ALTRA survey links proper footwear to higher perceived job performance

A survey conducted by Stride Co., Ltd., representing the footwear brand ALTRA, has revealed a correlation between footwear comfort and perceived professional success. The study, which surveyed 540 working men and women aged 30 to 59, found that 44.4% of respondents who switched to shoes that fit their feet reported receiving “very high” or “somewhat high” evaluations at work.

In contrast, only 11.7% of those wearing ill-fitting shoes reported similar high evaluations, representing a nearly fourfold difference. Among men in their 30s, the gap was even more pronounced, with 63.3% of those using well-fitting shoes reporting high evaluations compared to just 6.7% of those in ill-fitting footwear.

The research also highlighted the impact of physical discomfort on productivity. Approximately 38.3% of participants reported that foot pain or fatigue affected their work performance, with the most common issues being difficulty concentrating (38.6%) and increased fatigue after work (37.2%).

Those who switched to better-fitting shoes reported various improvements, including increased physical comfort and reduced fatigue. Notably, about 18.3% of those who changed their footwear reported that it became easier to concentrate during work hours. When selecting work shoes, respondents prioritized functionality, such as fatigue resistance and comfort, over aesthetic design.