10 Best shoes for standing all day in 2024, tested and reviewed
Whether you have a highly active job, young kids to constantly run after or a full vacation day of sightseeing to look forward to, if you spend a lot of time on your feet, you need a comfortable pair of shoes. In fact, research indicates that prolonged standing can lead to foot pain, poor blood circulation, low back pain and other musculoskeletal symptoms. But you don't have to take the pain lying down (or, more accurately, standing up). You just need to grab one (or two) of our top picks for the best shoes for standing all day.
"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, agrees. "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 says. "Even when you do sit down, maintaining proper arch support is important to continue keeping the foot in the ideal position."
With so many shoes on the market proclaiming to offer the most comfortable wear, it can be hard to find the right fit (so to speak). To help you narrow down the field, we did the research for you. After first consulting with a panel of experts — including podiatrists and foot surgeons — we evaluated over 75 different pairs of shoes to compile our list. We prioritized fit, arch support and comfort as well as shoes with approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association. We then personally tested the top contenders to analyze which shoes did the trick. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks for the best shoes to carry you through a long day of standing. And if you're in need of even greater support, consider our picks for best orthopedic shoes.
Cost: $145 | Materials: Knit upper, EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: High | Sizes available: Women's 5-12 with half sizes up to 10.5; men's 7-16 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Regular and wide
Since its inception in 2009, Hoka has become one of the most popular footwear brands around, and for good reason. Known for their chunky, maximalist look, Hokas are often dubbed the most comfortable shoe in the world, loved by trendsetters and podiatrists alike.
While you can't go wrong with any pair of Hokas, when it comes to standing all day, the Clifton 9 is our top choice. Like most of the brand's shoes, the Clifton 9 has earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which is awarded to products deemed beneficial for foot health. That said, the plush comfort is what really makes this shoe stand out.
"Hoka shoes feature unique cushioning that reduces back pain and improves posture and gait," says certified pedorthist Jerick Sobie, co-owner of Lucky Feet Shoes in Southern California. "The Clifton 9 is especially good for standing all day because of its excellent stability and shock absorption."
When test-driving this shoe, I found that the compression-molded EVA midsole gives it a soft, springy feel that basically feels like walking on a cloud. On top of that, the Clifton features Hoka's signature meta-rocker bottom and a wider base that provides additional stability. As such, it "effectively combats foot fatigue during extended periods of standing," says Sobie.
At less than 8 ounces, the Clifton 9 is also surprisingly lightweight, despite how bulky it looks. All in all, it's perfect for anyone who regularly spends a lot of time on their feet.
Cost: $135 | Materials: Eucalyptus tree fiber upper, foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: Neutral | Sizes available: Women's 5-11 with half sizes up to 10.5; men's 8-14 with half sizes up to 13.5 | Widths: Regular width only
I first discovered Allbirds about five years ago and they've been my go-to shoe ever since. The B-Corp-certified footwear brand is well known for creating sustainable, minimalistic and ultra-comfortable shoes. For easy, everyday use when running errands, I'm a fan of the Tree Runners, but for periods of prolonged standing, the Tree Dasher 2 is your best bet.
Like most of the brand's shoes, the Tree Dasher 2 is made with eco-friendly materials, including eucalyptus tree fiber for the upper, sugarcane-based midsoles and a natural rubber outsole. But what really sets this shoe apart is the added cushioning.
The Tree Dasher 2 features an improved SweetFoam midsole that's softer and more supportive than previous models. The shoe also has a deeper, more cushioned heel cup for added shock absorption and a flared heel shape for extra stability.
Cost: $105 | Materials: Leather upper, EVA midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: Moderate | Sizes available: 5-12 with half sizes up to 11.5 | Widths: Medium, wide and extra-wide
Orthopedic shoes are often a necessity for those with certain foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions and neuropathy, but they're also beneficial for alleviating pain, preventing future issues and offering extra support for prolonged standing.
For women looking for a comfortable, work-appropriate shoe, the OrthoFeet Emily is your best bet. It may not be the most stylish shoe around, but with supple leather and a classic silhouette, it's perfect for the office while still being exceptionally comfortable.
Like all OrthoFeet shoes, the Emily features a removable orthotic insole, an arch booster and two fitting spacers so you can easily customize the fit to your feet. These shoes also provide all-day comfort thanks to a wide toe box and a highly cushioned heel.
Cost: $140 | Materials: Leather upper, EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: Moderate | Sizes available: 8-14 (no half sizes available) | Widths: Medium only
Dansko is famous for its iconic clogs commonly praised by teachers, chefs and health care workers, but the brand makes more than just clogs, and all of its footwear is created with comfort in mind.
The Men's Walker is a classic, all-black Oxford shoe that offers unparalleled support and stability for a long day at the office. The EVA-molded footbed and contoured polyurethane midsole provides extra arch support, cushioning and shock absorption. For those who need more customizable support, the insole is removable so you can easily add your own orthotics.
Plus, if you work in the restaurant industry or medical field, these shoes are waterproof, easy to clean and slip-resistant.
Cost: $75 | Materials: EVA foam | Type of arch support: Neutral | Sizes available: Women's 5-18; men's 3-16 (no half sizes available) | Widths: Regular width only
Billed as an active recovery shoe, the Kane Revive is an innovative, eco-friendly and affordable option perfect for a 12-hour nursing shift, a day on the water or just lounging at home.
Recovery shoes are specifically designed to help tired, achy feet recover after strenuous physical activity, such as an intense workout session or a period of prolonged standing. They work to reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation and prevent injury. Plus, they're just downright comfy.
The Kane Revives have ample cushioning and an anatomical design with neutral arch support. This means the shoes are designed to allow for the most natural movement of your foot during walking, without added stability features to prevent over-pronation (excessive internal rotation of your foot).
The footbed features raised nodes that are meant to help stimulate blood flow and aid recovery, offering a gentle massaging sensation as you stand or walk around. The shoe also has a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, which takes pressure off the Achilles tendon and encourages proper walking form. All of that equals an easy, lightweight pair of shoes that feel great for prolonged wear.
With that said, they aren't exactly the most stylish option, although they're far sleeker and more attractive than Crocs. Plus, they come in 15 different colors.
Cost: $140 | Materials: Mesh upper, exposed foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: Neutral | Sizes available: Women's 5-11 with half sizes up to 10.5; men's 7-14 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Regular width only
On, one of the fastest-growing footwear companies in the world, is typically associated with running shoes, but the Cloud 5 is our top choice for all-day walking.
The trendy Swiss shoe brand is easily recognizable thanks to the distinctive CloudTec sole featured on all of its products. This patented technology gives On shoes their signature bottoms, which consist of hollow pods that run along the length of the sole. But it's not just a marketing gimmick — it's an innovative cushioning system.
The hollow pods, called "clouds," compress on impact and then release, absorbing shock and providing a springier response. Landings are softer, takeoffs are more powerful and the overall ride is smoother. All in all, it works to give you the feeling of walking on clouds. I used these on several all-day walking tours during a family vacation, and they helped keep my feet and legs from feeling the strain of the extra activity.
Aside from that, the Cloud 5 is incredibly flexible, and at around 7 ounces, it's one of the lightest running or walking shoes on the market.
Cost: $145 | Materials: Knit upper, EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: Stability | Sizes available: Women's 5-12 with half sizes up to 10.5; men's 7-15 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Regular and wide
Generally speaking, sneakers are the best option for prolonged periods of standing, and Bruce Pinker, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, says he often recommends Hokas.
Along with comfort, the best running shoe should offer stability, which is why the Hoka Arahi 7 is our top pick. Classified as a moderate stability trainer, the Arahi 7 features the brand's proprietary J-Frame midsole. This is essentially a J-shaped strip of foam that's firmer than the rest of the midsole and wraps around the heel and along the medial (interior) side of the shoe. The added J-Frame works to prevent the foot from rolling too far inward, a mechanism known as overpronation.
Overpronation is common in those with flat feet and can lead to various foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions and heel spurs. Unsurprisingly, it's important to prevent overpronation when running or walking. Although the Arahi 7 is a less "plushy" ride than some of Hoka's shoes, for those who are on their feet all day, it provides the support and stability needed to maintain proper foot health.
Cost: $60 | Materials: Closed-cell foam | Type of arch support: Moderate | Sizes available: Women's 5-16; men's 3-16 (no half sizes available) | Widths: Regular only
Flip-flops are just about the worst possible footwear for prolonged periods of standing or walking, but there's no denying their appeal, particularly during the summer. Luckily, if you want a comfortable, convenient flip-flop that also provides support, there's a shoe for you.
The Oofos OOriginal Sandal, the brand's most popular shoe, is made from OOfoam, a proprietary closed-cell foam that absorbs 37% more impact than the EVA typically found in other shoes. Because of this, they feel exceptionally comfortable and cushy underfoot. (If you're like me, after putting them on you'll find yourself saying, "oooooo" — the idea behind the brand's name.)
While most flip-flops are flat, unsupportive and flimsy, Oofos are designed to provide proper arch support. The thick, slightly curved sole also works to take pressure off the heel and allow for a more natural range of motion. Admittedly this creates a slightly wobbly sensation that takes some adjusting to, but once you get used to the feel, you'll never want to go back to regular flip-flops again.
Cost: $110 | Materials: Suede upper, sheepskin lining, foam midsole and sugarcane EVA outsole | Type of arch support: Low | Sizes available: Women's 5-12; men's 7-18 (no half sizes available) | Widths: Regular width only
Ugg, the original ugly shoe brand, attained mass-appeal status thanks to its iconic and notoriously comfortable boots. It's not surprising, then, that it's used that same talent to make the coziest slippers around.
The Tasman has an easy, slip-on silhouette, a plush footbed and a durable outsole, so it can seamlessly transition from lounging at home to outdoor use. Uggs are known for their signature shearling interior, and the Tasman features the classic shearling with a thick sheepskin and wool lining that also keeps your feet ultracozy and warm.
Cost: $140 | Materials: Leather upper, EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: Moderate | Sizes available: Women's 4-10; men's 6-14 (European sizes) | Widths: Regular width only
Some sandals are meant to be stylish, like a heeled wedge to wear with a sundress, but for all-day walking, you need something a bit more robust.
The Ecco Yucatan Sandal, a hiking sandal available for men and women, provides the right amount of support and comfort for days spent on your feet. It has a contoured footbed with thick, EVA foam cushioning to provide a soft, supportive fit and a microfiber cover to help absorb sweat. The three-strap design and thick, durable rubber outsole help to offer extra grip and stability.
With all that comfort and support, though, comes the downside in terms of style. While these sandals are perfect for hitting the hiking trail, they have a chunky aesthetic that may not be everyone's cup of tea. So if you're looking for a slightly more feminine sandal for everyday use, the Ecco Flowt may be a better option.
Tieks Ballet Flat: When it comes to dressier, work-appropriate shoes, ballet flats are a closet staple for most women and, in terms of comfort, Tieks offers a top-tier option. They're made from high-quality Italian leather that's designed to stretch and mold to your feet. The best part, though, is the foldable, split-sole design. However, there is a bit of a break-in period, and the midsoles, while more supportive than most flats, don't offer as much cushioning as some other shoes.
Allbirds Tree Breezers: This is another great, more casual option if you're looking for a pair of flats. They're lightweight, breathable and comfortable from day one. But they're less durable than some of the other options that made our list.
Dr. Liza Bootie: Finding any type of heeled shoe that's comfortable for all-day wear is nearly impossible. 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, so they're not something you'd want to wear every day.
Bared Sanderlings: These podiatrist-created sandals provide a ton of support thanks to the thick straps and biomechanical footbed designed to reduce pressure on the heel and in the ball of the foot. However, the arch support is almost too high, so for those with flat feet, they might cause some discomfort.
Naot Kayla Sandals: Incredibly versatile, these sandals can easily be dressed up or down. They also offer a ton of arch support for all-day comfort, but they run a little small and narrow, so they may not be suitable for all feet.
Samuel Hubbard Cascade Clogs: These are some of the most stylish clogs around. Not only are they well-made and durable, they have an incredibly plush memory foam insole covered in soft leather for maximum comfort. However, when worn without socks, they tend to rub the top of your foot, at least at first, so it may take extra time to break them in.
Skechers Go Walk Flex: These cute and affordable slip-on shoes are lightweight and provide a plush midsole, but we felt they lacked sufficient ankle support. They're also not slip-resistant and less durable than all of our other options.
Prolonged standing can lead to various foot and ankle conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis and pain. But wearing the proper footwear can help mitigate these risks. If you spend your days on your feet, there are certain factors to consider when looking for 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 for people who stand all day. Brent Wells, a chiropractor in Anchorage, Alaska, agrees. "Good cushioning absorbs shock and reduces the impact on joints," he explains. This can help prevent injury and provide pain relief, particularly for those with achy feet or joint pain.
Arch support: Proper arch support is essential for prolonged standing, says Wells. "Good arch support helps evenly distribute your body weight across your foot, preventing pressure points and conditions like plantar fasciitis," he explains.
Heel stability: For people who overpronate, a stability trainer is often recommended. But even if you have a neutral stride, heel stability is incredibly important. "The right heel height helps maintain posture while minimizing strain on your Achilles tendon and calf muscles," Wells explains.
Additionally, shoes with a heel-to-toe drop of 7 mm or more are usually best for prolonged standing. "The heel-to-toe drop plays a crucial role in aligning the body's posture during walking or standing, affecting how weight is distributed along the foot," he says.
Durability: If you're on your feet all day, it's a good idea to ensure your footwear is long-lasting and durable. Look for a pair of shoes with thick rubber outsoles that will provide adequate protection and traction, particularly if you work anywhere a slippery floor may be expected.
Lightweight: 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.
Proper 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 spoke to a panel of footwear experts including podiatrists, physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons to learn more about different foot conditions and what to look for in a good shoe. We then evaluated more than 75 different shoes from popular and doctor-recommended brands.
Our evaluation consisted of research and personal testing, and we focused on stability, shock absorption, comfort and durability. We also prioritized shoes with an APMA Seal of Approval. Finally, we considered other factors, such as sustainability, cost and style, in our determinations.
There are a number of ways to relieve foot pain from prolonged standing, says Chirag Patel, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist in Louisville, Ky., but two remedies are of utmost importance: wearing the right shoes and stretching.
The right shoes can vary based 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, it maintains or increases flexibility and range of motion, which can prevent future injury.
Sneakers are generally best for prolonged standing, but if wearing them isn't possible, look for a shoe with a firmly cushioned midsole and adequate heel support.
Shoe type is important, but even more important is shoe age, says physical therapist Christynne Helfrich. "To help prevent foot pain from standing all day, you want to 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, an inflammation in the thick, connective tissue that connects your heel to your toes (known as the plantar fascia), is one of the most common causes of foot pain in adults. Typically, people experience heel pain that's worse in the morning with the first few steps of the day and after a period of prolonged inactivity.
"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
