What To Look For In The Best Shoes For Standing All Day
Here is what you should consider when shopping for the best shoes for standing all day, according to experts.
- The Heel Should Be Cushioned: Certified pedorthist Michael Fishkin, a colleague of Dr. McEneaney at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, recommends searching for shoes that have proper heel cushioning. Think about it like a mattress, says Dr. Fishkin. When you lay down, it contours to your entire body. And just like with a mattress, if an insole is too soft, youll probably benefit from more support. Soft and spongey insoles can make your foot work a little harder and create instability, so firmer can be better, Dr. McEneaney says. While every shoes midsole utilizes a different type of foam or cushioning, beware of memory foam, which doesnt work for everyone. For many people, it lacks the necessary support for all-day wear.
- It Should Have Midfoot and Arch Support: In addition to cushioning, Dr. Fishkin stresses the importance of midfoot and arch support. He explains that when body weight is distributed evenly, your foot is less apt to fatigue quicker.
- Look for Moisture-Wicking Materials: Anyone who is standing on their feet all day is likely to break a sweat. Selecting a breathable shoe constructed out of moisture-wicking material will prevent sweaty feet, notes Dr. Fishkin.
- Outsole Should Be Made Out of Rubber: Dr. Fishkin recommends styles with outsoles made out of rubber, as it offers structure that increases the longevity of pairs.
Best For Hiking: Keen Targhee Vent Hiking Shoes
-
Wide fit may not work for everyone
-
Heavy
We like this rugged shoe from KEEN for heading off the beaten path for trail walking or light to moderate hikes. It features excellent stability and traction, and it scored high in both cushioning and upper comfort in our testing, earning a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for both categories. The leather-and-mesh upper offers the right balance of protection and breathability, and our tester noted that the water-resistant design was convenient for traversing in wet conditions.
Our tester also liked the shoes low-profile design for easy mobility and good flexibility. During testing, the shoes all-terrain rubber outsoles provided excellent grip and added to the shoes overall stability. Whats more, it boasts good blister protection, thanks to the vented panels and smooth interior.The shoe also features an internal shank and rubber toe cover that can shield your feet from trail hazards. All that protection adds some weight, so this shoe is the heaviest we tested and some might find it a bit too bulky for casual wear.
Weight: 1 pound 2 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Nubuck leather,rubber outsole | Cushioning Type: EVA foam
Are Vans Good For Wide Feet
Vans is known for its comfortable footwear. These shoes are noted for being easy to slip on and off, as well as fitting a wide range of foot types.It could be difficult to find footwear that fits your broad feet if you have them. Vans is known for producing attractive and comfy footwear.
Vans are an excellent option for persons with wide feet. Medium width is the standard. If your feet are wide, you may wish to get a size larger. This would provide plenty of room for your feet. Also, when you break them in, Vans will expand slightly.
Also Check: Mens Black Leather Sneakers With White Soles
Best Women’s Overall: Ryk Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe
-
Laces are not easy to change
-
Not warm enough for cold weather walking
The Ryka Devotion Plus 3 walking shoe stood out during our testing as an ideal option for fitness walkers or women who are on their feet for most of the day. Right out of the box, the shoe offered a comfortable fit and felt supportive, especially in the arch area, which is one of the reasons we gave it our womens best overall spot.
During test walks, it provided good shock absorption and plush comfort from start to finish. Our tester was also impressed with the shoes roomy toe box, which prevented any irritation and contributed to the shoes perfect score of 5 out of 5 for blister protection.
The upper is also very breathable, making the shoes a good choice for walking in warmer weather. Ventilation on both the front and sides of the shoe provided good air flow, keeping our testers feet dry and cool. The rear of the foot offered a snug fit and locked-in feel, and our tester didnt notice any sliding or slipping out of the shoe, so she gave the shoe a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for fit.
Weight: 10 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Rubber sole, synthetic and mesh upper | Cushioning Type: Molded EVA midsole and full-length RE-ZORB platform
Most Durable: New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
Best for: Healthcare workers, or anyone in need of cushioned arch support or a wide toe box.
Your feet will love: Its extra-cushioned design, shock-absorbing heel pad, and waterproof exterior.
Another pick from the podiatrist-trusted brand, the New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer is cushioned in all the right places to ensure all-day support. “This brand is a favorite in the podiatry community,” Perkins says. “With their all-around supportive structure, these shoes are definitely designed to keep you on your feet all day long. The sole is also extra-cushioned for maximum comfort.” Centered with a memory foam insert, the sneaker conforms to your foot and absorbs shock with its compression-resistant heel crash pad. On the outside, its flexible outsole guarantees comfort and its leather-rubber exterior repels water and stains. , the style has a wide toe box and supports wearers with plantar fasciitis.
What reviewers are saying: “I am a nurse and I work 12-plus hour days. I have worn nothing but New Balance for close to 25 years. If you have a job where you are constantly on your feet, this is the best shoe for you. I wear compression socks as well. They are true to size and after working long hours, my feet don’t hurt.”
Also Check: How To Be Eligible For Silver Sneakers
Best Shoes For Orthotics In 2022
If you use orthotics, it can be hard to find shoes that comfortably fit them.
The shoes you choose should have plenty of room in the upper to allow room for the orthotic. A removable insole is a must to add extra room. There should be a solid base for stability and a wide toe box so your toes arent cramped.
Weve reviewed the best shoes for orthotics to help you choose one that suits you. The Saucony Echelon 8 is our first choice. It features Sauconys trademark wide and deep toe box, has a removable insole, and a 3D heel counter.
We have reviewed a variety of shoes for every occasion. Whatever your needs, there will be a shoe here for you.
Hoka One One All Gender Clifton L
A leather upper on the Hoka One One All-Gender Clifton L provides a little more stability than a full mesh upper due to its stiffness and durability. Small mesh sections provide good breathability, which can be difficult with leather shoes.
Cushioning is provided by the compression-molded EVA midsole, which is plush and has a heel-to-toe drop of 5 mm. Shock gets absorbed and dispersed easily in this chunky midsole, and because its soft, it encourages a straight, neutral gait instead of supinating.
An early-stage meta-rocker design helps to make the heel-to-toe transition easier. Strategically placed rubber sections on the outsole add to the durability of this shoe.
PROS:
- Mesh upper with leather overlays
- Full-length EVA midsole cushioning
- The thin insole could become an irritation as it may move within the shoe
Also Check: Mens Casual Slip On Sneakers
What To Look For In A Supportive Sneaker
Regardless of your sense of style or profession, Brenner lists arch support as the most important factor to consider when shopping for supportive sneakers to stand in all day. “You can look for this in the thickness in the arch,” she says. “The thicker the arch, the more supportive.” From there, she notes that you’ll want to ensure your chosen sneaker has a wide toe box with a mesh material and a thick chunky heel: “If the toe box is too narrow, there isn’t support in the arch of the shoe this is also true if the heel is too thin.” Also worth noting: To ensure all-day comfort, Brenner recommends investing in orthotics for extra support and cushion. Her favorite insoles are the Superfeet Orthotic Insert and the Powerstep Pinnacle Arch Support Insoles.
As for what not to buy, Brenner adds, “Avoid a shoe with a hard material that goes over bony prominences. Make sure the shoe is semi-rigid and not too flexible.” Instead, you’ll want to check for an arch that is thick, a wide chunky heel, and make sure you can’t bend the shoe in half, she adds. To really ensure a perfect fit, Brenner recommends trying on the shoe towards the end of the day “when your feet are true to size” and having feet measured for width and size. (
Ready to upgrade your footwear to something that will actually provide all-day support? Below, shop the best sneakers that come recommended by podiatrists for people who are on their feet all day.
Best Breathable: Allbirds Tree Dashers Running Sneaker
Best for: Anyone with sweaty feet that are constantly on their feet looking for a stylish-yet-supportive sneaker.
Your feet will love: Its lightweight feel, breathable material, odor-minimizing capabilities, and densely cushioned midsole.
The Allbirds Tree Dashers Running Sneaker features a supportive dual-density midsole and is designed to flex with your foot, promoting its natural movement while providing cushioning where needed. Additionally, this lightweight and airy sneaker wicks away sweat and minimizes odor. “Shoes in this brand are not only sustainable, but they’re also extremely comfortable,” Perkins shares. “The upper material is breathable, so you can wear them all day without worrying about sweaty feet. The midsole is supportive but flexible to conform to your foot movements.”
What reviewers are saying: “I can’t run anymore but walk 30-plus miles each week, mostly on city streets. shoes provide better support and cushioning than any shoes I have ever worn. No aches, no pain, even after a 13-mile walk. Love these shoes.”
Don’t Miss: No Tie Slip On Sneakers
What To Look For In Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis
When shopping for plantar fasciitis insoles, Dr. Jung and Dr. Hamid say you should find one that has cushioning under the arch and heel to provide extra support and redistribute pressure that can cause pain. Another thing to look for? The right material. According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, plastic and graphite-made insoles have plenty of flexible that can keep pain-pumping forces to a minimum, whereas softer textures like neoprene can strike that happy medium between comfort and support. Admittedly, discovering the right balance for your needs might involve a little bit of experimenting, but the search is well worth it.
The unique three-quarter length of these gel insoles is ideal for squeezing them into almost any style of shoe. Reviewers love them for their super-cushy heels, which minimize heel strikes, and their sturdy arch support, which is especially helpful for anyone with plantar fasciitis.
I would say Im going to buy them again but at this point I dont know if I will ever need to, one Amazon shopper raves. These work. I had bad plantar fasciitis and am a runner. I bought three pairs of these and, combined with physical therapy, these have fixed my PF.
Most Comfortable: Hoka One One Clifton 8 Knit Running Shoe
What You’ll Love: The breathable and lightweight shoe has a wide toe box to prevent toe scrunching.
What You Need to Know: The upper knit can stretch out over time, impacting the fit of the shoe.
A trifecta of breathability, comfort, and stability, this running shoe has a thin sock-lock collar construction and a cute knit design that you’ll actually want to sport outside of the gym. The lightweight frame molds to your foot with an adaptive forefront that makes every step smoother than the last. The shoe is constructed to give you full-ground contact on every step for an extra boost of stability, while the brand’s signature Hoka One One midsole offers a dose of cushioning that doubles as shock absorption.
Rave Review: “Hoka has won my heart! I’ve worn Clifton 6 7 and Bondi’s models, and none of them has nailed it like the newly released Clifton 8 model has. Super supportive, stable, and the toe box is perfect for me to wiggle my toes when they burnâ¦Clifton 8 is my favorite, I’ve purchased a second pair!”
Don’t Miss: Gucci Black Low Top Sneakers
Best For Long Runs: Adidas Women’s Solar Boost Running Shoe
What You’ll Love: Thick arches and extra-responsive cushioning keep feet comfortable, even during long-distance runs.
What You Need to Know: The tread is slippery on wet surfaces, and the style runs larger than other running shoe designs.
You’ll stay supported and comfortable mile after mile in Adidas’ ultimate sneaker for distance runs. The design features the brand’s most responsive arch cushioning yet, which absorbs shock and releases a burst of energy to give you a literal “boost” during your run. While the Boost cushioning is a standout feature for optimizing your energy return, it’s also a critical part of keeping your gait smooth, your shoes durable, and your feet comfortable. Plus, you’ll find Dr. Brenner’s recommended wide, chunky heel and thick arches on this lightweight design.
Rave Review: “I have very flat arches and have a lot of trouble finding running shoes that fit well and offer enough support. These are great. Wore them for my first half marathon and they were the perfect running shoes. These are the only running shoes I’ll wear for cardio days and heavy workouts. Highly recommend.”
Best Flats: Vionic North Willa
Vionic North Willa Slip On Flat
If youre looking for an expert-approved flat to wear daily, this one is a great bet for those with Plantar Fasciitis. In fact, all of Vionics shoes are made with podiatrist-deisgned footbeds that can help with plantar fasciitis in addition to bunions, heel spurs, and lower back pain, according to the brand. These shoes are made with a breathable man-made sock upper and a rubber outsole for comfortable walking.
I’m thinking of buying a second pair of these comfy shoes from Vionic! The arch support is wonderful and takes the stress off my back. I bought the black, grey, and white snake-skin version. They look nice with dress pants as well as jeans, one satisfied customer writes.
Also Check: Dresses To Wear With Sneakers
Finding Your Level Of Support
Once you’ve decided what kind of ride youd like to experience from your shoes, depending on your biomechanics, you can find a level of support in your shoes to bolster your gait. There are three categories of running shoe support: neutral, stability and motion control .
Neutral shoes:
- They can work for mild pronators but are best for neutral runners or people who supinate .
- They typically do not have motion control features such as medial posts that reinforce the arch side of each midsole.
How Long Does It Take To Break In Vans
Wearing your shoes on a regular basis and in little doses, breaking in your shoes is as simple as wearing them a bit here and there, in addition to wearing thick socks to relax the material.
Put on your Vans, but this time with a pair of regular socks of your choice. If you experience any discomfort or irritation, remove the shoe immediately.
Since youre used to the arc support, itll take a few weeks for your foot to acclimate to a flat sole. Overall, it is 1-2 weeks for some flexibility to occur and your foot to feel comfortable.
You May Like: Best White Slip On Sneakers
Sorel Emelie Chelsea Waterproof Ankle Womens Boots
Best Womens Boots with Ankle Support for Standing All Day
- Sizes: 5 to 12
- Colors: Multiple available
- Specialfeatures: A removable memory foam footbed and layer of micro fleece keep feet warm and cushioned
Looking for ankle support? Just like the brands full-fledged winter boots for women, Sorels Emelie boots keep your feet stylishly protected in inclement weather. With seam-sealed waterproof construction, extra cushioning and warmth via a removable memory foam footbed under a layer of microfleece and a durable, grippy outsole to prevent slips in snow and rain, these boots offer ergonomic comfort minus an orthopedic look. I walked 24 miles in these shoes over three days with absolutely no issues, writes one Amazon reviewer.
Skechers D’lites Memory Foam Sneakers
- Good arch support
- Runs narrow
These Skechers sneakers garner high praise from service workers for their comfort and durability during long workdays. Theyre also lightweight with unique air-cooled memory foam comfort insoles and non-slip flexible traction outsoles, which keep your feet glued to the floor through spills. And, they come with a shock-absorbing midsole, meaning your feet will feel like theyre floating all day long.
I recently had surgery on my foot and was told that I needed to transition to wearing an orthopedic shoe for three months, wrote one Amazon customer. In my quest for an alternative, I came across this shoe. It’s very lightweight and has great arch support with air-cooled memory foam. YAY, no sweaty feet!! It also has a very sturdy sole. I showed them to my podiatrist and she approved. On my next visit, she was wearing a pair. I am in these shoes every day and they fit and feel great. I will be buying another pair in a different color.
Read Also: Gucci Leather High Top Sneakers
