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While many of us spend plenty of time considering which footwear to choose for athletic activities, like the best running shoes, the shoes we wear throughout the day are just as important. There are many types of shoes available, and it’s important to pair the right shoes with the right activity.
If you have a job that involves long periods of time on your feet, you know that choosing the wrong shoes can lead to stiff, achy joints in your feet, ankles, knees, and back when you get home, which nobody wants.
Proper footwear provides ergonomic support and cushioning to help relieve foot pain and keep your feet comfortable all day long. In this guide to the best shoes for standing all day, we’re sharing our top picks for those who work on their feet.
The 7 Best Shoes for Standing All Day
- Best Overall Shoes for Standing All Day: HOKA Transport
- Best Budget Shoes for Standing All Day: Saucony Cohesion 13
- Best Non-Slip Shoes for Standing All Day: Crocs Slip Resistant Work Clog
- Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Flat Feet: KURU QUANTUM 2.0
- Best Slip-On Shoes for Standing All Day: ON Cloud 5
- Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Food Service Workers: New Balance Fresh Foam x 880 V12
- Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Health Care Workers: ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26
Best Overall Shoes for Standing All Day: HOKA Transport
Good for: Those who want maximum comfort and style
Best Overall
Hoka Transport
Product Highlights
- Combination lifestyle and performance shoe designed for commuters
- Vegan and uses recycled materials
- Recommended for hiking, walking, and general lifestyle wear
- 13 colorways for women’s sizing and 10 for men’s sizing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Available in regular and wide
- No shoe tying—features quick-toggle laces (traditional laces also included)
- Weatherproof version (GTX) and Crossover version (X) for everyday life
- American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Hoka account required for 60 day return period
- Heavy at 9.10 oz/11.20 oz
- Not a lot of variety in colorways – very neutral
- Customer reviews found the shoes noisy
Bottom Line
The Hoka Transport is a commuter shoe that combines a lifestyle and performance sneaker. Hoka recommended these shoes for hiking, walking, and lifestyle. Most customers shared that they purchased the shoes for extended periods of walking at work or for leisure. These shoes are heavier than a typical running shoe. The customers reviews were largely positive, however, some did find them extremely uncomfortable and noted that they exacerbated their existing leg pain.
HOKA is known for producing shoes with exceptional comfort and support, like the HOKA Bondi 8, running shoes that we’ve previously tested and loved.
Unlike a sport-specific shoe, the HOKA Transport is a lifestyle shoe, versatile enough to provide all-day comfort for any occasion. HOKA claims to have designed these shoes with the city-dweller in mind, which means they provide enough support for long walks and extended periods of standing time, with a bit more support than a lightweight running shoe would include.
The midsole is made of compression-molded EVA foam, sustainably produced with 30% sugarcane, and a Vibram® EcoStep outsole that provides traction on any surface.
Our tester was impressed with this sole and awarded a 4.5-out-of-5 score for stability, saying, “The sugarcane midsole is supportive yet soft enough for extended wear, and I don’t feel as if my walking gait is compromised while wearing them. Again, I don’t think they’d be good running shoes, but for walking paces I feel they’re a top pick for the task at hand.”
The HOKA Transport is built to last, comfortable, and a great choice if you’re looking for a versatile shoe you can wear all day long.
| Price | $150 |
| Midsole construction | Compression-molded EVA foam |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5 mm |
| Available sizes | Men’s 7-15, Women’s 5-11 (wide widths also available) |
Best Budget Shoes for Standing All Day: Saucony Cohesion 13
Good for: Anyone looking for high-quality shoes on a budget
Best Budget
Saucony Women’s Cohesion 13
Product Highlights
- Technical yet breathable upper provides a secure hold
- Segmented rubber outsole with flexibility in forefoot
- Neutral running shoe with VersaFoam cushioning designed to absorb impact and reduce pressure
- Heel-to-toe drop/offset measure 12 mm
- Best suited for walking and an occasional jog
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Multiple color options
- Comfortable
- Relatively affordable
- Breathable
Cons
- May run small
- Narrow toe box
Bottom Line
Saucony’s Cohesion 13 is an affordable, neutral running shoe available in a wide variety of colors.
Let’s face it, if you already have a pair of weightlifting shoes, running shoes, and a few other pairs of shoes for different occasions in your life, you may not want to spend a small fortune on yet another pair of shoes.
If that sounds like you, but you still want to wear appropriate footwear for long periods of standing, the Saucony Cohesion 13 is our recommendation. This shoe is several years old, and newer models have been released, but we tested and loved the 13s.
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Beginners
At the time of writing, this shoe ranges from $40 to $60 on Amazon depending on the color and size you choose, and they be even cheaper as prices often fluctuate throughout the year. Other retailers may carry them for an even lower price.
Our tester, Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and former GGR writer, gave these shoes a 4 out of 5 for stability. She said, “These are firm, but roll well with my stride when walking. They don’t propel you forward as much as some other running shoes, but I believe these are intended primarily for walking, so it makes sense.”
They may not be the newest, flashiest standing shoes on the market, but at such an affordable price, they’re well worth a try if you’re looking for some new shoes.
| Price | $60 |
| Midsole construction | VersaFoam cushioning |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 12 mm |
| Available sizes | Men’s 8-14, Women’s 5-11 (wide widths also available) |
Best Non-Slip Shoes for Standing All Day: Crocs Slip Resistant Work Clog
Good for: Those who work on slippery surfaces
Best Non-Slip
Crocs Bistro Slip Resistant Work Clog
Product Highlights
- Work clog designed with food service, hospitality, and healthcare workers in mind
- Croc style shoe with closed toe design
- Available in 3 solid colors: Blue, black, and white
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Slip-resistant tread
- Able to clean with soap and water
- ASTM F2913-11 tested, CE Certified for slip resistance
- Affordable at less than $50
Cons
- Customer reviews note the shoes can shrink in the heat/sun
- No half sizes
- Only available in 3 colors
- Customer reviews state feet get hot in shoe
Bottom Line
Crocs Bistro is a certified slip-resistant work clog. It is a typical croc style but with a closed toe shoe. Reviews were largely positive. However, some customers found that the shoe shrunk when left in the heat/sun.
Those of us who’ve worked in restaurants know that slippery surfaces are waiting around every corner, and non-slip shoes are critical for safety. While I’ve never slipped while carrying someone’s food or drink, I came dangerously close a few times in my years working in a bar, and I know it’s a terrifying feeling.
The Crocs Bistro Slip Resistant Work Clog is specifically designed for the workplace, whether you work in a bar, garden center, water park, or anywhere else with wet surfaces. The enclosed toe design protects your foot from spills, and the bottom features Crocs Lock™ slip-resistant tread to help you maintain stable footing on nearly any surface.
Even if you don’t like the style of Crocs, the comfy feeling may be enough to convince you.
Erin Chancer, CNC, CPT, a senior editor here at GGR, tested the shoes and said, “I’ve resisted the ‘call of the Crocs’ for a very long time, but I have family and friends who swear by them, so I was willing to give them a try. Do they look silly on me? Yes. But is the comfort worth it? YES. I may be a Crocs convert.”
She gave these shoes a 4.7-out-of-5 rating for comfort, saying the adjustable heel strap kept her foot very snug. Her only issue was the lack of air holes for ventilation typically seen on regular Crocs. Without the breathability, she noticed that her feet felt a bit warm after a while.
For those who need non-slip shoes for work, the Crocs are a great choice. With a suggested retail price of only $49, they’re priced to fit nearly any budget.
| Price | $49 |
| Midsole construction | Croslite |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Available sizes | Men’s 4-15, Women’s 6-12 |
Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Flat Feet: KURU QUANTUM 2.0
Good for: Anyone with flat feet looking for plenty of midsole support
Best for Flat Feet
KURU QUANTUM 2.0
Product Highlights
- 8.5 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Wide design
- Plenty of cushioning in the midfoot
- Available in men’s and women’s colorways
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supportive heel cushion
- Wide design and toe box
- Available in both men's and women's colorways
- 8.5 mm heel to toe drop
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulkier and heavier than many other shoes
- 8.5 mm may feel unusual to those used to minimalist shoes
Bottom Line
The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed for walking, providing exceptional cushioning and support. It's not a great choice for runners or weightlifters, but versatile enough for most casual daily activities.
If you have flat feet, standing for long periods of time can quickly become a painful endeavor, especially on the sole of your foot.
The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed to maximize arch support and minimize heel pain. KURU shoes are meant to minimize pain from plantar fasciitis and provide proper foot support, and this is the brand’s best-selling walking shoe, which provides a bit more support and cushion than the lighter running shoes.
For those with flat feet, this shoe features KURU’s most supportive midsole and the highest level of cushioning possible, with a wide toe box that won’t restrict your foot too much. This isn’t the lightest shoe we’ve seen, but comfort and support is more important for those who experience foot pain from extended periods of standing.
RELATED: Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet
Erin Chancer, CNC, CPT, a senior editor at GGR tested these shoes, and was impressed by the arch support, giving them a score of 5 out of 5 for stability. She said, “I need a lot of arch support and found that the shoes were right in the sweet spot and kept me comfortable while I ran errands downtown and took my dog for a walk in the park.”
If your flat feet are causing aches and pains when you stand all day, these shoes are well worth a try. To learn more, check out our complete KURU QUANTUM 2.0 review.
| Price | $165 |
| Midsole construction | KURUCLOUD cushioning |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8.5 mm |
| Available sizes | Men’s 7-14, Women’s 5-12 (wide widths also available) |
Best Slip-On Shoes for Standing All Day: ON Cloud 5
Good for: Those who need shoes that are easy to slip on and off
Best Slip-On
On Cloud 5
Product Highlights
- The 5th iteration of On’s popular Cloud shoe
- Uses 44% recycled materials
- Features the recognizable CloudTec cushioning system
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lighter than competitors at 7.1 oz (women) and 8.8 oz (men)
- No shoe tying: Features elastic speed lace system
- Free shipping
- 30-day free returns
Cons
- Limited size range, 5-11 (women) and 7-14 (men)
- The “clouds” in the sole can be difficult to clean
- Gravel/small rocks can easily get stuck in soles per reviews
- Customers suggested sizing up ½ size
- Limited customer reviews and none on the company website
Bottom Line
On Cloud 5 is the most recent version of the popular Cloud running shoe. They share that they have improved the fit and comfort in the newest version of the shoe. There were limited customer reviews but they recommended sizing up ½ size due to the tightness of the shoe but overall found them comfortable. Reviews did note the “clouds” were difficult to clean.
If you’re looking for the ultimate choice in comfort and convenience, slip-on shoes like the ON Cloud 5 are always a fantastic option. You don’t have to worry about your laces coming untied and creating a tripping hazard, and changing in and out of slip-ons is much faster than traditional shoes that you need to lace up each time you wear them.
The shoes feature CloudTec® shock-absorbing cushioning in the midsole, designed to provide maximum support with each step. Rather than one solid sole, the cushioning is divided into chunks with gaps in between, providing flexibility and support in multiple directions.
Our tester, Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, said the shoes were very comfortable, but he was worried about the durability. He noted that while the upper material is very thin and breathable, he also feels it will be the first part of the shoe to fail, and gave these a 4 out of 5 for durability.
He also had a small issue with the design of the sole, despite how comfortable it felt.
“One thing is that the sole is broken up into separate squares running along the bottom of the shoe,” Caine said. “There’s deep indentations between the squares, and I’ve found it’s been very easy to get a rock stuck in my shoes while walking on the street. A minor inconvenience, but it happens a lot more than I’d like it.”
The ON Cloud 5s are comfortable, easy to wear, and very supportive, though they may be better for indoor use, as debris can easily become wedged into the sole.
| Price | $140 |
| Midsole construction | CloudTec® in Zero-Gravity foam |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 7 mm |
| Available sizes | Men’s 7-14, Women’s 5-11 |
Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Food Service Workers: New Balance Fresh Foam x 880 V12
Good for: Anyone who’s standing all day in a restaurant setting
Best for Food Service Workers
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12
Product Highlights
- Neutral road-running shoe
- 7 colorways for men and women
- Sizes 5.0-13.0 for women and 7.0-16.0 for men
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large size range
- 3 widths available: Standard, Wide, X-Wide
- Larger heel-to-toe drop than many competitors at 10 mm
- 45-day free returns in new condition
Cons
- Heavier than counterparts at 8.4 oz and 10.5 oz
- Limited colorways
- Runs small
- No trial period
Bottom Line
The New Balance Fresh Foam 880v12 is a very soft shoe that people enjoy using as an everyday runner. Reviewers also noted that the shoes run small.
If you work in the food service industry, whether you’re a bartender, server, barista, or any similar role, you know that the job requires long periods of standing and walking. Not to mention, you may also find yourself navigating wet floors, spills, and small kitchen spaces.
This means that not only do you want a supportive shoe, but you’ll also need something with plenty of traction to keep you safe on all surfaces. That’s where the New Balance Fresh Foam x 880 comes in, offering support, comfort, and a grippy sole.
Note: This review is based on our testing of the New Balance Fresh Foam x 880 v12, and newer versions have since been released, with minor upgrades that may make the shoe even better.
While the New Balance Fresh Foams are meant to be running shoes, they provide exceptional cushioning and neutral support, which means the design of the shoe doesn’t propel you forward with each step. Many of the customer reviews specifically mention wearing these shoes for walking, standing, and general all-day use, specifically because they don’t feel like running shoes.
RELATED: Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fascitis
The Fresh Foam X midsole provides the highest level of support and cushioning, resulting in a shoe that’s extremely comfortable to wear. Our tester noted that this makes the shoe a bit bulkier and heavier than many minimalist running shoes, but this shouldn’t matter in a food service setting.
Because they’re meant to be all-surface running shoes, the Fresh Foams have plenty of traction and grip on any surface, making them great shoes for food service workers. They’re also available in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide sizes, and in multiple colorways, so you should have no problem finding your perfect fit in a color that’s suitable for work.
| Price | $89-$135 |
| Midsole construction | Fresh Foam midsole |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10 mm |
| Available sizes | Men’s 7-16, Women’s 5-12 (available in narrow, standard, wide, or extra wide) |
Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Health Care Workers: ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26
Good for: Health care workers who spend all day on their feet
Best for Health Car Workers
Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26
Product Highlights
- Maximum cushioning through the midsole
- Additional shock-absorbing heel support
- Plenty of traction from the rubber outsole
- Available in wide and extra wide size options
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Maximum cushioning and heel support
- Specifically designed for shock-absorption
- 18 colorways
- Available in wide and extra wide sizes
Cons
- Expensive
- Foam compresses on long runs
Bottom Line
The Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26 is designed for maximum comfort, with FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam cushioning in the midsole, and additional heel support for shock absorptions. These running shoes are great for shorter runs or recovery runs.
Not only does health care work involve plenty of standing throughout the day, but many health care providers work in long shifts, as professions like nursing often require 12+ hour shifts. This requires footwear that’s not only supportive, but also comfortable enough to wear for very long periods of time.
ASICS specializes in supportive, comfortable running shoes, and the GEL-NIMBUS 26 is one of its most cushioned shoes. The sole features FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam, which is ASICS’ softest foam yet, designed to keep your foot comfortable all day long and provide shock absorption on any surface.
The heel contains extra cushioning from a PureGEL insert, and the upper features a soft, stretchy tongue and collar to keep your entire foot comfortable.
Our one callout is the excess cushioning in the heel. While comfortable, it may take some getting used to, as it can shift your weight forward onto your foot more than you’re used to.
Lauren Strong, CPT, tested these shoes and found the height of the heel made the shoe comfortable, but her gait felt a bit unnatural, and she rated the stability 3.5 out of 5. She said, “This shoe will do well for someone seeking a lot of cushioning. Or perhaps someone trying to get away from a heel strike, because the shoe kind of rolls you away from a heel (and midfoot) strike.”
If you’re a health care worker looking for a shoe that’s extremely comfortable with plenty of support, the GEL-NIMBUS 26 is worth a try. Just know that it may take some getting used to if you’re used to shoes without much heel lift.
| Price | $160 |
| Midsole construction | FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Available sizes | Men’s 6-16, Women’s 5-13 |
Other Shoes for Standing All Day We Researched
While we selected the best of the best using scoring from our equipment testing methodology, there are plenty of options when it comes to supportive footwear. Here are two other options we researched for standing shoes that came close, but didn’t quite make the cut.
- Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoes: While we love these supportive recovery shoes, the massaging nodes in the footbed may be uncomfortable with extended wear.
- HOKA ORA Recovery Shoe: This is another well-cushioned, supportive slip-on shoe, but we already have the HOKA Transport on our list, and for slip-ons, we prefer the ON Cloud 5 a bit more than the Ora recovery shoe.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Shoes for Standing All Day
We’ve tested nearly 100 pairs of shoes here at GGR, including running shoes, weightlifting shoes, recovery shoes, and everything in between. Here are the most important factors we considered when choosing the best shoes for standing all day.
Testing and Scoring
While you can always find plenty of customer reviews for any shoes out there, that’s not enough for us to make a recommendation.
Every single shoe we’ve included on this list has been extensively worn by one of our expert testers. We regularly wear the shoes before assigning a score using our equipment testing methodology, which looks at the most important aspects of a shoe, including:
- Construction and durability
- Stability
- Appearance and design
- Comfort
- Value
Support and Cushioning
If you’re going to be standing all day, you want to make sure your foot is supported, but it needs to be the right kind of support.
Weightlifting shoes offer plenty of heel support, but are too stiff. On the other hand, some of the best running shoes from brands like Nike and Brooks may feel great on your feet while you’re going for a run but can shift your weight forward more than you’d like if you’re simply standing in place.
We looked for plenty of cushion and support, but in shoes that would work well for walking and standing all day, rather than being intended for one specific activity.
Value
Finally, value played a part in our list. Good shoes aren’t cheap, but we made sure to include shoes that fit a wide variety of budgets. If you want to spend $150+ on a shoe for standing all day, you certainly can, but we wanted to make sure you don’t have to. We included several affordable options in the list above.
Benefits of Wearing The Best Shoes for Standing All Day
If you’re just starting at your first job that requires long periods of standing all day, you may be wondering why you need special shoes in the first place. Here are a few of the most important benefits you’ll notice.
Reduced Health Risks
As a former personal trainer, I can tell you that standing on your feet for long hours at a time can leave you feeling exhausted at the end of the day.
However, you don’t need to take my word for it. This 2015 study1 looked at the known effects of standing all day at work, and found that it can lead to increased fatigue, low back pain, pregnancy complications, and even cardiovascular problems such as leg edema and varicose veins.
Proper footwear was one of several interventions that was shown to provide pain relief, along with compression socks, inserts and insoles, and breaks to sit down whenever possible.
Reduced Joint Pain
Standing all day can lead to all sorts of aches and pains, regardless of your fitness level.
I asked Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-1, a GGR Senior Staff Writer and Olympian if he noticed any benefits from wearing the standing shoes that he tested for this article, the ON Cloud 5s.
Caine said, “As a weightlifting athlete and coach I can be on my feet for hours on competition days helping athletes, loading bars, and cheering on friends. Having a good pair of shoes for those days is vital. Supportive lightweight shoes that also have cushioning helps me and my entire body stay supported for hours on end, holding off general fatigue and joint aches longer than having a heavy, rigid shoe.”
Improved Comfort
Even if you don’t think you’re going to suffer from health conditions, an achy back, or sore feet, the shoes we chose in this list are specifically designed for comfort and support.
Unless you work in a job that has a strict dress code and you need to wear specific shoes, there’s no point wearing shoes that make you uncomfortable at work and cause unnecessary pain.
Wearing high heels, dress shoes, or minimalist footwear may provide an aesthetic that you prefer, but you’re not going to be as comfortable on your feet as you would while wearing properly-cushioned footwear.
Experts Who Contributed To This Article
How to Choose Shoes for Standing All Day
If you’ve gone through this list and you’re still having a hard time choosing the right pair of shoes for your needs, here are the most important factors we think you should consider.
Type of Work
Are you working in slippery, unstable environments? Do you need to be able to demonstrate exercises and be mobile at work, or are you standing behind a bar or counter?
The type of work you do determines the shoes you should choose. Someone working in an environment with set surfaces may need to prioritize traction and safety over style, while a personal trainer or physical therapist may need athletic shoes that will stay in place as they demonstrate various exercises.
Dress Code
The type of work you do determines the shoes you should choose. If you’re standing behind a bar or counter, any shoes are probably fine, but a server at a high-end restaurant may need to adhere to a dress code and choose a more conservative style.
Luckily, most of the shoes on our list are available in a wide range of colorways, so you’re sure to find something that fits your company’s dress code, whatever that may be.
Cost
Finally, you’ll want to think about how often you’ll be wearing these shoes, and use that to determine a budget. If you typically sit at work and only need standing shoes on special occasions, a budget-friendly option may be more appropriate.
However, if you’re a healthcare worker who’s going to be spending the majority of your time on your feet, proper footwear is a must-have, and it may be well worth spending a little extra to get the best of the best.
Best Shoes for Standing All Day: FAQs
What are the best shoes to wear if you’re on your feet all day?
The best shoe will depend on your needs and preferences, as well as the surface you’re standing on. To help you get started, here are seven of the best options if you’re looking for shoes to wear while standing all day.
–Best Overall Shoes for Standing All Day: HOKA Transport
-Best Budget Shoes for Standing All Day: Saucony Cohesion 13
-Best Non-Slip Shoes for Standing All Day: Crocs Slip Resistant Work Clog
-Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Flat Feet: KURU QUANTUM 2.0
-Best Slip-On Shoes for Standing All Day: ON Cloud 5
-Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Food Service Workers: New Balance Fresh Foam x 880 V12
-Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Health Care Workers: ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26
What shoes do most podiatrists recommend?
While your podiatrist can provide the best recommendation for your specific footwear needs, you can also look for a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) on shoe pages to see if they’ve been endorsed by the APMA.
Your podiatrist may also recommend custom orthotics if standard walking shoes aren’t supportive enough.
What are the best shoes to wear if you stand on concrete all day?
If you’re standing on concrete all day and aren’t required to wear specific work shoes or work boots, you’ll want to choose shoes that have plenty of cushioning and traction, like the HOKA Transport or New Balance Fresh Foam x 880.
References
- Waters, T. R., & Dick, R. B. (2015). Evidence of health risks associated with prolonged standing at work and intervention effectiveness. Rehabilitation nursing : the official journal of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, 40(3), 148–165. https://doi.org/10.1002/rnj.166
Further reading
Reebok releases their latest CrossFit shoe, the Reebok Nano 7.0. Read more
We’ve taken most of the pain out of the burpees exercise with these tips from a certified personal trainer. Read more
Check out our obé Fitness review for our take on this workout app designed for women. Read more
While many of us spend plenty of time considering which footwear to choose for athletic activities, like the best running shoes, the shoes we wear throughout the day are just as important. There are many types of shoes available, and it’s important to pair the right shoes with the right activity.If you have a job that involves long periods of time on your feet, you know that choosing the wrong shoes can lead to stiff, » Read more about: The Best Shoes for Standing All Day (2024): 7 Expert-Tested Options for Comfortable Feet » Read more