20 Best Shoes Made for Prolonged Standing All Day at Work Without Pain

Also Available at: Zappos ; ASICS

ASICS GT 2000-12 are the shoes that I've been using for my runs, walks, and even long hours of standing at warehouse job. They are absolutely fantastic in terms of comfort and durability. When you first slip these shoes on, you can immediately feel the real cushioning at work.

They provide great cushioning under the ball of my foot, and the heel cushioning is remarkable. The cushioning is also long-lasting and continues to provide shock absorption from start to finish. I weigh over 200 pounds, but these shoes keep providing support, comfort and cushioning all day long.

The fit, price, and comfort of these shoes are all terrific, and they look absolutely great. I'm so impressed with the style, comfort, and overall quality that I'm actually planning to buy more pairs in different colors.

2. New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13

Also Available at: Zappos ; New Balance

My wife is a cashier at a big box store and has a history of back problems and overpronation and plantar fasciitis, so finding the right shoes has always been a challenge. These shoes provide the perfect combination of support, stability, and comfort.

Since she started wearing these New Balance shoes, her back pain has gotten to be a lot less. The shoes have this supportive medial post that keeps her feet stable and really helps with overpronation and low back pain. She says that these shoes, bring instant relief to her plantar fasciitis pain.            

At first she wasn‘t too please with their looks, but now she has three pairs in different colors, and wears them for work, household chores and running errands.

Also Available at: Amazon ; HOKA

Another pair of great walking shoes that caught me by surprise is the HOKA Bondi 8. As soon as I put them on, I was amazed at how lightweight they felt on my feet. They are surprisingly comfortable, and they have a smooth rolling sensation when I walk or run. I didn't feel any struggle as my feet moved through the midsole.

The Bondi 8 has great cushioning which is good for high arches and has excellent traction, but it does lack responsiveness because the sole is very firm. The heel is extended and beveled for great stability and guidance. The base of the Bondi 8 is wider and provides a stable platform, but the upper part of the shoe feels a little narrow.

The toe-box is quite spacious and does not constrict my toes. This would be ideal for anyone with wide feet or bunion.  The heel and midfoot areas have stayed snug and provide great support.

HOKA offers different width options, and unless you have narrow feet, I would recommend going for the wider width for a better fit.

These shoes are best for a slow, consistent pace. The cushioning gives great protection, but it feels a bit flat and not very springy for power walking. When I walk at a regular speed, it feels much softer and more comfortable.

The mesh used in the Bondi 8 is thicker, so the shoes are not quite as breathable as I would like. On the other hand, the new half-sleeve tongue stays in place and helps prevent pressure from the laces. The tongue and heel have a thick, plush lining that is very comfortable.

4. New Balance 1080V13

Also Available at: Zappos ; New Balance

I recently got my hands on a great pair of New Balance 1080V13 shoes that . I’ve always liked New Balance sneakers. I’ve worn them for years, so I was kind of disappointed when my go-to style was no longer being made. I wanted a new pair for my vacation. When I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted, I decided to try these, and I really like them!

I've been dealing with plantar fasciitis for the past five months, and it’s been a struggle. But the moment I slipped these shoes on, I felt immediate pain relief. They provided the same level of comfort as my old favorites!

One thing I noticed right away is that these shoes have a nice, wide toe-box. I had no issues with rubbing or feeling my toes cramped up.

The thick, supportive insoles are really special. I can feel the difference it with every step I take. Very supportive for people with high arches and the cushioning helps. Plus, the upper part of the shoe, made of mesh fabric, is so light and breathable. It kept my feet feeling fresh, even during long walks. As an added bonus, the upper is made of 50% recycled material, so these shoes are fairly earth-friendly.

Now, there is one minor difference that I should mention. The heel of these shoes feels a bit lower than my old favorites. I‘ve come to understand that this is due to ergonomic design. Once I got used to it, realized just how valuable that is.

During my trip, I wore these sneakers everywhere with no discomfort. They kept my feet happy and pain-free touring the city, visiting amusement parks, standing in line at the airport and more. I'm grateful for that because I love exploring and couldn't afford to let foot pain ruin my adventure.

My wife has a pair of these that she calls "old faithful" because they’re incredibly comfortable and incredibly durable. She says they're comfortable beyond belief, provide excellent support and do a great job when it comes to preventing foot and back pain, even when standing for long hours.

They do tend to run a little small, so you might want to order a half size up to get a proper fit.

A friend who works in the food service industry needed a new pair of work shoes, so I recommended him a pair of these Skechers, and they are just perfect for him! Not only do they fit him very well, but they also have excellent slip resistance.

He decided to put them to the test by running and attempting to slide across a freshly mopped floor, and he didn't slide very far! The shoes stuck to the floor like glue, so now he knows he can navigate the wet floors without fear.

In addition to slip-resistant rubber soles, these good looking slip on shoes are insulated against electrical hazards.  Bungee laces and a nicely padded, high heel counter provide secure fit and comfort. The mesh uppers are water and stain resistant, and the air cooled memory foam soles provide even greater breathability.

Overall, these are just great work shoes for people in potentially hazardous situations. The one thing you should be aware of is that they have a relaxed fit. My grandson normally wears a size 10 1/2 - 11, but we discovered that he needed a 9 1/2 wide in these shoes. We found out the hard way when we had to return the first pair, but it's all good now. So, if you're considering purchasing these shoes, make sure to keep that sizing information in mind.

The final model in this section on the best footwear for people that find themselves working on concrete floors is the AVIA Men’s Avi-Union Strap Service Shoe. This shoe is probably the most causal of the lot with a soft, scruffy shape compared to the loafers. This means it will be be highly appealing in those work environments where convenience, safety and comfort are much more important than looks.

This shoe is definitely made for use on hard floors. It has an OSR outsole for improved traction on oil and liquid, the cantilever heel is ideally modeled to offer stability for long term wear and there is a great shock absorbency in the midsole. This helps to protect feet over long periods to prevent against fatigue and foot conditions. On that note, the ethylene vinyl acetate insole – which provides even more padding and comfort – can also be removed in favor of personal orthotic devices. The other element of this shoe that is interesting is the use of two hook and loop straps instead of laces. This means that it should be a much more convenient method for many wearers and it helps to improve the fit.

Also Available at: Zappos ; OOFOS

Our neighbor is a teacher, so she’s on her feet on hard floors all day, five days a week. This causes the usual foot problems experienced by folks who stand all day, and unfortunately, she is also dealing with slipped disc pain. These shoes have provided great pain relief for both her foot and her lower back pain in a very short period of time.

OOFOS anti-fatigue technology helps reduce the load on the feet, decreases compressive forces and supports healthy foot mobility. That’s why these shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. The OOFOS patented foam footbed cradles the sole of the foot to provide perfect arch support and relieve foot fatigue. The rocker bottom of the sole promotes good foot alignment and healthy movement and recovery.

When it comes to proper sizing, it’s good to keep in mind that OOFOS are slightly narrower than the average shoe. Additionally, you need to measure your foot to get the right size. Measure from your heel to the tip of your big toe and add an inch. That is your OOFOS shoe length.

Another slight downside is that there is a rubber strap over the top of the shoe. It isn’t very stretchy, so if your feet tend to swell, you may find that uncomfortable.

Skechers Men's Go Max-Athletic Air Mesh Slip-ons are a dream for anyone dealing with plantar fasciitis or spending long hours on their feet. With my wide, flat feet, finding comfortable, casual shoes has always been a challenge, but these slip-ons have been a game-changer. I ordered my regular size in extra wide, and to my amazement, they fit perfectly. The built-in soft support material is durable and conformed to my feet immediately. No adjustment period needed.

The breathable mesh fabric upper gives a perfect fit with a little stretch that accommodates my wide feet. The arch support in these shoes is surprisingly excellent, especially for a slip-on shoe. The cushioning and support in the 5GEN sole and Skechers GOwalk Max midsole are top-notch and provide total, all-day comfort. With all that, you won’t believe how incredibly lightweight they are.

For comfortable, casual slip-ons these shoes are also very good-looking. I've actually purchased two pairs so far, and I couldn't be happier with them. I may just buy a third pair!

Orthofeet Men's Orthopedic Sprint Sneakers are another light weight, slip-on lifesaver for folks like me who struggle with foot pain. These shoes are made with a Goga Max technology insole that provides maximum support and responsiveness, thanks to its high-rebound cushioning.

They have a 100% textile upper with mesh fabric toe and heel panels ensure breathability. The 5GEN rubber sole provides great grip and stability. The slip-on design with a heel pull-on loop makes them easy to put on and take off but they‘re so comfortable you won‘t want to take them off.

I can't stress enough how well these sneakers fit my wide feet. The stretchiness of the fabric, combined with the tie-less design, eliminates any cramping and discomfort. The arch support is fantastic, and I've experienced no leg cramps at night since I started wearing them. They are not only comfortable shoes, they are also good-looking and available in three colors.

My friend from work, just got some Orthofeet Coral Shoes because she‘s been having trouble with Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and shin splints. It's been quite a challenge for her to walk around comfortably. When we came across these orthopedic shoes, we thought they might be the answer she's been looking for.

When the shoes arrived, she couldn't believe how roomy they were! She said she expected orthopedic shoes to be a bit snug, but these were the opposite. In fact, they have sort of a barefoot fit that allows your feet to move naturally.

The toe box is nice and spacious, and the material is soft, stretchy, breathable and padded, so they are really comfy. She says she can now work out and walk without pain and without overheating, thanks to the shoes‘ breathable design.

If they are not comfortable enough right out of the box, you’ll be happy to know that these shoes allow for a customized fit. They come with two plastic pieces that you can insert under the insole to get the perfect arch support, and the manufacturer even includes extra insoles.

You might think that orthopedic shoes would be ugly, but these tie-less orthopedic shoes are both incredibly comfortable and good-looking! They have a sleek design, and they're quite attractive and appealing. They come in a couple of shades of blue, as well as lavender, black, white and gray.

All-in-all the Orthopedic Coral Shoes are great for any woman who is struggling with foot issues. They really give unmatched comfort and support that’s effective when dealing with a wide variety of foot and health problems, such as foot and heel pain, diabetes, arthritis, bunions, and more.

Gales Frontline Nurse Shoes are designed with the input of hard-working health care professionals who understand the importance of enduring comfort, support, and protection, especially during those never-ending shifts. They are unisex, so they're great for anyone in the nursing and healthcare professions.

The Patented XL EXTRALIGHT compound soles are soft, resilient and durable, and the textured rubber outer soles provide superb traction and grip on slick surfaces, both wet and dry. The Ortholite insoles deliver excellent cushioning and arch support, and they're odor and moisture resistant!

These shoes are made of entirely synthetic material that wipes clean easily. On the slight downside, because these shoes are made to be fluid repellent and easy to clean (with no laces) there is a slight breathability problem. Hot sweaty feet can be very uncomfortable and can lead to problems such as athlete’s foot.

Another slight downside is that they tend to have a narrow fit at first. Because Gales Frontline Nurse Shoes  are stretchy they will conform to your foot size and shape after a short break-in period, but because of both the narrowness problem and the breathability problem, you might want to buy a half size larger than your normal size. Thick, absorbent socks will fill any extra space and keep your feet comfy and dry.

These nursing shoes are great for health care professionals or anyone whose job has them standing all day. My friend Tina, who works as a server, needed some truly comfortable, seriously supportive non-slip shoes that are also nice looking, so I suggested these to her. 

These slip-on shoes feature a neutral arch and soft foam padding. This, combined with the lightweight EVA platform sole make them very an excellent choice for all-day comfort in a challenging, active workplace.

For the most part, she was really impressed with how well these shoes held up on the wet and slippery floors at work, and the fact that they're made of soft synthetic leather that quickly conforms to your feet. This material makes it easy to keep the shoes clean with soap and water. They are available in white and black and several combinations of these basic colors. Easy cleaning is especially important for the white choices.

Note that the manufacturer says that sizes 6.5-9 run big, so if your size falls in this range, order a half size down.

These low sneakers have a sleek, athletic design combined with excellent cushioning and arch support. They are made of synthetic materials and have a rubber sole so they are water-resistant, lightweight and flexible.

Even though they are very water resistant, these Freestyle II sneakers are also well ventilated and comfortable. These are durable, good-looking shoes, available in basic black. They’d be just as appropriate for work as a host or server in a restaurant, as a health care worker or manning your trade show booth as they are for kitchen work.

One thing my cousin mentioned is that they feel a bit looser due to their lightweight design. Without the right socks, they might slip around a bit. But overall, he's quite satisfied with their performance and appearance.

Crocs unisex-adult Bistro Clogs have a different style compared to the Shoes for Crews, but they serve their purpose well. Like all Crocs, they are from 100% synthetic material so they are easy to clean and maintain. The rubber sole provides great cushioning and support, along with excellent traction. The low-top design makes them easy on-and-off, and they also have a heel strap for a more secure fit.

When my cousin tried on the Crocs, he noticed that they ran a little narrow. Even though he ordered a wide size, they still squeezed his toes a bit. It was quite uncomfortable on the first day, but they fit better now. If you're considering these clogs, I'd recommend going up a size to ensure the best fit.

Overall, both pairs of shoes have their strengths. The Shoes for Crews Men's Freestyle II are perfect for those who need slip-resistant footwear with an athletic look. They are lightweight, durable, and offer good traction on slippery surfaces. On the other hand, the Crocs unisex-adult Bistro Clog provides a comfortable and easy-to-clean option for those who prefer clogs. Just keep in mind that they run a little narrow, so consider sizing up.

The Alegria Women’s Keli Professional Slip Resistant Work Shoe is a pretty, slip-on work shoe that carries the trademark butterfly logo on the embossed leather upper. It comes in a surprising amount of color choices that need to be seen to be appreciated. Names like “totally cellular” and “swirly goodness” are a little vague.

The shoe is attractive, but it is the attention to detail in the comfort features that really makes this option stand out. There is a small height to the heel – just 1.5 inches on a 0.75 inch platform – and a slip resistant rubber sole that is essential for women walking all day on hard cement floors. The crucial element for women looking for the ideal footwear for this environment is the insole.

The layers of latex and memory foam provide a great barrier between the floor and the foot for long-term comfort. Every part of the foot has been considered to prevent against fatigue – from the back collar to the generous toe box – although the footbed can be replaced if needed. A few fit issues aside, most are impressed with the long-term support and some are even using this to aid there Plantar Fasciitis.

As the name suggests, On-the-Clock Crocs are intended to be worn as work shoes, and this is how these ended up on this list. I was visiting a nursing home recently and noted a care-giver wearing a pair of Crocs. Got to chatting with her and told her about my shoe blog and asked her if her Crocs were comfortable. She said her usual work shoes had just become unbearable, so these Crocs saved the day.

She says that these shoes are incredibly soft and comfortable, and the removable insole feels like memory foam. She didn't have to break them in at all, and they provided excellent arch support from the get-go. Even after a long, demanding shift at work, her feet are still comfortable and were well-supported.

That’s not really a surprise with Crocs because they are all comfortable, but these Crocs are specially designed for work. They have enhanced arch support and deeply cushioned footbed so they deliver "Dual Crocs Comfort."

The soles are slip-resistant, making them perfect for anyone who works in an environment where there's a risk of falling, and the uppers are incredibly easy to clean. Just a little soap and water, and they're good as new. They are also compatible with antibacterial sprays and wipes, which is fantastic for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.

Like OOFOS, these Danskos carry the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. They have an easy-clean patent leather upper, an extra roomy toe box, and a removable footbed that provides excellent arch support. The TPU heel counter provides heel stability and a natural stride. The EVA midsole is lightweight and provides excellent shock absorption. The rocker bottom minimizes fatigue, and the slip resistant rubber outsole gives great grip and traction.

I recommended these shoes to our neighbor, who works grueling 12-hour shifts on concrete at the hospital and was suffering from plantar fasciitis. Although she balked a bit at the price, after giving them a try, she said that these clogs provide incredible support for her back, arches, and overall structure during those long, exhausting days on her feet and that her feet and back no longer hurt since she started wearing them.

There is really no downside to Danskos other than (possibly) the price tag, but it’s important to note that these shoes are well-known for being incredibly durable. Many people are still happily and comfortably wearing Danskos that they bought more than a decade ago.

Sticking with Clarks for our penultimate shoe in the list of the best dress shoes for women standing all day at work, we come to the Clarks Emslie Dress Pump. Again, there is a very simple, classic look to this professional shoe. There is the smallest amount of detail and design on a high quality navy, black or brown leather. The heel is higher this time, putting the shoe more in line with long term office wear and is stable and appealing.

The footbed is the star of the show again because it provides such a soft, supportive base for long-term activity in the workplace. The padded is molded with Ortholite and Clarks Plus technology for the best possible performance. This means it cradles the foot in all the right places with a decent amount of arch support. 

Other key comfort features here include the slightly more rounded toe for a little more room, the padding around the collar and a moisture wicking lining. There are some women that warn that this shoe runs a little larger than expected. However, there are different widths and half sizes available to compensate for this.

Our final shoe takes a slightly different approach again. That is the Dansko Women’s Season Wedge Sandal. As the name suggests, this isn’t your classic looking dress shoe and there are some that will feel that this isn’t nearly professional enough for some offices and boardrooms. However, the smart style of this black leather sandal could work brilliantly in more casual offices or in summer months.

The shoe has buckled strap over the ankle and open toe, which helps with the custom fit. In fact, a very high percentage of buyers appreciate the true to fit feel of these shoes. The main benefit here is not the look but rather the quality of the comfort features offered. These light, stable shoes have a molded, dual-density ethylene vinyl acetate footbed with built-in arch support. 

This should aid women walking long distances around the office all day. This comfort is that enhanced by the use of the leather cover with its moisture absorption properties. This should keep feet fresher and more secure for longer. In the end, there is a lot more to this shoe than consumers may realize and it shouldn’t be overlooked because it is a sandal.