The 12 Best Pairs of Shoes for Standing All Day, According to Podiatrists

Saucony’s Guide 16 receives top marks for its PWRRUN+ midsole, which is somehow light-as-a-feather and incredibly cushy to provide all-day comfort for your feet. Designed with the needs of runners in mind, these sneakers provide moderate stability for any pace and distance, which, in our experience, make them a reliable choice for long hours on your feet.

One standout feature is the gusted tongue, which enhances the overall comfort of the shoe. It securely holds your feet in place while allowing them to move freely all day. The tailored fit from heel to toe adds to the stability of the shoe, providing a secure feeling with ample room for your forefoot to splay out during toe-offs.

While runners with wider feet might find the tailored fit a bit snug, I found it to be incredibly comfortable and an ideal pick to take you from hour-long stints at your standing desk to long runs after work.

Read more: Most Cushioned Running Shoes

Asics makes plenty of Men’s Health-approved running shoes that can take on plenty of mileage. That’s why it’s no surprise that their kicks are also great for standing and walking all day in. Asics’ GEL-Cumulus 24 is a bestseller thanks to its Flytefoam midsole for Cloud Nine-like support.

“Mirrored after cumulus clouds, the ASICS Cumulus 24 has a soft squishy feel. Added Gel in the heel makes for a great walking shoe,” says Dr. Mendeszoon.

It’s technically classified as a neutral shoe, so it’s a good choice for those without special arch support needs. For those with low or high arches, pop a customized insole in these bad boys and you’ll be good to go.

The highlight of this shoe? It’s designed to correct underpronation, but without too high of a lateral side wall (a common theme with shoes in this category).

Read more: Best Asics Shoes

Pros

• Available in half and wide sizes
• Great balance of cushioning and responsiveness
• Uniquely-HOKA meta rocker outsole
• Good for high arches

The Hoka Clifton 9’s are a tried-and-true running shoe with thick, bouncy foam cushioning. The brand’s marquee runners also received a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association for their incredible foot support, so you know they work for long days at the office.

We love the rocket shape, which propels the runner forwards with each step (in the most comfortable way possible). The upper and midfoot is soft, flexible, and alots substantial height, making it a suitable choice for high arches that feel squeezed in other sneakers.

However, if you’re someone with a wider foot, this shoe may not work for you, even in the wide size. Hoka loves to make their toe boxes particularly narrow, which can be tough for those with wide feet or who appreciate toe splay.

Read more: Best Cross-Training Shoes

Yes, it’s true. New Balance’s signature Fresh Foam shoes are back, and in the highest stack ever. And, in my experience, they’re as easy on the feet as they are on the eyes. That’s because this model’s latest iteration was redesigned to maximize cushioning and support (think Hoka-like sky-high stack and meta rocker), so you can wear it all day, every day.

The rocker midsole allows for effortless pace walking, adding to the overall comfort and ease of movement. While the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 offers exceptional benefits, it’s essential to consider its flaws. The upper section may pinch slightly from midfoot to toe-box, but this is offset by the shoe’s incredible cushioning and overall comfort. However, we only experienced the issue when pushing the shoe for running (what it’s designed for).

Read more: Best Wide Running Shoes

When it comes to neutral running shoes, Altra tops our list for its supreme shape that takes comfort, mobility, and stride in mind. The characteristic shoe design from the brand offers ample space for toes to spread out, promoting a natural and comfortable fit that is all-around ideal for long hours standing.

We were pleasantly surprised to find the brand new Torin 7 boasts an even soften tongue and more cushioning compared to its predecessor. Although the upper material initially felt a bit rigid, it quickly adjusted and softened with each stride, providing a reliable and cushioned experience throughout my runs (we found this to be true with the 6, too).

Plus, its chunky midsole makes for a retro-inspired look that looks as good as it feels.

Read more: Best Stretches to Relieve Back Pain

Pros

• Sticky underfoot traction
• Designed to correct overpronation
• Balanced cushioning
• Available in extra-wide

Stability shoes are great for those who overpronate, meaning their ankles roll too far inward with each stride. They’re also great for standing all day in since their specialized cushioning helps take the impact off of our feet and ankles. These surely don’t feel as plushy as, say, the Fresh Foams on this list. The tradeoff, however, is a more stable, balanced base.

These Beast runners feel great for minimizing impact from running or standing on your feet all day, plus added support and stability via a wide base and sturdy side walls.

Read more: Best Walking Shoes

It’s impossible to discuss the best shoes for standing long hours (or foot health, in general) without mentioning KURU. In my experience wearing the ATOM, the design helps to optimize pressure distribution from your heel to your forefoot, making it superb for long walks or day-long standing.

So-called KURUSole technology feels supportive through the length of the foot, flexing to cradle your heel and balance the arches. The knit, lace-free upper disguises this shoe as a more sophisticated, office-friendly alternative to a classic athletic sneaker.

What do buyers say? “Love them. Super comfortable and support is great right out of the box,” said one KURU buyer.

Read more: Best Recovery Shoes

Pros

• Fashion-forward
• Retro silhouette
• Comfortable padding through the tongue, heel cup and upper
• Limited-edition collaboration design

Just because comfort is a priority, doesn’t mean you have to (or should) sacrifice fashion. I can confidently say that these shoes were up-to-par with most athletic shoes on this list in terms of comfort and cushioning, but with a leg-up on style.

A collab between Saucony and Bogeda, 3D Grid Hurricane silhouette is as nostalgic to the 90s as it gets: vibrant colors, unique textures, and distinct chunky silhouette. These sneakers not only look incredible, but they deliver on the promise of all-day comfort thanks to a wide, balanced midsole combined with the interlocking layers of cushioning that you won’t find in many other aesthetics-driven shoes.

We found the custom raised velour grid, heavily textured tongue, and 3M reflective heel not only add extra touches of luxury in terms of looks, but in overall comfort and functionality as well.

Read more: Best Retro Sneakers

Though technically a running shoe, it makes for a great all-day standing shoe, too. Plus, if a middle-of-the-day work break looks more like a quick walk (or even jog) around the block, then these Brooks shoes have you covered.

This bestseller in the athletic footwear community has received plenty of love for its DNA LOFT cushioning, which we found somehow both soft and secure. In our experience, the added Stealth Fit sock-liner and almost seamless knit upper add a little compression through the midfoot into the ankle, which works well to combat swelling and fatigue that can come with hours on your feet.

Read more: Best Breathable Shoes

We know what you’re thinking, ‘no way are loafers a comfortable shoe for standing all day.’ We were skeptical, too, but after weeks of testing, can confirm that these are among the most comfortable dress shoes to spend long hours on your feet in.

Similar to combat or work boots, Cole Haan’s “platform” loafers offer lots of tough leather style and height. Not only do they look great, but the cushioned footbed provides serious support underfoot and a rugged patterned sole ensure steady traction. We also love that its round toe keeps the fit full and therefore comfortable to walk in (no toe-squishing, here).

In our experience, some breaking-in is required, but far less than any other comparable loafer we’ve tested. Pro tip: purchase a pair of heel grips to protect your achilles area from any initial potential for blisters.

Read more: Best Loafers for Men

Long days on the field or construction zone call for work boots with ample support. Timerbland’s tough as nails PRO series is made up of heavy-duty boots that can take a licking, while being incredibly soft on your feet.

Take this option, which has a shock-diffusing plate and an anti-fatigue footbed to provide hours-long comfort and plenty of cushion without compromising on flexibility. Made with a waterproof leather outsole, it’s made to hold up even after years of use.

Read more: Best Weightlifting Shoes

For the days that require something between heavy-duty, protective footwear and a classy leather boot, these Chelsea boots from Ariat are one of the best options, by far. Rain, sleet, hail, or shine, we found the waterproof full grain leather upper to keep the feet dry and comfortable.

A padded collar, elastic on each side of the entryway, and front and back straps make slipping on these stunners easier than you’d imagine. Most importantly, in our experience, the insole and midsole work together to offer ample support, cushioning, and shock absorption. (So much that it actually feels more similar to many athletic sneakers on this list than it does to other boots).

Choosing shoes for standing all day is vital as it can be tough on your feet, legs, and back. Here are some tips on how to select the best shoes for standing all day:

Arch support: Arch support is crucial to maintaining proper alignment and reducing stress on your feet and lower back when standing for long periods of time. Look for shoes with built-in arch support and consider adding orthotic inserts to really customize your fit.

Wide toe box: Shoes with a narrow toe box can pinch and cramp your toes, leading to discomfort and pain after a long day. Look for shoes with a roomy toe box that allows your toes to spread out naturally.

Cushioning: Shoes with good cushioning can help absorb shock and reduce the impact of each step, reducing fatigue and soreness in your feet and legs when you can’t seem to get off your feet. Look for shoes with thick, shock-absorbing soles or midsoles made of materials like EVA or memory foam.

Material: If you stand all day, your feet likely get hot and sweaty. There’s no denying it! But worry not, just look for shoes whose upper is made with breathable materials like mesh or perforated leather to help keep your feet cool and dry.

Try on shoes at the end of the day: Your feet can swell throughout the day, so it’s important to try on new shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. This will ensure you choose shoes that fit comfortably even when your feet are at their most swollen.

Consider your specific day-to-day: Everyone’s feet are different, and everyone’s day-to-day requires something different from their shoes. So it’s important to consider any specific issues you may have, such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or bunions. Look for shoes that are designed to address these issues and fit your specific daily challenges, such as shoes with extra arch support or a wide-toe box.

To ensure you find good shoes for standing all day, the most crucial aspect is to get professionally fitted and measured. “The best time of day to be measured and fitted is in the late afternoon or evening, as this is when feet will be at their largest dimensions,” says Dr. Mendeszoon.

Once work shoes are purchased, they should solely be used for work, and not other activities. You should also consider purchasing two pairs to rotate between, which will allow the shoes to ‘recover’ and feel fresh when putting them back on your feet. “Work shoes should be replaced at least every year or sooner, if one experiences pain or every 500 to 600 miles,” says Dr. Mendeszoon.

You should also pay attention to certain details of the shoe. Starting with the midsole, you should look for a shoe that provides adequate cushioning and a comfortable midsole—no matter your occupation. Once you start looking at the outer sole, the details start to split up depending on your career. “Non-slip and non-skid soles are available for those occupations such as folks in the food industry, laboratories or medical field,” says Dr. Mendeszoon. In general, however, your shoe’s outsole should be able to provide a solid foundation and be relatively flat and wide enough to adapt to the ground surfaces.

Last, but certainly not least, is the upper. The upper design of your shoe should provide enough room in length and width so that your toes can adequately move. “Specific job requirements may require that the uppers be made of a non-mesh, breathable material ( like leather or waterproof materials) to prevent the feet from being exposed to spills or environmental exposures,” says Dr. Mendeszoon. Some occupations also require steel toe or composite protective caps for the toes, which can be extremely painful. “In some situations, a metatarsal bar cap can be applied to a regular shoe if the steel or composite caps are too painful,” says Dr. Mendeszoon.

Memory foam molds to the shape of your foot, providing cushioning and support where you need it most. Which makes it a good choice for reducing foot discomfort when standing all day.

The material can also help reduce pressure points and distribute weight more evenly, which can be especially helpful if you’re on your feet for long hauls. Memory foam shoes typically have good arch support and shock absorption, which can help reduce strain on your feet and legs, too.

That being said, it’s important to note that not all memory foam shoes are created equal, and some may be more supportive and comfortable than others. It’s a good idea to try on several different styles and brands to find the one that feels best for your feet and provides the support you need for your type of foot.

At Men’s Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. For this story, we spent hours testing shoes, researching, and interviewing podiatrists including podiatrist Dr. Mark Mendeszoon. Our writers and editors are experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

For the past three years, we consulted with Men’s Health‘s Fitness editors and writers, along with board-certified podiatrist Dr. Mendeszoon, on the top shoes for standing all day. MH staff including Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., Senior Fitness Editor, Brett Williams, NASM, and Fitness and Commerce Editor, Talene Appleton, NASM, put dozens of shoes through the wringer to evaluate their fit, support, cushioning and effectiveness maintaining comfort when standing for long periods of time. The list above reflects our picks for the most suitable shoe options to wear when you’re on your feet for long periods of time.