The 11 Best Shoes for Standing All Day

tanding on your feet all day long is rarely fun, and it's pure hell if you're doing it in sub-par footwear. But we'd never catch you doing that, we bet. Not after this, at least. Here, we've put together a list of shoes that have aided our feet in tough standing situations, from long work days to travel days to waiting on line at an amusement park for the sake of our children.

Are you standing on your feet all day long? Do you feel like you never have a moment to just sit down and take it easy? Are you planning to take the fam to Disney World in the near future? You’re going to want to get your hands on some shoes specially engineered for standing for hours on end. From sneakers and dress shoes to rugged boots (and even sandals!), the best shoe brands offer a bevy of styles that’ll mitigate any stress to your stompers as you go about your day.

Because we know you might be standing up in a variety of situations, we've crafted this list to match those with various footwear styles, from sneakers to dress shoes to boots and even to sandals. Regardless of the shoe type, avoid anything narrow or constricting. Avoid anything with a heel and we'd recommend looking for fabrics that have some give, so they're still comfortable as the day wears on.

Consider your insoles, too, which should have great arch support and be made of materials that have added cushioning. (Shock-resistant and odor-proof are especially welcome.) Whether you’re on a line at the company cafeteria, waiting to get on a rollercoaster, or squished at a summer musical festival, there's a comfy shoe for you here.

These Hoka Bondi SRs are built not just for standing all day but for working all day. (The "SR" stands for slip-resistant.) They have the Bondi's signature plush cushion, meta-rocker, and a comfortable heel drop at 6mm. In addition to that immediate comfort, though, these are made with a water-resistant leather upper and a slip-resistant outsole—all with service and medical jobs in mind.

The 9060 is a close second to the Bondi SR. It's a little less functional (no water-resistance or added outsole grip) but it also looks that way. These are easier to wear and not feel like you're wearing a Comfort Shoe and they are truly excellent for long travel days and the walking you might do there once you land.

If you're doing a lot of standing but also need a shoe that doesn't look orthotic or athletic, Thousand Fell's low-top leather sneaker is a great option. Wear it for travel days punctuated by nicer events or long, boring conferences. It's made with a soft vegan leather, which doesn't have same break-in time demands leather does, and it is scratch- and odor-resistant.

There's a reason why On's sneakers have achieved a cult-like following, and it's all in the name. Cloudmonster. These hgave a super high cushion and support system, but done with that signature airy structure that does its job without weighing you down. It's great for standing on, of course, but we also like how soft the sockliner and upper is for top-of-foot comfort, too.

I try a lot of shoes all the time, all in my quest to find something I rely on more heavily than the Asics Gel-Kayanos. To no avail. These are running shoes, and they are great at that—the style is designed to absorb shock, support body weight, and increase stability—but it's how they feel all over that makes them standout. They have a soft cushion underfoot but they also have a soft, cushioned collar and a stretchy upper. They are the only shoes I travel in right now because they are the ones that won't get too tight when my poorly circulating feet blow up.

Sometimes, you gotta stand all day in a shoe that isn't a sneaker, and you will be catching us doing it in a G.H.Bass loafer of choice. Although we love the Weejun, this lug loafer is a little softer and has a more supportive sole than the rather flat Weejun. They're easy to throw on, particularly for nicer, non-sneaker occasions.

Don't let the heavy-duty appearance of these Red Wings mislead you, because they are actually super comfortable. As I went to write this, I thought, hm, I feel like I have written this before. Turns out, I endorsed them back in 2019. And you know what? They have held up this entire time. They have a bit of a break-in point for the suede or leather (they are boots, after all) but they are worth it—and the soft midsole is everything.

Vionic produces some of the comfiest shoes around, and the Livermore boot is no different. It'll look good in a professional setting, but provide you support needed to get you through your shift pain-free. This is because of both its EVA midsole and the removable VIO MOTION Technology footbed, giving the shoe anatomically engineered cushioning.

What To Look For

Width

A too-narrow shoe won't be comfortable to walk around in all day, much less stand around in all day. If you have a wide foot, look for an option that can accommodate with varying widths; alternatively, if your foot runs narrow, make sure the style you're picking has laces that you can tighten, or a narrow footbed.

Heel Drop

Arch support is the key to being comfortable, and it begins with the heel drop. The higher the heel drop, the more arch support your shoe will have, and when you're standing, it's important to have arch support so as to not fatigue your feet. Typically 10mm and up is considered great for a heel drop.

Insoles

A cushiony insole with extra technology, like contouring or molding, will make all the difference in adding extra comfort to your shoes.

Extra Features

Take into account where you're going to be wearing these shoes, because not all pairs are made alike. A water-resistant style will be handy for colder months and harsher climates, whereas a laceless style might be preferred for ease and simplicity.