The Best Shoes for Pilots
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Finding the Best Dress Shoes for Pilots can be challenging. While it may seem like any black dress shoe will do, deficiencies in comfort or durability can make a huge difference for airline pilots. A good pair must offer excellent support and long-lasting durability since we spend countless hours on our feet daily. They should also feel comfortable when operating rudder pedals, an essential detail often overlooked. A reliable, well-made shoe like the ECCO Men’s Helsinki 2.0 becomes indispensable, ensuring pilots remain comfortable while maintaining a polished look.
Having worn the ECCO Helsinki 2.0 for over a year, we can confidently say it’s the best work shoe for pilots. It offers superior comfort, exceptional durability, and stylish appeal, and we have no plans to switch.
Ecco Helsinki 2.0
Comfort
The ECCO Helsinki 2.0 fits true to size, with options in both European and US sizes. While no wide sizes are available, it features a Removable Dual-Fit insole that allows for an extra-width option. In our case, wearing a US size 12 (12-12.5 in European sizes) gave us a perfect fit.
A key feature is the shock-absorbent footbed, equipped with ECCO’s innovative Fluidform technology. This provides superior cushioning and all-day comfort, a must for long flights. The insole padding prevents heel soreness, a problem we’ve encountered with other shoes. Another standout feature is the soft textile lining at the back of the shoe, which ensures that the heel is well-cushioned.
The shoe is versatile, remaining comfortable whether paired with thin or thick dress socks, thanks to its perforated leather lining, which allows airflow and keeps feet cool. The lightweight construction also makes these shoes easy to pack, making them a fantastic option for pilots who travel frequently.
Durability
Pilots need dress shoes that can withstand frequent use, and the ECCO Helsinki 2.0 doesn’t disappoint. The high-quality, full-grain leather, crafted in ECCO’s own tanneries, has held up remarkably well over the past year, even in tough weather conditions like rain and snow during pre-flight walkarounds. The rubber outsole grips well, even on slippery surfaces, and shows no signs of wear or separation.
Style
Professional appearance matters, and the ECCO Helsinki 2.0 delivers with a sleek, polished design that complements any pilot uniform. Available in multiple styles, including apron toe slip-on, bike toe tie, and plain toe tie, it offers variety while maintaining a formal and polished look.
Price and Value
At around $150, the ECCO Helsinki 2.0 is not the cheapest dress shoe on the market, but its comfort, durability, and high-quality materials make it a smart investment. When compared to other popular brands like Cole Haan Original Grand ($230) or Rockport Oxfords ($90), the ECCO Helsinki 2.0 strikes an excellent balance between price and value.
Maintenance
The high-quality leather of the ECCO Helsinki 2.0 is designed to resist scuffs and scratches, requiring only minimal maintenance. Occasional polishing and conditioning are all that’s needed to keep these shoes looking sharp and professional, ensuring they last for years to come.
The Only Thing We Didn't Like
The shoelaces. This may be personal preference, but we found the flat, waxed cotton shoelaces very hard. They are designed to be durable and provide a sleek, polished appearance that complements the shoe, but we replaced ours with slightly thicker and softer black laces.
