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Nov 01, 2024

Best Shoes For Standing All Day 2024 - Forbes Vetted

The best shoes for standing all day blend plush padding, flexible fabrics and a superior grip; they should also be equipped for the demands of your environment, whether you’re working in a hospital,

The best shoes for standing all day blend plush padding, flexible fabrics and a superior grip; they should also be equipped for the demands of your environment, whether you’re working in a hospital, department store, warehouse or elsewhere. Our top pick overall is the On Cloud 5, which is ultra-lightweight and infused with padding for all-day comfort. If you prefer a shoe with maximum cushioning, we also recommend the Hoka Clifton 9.

To find the best shoes for standing all day, we spoke with three podiatrists.

To help speed relief, we consulted a panel of podiatrists for advice, including Dr. Howard E. Friedman with Suffern Podiatry, Dr. Gary Rogers from the Wilmette Foot and Ankle Clinic, and Dr. Brad Schaeffer at Central Park Sole. Schaeffer also shared seven of his own personal shoe recommendations to suit a variety of needs. Whether you’re looking for arch-supportive sneakers or dressy oxfords, we’ve rounded up 11 top-rated options from reputable brands. Ahead, the best shoes for standing all day.

On Running

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 11, men’s 7 to 14 | Colors: 16 total including Shell/White and Fig/Quartz | Heel-to-toe drop: 7mm | Upper materials: 44% recycled content | Weight: 7.2 ounces

Swiss athletic brand On is known for crafting high-performance footwear that’s big on comfort and style. The Cloud 5 sneaker features a lightweight design (it weighs just 203 grams per shoe) that’s infused with On’s signature CloudTec padding to reduce fatigue. For this reason, the shoe also earned the top spot on our lists of the best walking shoes for men and the most comfortable sneakers for women. The athletic upper also offers a snug fit to keep your foot in place, but a net-like structure retains breathability so you never overheat. The shoe’s stretchy properties allow you to slip it on and off in a hurry, and it stays secure with a speed lacing system or traditional shoelaces (both come in the box).

What our experts say: “I like that they have a rocker bottom system so they offload pressure from the heel of the foot to the ball of the foot,” says Schaeffer, who often wears this specific shoe to work. “They also provide a good mix of cushion with stability.”

The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

Hoka

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 16 | Colors: 19 total, including Sandstone/Cream and Black/Stellar Blue | Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm | Upper materials: Recycled polyester, recycled nylon | Weight: 7.3 ounces

Performance brand Hoka designs its gear with an active lifestyle in mind. The Clifton 9 works for long wears because the symmetrical, protective cushion bed provides support with a compression molded EVA foam midsole and breathable knit upper to keep your foot comfortable. (This shoe is also our top cushioned pick in our tested roundup of the best walking shoes for women.) There’s also a durabrasion rubber outsole for extra traction and mobility. Also great: Hoka has a Fly For 30 Guarantee, which means you can try the shoes for 30 days and return or exchange them, no questions asked.

What our experts say: “This is a solid neutral shoe,” says Schaeffer, who wears this model to work out. “Every step you take—whether you overpronate or oversupinate—this gives you a more neutral landing point to disperse weight properly.” This design is also approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

KURU Footwear

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 6.5 to 14 | Colors: 9 total, including Jet Black and Pink Sorbet | Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm | Upper materials: Mesh | Weight: 10.6 ounces

Salt Lake City-based Kuru engineers its shoes with a special blend of ankle, heel and arch support to ensure an ergonomic fit. Its Atom sneaker has a breathable mesh upper, built-in arch support, rounded heel cups and curved insoles to mimic the shape of the foot. The sole also features responsive tech to flexibly hug your heels, which helps keep your feet comfortable and pain-free. The Atom is available in medium and wide widths; there's also a waterproof version.

What the reviews say: Many report these shoes are game changers for reducing pain, with one reviewer commenting, “I am on my feet all day, I have plantar fasciitis and I have knee and back pain. These shoes have really helped me and I no longer have pain in my feet.” However, some wearers don’t love the sock-like fit, saying they’re “too difficult to put on.”

OrthoFeet

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 15 | Colors: 7 total, including Black and Gray | Heel-to-toe drop: Not listed | Upper materials: Synthetic fabric | Weight: 9.5 ounces

Orthofeet shoes are designed with podiatrists to optimize features that keep your feet comfortable. It's no surprise that this style, the Coral sneaker, is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. The brand's best-selling stretch knit sneaker has anatomical arch support insoles and an added arch booster pad (that you can take in and out) to help re-align your foot and body posture. There’s also a cushioned, rocker-like sole to improve walking and a stretchable knitted upper that molds to the contours of your feet to take pressure off sensitive areas. This sneaker comes in five widths and has a 60-day wear test return policy.

What our experts say: “These doctor-recommended shoes offers you lots of options with the insoles,” says Schaeffer. “If you have a flat foot, they can help support the arch.”

Brooks Running

Sizes: Women's 5 to 12, men's 7 to 15 | Colors: 12 total, including Bright White and Black | Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm | Upper materials: Mesh, 54.9% recycled materials | Weight: 10.8 ounces

Available in medium, wide and extra-wide widths, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 promises a secure, comfortable fit. The midsole is padded with the brand's nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam, ensuring ample cushioning—which is essential when standing on concrete floors. A rocker sole encourages smooth heel-to-toe transitions, while raised side walls and a broad base provide extra stability. This shoe is also made with sustainability in mind: Over half the upper is made of recycled materials, and according to the Brooks Running website, the shoe is CarbonNeutral certified.

What the reviews say: Most buyers love the high level of cushioning these shoes offer. "I’m a hairdresser and these walk well throughout the day and have a good foundational support when I need it over long periods of time on a concrete floor," says one Brooks Running customer. However, some reviewers say the shoe's toe box feels smaller than the original Ghost Max design.

Allbirds

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 11, men’s 8 to 14 | Colors: 7 total, including Natural Gray and Hazy Indigo | Heel-to-toe drop: Not listed | Upper materials: Merino wool, recycled polyester | Weight: Not listed

San Francisco-based Allbirds is all about sustainable, comfortable styles made with natural resources. The popular Wool Runner features superfine Merino wool that’s washable and naturally thermoregulating while the contoured midsole foam is bouncy and comfy. The style, meanwhile, is minimal and sleek, making this pick ideal for work and travel. As an added bonus, Allbirds’s wool production methods support regenerative farming, which aims to reverse climate change.

What the reviews say: Reviewers praise this shoe’s comfort and style. One comments, “I tell people it’s like going barefoot with support,” and another says these “could be most comfortable shoes I have ever worn.” But several users note they’re “too big overall” and wish they came in half sizes.

New Balance

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 13, men’s 7 to 16 | Colors: 5 total, including Dark Arctic Grey and Gulf Red | Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm | Upper materials: Mesh | Weight: 7.4 ounces

Known for arch support and comfortable widths, New Balance consistently delivers well-crafted—and well-fitting—shoes. The recently released and extremely popular Fresh Foam X 880v14 features a recycled mesh upper that lets your feet stay cool while walking or standing, along with a supportive foam midsole and rubber outsole that prevent slips and trips. They’re doctor-approved, holding a Seal of Approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Thanks to their superior ventilation, these are also some of the most breathable shoes for standing all day.

What our experts say: “If you have bunions or hammer toes, a variety of width options is really important,” says Schaeffer. “New Balance also accommodates orthotics and inserts well.”

NOBULL

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 11, men’s 8 to 18 | Colors: 5 total, including White Gum and Army Dark Gum | Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm | Upper materials: Fabric mesh | Weight: 13.1 ounces

The NOBULL unisex Gum Trainers are designed for gym workouts but are great for all-day wear too, especially for the added traction. The anti-slip gum outsole is specially designed to be flexible, supportive and provide grip for any environment, from slippery to smooth indoor and outdoor surfaces. The toe bumper adds an extra element of stability, and the seamless upper is designed to reduce chafing and keep your feet cool.

What our experts say: “This is largely a cross training shoe and it’s very stable so you’ll feel secure in it,” says Schaeffer. “It’s good for those who need something that will work for standing and going to the gym.”

Skechers

Sizes: Women’s 5 to 11, men’s 7 to 12 | Colors: Black | Heel-to-toe drop: Not listed | Upper materials: Knit mesh, synthetic material | Weight: Not listed

Skechers have long been known for designing comfortable shoes and the Slip-ins Work Summits follow suit: With a Heel Pillow that holds the foot in place and an air-cooled memory foam cushioned insole, your feet will feel relief all day. It’s got a slip-in heel panel so you can get this sneaker on and off easily, plus a slip-resistant traction outsole that provides an extra safety layer. The affordable cost is an added bonus.

What our experts say: “These are really easy to get on and off, and as far as support and stability, they’re very comfortable,” says Schaeffer. “They’re also fantastic if you work in a medical or healthcare setting.” But keep in mind, he says, that they’re not as springy as an athletic shoe.

Birkenstock

Sizes: Women's 4 to 12.5, men's 6 to 15.5 | Colors: 10 total, including Black and Brown | Heel-to-toe drop: Not listed | Upper materials: Polyurethane | Weight: 12 ounces

If you work in a kitchen, hospital or medical clinic, you may prefer to wear a rubber clog-style shoe to protect your feet from various liquid spills and other falling objects. While several brands make similar variations to this type of shoe, we appreciate Birkenstock's signature contoured cork footbed, which molds to your foot over time. The durable, fluid-resistant polyurethane can be washed and disinfected at temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Not to mention, the footbed can easily be removed for cleaning; when it wears out, you can purchase a new footbed without having to replace the whole shoe.

What the reviews say: Several customers praise these shoes’ longevity and support. “As an operating room RN, I spend a lot of time on my feet, sometimes standing in one spot for several hours," says one Zappos customer. "I have worn several other types of shoes and these have been the best by far. My feet and back do not hurt after work anymore." Some reviewers note that these shoes do require a bit of break-in time to feel comfortable, however.

Cole Haan

Sizes: Women's 4 to 12, men's 7 to 16 | Colors: 3 total, including Marine Blue and White | Heel-to-toe drop: Not listed | Upper materials: Stretch knit | Weight: Not listed

Cole Haan is a favorite of many of the podiatrists we’ve spoken with for its shoes’ cushioning and overall fit. The 2.Zerogrand is dressy enough for a variety of offices (the leather version of this shoe is our top choice in our list of the best dress sneakers for men), and it has lots of comfy details hidden within its fashionable exterior. These shoes feature plush cushioning, and the padded sock lining is pleasantly soft and stretchy. The next-level ventilation also offers great breathability, so your feet won't overheat after long days on your feet.

What our experts say: “Sometimes dressier shoes are very rigid, but Cole Haan has great dress shoes that you can wear without sacrificing support and comfort,” says Schaeffer. “I like this brand in general because you’re able to put orthotics in them to customize support.”

Although all of our recommendations are designed to support standing all day, the ideal shoe for you depends on different factors, including your shoe size and the type of surface you’re standing on, like concrete or carpet. In the following chart, we take a closer look at the features of our top shoe picks to see how they compare.

Our editors and contributors collectively have decades of experience covering footwear, which means we’re uniquely positioned to help you make the right purchase to meet your needs.

As we assembled this list, we drew upon our robust expertise in footwear to identify reputable brands with a long track record of excellent craftsmanship.

Fit, support, materials and lacing systems are all important factors to consider when picking out a pair of shoes for standing all day. Here’s a breakdown on each:

It may sound obvious, but when buying shoes to accommodate lots of standing, you want to first and foremost find what’s comfortable for your foot. “A shoe should not cause irritation or discomfort at all, and you should not have to ‘break it in,’” says Friedman. “If it’s not immediately comfortable, move on.” Many brands, such as New Balance and Orthofeet, offer shoes in different widths, allowing you to find a more customized fit.

Friedman almost always recommends going up a half size so that feet aren’t constricted as they swell throughout the day. However, Rogers says that sizing up is beneficial for some, but not all. “Some people may retain more fluid throughout the day, which may require them to choose a bigger size shoe,” he explains. “Or if you pronate or have a flat foot, you may need more room for toes to splay and you should accommodate that with bigger sizing.” Whether or not you choose to size up, picking a shoe with laces will allow you to fine-tune your fit.

In general, well-placed cushioning at the midsole equals more comfort when you’re spending hours on your feet. You’ll see shock-absorbing foams like EVA, TPU and PEBA listed as components of good standing shoes; they provide springy cushioning, and each has specific benefits, such as being lightweight, durable or delivering energy return when walking or running. Look for arch support that prevents feet from collapsing inward, and consider shoe models that have heel cushioning to cradle the foot. If you’re someone who needs orthotics, be sure that shoes have a removable liner and try on styles with your orthotics in to ensure a proper fit.

Lace-up shoes are typically more comfortable than slip-on shoes. “Lace-up shoes are better simply because they’re adjustable and can be modified,” says Friedman. “They accommodate swelling and allow you to lace shoes loosely or tightly in different areas depending on the shape of your foot.” This is especially beneficial if your feet are slightly different sizes. Bungee laces can provide support and help shoes stay on more firmly than an elastic-gored slip-on shoe as the fixed bungee can be tied tighter.

When it comes to staying comfortable over many hours standing, breathability is key. To see whether or not a shoe will be breathable when you’re wearing it, take a close look at its upper material. According to Friedman, performance mesh and shoes made from thermoregulating fabrics, like wool, allow feet to breathe and prevent sweating, as overheating can cause hot spots and blisters. In general, you should avoid shoes with uppers made of leather, as they tend to trap in heat.

If you plan on standing for long periods of time, we recommend the On Cloud 5, which offers ample support but also has an exceptionally lightweight, breathable design.

We recommend the Brooks Ghost Max 2 for working on concrete all day. They are designed with plenty of soft cushioning and a rocker-style sole, which promotes effortless heel-to-toe movements as you walk. Its broad base ensures your feet feel stable and secure, which is important when standing on smooth concrete.

Yes, Hoka shoes are generally recommended by podiatrists for standing and walking. Over 30 of Hoka’s shoe styles, including the Hoka Clifton 9, have received Seal of Approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). This means that these designs were reviewed by a team of podiatrists to ensure they promote proper foot health. Schaeffer, one of the podiatrists interviewed for this story, personally recommends the Clifton 9, which he often wears to work out.

We added a chart that compares our shoe recommendations by their sizing availability, color options, weight and construction.