The 15 Best Shoes for Standing All Day, According to Podiatrists

Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 11 | Cushioning Level: Medium | Weight: 8.5 oz | Drop: 10 mm

With a firm, padded midsole to securely support your arches, Nike Air Zoom Structure 25 shoes are the best for standing all day long. The latest version adds even more foam in the heel for extra cushioning, which Shape’s editors very much appreciated after hours on our feet while testing. 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 needed.  

Nike also sneaks in a few clever features that make these shoes ideal for long days, like a soft, durable lining in the interior designed to prevent sock bunching and silky material around the ankle to limit blisters or irritation. Plus, the laces cinch down securely, so you won’t constantly bend over to readjust or retie.

Also available in men’s sizes at Nike and Dick’s.

Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 17 | Cushioning Level: Medium | Weight: 8.3 oz | Drop: 8 mm

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

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

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, and Zappos.

Sizes: 5–13 | Colors: 24 | Cushioning Level: Medium | Weight: 5 oz | Drop: 9 mm

Yes, getting truly comfortable shoes for standing all day without blowing an entire paycheck is possible. Skechers’ Go Walk Joy shoes give your feet the support they crave for just $60. Shape 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 | Colors: 20 | Cushioning Level: Medium | Weight: 8.8 oz | Drop: 12 mm

With “moderate cushion, arch support, and a roomy toe box,” the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is “great for all-day wear on the job,” says Saylee Tulpule, D.P.M., a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. Shape agrees and loves how this style suits both standing all day and serious running. A versatile shoe lets you get a bang for your buck, and Adrenaline GTS 24’s stellar features sweeten the deal. Lightweight and cushy without being too plush to allow for smooth movement and offered in medium and wide widths, there’s a reason this style is a bestseller for the brand and a podiatrist favorite (yes, it’s won the American Podiatry Medical Association [APMA] Seal of Acceptance!).

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Brooks.

Read more about the best Brooks running shoes.

Sizes: 4-12 | Colors: 10 | Cushioning Level: Maximum | Weight: 9.3 oz | Drop: 5 mm

The Hoka Bondi running shoe is ideal for flat feet, says Pidich. “If you have flat feet, your foot arch disappears when you stand up [and it’s] also more challenging to propel yourself forward. This sneaker will offer the best foot arch support for all-day standing,” she continues. The 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 Bondis have become my go-to shoe for it,” says Shannon Bauer, Shape’s associate editorial director. “I have good support during the miles and experience minimal soreness when we’re done.” Thanks to the thick midsole, the Bondi 9s work well for those with plantar fasciitis. However, these are a little heavier than the other pairs tested. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Hoka, Zappos, and Dick’s.

Sizes: 4.5-13 | Colors: 2 | Cushioning Level: Medium | Weight: 7 oz | Drop: Not listed

While Dansko Kane Clogs are popular among nurses working long shifts, they are especially well-suited to food service and hospitality workers who must 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, a NASM-certified personal trainer. “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.”

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Zappos.

Sizes: 6–10.5 | Colors: 5 | Cushioning Level: Medium | Weight: Not listed | Drop: Not listed

Whether you’ve got bare feet or socks on, these kicks are easy to slide on hands-free, and the extra padding around the heel collar keeps them in place all day 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, the curve felt especially good while walking all day since it helped propel testers 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. 

Available in men’s sizes at Amazon and MBT.

Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 14 | Cushioning Level: Maximum | Weight: 8.3 oz | Drop: 6 mm

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 running shoe delivers all-day comfort thanks to its soft but springy midsole and supportive heel. In our tests, we were impressed by the shoe’s balance of thick, plump cushioning and light weight. Plus, we never felt like we were sinking into the sole because it was so supportive.

Brenner and Tulpule are also fans of New Balance shoes for their wide toe boxes. In addition to the Fresh Foam X’s roomy design, which is helpful for bunions, 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 run a little big, so if you’re between sizes, go down.)

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, New Balance, and REI.

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 6 | Cushioning Level: Maximum | Weight: 8 oz | Drop: 10 mm

On Running boasts many innovative features, but the plush cushioning of the shoes helps models like the Cloudrunner 2 stand out among the rest. One of Tulpule’s favorites, the Cloudrunner 2 includes On’s signature Helion superfoam, which combines softness and flexibility with structure and support to create a, well, super cushioning — hence the name of the technology. The additional CloudTec technology, typical of On’s shoes, offers bonus support for your feet, so you can trust that these can suit them if you’re standing all day.

Available in men’s sizes at On and Zappos.

Sizes: 35-42 | Colors: 5 | Cushioning Level: Minimal | Weight: Not listed | Drop: Not listed

Whether you prefer to sport more stylish shoes during your in-office days or never wear sneakers unless you’re working out, these chic flats are shockingly adept for standing all day. An American podiatric surgeon founded the brand, so you can trust that these flats are just as comfortable and supportive as they are cute. They have a specialty sole that aims to stabilize your foot, limit fatigue, center your heel, and adapt to the natural formation of your foot to guarantee maximum comfort whether you’re walking or standing for hours.

Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 12 | Cushioning Level: Maximum | Weight: 9.3 oz | Drop: 8 mm

Designed to reduce arch pressure, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 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.” Special gel panels absorb shock in the heel, and 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). It now comes with upgraded traction for better grip and a softer tongue and heel collar to avoid 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.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Asics.

Read more about the best Asics running shoes.

Sizes: 5.5-11 | Colors: 4 | Cushioning Level: Medium | Weight: 9 oz | Drop: Not listed

Brenner trusts Mephisto’s shoes to provide ultimate support, specifically the brand’s Rebecca Perforated Sneaker. These energize the feet and prevent pain in the lower back and legs; plus, they are cool enough for everyday wear without sacrificing comfort. This shoe is 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 shock absorption, while the leather upper enhances its durability. 

Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 2 | Cushioning Level: Medium | Weight: 9.8 oz | Drop: 10 mm

Another pick from podiatrist-trusted brand New Balance, the 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 Texas-based podiatrist Chanel Perkins, D.P.M. “With their all-around supportive structure, these shoes are designed to keep you on your feet all day. 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. 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.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and New Balance.

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 18 | Cushioning Level: Medium | Weight: 8.5 oz | Drop: 7 mm

The Allbirds Tree Dashers feature a responsive midsole with extra shock absorption in the heel. The shoe is 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.” 

Also available in men’s sizes at Allbirds and Zappos.

Sizes: 5-15 | Colors: 5 | Cushioning Level: Maximum | Weight: 6 oz | Drop: 6 mm

If your joints are already aching before you start your day, it might be time to put on recovery shoes. 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 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.