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6 Best shoes for standing all day
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
Whether you have a labor-heavy job or work in an office environment, work at home or travel a lot, your feet can take a beating. Without healthy feet, it can prevent you from engaging in those things in life that you need to do and enjoy doing.
Therefore, it’s vital to have a pair of shoes for running, walking and standing all day, whether you are at work or home. With so many shoes to choose from in the mall and online, you may just reach for the least expensive pair or the most convenient pair you can find. But it’s important to take some time to find the most comfortable shoes for standing all day that you can find to help provide support and stability to keep your feet the healthiest you can.
How we chose the best shoes for standing
A 2019 study on shoe design shows that some safe elements of footwear for comfort include proper anatomical fit, a well-fitting toe box, limited heel height, a broad enough heel, a firm insole and midsole and an outsole with sufficient tread, among other things. In addition to these factors, you should also choose shoes that are easy to take on and off, as well as those that provide ventilation, cushioning, and arch support.
In fact, a 2021 study on footwear comfort found that those people who work on their feet all day prefer softer materials under their heel and forefoot, but when it comes to arch support, they prefer a firmer material. Using these findings, you can choose a shoe that will help support your feet while you go about your daily routine. Read below to learn about the best shoes for standing all day to help you with your search.
When choosing the list of the most comfortable shoes for standing all day, we looked at not only consumer ratings online but also the evidence-based factors listed above. We chose shoes for the most common occasions where you would be on your feet for a long period of time, such as work, casual occasions like socializing and staying at home, as well as traveling.
Then, we narrowed it down to the shoes that provided both comfort, stability and function in those places where you will be most likely to wear such shoes. As someone who is on their feet all day working at a hospital and then running errands on my days off, I can assure you that comfortable shoes are my forte. So, I am excited to share with you the list of the best shoes for standing all day below.
Top shoes for standing for long periods
- Best for women’s casual shoe: Skechers Women’s GOwalk Lite Boat Shoe
- Best for men’s casual shoe: Hey Dude Wally Sox Micro
- Best for women’s dress shoe: Dansko Fawna Mary Jane
- Best for men’s dress shoe: Florsheim Midtown Cap Toe Oxford
- Best for walking shoe: Easy Spirit Romy Walking Shoe
- Best for sustainability and unique design: UIN Canvas Lightweight Slip-ons
Best for women’s casual shoe: Skechers Women’s GOWalk Isla Lite™ Boat Shoe
About Skechers Women’s GOWalk Isla Lite™ Boat Shoe
If you’re trying to find a lightweight and breathable shoe with a casual style, then Skechers Women’s GOWalk Lite Boat Shoe might be the right fit for you. This easy slip-on style makes it simple to put on when you’re walking out the door to run errands. Meanwhile, the Goga Max® cushioned insole makes it comfortable to wear while walking around your neighborhood or going for a short stroll with your dog. The Ortholite® insole layer not only adds a more comforting cushion, but also provides breathability to reduce odor from locking in your shoes, especially in warm weather. And when you’re done for the day, the Skechers GOWalk Lite Boat Shoe can go in the washing machine so you can keep them fresh for years to come.
Why we like it
- Goga Max® cushioned insole
- Machine washable
- Ortholite® insole layer for cushioning breathability
What to consider
- Ranges between $44 and $72 depending on what site you shop
- Some consumers feel the arch support is inadequate
- Some consumers recommend using for casual short distance walking only
Best for men’s casual shoe: Hey Dude Wally Sox Micro
About Hey Dude Wally Sox Micro
Whether you’re traveling on vacation or to the corner store, these lightweight slip-on Wally Sox Micro shoes from Hey Dude keep your feet comfortable. This stylish moccasin-style shoe has versatility from running errands to business casual. And the cotton insole provides breathability that keeps your shoes smelling fresh year-round. These machine-washable Hey Dude Wally Sox Micro have a removable insole textile upper and elastic laces for an easy-on lace system. And with a cushioned ankle collar, these shoes will protect your feet for hours on end.
Why we like it
- Breathable cotton insole that provides comfort and reduces odor
- Convenient slip-on style
- 90-day manufacturer’s warranty for high quality and authenticity
What to consider
- Around $60
- Sizes run small
- Some consumers say they don’t machine wash well
Best for women’s dress shoe: Dansko Fawna Mary Jane
- APMA Seal of Acceptance for Foot Health
- Removable, molded EVA footbed
- Dansko Natural Arch® technology
About Dansko Fawna Mary Jane
If you’re looking for a dressy style while keeping your feet feeling fresh and healthy, then the Dansko Fawna Mary Jane may be the shoe for you. This adorable Mary Jane style shoe has a removable, triple-density EVA footbed that provides Dansko Natural Arch Technology for ultimate support. And if you have your own preferred orthotic, you can remove the memory foam footbed to accommodate your preferred arch support product. With a 1.5” heel and rubber outsole, this shoe is built to last through all your casual walking through to your workplace needs. With stain resistance and odor control features as well, the Dansko Fawna Mary Jane stays fresh while you are looking your best.
Why we like it
- Aegis® Microbe Shield insole for odor control
- 3M Scotchgard™ treated NuBuck for stain resistance
- Integrated insole with tuckboard and steel shank for support
What to consider
- $140 price tag
- Strap on shoe is velcro, not a buckle
- Shoe sizing runs large
Best for men’s dress shoe: Florsheim Midtown Cap Toe Oxford
About Florsheim Midtown Cap Toe Oxford
From the office to the night life, these modern classic Cap Toe Oxford shoes by Florsheim provide the ultimate support. With breathable and moisture wicking Suedetec linings that are soft to the touch, you will feel your feet wrapped in comfort as you’re out on the town. Ortholite X-40 rebound foam provides further moisture management while providing ultimate cushioning support. And with a slip-resistant rubber sole, this shoe keeps you grounded on the go. The clean lines and variety of pattern choices make the Florsheim Midtown Cap Toe Oxford fitting for just about anyone looking for a dress shoe for their daily routine.
Why we like it
- Removable footbed with stability heel cup
- Comfort technology from insole to lining
- Leather sourced from a tannery with a Gold or Silver rating for environmental responsibility
What to consider
- Between $90-$125 depending on the site you shop
- Uppers are genuine leather, but sole is rubber
- Some consumers say that the shoe sizing runs a bit small
Best for walking shoe: Easy Spirit Romy Walking Shoe
About Easy Spirit Romy Walking Shoe
Whether you’re heading to the gym for a light workout or going to pick up some groceries, the Easy Spirit Romy Walking Shoe will work for you. Its lightweight design makes you feel like you’re walking on clouds. Meanwhile, the removable insole and sock liner options allow you to customize your fit based on your needs. With over 30 styles to choose from, you’re sure to find the design that fits your fashion preference. With thick-padded insoles and flexible yet durable traction on the rubber sole make the Easy Spirit Romy Walking Shoe an essential addition to your comfortable shoe collection.
Why we like it
- Budget-friendly at less than $50 for some styles
- Gender-neutral design options
- Shock absorption footbed
What to consider
- Some consumers say the sizing runs small, while some say they run big; recommend Amazon “Try before you buy” option
- Some consumers complain of not enough arch support
- Some consumers do not recommend these shoes for plantar fasciitis
Best for sustainability and unique design: UNI Canvas Lightweight Slip-ons
About UIN Canvas Lightweight Slip-ons
The UIN Canvas Lightweight Slip-ons provide a sustainable shoe option that is just as good for your feet as it is for the environment. Soft EVA outsole provides flexibility in movement and also makes it foldable so you can pack it easily in your travel bag. A loose toe box provides a minimalist fit, while 100% pure cotton canvas upper makes these shoes breathable and comfortable in warm weather. And if you’re looking for a cold weather shoe, the UIN brand offers comfortable fall and winter shoe options as well.
Why we like it
- Shockproof
- Comfortable insole
- Over 40 unique styles to choose from
What to consider
- Around $80-$95, depending on the style and the site where you shop
- Some consumers complain that sizing either runs big or small; recommend Amazon’s “try before you buy” option
- Some consumers say it is difficult to clean without impacting design quality
How to choose a pair of shoes for standing
When choosing a pair of shoes for standing, not one shoe will fit every daily need. It’s important to consider the sturdiness of the shoe depending on your activity level as well as to choose a shoe that fits within your financial budget and considers the versatility needed for your daily routine.
- Sturdiness: If you use your shoe in a high-impact environment, choose a shoe with a sturdy versus lightweight construction and perhaps a shoe lace tie system versus slip on system for foot safety.
- Budget: Consider that you may have to purchase this type of shoe every several months or year depending on your frequency of use, so you will want to choose a shoe that fits your financial budget.
- Versatility: If your schedule is tight between work, home, and social activities, you may want to consider a shoe that is versatile from day to night. You should also consider a shoe that has breathability if you are going to wear it most of the day or in warm weather.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top pairs of shoes for walking. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best shoes for walking and standing for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
Are New Balance shoes good for standing all day?
Although many New Balance shoes are designed for running, they do offer various walking shoes and lightweight shoes that can benefit someone who is standing all day. The Fresh Foam shoes are one type of New Balance shoe that can provide comfort and support, not to mention casual style, to those on their feet all day.
Should I buy shoes online or in person?
Buying shoes in person can make it easier to see if the shoe fits your feet comfortably since you can try them on and walk a bit in them. However, if you don’t have time to go shoe shopping, you can use services like Amazon’s try before you buy with certain shoe brands that will allow you seven days to try out the shoes before you purchase. If you don’t like the shoe, then you can return it at your local Whole Foods, Amazon locker, or UPS store. The major thing with ordering shoes online is to make sure they have an easy return process that will not make you pay for shipping of the product back to the manufacturer in case the shoes do not fit right.
Is it better for your feet to be barefoot or wear shoes?
Studies show that wearing supportive shoes versus flat shoes can help reduce knee pain. Not to mention that supportive footwear can help in enhancing your workouts. When it comes to minimalist footwear that mimics being barefoot, studies show that although it provides similar balance performance and walking stability as supportive footwear, consumers prefer the aesthetics and comfort of supportive footwear. Therefore, whether you choose footwear or bare feet comes down to preference and the activity you plan to engage in.
References
- Jellema, A.H., Huysmans, T., Hartholt, K., and J.M. van der Cammen, T. (September 2019) “Shoe design for older adults: Evidence from a systematic review on the elements of optimal footwear.” Maturitas, Volume 127, 64-81.
- Menz, H.B. and Bonanno, D.R. (December 2021) “Footwear comfort: a systematic search and narrative synthesis of the literature.” J Foot Ankle Res., 14(1):63. doi: 10.1186/s13047-021-00500-9. PMID: 34876192; PMCID: PMC8650278.
- Paterson, K.L., Bennell, K.L., Campbell, P.K., Metcalf, B.R., Wrigley, T.V., Kasza, J., and Hinman, R.S. (April 2021) “The Effect of Flat Flexible Versus Stable Supportive Shoes on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms : A Randomized Trial.” Ann Intern Med., 174(4):462-471. doi: 10.7326/M20-6321. Epub 2021 Jan 12. PMID: 33428439.
- Sun, X., Lam, W.K., Zhang, X., Wang, J., and Fu, W. (February 2020) “Systematic Review of the Role of Footwear Constructions in Running Biomechanics: Implications for Running-Related Injury and Performance.” J Sports Sci Med., 19(1):20-37. PMID: 32132824; PMCID: PMC7039038.
- Azhar, A.N., Munteanu, S.E., and Menz, H.B. (June 2023) “Effects of supportive and minimalist footwear on standing balance and walking stability in older women.” J Foot Ankle Res., 16(1):38. doi: 10.1186/s13047-023-00634-y. PMID: 37331962; PMCID: PMC10278322.
