 

 

 




Have you found the ultimate trade show shoe? Please share your tips for the most comfortable, stylish footwear with us on Twitter, @TSNN_com_US.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Every day, MGM Resorts hosts organizations and individuals from around the world with a diverse array of business purposes, needs and expectations. But they all have one thing in common—a host committed to making their meetings sustainable and unforgettable through close partnership and responsible meeting practices. Harnessing the Sun Meetings at MGM Resorts are predominantly powered by the sun, thanks to its innovative 100-megawatt solar array. As the largest directly sourced renewable electricity project in the hospitality industry, the solar array features 323,000 panels and produces up to 100% of MGM Resorts’ daytime power needs in Las Vegas.* Built in 2021, the solar array reduces the carbon footprint of meetings—and all of MGM Resorts—while still delivering an enlightening and electrifying guest experience. Leading Water Stewardship Knowing water is essential to operations, guests and employees, MGM Resorts has long employed various conservation measures and has doubled down on its commitment in recent years to become a leading corporate water steward. In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate, a United National Global Compact, becoming the first gaming company to endorse the initiative. The company replaced more than 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas and pledged to reduce water use by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030. Between 2007 and 2022, MGM Resorts saved more than 6 billion gallons of water through water conservation. Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion MGM Resorts serves a world of diverse people, perspectives and experiences by cultivating a workforce culture that embraces all of humanity. From mindful recruitment and hiring practices to meaningful social responsibility initiatives, MGM Resorts is a welcoming and inclusive space for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members and more. The company’s commitment to supplier diversity drives innovation by extending competitive opportunities to local and diverse-owned suppliers, while the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program provides diverse-owned businesses tools and resources to enhance and grow their businesses. Paying it Forward MGM Resorts knows that great companies must serve the greater good. That’s why paying it forward is part of its approach to meetings and events. Through the Feeding Forward Program, MGM Resorts collects and preserves unserved and untouched food from conventions held at its properties, then safely donates to food-insecure people through a partnership with Three Square, Southern Nevada’s primary food bank. Since 2016, MGM Resorts has donated more than 3.7 million meals, with a goal of 5 million meal donations by 2025. Donations include unserved perishable prepared foods from events, perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens and nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses. From world-class venues and experiences to industry leading responsible meeting practices, MGM Resorts is proud to host meaningful and sustainable events. *Not including The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas