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Whether you’re standing for the majority of the day at work, for long periods of time when running errands, or attending activities with family and friends, a solid pair of shoes is essential to keep your feet comfortable, protected, and sweat-free.
The best shoes for standing all day “often have ergonomic designs that offer excellent arch support and promote proper alignment, preventing foot and leg pain,” says Suzanne C. Fuchs, a board-certified Florida-based podiatrist at Luxe Podiatry. Shoe shopping can feel overwhelming with the vast amount of shoes in the market claiming to offer leading foot support and protection. To make your shoe shopping process easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to buy shoes made for standing all day. In addition to Fuchs, we spoke with Heidi M. Godoy, DPM of Godoy Foot & Ankle Care Center about what makes certain shoes better for standing all day. They also provided us with some shoe recommendations which we considered in addition to some of the pairs we’ve worn before.
What to consider when choosing shoes for standing all day
Support
When it comes to choosing the best shoes for standing all day, “look for shoes that have a firm midsole and arch support as this helps to maintain proper alignment and reduces strain on your feet, ankles, and legs,” says Fuchs.
Cushioning
Searching for shoes with adequate cushioning is essential, but most especially when they’re a pair you plan on wearing during periods of prolonged standing. “Look for shoes with cushioned insoles or midsoles made from materials like memory foam or gel,” suggests Fuchs. “These materials provide excellent shock absorption and enhance overall comfort.”
Breathability
Breathability is important when it comes to the shoes you’ll be wearing when standing all day as your feet are likely to become sweaty. A shoe’s breathability may be increased when it’s “made from breathable materials like mesh or perforated leather as these materials promote airflow, prevent moisture buildup, and reduce the risk of foot odor and fungal infections,” explains Fuchs.
Stability
Fuchs emphasizes the importance of stability when it comes to the shoes you’ll be wearing when standing all day to keep balanced and prevent excessive or unwanted foot movement. “Look for shoes with a wider base and a firm heel counter,” says Fuchs. “A wider base provides better stability, while a firm heel counter helps to keep your foot in place and prevents excessive pronation or supination.”
Our top picks for the best shoes for standing all day
Best women's shoes for standing all day: New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneakers
When it comes to the best women’s shoes for standing all day, the New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneakers are a great choice. “These sneakers provide excellent cushioning, support, and comfort for all-day standing,” says Fuchs. Their mesh upper and midsole cushioning will keep your feet cool and comfortable while wearing them. These sleek sneakers are available in half sizes making them ideal for people who land in between sizes.
Specifications:
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Materials: Synthetic fabric and mesh (upper)
- Sizes: 5 to 12 (includes half sizes)
- Colors: 16
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
What we like:
- Breathability thanks to their mesh upper
- Available in half sizes
- Lightweight
What we don’t like:
- Cannot be adjusted with laces since they are slip-on
The bottom line:
If you’re shopping specifically for women’s shoes made for standing all day, these are a solid choice with breathability and comfortable cushioning.
New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize Sport V1 Sneaker, Black/White, 7
Best shoes for standing on concrete all day:
Women: ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes
Men: ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes
Our pick (recommended by Fuchs) is extra cushion-y which is needed when standing on concrete. The ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes “feature gel cushioning in the heel for shock absorption and a durable outsole for traction on concrete surfaces,” explains Fuchs. Furthermore, these shoes feature removable sockliners which can be replaced with a medical orthotic. (Shopping tip: If you’re browsing for a men’s sneaker and the Gel Venture 7 is out of stock, the ASICS Gel Nimbus Lite 3 made our list of the best running shoes for men.)
Specifications:
- Weight: 8.4 ounces
- Materials: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (sole), synthetic material, and mesh
- Sizes: 5 to 12
- Colors: 18
- Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
What we like:
- Features gel cushioning in the heel
- The removable sockliners allow for the insertion of medical orthotics
- Mold to the shape of your feet
What we don’t like:
- No wide-width availability
The bottom line:
These sneakers are suitable for prolonged standing on concrete as they are successfully able to absorb shock and are made with gel cushioning.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes
ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes
Best work shoes for standing all day: New Balance Men’s 877V1
If your job requires lots of standing and walking, the New Balance Men’s 877V1 is a great choice. (You can also find a women’s New Balance 877V1.) Fuchs recommends these as the best walking shoes for men and the best work shoes for standing all day as they “have a supportive midsole, cushioned insole, and a durable outsole for all-day comfort.” They’re also equipped with an 11mm drop that’ll keep your feet and legs feeling comfortable and protected all day long.
Specifications:
- Weight: 12.2 ounces
- Materials: Suede/mesh (upper) and rubber (outsole)
- Sizes: 7 to 15
- Colors: One
- Heel-to-toe drop: 11mm
What we like:
- They are available in several widths
- The durable outsole
- Suitable for walking
- Available in a women’s version
What we don’t like:
- Not many color options
The bottom line:
If your job requires a lot of walking, these sneakers have a durable sole and are available in multiple widths to fit a plethora of sizes.
New Balance Men’s 877V1
women’s New Balance 877V1
Best shoes for flat feet standing all day:
Women: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Men: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 shoes are an investment, but worth it for people with flatter feet. Godoy recommends these as they run wide and contain cushioning that is light, yet supportive. Their unique technology keeps feet in natural alignment and contains laces that are easy to adjust for optimum comfort
Specifications:
- Weight: 9.01 ounces (women’s) and 10.1 ounces (men’s)
- Materials: Air mesh (upper) and EVA foam, rubber, and air (midsole)
- Sizes: 5 to 13 (women’s) and 7 to 15 (men’s)
- Colors: 12
- Heel-to-toe drop:12mm
What we like:
- Run wide for people with flatter feet
- Laces can be easily adjusted
- Made with recycled materials
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
Since these shoes run wide, they’re fitting for people with wider feet and are easily adjustable by tightening or loosening the laces.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Best shoes for standing all-day nurses: Dansko Penni
Nurses should consider these Dansko Penni shoes if they’re looking to upgrade their current footwear to something more supportive. Since they have an abundance of cushion, feet will remain comfortable and flexible. They’re stain resistant thanks to their 3M Scotchgard Protector which is beneficial if any unwanted spills or dirt makes its way onto them.
Specifications:
- Weight: Not listed
- Materials: Recycled textile and recycled mesh (uppers), and rubber
- Sizes: 5 to 12
- Colors: Four
- Heel-to-toe drop: Not listed
What we like:
- Heel shock absorption
- Stain-resistant
- Offers arch and heel support
What we don’t like:
- Not available in men’s sizes
The bottom line:
Despite their higher price point, these sneakers are a great pick for nurses because they can resist stains and absorb shock in the heel.
Dansko Penni
Best steel toe shoes for standing all day:
Women: Timberland PRO® Powertrain Sport Alloy Toe Work Sneakers
Men: Timberland PRO® Powertrain Sport Alloy Toe Work Sneakers
As far as steel toe shoes for standing all day go, the Timberland PRO® Powertrain Sport Alloy Toe Work Sneakers are some of the best. Fuchs recommends these because they “feature a protective steel toe, anti-fatigue technology, and a slip-resistant outsole for comfort and safety.” Although these shoes are lighter in weight, they offer heavy-duty protection when it comes to electrical hazards and moisture.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1.31 pounds
- Materials: Ripstop nylon (upper and fabric lining made out of at least 50% of recycled plastic), alloy safety toe
- Sizes: 7-15 (men’s), 5.5-11 (women’s)
- Colors: Four (men’s), three (women’s)
- Heel-to-toe drop: Not listed
What we like:
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Odor control via antimicrobial treatment
- Made with recycled materials
What we don’t like:
- Not many color options
The bottom line:
These lightweight, but protective steel toe shoes will shield your toes in those instances when you accidentally drop something on your foot or stub your toe.
Timberland PRO® Powertrain Sport Alloy Toe Work Sneakers
Timberland PRO® Powertrain Sport Alloy Toe Work Sneakers
Best arch support shoe for standing all day:
Women: Vionic Walker Classic Sneakers
Men: Vionic Walker Classic Sneakers
If the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) isn’t enough to persuade you into buying these Walker Classic Sneakers from Vionic, you should know that Fuchs recommended these, too. “They have a built-in orthotic footbed that provides excellent arch support and stability for all-day standing,” says Fuchs. Regardless of whether you stand all day outdoors or indoors, these shoes have a durable outsole to prevent slipping.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Materials: Full-grain leather or suede (uppers) and polyester mesh (liner)
- Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s), 7-13 (men’s)
- Colors: 33
- Heel-to-toe drop: .5 inches
What we like:
- Contains a built-in orthotic
- Available in whole and half sizes
- Available in many colors
What we don’t like:
- They are on the bulky side
The bottom line:
These shoes are equipped with built-in orthotics that offer support to those needing more defined foot cushions.
Vionic Walker Classic Sneakers
Vionic Walker Classic Sneakers
Best shoes for standing all day for wide feet:
Women: Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Men: Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Fuchs recommends the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 shoes, equipped with the features needed to provide a comfortable standing experience for individuals with wide feet including cushioning that molds to your unique step. They are available in a variety of widths including wide and extra wide—and a wider base means more stability for those with wider feet. These shoes are recognized as certified PDAC A5500 diabetic shoes.
Specifications:
- Weight: 12.9 ounces
- Materials: Leather (upper)
- Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s), 7 to 15 (men’s)
- Colors: Two
- Heel-to-toe drop: 12mm
What we like:
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Slip-resistant
- Certified PDAC A5500 diabetic shoes
- Good size range, especially for men
What we don’t like:
- Not that many color options available
- Not the sleekest silhouette
The bottom line:
These lightweight shoes are available in a variety of widths to accommodate many foot sizes.
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Best casual shoes for standing all day:
Women: On Running Cloudnova Sneakers
Men: On Running Cloudnova Sneakers
Although On Running is known for their running shoes, many of them also double as pieces that are supportive for standing for long periods of time, including the Cloudnova Sneakers. Godoy recommends these shoes because of their square toe box and the ankle support.
Specifications:
- Weight: 243g (women’s) and 269g (men’s)
- Materials: Polyester and recycled polyester
- Sizes: 5 to 11 (women’s) and 7 to 14 (men’s)
- Colors: 15 (women’s) and 17 (men’s)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 14mm
What we like:
- Has a square toe box
- Provides extra ankle support
- Made with recycled materials
What we don’t like:
- They’re on the heavier side
The bottom line:
Although they’re on the more casual side, Godoy recommends these shoes as they offer more ankle support and have a square toe box.
On Running Cloudnova Sneakers
On Running Cloudnova Sneakers
Most comfortable shoes for standing all day:
Women: Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 Sneakers
Men: Sketchers Ultra Flex 3.0 Sneakers
The Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 Sneaker is one of my favorite pairs of shoes for when I spend a long time standing on my feet at Walt Disney World. I have stood for more than 8 hours at a time and walked upwards of 20,000 steps in one day wearing these shoes and have returned home without any aches or pains. Even on the hottest of Florida days, these shoes have kept my feet cool thanks to their air-cooled memory foam. Shopping tip: If you like the feel of these sneakers, check out the Sketchers Go Run Razor 4, which made our list of the best running shoes for women.
Specifications:
- Weight: Not listed
- Materials: Textile
- Sizes: 5 to 11 (women’s), 6.5-16 wide (men’s)
- Colors: Six (women’s), seven (men’s)
- Heel-to-toe drop: Not listed
What we like:
- Machine washable
- Made with 100% vegan materials
- Cooling
- Lightweight
What we don’t like:
- They stain easily
The bottom line:
These sneakers are made with air-cooled memory foam that’ll keep your feet feeling comfortable and cool while wearing them. They're also machine washable for an easy and convenient washing experience.
Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 Sneakers
Sketchers Ultra Flex 3.0 Sneakers
How we selected the best shoes for standing all day
Support
When it comes to choosing the best shoes for standing all day, “look for shoes that have a firm midsole and arch support as this helps to maintain proper alignment and reduces strain on your feet, ankles, and legs,” says Fuchs.
Cushioning
Searching for shoes with adequate cushioning is essential, especially when they’re a pair you plan on wearing during periods of prolonged standing. “Look for shoes with cushioned insoles or midsoles made from materials like memory foam or gel,” suggests Fuchs. “These materials provide excellent shock absorption and enhance overall comfort.”
Breathability
Breathability is important when it comes to the shoes you’ll be wearing when standing all day as your feet are likely to become sweaty. A shoe’s breathability may be increased when it’s “made from breathable materials like mesh or perforated leather as these materials promote airflow, prevent moisture buildup, and reduce the risk of foot odor and fungal infections,” explains Fuchs.
Stability
Fuchs emphasizes the importance of stability when it comes to the shoes you’ll be wearing when standing all day to stay balanced and prevent excessive or unwanted foot movement. “Look for shoes with a wider base and a firm heel counter,” says Fuchs. “A wider base provides better stability, while a firm heel counter helps to keep your foot in place and prevents excessive pronation or supination.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Which type of shoes is best for standing all day?
According to Fuchs, sneakers or athletic shoes are the best type of shoes for standing all day. “They provide cushioning, support, and shock absorption, which help to reduce foot fatigue and discomfort.”
What are the best shoes for standing all day with flat feet?
If you have flat feet or are shopping for the best shoes for standing all day for someone who does, the best shoes to look for are the ones that offer good arch support. “Look for shoes with built-in arch support or consider using orthotic inserts to provide additional support,” says Fuchs.
What are the best shoes for standing over 12 hours?
If you’re somebody who regularly stands on your feet for more than 12 hours at a time or has future plans to do so, it is important to pick shoes that will keep your feet in the best possible condition. “When standing for over 12 hours, it is crucial to choose shoes that prioritize comfort and support,” explains Fuchs. “Sneakers with ample cushioning and shock absorption are recommended.” Additionally, shoes with a supportive midsole and a breathable upper can help prevent foot fatigue and discomfort.
Why do my feet hurt after standing all day?
If you’re shopping for the best shoes for standing all day, you more than likely have noticed that your feet hurt by the end of the day. There are many reasons why your feet might hurt after standing all day. “Prolonged standing can cause muscle fatigue and strain on the feet, leading to discomfort and pain,” explains Fuchs. “Furthermore, the lack of proper support and cushioning in shoes can exacerbate this issue. Additionally, standing for long periods can also lead to poor circulation, swelling, and inflammation in the feet.”
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