Imagine that you're standing in line at the amusement park or a concert venue for hours, and then your feet start to hurt (it's not a pleasant experience). Shoes designed for standing all day are a must for these types of situations, especially if you're going to be standing for eight hours or more.
The wrong pair of shoes or sneakers can potentially lead to foot pain and poor foot health. According to foot surgeon Dr. Nadjwa Javed, "Choosing the right footwear is essential to avoid foot pain, fatigue and potential long-term issues." But, shoes for standing all day should be distinct from running shoes.
While sneakers (in general) are usually first thought of when it comes to standing for a long period, there are specific shoes that'll help keep you on your feet without swelling, fatigue and the yearning to run for a chair.
“You want to find a shoe that will keep your weight in the right spots, [as well as] arch support and heel indentation because these features will help with alignment,” says the founder of footwear company Ayelet by Naot, Ayelet Lax Levy.
Whether you're a professional who stands for long hours at a time, or if you need extra cushioning for that day trip, two experts share the right shoes to shop for. Below, we rounded up our favorite picks, expert-approved brands and the types of shoes to avoid if you're planning to be without a seat.
What type of footwear is best for standing all day?
According to foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Najwa Javed, "selecting the right footwear depends on individual foot structure."
However, four types of footwear will cater to most people and help while standing for hours.
- Athletic sneakers: "High-quality, well-cushioned running shoes are ideal due to their support, shock absorption, and arch stability. Brands like Brooks and New Balance offer excellent options for those with high or low arches," says Javed.
- Professional clogs: "For healthcare professionals, clogs such as Dansko or Crocs provide roomy toe boxes and excellent arch support."
- Walking shoes: "[Shoe] models designed specifically for walking often offer the right balance of flexibility, cushioning and stability."
- Orthopedic shoes: "For those with particular foot issues, orthopedic shoes or custom-molded shoes are worth the investment, providing tailored support and comfort," adds Javed.
Additionally, Levy advises to "opt for a shoe that offers support or an adjustable strap you can adjust when your feet start swelling."
Best shoes for standing, according to expert advice
For the walker: Ryka Women's Devotion X Walking Shoe
- True to size
- Great arch support
- Help with pain relief
- May have an odor after wear
Size range: 6-12 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men’s sizes? No | Colors: 16 | Material: EVA and synthetic
If you enjoy walking, this shoe is a comfortable option, especially for those standing all day. While this shoe, in particular, is not recommended by an expert who we spoke with, Ryka offers key features for all-day standing.
Javed advises opting for a shoe designed with cushioning and stability, and this pair fits the experts' standards. Ryka is a woman-owned brand offering a range of supportive shoes for women, and this sneaker is ideal if you have plantar fasciitis and need extra comfort.
For professionals: Oofos OOclog Clogs
- Machine-washable
- Moisture- and bacteria-resistant
- Suitable for those with plantar fasciitis and/or back pain
- Some say there isn't much depth in the heel, so your heel might slide off if wearing socks
Size range: 6-13 | Available in half sizes? No | Available in men’s sizes? Yes | Colors: Two | Material: 100% smooth leather and synthetic
These shoes are popular among the healthcare community for their Oofam foam technology, which can absorb 37% more shock than traditional clogs. In a previous Shop TODAY story, podiatrist Dr. Krishna Tikiwala said, "These are perfect for workers who have plantar fasciitis pain and back pain [because of] their nice shock-absorbing memory."
Best for walking and standing: New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Stay clean
- May run small
Sizes: 5-12 | Wide width available? Yes | Available in men’s sizes? No | Colors: 7 | Materials: EVA foam
Javed recommends New Balance sneakers due to their appealing aesthetic, arch support features and comfortable footbeds.
Associate editor Shannon Garlin previously shared stellar feedback on this particular pair for its reliable construction and versatile design. In a recent review, she said, "My back normally starts hurting and my feet begin to throb around midday, but thanks to these shoes, I was going strong at 7 p.m.! I didn’t have those familiar pains at all."
Best orthopedic sandal: Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Leather
- Comes in multiple colors
- Multiple widths available
- Pricey for sandals
Sizes: 4-12.5 | Wide width available? Yes | Available in men’s sizes? Yes | Colors: 6 | Materials: Suede, cork
You can never go wrong with Birkenstock if you're looking for an orthopedic shoe. In a recent interview with Shop TODAY, Dr. Miguel Cunha shared how these shoes promote "foot alignment and evenly distributes weight to reduce joint pressure, making them ideal for conditions like plantar fasciitis."
Shoes for standing, approved by editors
For long lines: Dr. Scholl's Time Off Max Lace Up Sneaker
- Comfortable footbed
- Wide toe box
- Can rub in the back
Sizes: 6-11 | Wide width available? No | Available in men’s sizes? No | Colors: 4 | Materials: Faux leather, canvas, fabric upper
I [Espinal] have worn these sneakers for travel, work and concerts, and they support my feet all day. I've worn them for two years and they're extremely comfortable. Usually, I tend to wear these shoes with crew socks, as the back can rub your ankles if worn for a long period.
Walk on clouds: HeyDude Wendy Comf Suede
- Roomy interior
- Very comfortable
- Can't adjust straps
- Delicate to clean
Sizes: 5-12 | Wide width available? N/A | Available in men’s sizes? Yes | Colors: 4 | Materials: Suede
While I, personally, think the aesthetic of my HeyDude shoes is not the best, I consider them one of the most reliable pairs I own. I've worn them on repeat since I got them, and they have a very cushioned footbed that provides all-day comfort. I suggest you wear crew socks, since that elevates the cloud-feel experience.
Dad style: New Balance 530
- Very comfortable
- Feel lightweight
- Can feel tight on the upper
Sizes: 5.5-10 | Wide width available? N/A | Available in men’s sizes? Yes | Colors: 4 | Materials: Knit mesh
Editor Jillian Ortiz says these sneakers were originally an impulse purchase but turned out to be her favorite yet. “They’re not super chunky but they provide the support you’d expect from a chunky sneaker, and they are very lightweight!”
“I’ve worn them for everything from theme park days to nightly runs and they will always be my go-to for days where I know I will have to walk or stand a lot. They recently released some new colors that I have been eyeing, so I have a feeling I will be creating a collection for myself,” says Ortiz.
For busy commuters: New Balance 740
- Good for all-day wear
- Easy to put on
- Shoes laces are long
Sizes: 5.5-15.5 | Wide width available? N/A | Available in men’s sizes? Yes | Colors: 3 | Materials: Knit mesh
Editor Vivien Moon says she recently got these sneakers and hasn't taken them off since she stepped in them. "I wore them for days on end and I typically walk over 10,000 steps on a daily basis and I’ve had no pain or issues with these. I especially love that they’re very easy to put on. Typically sneakers have been harder for me to wear lately but these are extremely easy to put on which might be my favorite part," shares Moon.
She continues, "I don't get any blisters or feel any issues with these and continue to reach for them time after time because they are consistently comfortable for long days on my feet."
Other shoes for standing all day
Easy to wear: Dr. Scholl's Madison Slip On Sneaker
- Feel comfortable
- Easy to slip on
- Moderate arch support
Sizes: 6-11 | Wide width available? Yes | Available in men’s sizes? No | Colors: 3 | Materials: Quilted textile
These slip-on sneakers feature a memory foam Cool Fit technology that is great for all-day comfort. According to shoppers, this pair is versatile and pairs well with most casual pieces. An added bonus is the lightweight construction, which won't make your feet feel heavy at the end of the day.
For the busy traveler: Ryka Echo Knit Slip-On Sneaker
- Easy to slip on
- Comfortable footbed
- Takes time to dry when wet
Sizes: 5-12 | Wide width available? Yes | Available in men’s sizes? No | Colors: 10 | Materials: Fabric upper
While I own this exact pair of Ryka sneakers, I haven't worn them enough to provide a proper review. However, they are still in my footwear rotation for several reasons. They're comfortable, chic and easy to put on. Most shoppers say this pair is great for walking and standing all day, with added comfort results.
Key features to look for
Whether you work in healthcare, retail, hairstyling or other fields that require standing for a long period, Javed recommends five key features when it comes to choosing a pair of shoes.
- Arch support: "This will help to distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the feet."
- Cushioning: "Look for thick, shock-absorbing soles and insoles to prevent joint fatigue," says Javed.
- Heel cup: Javed says, "A firm heel counter keeps the heel stable and reduces foot movement inside the shoe, which minimizes friction."
- Breathable materials: "This prevents overheating and sweating, keeping the feet comfortable and dry."
- Flexibility: Lastly, Javed says to opt for a shoe that’s "flexible enough to bend slightly but firm enough to provide stability. Overly flexible shoes can lead to arch collapse and strain."
Shoes to avoid if you're standing all day
Javed says you should avoid certain shoes which are detrimental for prolonged standing.
- High heels: “They elevate the heel, which increases strain on the forefoot and arch, leading to pain and possible deformities over time,” says Javed.
- Completely flat shoes: Javed says flat shoes such as ballet flats and flip flops don’t offer enough support and can cause “arch fatigue and pain in the lower legs.”
- Rigid, narrow shoes: These shoes are tight and restrictive which “can lead to conditions like bunions, corns, and hammertoes, especially for those who already have foot issues.”
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Different foot conditions require different features, according to Javed. Here are the main ones:
- High arches: "Opt for shoes with ample arch support and cushioning to absorb impact. People with high arches are prone to under-pronation, so extra cushioning in the midsole can prevent discomfort," says Javed.
- Flat feet: "For flat-footed individuals, stability shoes with good arch support are crucial to reduce over-pronation and prevent ankle strain."
- Bunions: "Look for wide-toe boxes that won’t compress the toes. Shoes with a soft, flexible upper material also reduce pressure on the bunion area."
Yes, insoles can significantly improve comfort, says Javed.
"Custom or over-the-counter orthotic insoles provide added support, helping distribute weight and absorbing shock. They’re especially beneficial for high arches or flat feet, adding a layer of cushioning and support that can alleviate pressure and pain," adds Javed.
Levy recommends you wear the same insoles for each shoe if you wear custom insoles.
Levy recommends focusing on shoes that don't rub your skin. Also, Javed says that professionals such as teachers, nurses and hairstylists can benefit from the following practices:
- Alternate shoes daily: "Changing your footwear can reduce repetitive stress and engage different muscles."
- Use compression socks: "These can aid circulation and reduce swelling, a common issue from prolonged standing."
- Stretch and move: "Take short breaks to stretch, rotate your ankles, and flex your toes. This encourages blood flow and reduces muscle stiffness."
- Anti-fatigue mats: "If possible, stand on anti-fatigue mats, which provide additional cushioning and reduce the impact on your feet."
How we chose
We selected brands of sneakers and walking shoes recommended by experts. Primarily, we focused on our editors’ picks and selected shoes that have been previously tested by our editors with the features advised by the experts. We considered important key features such as cushioning, arch support, heel cup, breathable materials and flexibility.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Najwa Javed is a board-certified podiatrist and luxury footwear innovator with experience in foot and ankle health.
- Ayelet Lax Levy is the President of Naot USA and founder of Ayelet by Naot, a company focused on offering footwear in different categories for men and women.
