Do you tend to be on your feet a lot? Your feet already take a lot of abuse and if you have a job that requires you to stand for long periods, you need to be really careful about what shoes you wear. Choosing the right pair of shoes can help make a dreary day at work a little better. But with so many choices out there, how can you know which to buy?
We’ve made it easy by reading page after page of spec sheets and reviews to narrow down the best options for you. Hands down our best pick is the Brooks Addiction Walker. They are ready for whatever your day has to throw at you thanks to their unbeatable combination of durable leather construction, slip-resistant outsoles and comfortable support.
Check out our full review below, along with nine other great options. No matter what style or type of shoe you’re looking for, we got one on the list for you! And don’t miss our buying guide so you know exactly what to look for. Check it out now.
Top 3 Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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TOP PICK OVERALL
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TOP PICK OVERALL
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Brooks Addiction Walker
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CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
BEST SEMI-FORMAL SHOE FOR STANDING
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BEST SEMI-FORMAL SHOE FOR STANDING
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Rockport World Tour Classic
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CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
BEST SLIP-ON SNEAKER FOR STANDING
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BEST SLIP-ON SNEAKER FOR STANDING
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Skechers Equalizer Slip-On
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CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
10 Best Shoes For Standing All Day
1. Brooks Addiction Walker – Top Pick Overall
If you’re looking for a shoe that’s ready for whatever your day has to throw at it, the Brooks Addiction Walker is for you. It’s comfortable, cushioned, durable and features a neutral design.
After several hours of standing, support for your tired feet and ankles becomes even more important. That’s why the Addiction’s Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar is so important. It strategically supports your foot to keep your feet and legs moving as they should.
Even if you have to be outside in the elements, your feet will still be protected thanks to the durable leather upper and the slip-resistant outsole. The neutral design and accompanying colors mean these are ready for just about any situation.
Features: Rollbar support system, slip-resistant outsole, durable leather upper
Pros
- High level of comfort and support
- Outsole has a good grip even on wet surfaces
- Durable leather upper
Cons
- Might not be as sporty as some would like
2. Rockport World Tour Classic – Best Semi-Formal for Standing
If you’re looking for a shoe with a slightly more formal look but is still comfortable enough to be on your feet all day, you’ll want to take a look at the Rockport World Tour Classic. They truly are ready for just about anything from a day at the office to a long day touring a foreign city.
You get Rockport’s exclusive Walking Platform Construction which provides a nice wide support base while still maintaining full-foot flexibility. The padded tongue and collar make sure your ankles stay happy even after a day of standing or walking.
The full-grain leather outer conforms to your foot more and more over time so the longer you wear them the better they fit and the more comfortable you’ll feel.
Features: Removable footbed, padded collar and tongue, shock-absorbent outsole
Pros
- Versatile design
- Full-grain leather outer
- Padded collar and tongue
Cons
- Older versions of the shoe were slightly better quality
3. Skechers Equalizer Persistent Slip-On – Best Slip-On Sneaker
If you prefer something with flexible comfort that’s not overly restrictive and is easy to slip on and off, the Skechers Equalizer Slip-On Sneaker is for you. The men’s version is the Equalizer, while the comparable Women’s shoe is the Skechers Go Walk Joy.
These Skechers shoes have a nice combination of comfort and a neutral yet sporty design. The flexible outer means that at the end of a hard day on your feet, they’re easy to slip off so you can kick up your feet and rest.
The men’s version has a memory foam footbed while the women’s has Skechers’ Goga Max insole. Both conform nicely to your feet to make sure every single part gets the necessary cushioning. The mesh fabric upper is breathable to keep your feet cool and comfy.
Features: Memory-foam or Goga Max cushioning, flexible traction outsole, elastic fabric slip-on design
Pros
- Comfortable footbed
- Very comfortable upper
- Lightweight design won’t weigh you down
Cons
- Not the best for jobs where you’re outside on rough surfaces
4. New Balance 411v2 Walking Shoe
The New Balance 411v2 is a formidable contender to the Brooks Addiction in the neutral design comfort walking shoe space. It offers all-around support, comfort and durability for those long days on your feet.
It’s available in a variety of neutral colors so you can be sure to find the look that is right for you. The leather upper is durable, but still breathable thanks to the small perforations along the sides. Some colors have a combination of suede and mesh uppers which provide even more breathability.
Despite being a relatively bulky walking shoe they are still surprisingly lightweight at only 12oz. This is thanks to the CUSH+ and IMEVA foam and midsole cushioning which provide soft comfort without tons of bulk.
Features: CUSH+ cushioning, IMEVA midsole, leather or suede/mesh upper
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Breathable upper even with the leather upper
- Soft cushioning for all-day comfort
Cons
- If you have very high arches, these might not have enough arch support for you.
5. Clarks May Marigold Slip-On Loafer
If you need something a little more stylish and formal but still comfortable enough for a full day of waiting tables or standing at the office, the Clarks May Marigold Slip-On Loafers are the choice for you.
They have a clean and classic design with a leather outer that comes in four different colors so you can get one for each of your outfits. They feature a 2-inch sculpted heel for a little bit of lift that makes it a great combination to add to a variety of looks.
These have an ORTHOLITE footbed. ORTHOLITE is a high-performance foam technology that is made to absorb impact, cushion your feet and provide breathability to keep them cool.
Features: OrthoLite footbed, TPR outsoles, sculpted low heel
Pros
- Stylish, versatile design that’s still comfortable
- Comfortable ORTHOLITE foam inlay
- Soft leather upper
Cons
- Some report the sizes are a little large
6. Skechers BOBS
The Skechers BOBS are the type of shoes that are so light and comfortable you can slip them on and forget they are even there. Despite having a more minimalist design, these provide a surprising amount of shock absorption for long-lasting comfort.
They are light, flexible and easy to take on and off. They have a memory foam insole that conforms to your foot and makes sure every part of it is getting the comfort it deserves.
There is a small arch pillow built into the insole, so despite these being flats, they still provide some support for those of you with high arches.
Features: Easy slip-on comfort, memory foam footbed, flexible sole
Pros
- Memory foam footbed
- Easy slip-on comfort
- Shock-absorbing midsole
Cons
- Great for all-day standing, but not all day walking on rough surfaces
7. Classic Croc Clog
When you’re talking about the best shoes to wear when standing for long periods, sooner or later you’re going to get to the Classic Croc shoe. Some might mock the Crocs for their often colorful appearance and add looks, but it’s hard to argue with their comfort and versatility.
With the Classic Croc Clog, you’ll get the legendary Croslite foam cushioning which offers all-day comfort. The roomy design means your feet never feel restricted and always have plenty of room to breathe or move around.
If you’re working in a wet or dirty environment the ventilation ports help to easily shed debris and water, then you can quickly slip them off, spray them down and they’re ready to go.
Features: Lightweight, Croslite foam cushioning, wide variety of designs
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Roomy design
- Light and fun to wear
Cons
- The design… you either love it or you hate it
8. Asics GEL-Venture 6
If you’re up on your feet and moving all day in rough and rugged environments you need something durable and with good shock-absorption, the Asics GEL-Venture 6 is the right shoe for you.
The rugged outer and trail-specific outsole with high-abrasion rubber is made for rough terrain, from pothole-filled city streets to gravel trails. The rearfoot GEL cushioning provides Asics’ legendary shock-absorption technology just where you need it.
If you need some very specific support, it’s easy to take out the removable sock-liner and replace it with a medical orthotic.
Features: Rearfoot GEL cushioning, trail-specific outsole, removable sockliner
Pros
- GEL heel shock absorption
- Durable construction
- Removable sockliner
Cons
- Some would prefer it with a little more cushion
9. Clarks Escalade Step
Dress shoes, although stylish and formal, have a bad reputation for being uncomfortable. The Clarks Escalade Step is a great option if you’re looking for a versatile dress shoe that’s still comfortable after a day of being on your feet.
Don’t let their dressy looks fool you, these have Clark’s legendary ORTHOLITE foam inlay for long-lasting comfort and breathability. They feature a durable leather outer that is designed to be flexible and easy to slip on and off.
Features: ORTHOLITE foam inlay, leather outer, easy slip-on design
Pros
- Comfortable ORTHOLITE foam
- Non-marking outsole
- Stylish enough for formal dress
Cons
- If you have extremely wide feet these may not be for you
10. Clarks CloudSteppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafer
Clark markets these as the “shoes you’ve been dreaming of”. The Sillian Paz are part of Clarks’ Cloudsteppers collection and feature a comfortable design that’s ready for any activity that’ll keep you on your feet all day.
They have a multi-layer foam technology with a combination of EVA foam, high-density foam and Cushion Soft foam to give you the right amount of soft cushioning and shock-absorption.
The upper is durable and flexible and lets you easily slip the shoes on and off while the 1.5-inch heel gives you a little bit of lift.
Features: Cloudstepper comfort, multi-layer foam footbed, clean and simple design
Shoes for Standing All Day for Women & Men – Buyer’s Guide
Before choosing, it’s important to think about your circumstances and where you will be wearing your shoes. So depending on your needs, here are a few things to consider when choosing the best shoe for standing all day.
- Cushioning
- Durability
- Style
- Grip
Cushioning
Shoes like Allbirds that provide excellent cushioning are the most important thing to consider when choosing a shoe for standing all day. To determine the amount you’ll need, first think about the surfaces you’ll be standing on.
Will you spend most of your day on hard concrete? Then you’ll want to get a shoe with more cushioning. Are you standing at a desk or counter while on a carpeted floor? Then you probably don’t need super-thick midsoles. Maybe the floor at your workstation has rubber mats to stand on. Then you can opt for even less cushioning if you want.
You May Also Like: Best Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis
Having a combination of too much cushioning between the surface you’re standing on and your shoes you’re wearing can cause instability and ankle problems if you’re not careful.
Durability
Once again, when considering this factor it’s important to consider where your day’s activities will take you.
Are you standing in one position all day inside away from the harsh elements? Then durability isn’t as important. Are you on your feet all day on the rough city streets no matter what the weather? Then your shoe’s durability should be a top concern.
Look for shoes with durable uppers that can take a beating. Slip-resistant and long-wearing outsoles will keep you safe and make sure you get shoes that will last a long time so you get your money’s worth. You may also like our picks on the shoe stretching spray.
Style
It’s obvious that if you are a factory worker, you’ll be looking for a different shoe style than someone who works in an office. On our list, you’ll find a variety of options. It’s surprising to see how many different styles of shoes can be comfortable despite being on your feet all day.
For someone who’s on the move in harsh environments, a leather sneaker-style shoe that’s durable yet flexible is the best option, so visit the best shoes for walking and running. If you’re working in an office environment, go for something that’s more formal but still has plenty of cushioning to keep your feet happy or something like Birkenstock alternatives.
Grip
Many people who stand on their feet all day can benefit from having outsoles with a good grip. Maybe you work in a hospital or factory where there might be slick floors or even spills that could be a slip-hazard. You want to make sure you can continue with confidence and not lose any time.
On the other hand, if you’re standing in one place all day on a carpeted floor, slip-resistant outsoles aren’t as important.
Check out our full list of shoes below. You’ll find a nice variety of options that have varying combinations of these features depending on your needs.
FAQs About Women’s & Men’s Shoes for Standing All Day
Can comfortable shoes for standing have a heel?
A lot depends on the heel. Shoes with very tall and thin heels (stilettos) are generally not very comfortable for standing for long periods of time.
Sure, they’re alright for a night out on the town or for a workday at the office where you’re sitting at a desk for most of the day, but they’re not recommended for being on your feet for long periods of time, day after day.
What Is the Best Shoe for Standing All Day for Women & Men? – Final Thoughts
Make it easier to get through a day of being on your feet with the right pair of shoes. Instead of thinking about your aching feet or sore ankles you’ll be able to focus on checking off the items on your to-do list.
Hands down our best pick for a shoe if you’re standing all day is the Brooks Addiction Walker. No matter your day brings – miles of city walking, hours standing at a desk or running your errands – they’re ready for it. You’ll get an unbeatable combination of durable construction, slip-resistant soles and comfortable support.
What are you waiting for? Order now the right pair of shoes for all-day standing and finally put some enjoyment back in your day!
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK OVERALL
|
TOP PICK OVERALL
|
Brooks Addiction Walker
|
|
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
BEST SEMI-FORMAL SHOE FOR STANDING
|
BEST SEMI-FORMAL SHOE FOR STANDING
|
Rockport World Tour Classic
|
|
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
BEST SLIP-ON SNEAKER FOR STANDING
|
BEST SLIP-ON SNEAKER FOR STANDING
|
Skechers Equalizer Slip-On
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|
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |