Pilots demand a lot from their shoes, including that they are lightweight, durable, and comfortable. They should also look good and—for professional pilots—be versatile enough to complement a range of uniforms worn by the airline, corporate, and cargo pilots. Like driving shoes for cars, manufacturers design specialized shoes for pilots. However, there are shoes made for other activities that also work well for flying, especially for general aviation pilots who do not have to wear uniforms.
Quick look: Best Shoes for Pilots
- Amberjack The Original: Best for all day wear for on-duty pilots
- ECCO Helsinki Oxford Shoe: Best for staying dry with moisture-wicking lining
- Allen Edmonds Park Avenue: Best for higher-fashion style on a bigger budget
- Ariat Heritage Roper: Best for fans of pilot boots
- Shoes for Crews Holden: Best for high-top style with ankle support
- Onitsuka Tiger Serrano: Best for retro sneaker fashion
- LIFT Merlin Flight Shoe: Best for fire resistant lining and Nomex laces
- Seavees Mariner’s Boot: Best for grippy, flexible sole
Top Shoe Options for Pilots
Each of the following pilot shoes has unique design elements, but many also share common traits that make them especially well-suited for flying.
Amberjack: The Original
Best for: Airline or business aviation pilots looking for an all-day shoe that has an athletic feel.
Known as one of the most comfortable dress shoes on the market, the Amberjack Original is a comfortable dress shoe made from high grain leather, making it a great option for on-duty pilots or for everyday wear. The dual-density outsole provides support which makes it a great option for doing pre-flight inspections.
Material: Leather
Sole: Athletic Rubber
Pros: stylish, athletic material, good arch support
Price: $195
Ecco Helsinki Oxford Shoe
Best for: Professional pilots who want a breathable shoe that will not clash with their flight uniform.
Known for its several lines of casual shoes, sneakers, and clogs, Ecco has a reputation for comfortable footwear. The company applies the same principles to its dressier models like the Helsinki. This is essentially a traditional dress shoe with a chunky, all-terrain tread. A slender, gently squared-off toe gives it a sleek, defined shape.
Material: Leather
Sole: Leather
Pros: Moisture-wicking liner, all-leather construction won’t set off airport metal detectors, breathable
Special Features:
- Ventilated liner
- Moisture-wicking
- Lightweight
Price: $160.60
Allen Edmonds Park Avenue
Best For: Pilots looking for a stylish shoe to wear with a flight uniform or when out for dinner with friends.
Allen Edmonds shoes have a reputation for classic good looks. Park Avenue is no exception, and while it is relatively expensive, it can make the transition from work to weekend easily.
Material: Calfskin leather
Sole: Leather
Pros: Stylish, durable, lightweight
Special Features:
- Perforated brogue styling
- Lined upper
Price: $425
Ariat Heritage Roper
Best For: Pilots who prefer boots to shoes
Cowboy-style boots have been traditional options for pilots since the early days of aviation. Early military, air-mail, and barnstorming pilots wore boots for warmth, protection, and style. These boots recall those dashing days.
Material: Leather
Sole: Rubber
Pros: Durable, extra warmth for colder climates, breathable liner
Special Features:
- Composite shank
- Gel-cushioned footbed
Price: $149.56
Shoes for Crews Holden
Best For: Best for pilots who prefer high-top shoes
The Holden offers additional, adjustable ankle support thanks to its high-top, lace-up design.
Material: Leather
Sole: Rubber
Pros: Lightweight, water resistant, slip resistant
Special Features:
- TripGuard design
- Padded collar
- EVA midsole
Price: $54.70
Onitsuka Tiger Serrano
Best For: Pilots who are into a vintage sneaker style
I have flown with these shoes for several years because they allow me to feel rudder feedback easily through the pedals. While designed as running shoes decades ago, Serranos’ lightweight, thin, grippy sole and classic sneaker looks make them ideal for a weekend flight.
Material: Suede and nylon mesh
Sole: Rubber
Pros: Vintage styling, fashionable, tactile combination with pedals through thin, flexible sole
Special Features:
- Streamlined and contoured fit
- Available in eye-catching colors
Price: $179
LIFT Merlin
Best For: Pilots who want a shoe styled more like a high-top sneaker.
Lift says the Merlin’s specially designed heel rolls and slides easily with the pilots. A carbon insole gives the show the necessary stiffness for support and all-around durability. The sleek design also adds flair whether you are wearing a uniform or casual clothes.
Material: Leather
Sole: Rubber
Pros: Designed to grip rudder pedals, semi-high-top design for extra support
Special Features:
- Fire resistant liner
- Carbon midsole
- Nomex fire-resistant laces
Price: $267.95
Seavees Mariners Boot
Best For: Pilots who like the feel of a canvas high-top sneaker that adapts well to flying.
An earlier Seavees boot similar in design to these helped one reviewer to get through tailwheel training because their thin, flexible soles allowed them to feel the rudder pedals readily.
Material: Canvas
Sole: Rubber
Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, high-top design, fashionable
Special Features:
- Foam footbed
- Water resistant
Pricing: $19.95
Important Details When Looking for Pilot Shoes
Pilots rely on their shoes to help them operate aircraft comfortably and efficiently and also to get them to, from, and through airports that may be full of obstacles and hazards. Features to look for include:
Airport Friendliness
Shoes without metal in their construction are a big help because you don’t have to take them off if you have to go through security checkpoints.
Appearance
While each airline, flight department, or training organization has its own dress code, generally, to maintain professionalism, any pair of shoes that a pilot wears must look sharp and should complement the uniform.
Comfort and Support
A lot is riding on a pilot’s choice of shoes. Comfort is especially important when you are flying an airplane full of passengers. Pilots should consider pursuing every detail that enhances comfort in the cockpit.
Quality
High-quality shoes tend to be expensive but are worth the extra money if they enhance the comfort and safety of pilots. Well-made shoes also last longer than cheap ones, so spending the extra money often is worthwhile.
Traction
Pilots need shoes that provide traction in the cockpit when engaged with the aircraft’s rudder pedals as well as while walking through the airport where floors may be wet and slippery. They also have to grip well when worn outside during the pilot’s preflight walk around, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Cost
Pilots need durable, high-quality shoes that fit into their budgets. It can be difficult to find well-made shoes that are comfortable and will last a long time at an affordable price. Taking time to research the available brands and models can help you find the right pilot shoes at a good price.
Pilots Should Pick The Shoe That Matches Their Mission
There are all sorts of pilots out there—from uniformed professionals flying airliners and corporate jets, to air-taxi, seaplane, and bush pilots—who might dress more casually. They need shoes that are not only comfortable but also able to endure years in the cockpit, on the ramp, and traversing terminals. Then, of course, there are private pilots whose missions vary from 1,000-mile family adventures to an hour’s flight for the $100 hamburger. Each will have to weigh their preferences in order to find their ideal flying footwear.
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