By Rehan Iqbal
While most of us definitely prefer not to stand all day; what do you do when your job calls for it? Occupations like nursing, bank clerks, hospitality, retail, security and thousands more require you to be constantly on your feet working on one thing or the other. At the end of your shift, your feet will definitely have a thing or two to complain about. The incessant hours of standing really take a toll on various parts of your body. That’s because by forcing your feet to support your entire weight in very rigid positions all day long, you strain your muscles, back, neck and joints.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you could give your feet relief from this daily abuse while preventing the long-term effects of standing all day. One of the most efficient methods includes wearing the appropriate footwear for standing all day.
Shoe manufacturers go far and wide to ensure that your shoes are designed to ease the pressure that comes with standing for long hours. Most of the best shoes for standing all day not only offer workers the extra levels of comfort they deserve, but they also actively reduce the risk of developing injuries to muscles, joints, and other health issues. So, what exactly makes a pair of shoes worthy of being termed as best for standing all day on demanding jobs? It’s all in the features and construction. Here are a few top features you should look out for if you want the best shoes to stand all day.
Special Features to Consider When Buying Comfortable Shoes to Stand in All Day
Lightweight Construction
Since you spend a considerably large amount of time upright and on your feet, you definitely want a pair of shoes that is negligible in weight. When you stand all day long, the fatigue can quickly compound and turn your small steps into grueling miles. Most workers fall victim to the false notion that light shoes will not offer proper levels of protection. Today, it’s very common to find super flyweight sneakers with a thick, sturdy steel toe cap. Make sure you look for shoes with very light construction to spare your feet from having to lug around dead weight all day long.
Durability
Just because your work shoes are for standing or idling’ around all day doesn’t mean that they won’t wear out. In fact, most workers who stand for long hours actually go through more pairs of shoes that people who walk around more. That’s because as opposed to walking where your shoes get the chance to wear out evenly, standing in one spot puts an excessive amount of pressure on certain parts of your shoe. Repeat this stance day in day out, and it’s very easy to see why your shoes will die very quickly. Make sure you purchase work shoes that not only look tough, but also constructed with high-quality materials that are made to last longer. Renown brands offer products that work as hard as you do.
Heel and Arch Support
No matter what kind of job you perform, we all know how crucial arch support can be. People who stand all day exert all their weight on the fragile tendons and ligaments that make up the plantar fascia. Over time, this leads to weakened arches and issues such as plantar fasciitis or collapsed foot bones. Studies show that arch support is crucial when it comes to alleviating pain and providing long term comfort for people who stay on their feet for extended periods of time. Flat soles are the worst design for standing all day. Ensure your work shoes offer a generous degree of arch support to keep all the stress and pain at bay. Arch support also means less fatigue and more productivity at the end of the day.
High Traction Shock Absorbing Outsoles
Your safety should always come first. As we already established, slips and falls are responsible for a large percentage of work-related injuries. No matter your occupation or environment, having slip resistant outsoles ensures that you remain on your feet for the whole day. However, people who stand for extended periods on the job are highly prone to slips and falls due to constant fidgeting and shifting poses. When choosing shoes for standing all day, it is of the utmost importance to make sure they are engineered with the highest standards and a trustworthy grip. Additionally, work shoes for standing all day also need to be highly shock absorbent to ensure that all energy is returned back to the feet. Without a buffer, your feet will only get hurt by the hard concrete floors or other tough, non-yielding surfaces.
Extra Padding and Cushioning
This is also one of the most essential features to be on the lookout for if you expect to stand all day. Think about it; would you rather spend all day standing on plain rubber, or soft, mushy clouds? Ensure that the insides of your shoes are well padded and cushioned to give you a comfortable resting surface. Additionally, you could insist on using gel inserts that not only keep your feet comfortable, but also feeling cool and fresh.
Breathability
Since your foot will remain active all day, it pays to have a pair that allows for as much durability as possible. Proper ventilation allows for the free circulation of air that creates a very conducive environment for your feet. Not only does this help you remain cool, but it also carries away moisture from your feet as water vapor. Leaving sweat to build up can be really unhealthy for your feet. Ensure that work shoes designed for standing all day offer enough breathability and ventilation for your feet.