Say Goodbye to Achy Feet: These Sneakers Were Made for Standing All Day, According to Podiatrists (2024)

The TL;DR on the Best Shoes for Standing All Day

With a firm, padded midsole to securely support your arches, the Nike Air Zoom Structure 25 shoes are the best shoes for standing all day long. The latest version adds even more foam in the heel for extra cushioning, which we very much appreciated after hours on our feet. Meanwhile, the wide toe box gives your digits room to spread out, offering a reliable, stable base for standing (read: your body weight will be evenly distributed throughout your foot, and no one area will feel more fatigued). You can even opt for an extra-wide option for additional space if you need it.

Nike also sneaks in a few clever features that make these shoes ideal for long days. The interior of the shoe is designed to prevent sock bunching, thanks to a soft, durable lining. The materials around the ankle are extra silky to prevent blisters or irritation anywhere your skin might touch the shoe. Plus, the laces cinch down super securely, so you won’t be bending over constantly to readjust or retie.

Sizes: 5-12

New York City-based podiatrist Hillary Brenner, D.P.M., lists Asics as one of her favorite brands for arch support. They also deliver the proper cushioning, stability, breathability, and durability to keep your feet comfortable from clock in to clock out. With the GT-2000 sneaker in particular, your foot is secure and supported thanks to thoughtful details such as its OrthoLite sockliner and padded heel, which shifts your weight forward, reducing the strain on the lower limbs.

We found the exceptionally stabilizing arch support encouraged proper foot alignment and cushioned each step, which minimized the foot pain we usually feel after multiple hours of walking around. At the same time, the springy foam underfoot meant our feet and leg muscles ended up feeling less fatigued than they do in other shoes. Truly, these sneakers just seemed to get more comfortable over time, adapting to the contours of our feet the more we wore them.

Sizes: 5-13

"The Hoka Bondi 8 running shoe is ideal for flat feet," says Pidich. "If you have flat feet, your foot arch disappears when you stand up. It's also more challenging to propel yourself forward. This sneaker will offer the best foot arch support for all-day standing." The shoe's memory foam cradles your heel and ankle for optimal stability and support as its EVA molded midsole provides energizing cushioning.

“My friend and I take an epic walk every summer around Manhattan (14 miles is our record) and Bondi 8s have become my go-to shoe for it,” says Shannon Bauer, senior commerce editor. “I have good support during the miles and experience minimal soreness when we're done.” We also love the Bondis for plantar fasciitis, thanks to the thick midsole. However, these are a little heavier than other pairs we tested.

Sizes: 5-12

Yes, it is possible to get truly comfortable shoes for standing all day without blowing an entire paycheck. Skechers GO WALK JOY shoes give your feet the support they crave for just $65—and they’re vegan-friendly, to boot. We first heard of these comfy slip-ons from nurses, who rave about their lightweight, responsive cushioning. The breathable mesh fabric and specially designed cooling insole also help to keep your feet from getting sweaty when you’re on the go for hours. Meanwhile, the grippy outsole provides enough traction to keep you from slipping (though it sometimes squeaks, depending on the surface you’re walking on). And if you get them dirty, don’t fret—they’re meant to be thrown in the washing machine.

Sizes: 5–13

While the Dansko Kane Clogs are popular among nurses who work long shifts, we’ve found them to be especially well-suited to food service and hospitality workers who have to tread carefully among spilled drinks and sticky surfaces. “I was a waitress in college, and my Danskos held me up on days when I worked a double,” says Kristen Geil, Shape senior commerce editor. “I never worried about slipping, thanks to the rubber outsole, and the EVA material was so easy to wipe down if some stray ketchup was spilled on them.”

Sizes: 4.5-13

Whether you’ve got bare feet or socks on, these podiatrist-approved kicks are easy to slide on hands-free. Yet the extra padding around the heel collar keeps them in place all day long without irritating your skin. MBT is most well known for its rocker-bottom design, which is meant to encourage a more natural gait. Although it’s subtle, we found that the curve felt especially good while walking all day, since it helped to propel us forward easily with each step. Even better: The EVA foam in the midsole is so soft but supportive that it almost feels like you’re getting away with wearing your favorite pair of slippers outside of the house.

Sizes: 6–10.5

Thanks to its soft but springy midsole and supportive heel, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 running shoe delivers all-day comfort. In our tests, we were impressed by the balance of thick, plump cushioning and light weight of the shoe. Plus, we never felt like we were sinking into the sole, since it was so supportive.Brenner is a fan of New Balance shoes for their wide toe boxes. In addition to the roomy design, the upper of these sneakers is made with a mesh fabric that will comfortably fit over a bunion or hammertoe. (Pro tip: We’ve found that these do run a little big, so if you’re between sizes, go down.)

Sizes: 5-13

"[The Brooks Ghost running shoes] offer plush cushioning that can withstand long hours of standing on hard surfaces," says Texas-based podiatrist Chanel Perkins, D.P.M. "This style is durable, so it won't quickly wear out. It's also lightweight so it doesn't feel like your feet are in cinder blocks all day." Thanks to its responsive DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, these shoes offer a comfy midsole from heel to toe that one of our testers compared to a “pair of clouds.” What we loved most was how the foam conformed to our feet and supported our high arches. Although these are not a traditional stability shoe, there’s strategically placed foam on each side to encourage healthy alignment and give your arches some love.Not to mention, it’s a long-time favorite of Jennifer Garner’s.

Sizes: 5-13

Designed to reduce arch pressure, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 running sneaker uses the bounce and responsiveness of its PureGEL™ technology for lightweight cushioning. "Asics Gel-Nimbus shoes are my personal favorite shoes for plantar fasciitis," raves Pidich. "They contain extra cushioning and added support around the arch." They also absorb shock in the heel with special gel panels. Plus, the rounded toe shape creates a spacious toe box for those with wide feet.

Shape editors have relied on earlier versions of this shoe for marathon training, and found they’ve kept any bouts of plantar fasciitis at bay (even after hours of running). The latest iteration comes with upgraded traction for better grip, plus a softer tongue and heel collar to avoid any skin irritation around the ankle. “And it’s a small detail, but I love the pull tab at the back of the heel — it makes these shoes so easy to slip on and off after a long day,” says Geil.

Sizes: 5-13

Another trusted brand from Brenner, Mephisto shoes — which she says are supportive across the board — not only energize the feet, but they also prevent pain in the low back and legs. Those looking for a shoe that's stylish for everyday wear but doesn't sacrifice comfort should check out the Mephisto Rebecca Perforated Sneaker. It's made with the brand's Soft Air footbed to ensure arch support and has a removable anatomical insole for added cushion. The style's rubber outsole aids in shock absorption, while the leather upper enhances its durability.

Sizes: 5.5-11

Designed with tired feet in mind, the New Balance 626v2 work sneaker keeps nurses' feet securely in place with its supportive leather upper, tractioned lug outsole, and stabilizing insert. Together with its soft textile lining, removable foam insole, contoured midsole, and padded tongue, you're given the perfect amount of stability, cushioning, and support for every stride. The shoe's rubber exterior also makes it resistant to markings, oil, and slipping — so they're perfect for the wear-and-tear nurses encounter on the job.

Sizes: 5-13

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," says Perkins. "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. This sturdy shoe would also be a great pick for nurses who need shoes for standing all day.

Sizes: 5-12

The Allbirds Tree Dashers feature a responsive midsole with extra shock absorption in the heel. It’s designed to flex with your foot as you walk, promoting 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," says Perkins. "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."

Sizes: 5-11

If your joints are already aching before you even start your day, it might be time to put on some shoes designed with recovery in mind. The Oofos Oomg Eezee Low Shoes give your feet a little extra TLC with a footbed designed to hug your arches and ease pressure on your joints. The foam absorbs about 37 percent more impact than your average pair of footwear, cushioning your every step. Just be sure to go up half a size to get the right fit. For an at-home alternative, try the Oofos Ooahh Slide Sandal, which took the title of “best recovery shoes” two years in a row in Shape’s Fitness Awards. Although they’re not made for long walks or busy errands, they feel fantastic to slip into to wear around the house or apartment at the end of a long day.

Sizes: 5-15

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are running shoes good for standing all day?

  Running shoes are designed with support in mind, and some make great shoes for standing. That said, there may be features that are less suitable for long periods of standing — the sole may be too flexible, and there might not be much ankle support. Additionally, features such as a higher heel than toe, major shock absorption, and extra forefoot cushioning may also be unnecessary for walking or standing.

• How do you stop foot pain from standing all day?

  Aside from investing in a comfortable pair of shoes, the best way to stop foot pain from standing all day is by improving your posture and investing in supportive orthotics or insoles. You can also talk to a physical therapist about stretching and strengthening exercises to relieve foot pain.