Ever since I started working from home, I’ve started paying more attention to what’s on my feet. This may feel like a paradox, because I don’t have to commute anymore. The only travel I need to do is from my bedroom to my office, and that’s approximately 10 steps. The only times I step outside are to go for a walk, to pick up the kids, or to do some quick groceries. So why care about what’s on my feet? There are 2 main reasons:
1. Working from home enhances the importance of feeling comfy, yet avoiding dressing like a bum. For the first 3 years, I worked from home, and I lived in my underwear/sweatpants. It took a long conversation with my girlfriend and a week of online shopping for me to realize that yes, taking care of yourself even if your colleagues only see your face on Zoom (and not what you’re wearing) is important for your self-respect, your self-esteem, and also to show the people who live with you respect.
2. Because of online shopping, I developed a slightly bigger interest in fashion, something I never had before. This goes back to feeling good in what I wear rather than wearing sweatpants and flip flops all year round.
In this article, I’ll cover the 3 types of shoes I always have in my closet. These have become staples I use all year round, and I renew them every 6 months or so.
1. Nike Tanjun casual sneakers
I always go with the Nike Tanjun, which I love in black or white. Back when I was working in an office, I started looking for shoes to wear every single day, and comfort was my number one criterion. I googled “most comfy sneakers”, and the Nike Tanjun came up by the dozen. I watched a few Youtube reviews, and I was sold.
The model is available in multiple colours, but I went with black. The Nike Tanjun was released in 2005 and has never left the production lines. So again, it was a safe bet to consider it a staple.
Tip: If you’re looking for something as comfy yet less “standard” (lot of people wear the Nike Tanjun), you can try the New Balance 100 model that came out in 2025.
2. Polo Ralph Lauren slippers
Why spend $90 on a pair of slippers you only wear at home? Well, just because you spent 90% of your time at home doesn’t mean you should look like a bum. Plus, literally every pair of slippers I bought in the past didn’t last 1 year before getting holes where the toes are supposed to be. I must have a very strong big toe; it would always literally puncture the slipper. It’s never happened with those slippers.
3. Salomon Supercross 4 Goretex
These shoes are amazing, I mean it. You can do anything with them: go for a run, a hike, a quick grocery run… You can bike, drive, you wear them barefoot or with socks on… AND they’re 100% waterproof.
I tried those out for the first time when I was on paternity leave and had to put our son to sleep in the stroller no matter the weather (that was the only way). Before that, I would actually wear a pair of Nike Tanjuns that would get soaking wet with the slightest rain coming down.
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I hope you found this article helpful. Remember that taking care of yourself is important, even if you’re lucky enough to work from home. Once in a while, treat yourself a little and get a pair of fresh, crisp shoes; it will give you a self-esteem boost.
Have a great rest of your day!
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