The 12 Best Pairs of Shoes for Standing All Day, According to Podiatrists

Most Versatile Shoe for Standing All Day

Saucony Guide 16

Most Versatile Shoe for Standing All Day

Saucony Guide 16

ConsMay not be the best choice for wide feet (even wide sizes)

Saucony’s Guide 16 receives top marks for its PWRRUN+ midsole, which is somehow light-as-a-feather and incredibly cushy to provide all-day comfort for your feet. Designed with the needs of runners in mind, these sneakers provide moderate stability for any pace and distance, which, in our experience, make them a reliable choice for long hours on your feet.

One standout feature is the gusted tongue, which enhances the overall comfort of the shoe. It securely holds your feet in place while allowing them to move freely all day. The tailored fit from heel to toe adds to the stability of the shoe, providing a secure feeling with ample room for your forefoot to splay out during toe-offs.

While runners with wider feet might find the tailored fit a bit snug, I found it to be incredibly comfortable and an ideal pick to take you from hour-long stints at your standing desk to long runs after work.

Asics Gel-Cumulus 24

Best Shoe for Standing All Day for Underpronators

Asics Gel-Cumulus 24

Now 38% Off

Asics makes plenty of Men’s Health-approved running shoes that can take on plenty of mileage. That’s why it’s no surprise that their kicks are also great for standing and walking all day in. Asics’ GEL-Cumulus 24 is a bestseller thanks to its Flytefoam midsole for Cloud Nine-like support.

“Mirrored after cumulus clouds, the ASICS Cumulus 24 has a soft squishy feel. Added Gel in the heel makes for a great walking shoe,” says Dr. Mendeszoon.

It’s technically classified as a neutral shoe, so it’s a good choice for those without special arch support needs. For those with low or high arches, pop a customized insole in these bad boys and you’ll be good to go.

The highlight of this shoe? It’s designed to correct underpronation, but without too high of a lateral side wall (a common theme with shoes in this category).

Hoka Clifton 9

Best Shoe for Standing All Day for High Arches

Hoka Clifton 9

ConsNarrow toebox

The Hoka Clifton 9’s are a tried-and-true running shoe with thick, bouncy foam cushioning. The brand’s marquee runners also received a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association for their incredible foot support, so you know they work for long days at the office.

We love the rocket shape, which propels the runner forwards with each step (in the most comfortable way possible). The upper and midfoot is soft, flexible, and alots substantial height, making it a suitable choice for high arches that feel squeezed in other sneakers.

However, if you’re someone with a wider foot, this shoe may not work for you, even in the wide size. Hoka loves to make their toe boxes particularly narrow, which can be tough for those with wide feet or who appreciate toe splay.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

Most Cushioned Shoe for Standing All Day

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

Now 20% Off

Yes, it’s true. New Balance’s signature Fresh Foam shoes are back, and in the highest stack ever. And, in my experience, they’re as easy on the feet as they are on the eyes. That’s because this model’s latest iteration was redesigned to maximize cushioning and support (think Hoka-like sky-high stack and meta rocker), so you can wear it all day, every day.

The rocker midsole allows for effortless pace walking, adding to the overall comfort and ease of movement. While the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 offers exceptional benefits, it’s essential to consider its flaws. The upper section may pinch slightly from midfoot to toe-box, but this is offset by the shoe’s incredible cushioning and overall comfort. However, we only experienced the issue when pushing the shoe for running (what it’s designed for).

Altra Torin 7

Best Wide Shoe for Standing All Day

Altra Torin 7

When it comes to neutral running shoes, Altra tops our list for its supreme shape that takes comfort, mobility, and stride in mind. The characteristic shoe design from the brand offers ample space for toes to spread out, promoting a natural and comfortable fit that is all-around ideal for long hours standing.

We were pleasantly surprised to find the brand new Torin 7 boasts an even soften tongue and more cushioning compared to its predecessor. Although the upper material initially felt a bit rigid, it quickly adjusted and softened with each stride, providing a reliable and cushioned experience throughout my runs (we found this to be true with the 6, too).

Plus, its chunky midsole makes for a retro-inspired look that looks as good as it feels.

Read more: Best Stretches to Relieve Back Pain

Weight9.8 ozDrop0 mmWidthsStandard, wideUpperMesh

Best Stability Shoe for Standing All Day

Brooks Beast ’20

Best Stability Shoe for Standing All Day

Brooks Beast ’20

ConsOver $150

Stability shoes are great for those who overpronate, meaning their ankles roll too far inward with each stride. They’re also great for standing all day in since their specialized cushioning helps take the impact off of our feet and ankles. These surely don’t feel as plushy as, say, the Fresh Foams on this list. The tradeoff, however, is a more stable, balanced base.

These Beast runners feel great for minimizing impact from running or standing on your feet all day, plus added support and stability via a wide base and sturdy side walls.

KURU Atom Slip-On

Best Slip-On Shoe for Standing All Day

KURU Atom Slip-On

ConsMidfoot may be tight on high arches

It’s impossible to discuss the best shoes for standing long hours (or foot health, in general) without mentioning KURU. In my experience wearing the ATOM, the design helps to optimize pressure distribution from your heel to your forefoot, making it superb for long walks or day-long standing.

So-called KURUSole technology feels supportive through the length of the foot, flexing to cradle your heel and balance the arches. The knit, lace-free upper disguises this shoe as a more sophisticated, office-friendly alternative to a classic athletic sneaker.

What do buyers say? “Love them. Super comfortable and support is great right out of the box,” said one KURU buyer.

Saucony 3D Grid Hurricane Bodega

Best Statement Shoe for Standing All Day

Saucony 3D Grid Hurricane Bodega

ConsOn the heavy side

Just because comfort is a priority, doesn’t mean you have to (or should) sacrifice fashion. I can confidently say that these shoes were up-to-par with most athletic shoes on this list in terms of comfort and cushioning, but with a leg-up on style.

A collab between Saucony and Bogeda, 3D Grid Hurricane silhouette is as nostalgic to the 90s as it gets: vibrant colors, unique textures, and distinct chunky silhouette. These sneakers not only look incredible, but they deliver on the promise of all-day comfort thanks to a wide, balanced midsole combined with the interlocking layers of cushioning that you won’t find in many other aesthetics-driven shoes.

We found the custom raised velour grid, heavily textured tongue, and 3M reflective heel not only add extra touches of luxury in terms of looks, but in overall comfort and functionality as well.

Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 20

Best Shoe for Standing All Day with Compression

Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 20

ConsNot suitable for over- or underpronators

Though technically a running shoe, it makes for a great all-day standing shoe, too. Plus, if a middle-of-the-day work break looks more like a quick walk (or even jog) around the block, then these Brooks shoes have you covered.

This bestseller in the athletic footwear community has received plenty of love for its DNA LOFT cushioning, which we found somehow both soft and secure. In our experience, the added Stealth Fit sock-liner and almost seamless knit upper add a little compression through the midfoot into the ankle, which works well to combat swelling and fatigue that can come with hours on your feet.

Cole Haan American Classic Penny Loafer

Best Dress Shoe for Standing All Day

Cole Haan American Classic Penny Loafer

We know what you’re thinking, ‘no way are loafers a comfortable shoe for standing all day.’ We were skeptical, too, but after weeks of testing, can confirm that these are among the most comfortable dress shoes to spend long hours on your feet in.

Similar to combat or work boots, Cole Haan’s “platform” loafers offer lots of tough leather style and height. Not only do they look great, but the cushioned footbed provides serious support underfoot and a rugged patterned sole ensure steady traction. We also love that its round toe keeps the fit full and therefore comfortable to walk in (no toe-squishing, here).

In our experience, some breaking-in is required, but far less than any other comparable loafer we’ve tested. Pro tip: purchase a pair of heel grips to protect your achilles area from any initial potential for blisters.