Feet feeling the burn from standing all day? Whether you're juggling a hectic work schedule, running after the kids (or grandkids!) all day or enjoying leisure time in the great outdoors, the right shoes can make a world of difference. Research shows that prolonged standing can cause numerous issues, including low back pain. stiffness and swelling at the feet. But don't despair — you can find relief in our top picks for the best shoes for standing all day.
But what should you be looking for in the ideal shoe? "To alleviate foot pain from standing all day, it's essential to wear supportive shoes with good cushioning," says Gregory Alvarez, DPM, a board-certified podiatry specialist with the Ankle & Foot Centers of America in Georgia.
William Spielfogel, another board-certified podiatrist, mirrors this thought, adding, "Shoes that provide excellent arch support, cushioning, stability and a wide toe box to reduce pressure are best for those on their feet all day." He also explains that when you do sit down, arch support is still critical to maintaining good alignment and reducing standing-related symptoms.
But finding the perfect shoe can be overwhelming! With countless options claiming to be the most comfortable, where should you start? We've made it easier by doing the research for you. After consulting with podiatrists and foot surgeons to get the lowdown on the features we should look for, we evaluated over 75 different pairs of shoes from 15 different brands. We focused on fit, arch support and comfort, and focused on shoes endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). We personally tested the top contenders to see which ones truly deliver. Read on to learn our top picks for the best shoes for standing all day.
Tieks Ballet Flat: When it comes to dressier, work-appropriate shoes, ballet flats are a staple in most women's closets. For ultimate comfort and style, Tieks stands out as a top-tier option. Crafted from high-quality Italian leather, these flats are designed to stretch and mold to your feet. The foldable, split-sole design is particularly impressive, making them convenient for on-the-go use. However, be prepared for a bit of a break-in period, and keep in mind that while the midsoles are more supportive than most flats, they don’t offer as much cushioning as some other options.
Allbirds Tree Breezers: If you're in search of a more casual pair of flats, these are a great choice. They're lightweight, breathable and comfortable right from the start. But, you might not find them as durable as some of the other options on our list.
Dr. Liza Bootie: Finding heeled shoes that are comfortable for all-day wear is a challenge. Enter: the Dr. Liza ankle boot. With an orthotic insole, a deep heel cup and a wide toe box, these are the most comfortable heels I've ever worn. The only downside is the price tag. At nearly $500 a pair, these shoes are a serious investment.
Bared Sanderlings: These podiatrist-designed sandals deliver outstanding support due to their sturdy straps and biomechanical footbed, which alleviates pressure on both the heel and the ball of the foot. However, if you have flat feet, be aware that the high arch support might be uncomfortable.
Naot Kayla Sandals: These sandals are incredibly versatile, seamlessly transitioning from casual to dressy occasions. They provide excellent arch support for all-day comfort. However, they tend to run small and narrow, which might not accommodate all foot types.
Samuel Hubbard Cascade Clogs: These clogs stand out as some of the most stylish options available. Crafted with durability in mind, they feature a plush memory foam insole covered in soft leather for ultimate comfort. Be aware, though, that they can rub against the top of your foot when worn without socks, requiring a bit of a break-in period.
Skechers Go Walk Flex: These slip-ons get the thumbs up for being cute and budget-friendly, offering a lightweight feel and a plush midsole. That said, they fall short in ankle support, aren't slip-resistant and lack the durability found in our other picks.
The demands of standing all day can wreak havoc on your feet, causing painful foot and ankle conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions and heel spurs. The right shoes can make all the difference. When you spend extended periods on your feet, consider these features when choosing the right pair of shoes:
Cushioning: According to D.C.-based foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Paul J. Carroll, shoes with firm, supportive cushioning are the most beneficial. Brent Wells, a chiropractor in Anchorage, Alaska, agrees. explains that cushioning is what helps absorb shock, reducing impact on the joints, preventing injury and reducing pain.
Arch support: Wells explains that "Good arch support helps evenly distribute your body weight across your foot, preventing pressure points and conditions like plantar fasciitis."
Heel stability: If you overpronate, a stability shoe is often helpful. But even if you have a neutral stride, heel stability remains important. "The right heel height helps maintain posture while minimizing strain on your Achilles tendon and calf muscles," Wells says, suggesting you look for shoes with a heel-to-toe drop of 7 mm or more if you stand for long periods. This heel-to-toe drop helps keep the body's posture aligned while standing and walking.
Durability: If you're on your feet all day, that means you're clocking hours and miles on your shoes — they absolutely must be well-made and durable if you want them to hold up to the challenge. Look for a pair of shoes with thick rubber outsoles that will provide adequate protection and traction, particularly if your workplace floor can become slippery.
Weight of the shoe: Shoes that are lighter offer more comfort and breathability, two important factors for all-day wear. They're also easier on the body. "Lightweight shoes reduce the energy expenditure of the wearer, making it easier to stand for prolonged periods," says Wells.
Fit: Finally, make sure that you choose a well-fitting shoe. Shoes that are too tight or narrow can exacerbate foot problems, whereas shoes that are too loose or wide won't offer enough support.
To find the best shoes for all-day standing, we sought the advice of a panel of footwear experts, including podiatrists, chiropractors and orthopedic surgeons. They provided valuable insights into foot conditions and the key attributes of a supportive shoe. With this guidance, we evaluated over 75 pairs of shoes from popular and doctor-recommended brands.
Our assessment focused on stability, shock absorption, comfort and durability. We also prioritized shoes with the APMA Seal of Approval. Beyond these criteria, we looked at sustainability, cost and style to ensure our recommendations met diverse needs.
There are various ways to relieve foot pain from prolonged standing, says Chirag Patel, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist in Louisville, Ky., but two factors are critical: wearing the right shoes and stretching.
The right shoes depend on your arch height, existing injuries or conditions, and lifestyle, but no matter what, you should wear "shoes that provide comfort, support and durability," he says.
Stretching exercises are also helpful. Not only does stretching help reduce foot pain and muscle tension, but it maintains or increases flexibility and range of motion, which can prevent future injury.
Sneakers or athletic shoes are best for prolonged standing, but if they're not an option, look for a shoe with a firmly cushioned midsole, arch support and adequate heel support.
Shoe type is important, but even more important is shoe age, says physical therapist Christynne Helfrich. "Make sure you have shoes that are less than 12 months old," she says. "If you are wearing older shoes, the shock absorption and support will not be adequate."
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation in the thick, connective tissue that connects your heel to your toes (known as the plantar fascia). It's one of the most common causes of foot pain in adults. Telltale signs that you're dealing with plantar fasciitis include walking up with heel pain that's particularly bad for the first few steps of the day or after periods of prolonged sitting.
"Typical treatment involves a combination of rest, ice and stretching exercises," says Alvarez. "It's also important to wear supportive footwear." Custom insoles or orthotics can also be used. "In more severe cases, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections may be necessary," he says.
Gregory Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatry specialist with the Ankle & Foot Centers of America
William Spielfogel, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and chief of the Department of Podiatry and orthopedic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York
Jerick Sobie, certified pedorthist and co-owner of Lucky Feet Shoes
Bruce Pinker, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon at Progressive Foot Care in New York
Paul J. Carroll, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Brent Wells, DC, a chiropractor at Better Health Alaska in Anchorage, Alaska
Chirag Patel, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and CEO of New Horizons Foot and Ankle Associates in Lousiville, Ky.
Christynne Helfrich, PT, DPT, OCS, a physical therapist at Hinge Health
