The 9 Best Shoes For Standing All Day, According To Our Gear Editor
As the Forbes Vetted gear editor, I’m constantly on my feet. Whether I’m testing the latest footwear, training for a race or hiking a new trail, a comfortable yet supportive shoe is essential. To find the best shoes for standing all day, I relied on my own experience having previously worked 12-hour shifts in an emergency room and consulted Forbes Vetted staffers on their favorite options for maximum support. My top choice for best overall, the Hoka Clifton 10, is a trainer that sports loads of cushioning for unrivaled support. If you prefer a slip-on shoe that’s easy to take on and off, the On Cloud 6 is another great choice.
When rounding up my top shoes for standing all day, I considered the cushioning of the midsole and the durability of the shoe’s materials, a crucial factor for keeping you comfortable and supported. I also spoke with experts for further insight on what to look for: “Generally, we consider arch height, heel drop, heel stack, material and width,” says Dr. Chloe Costigan, PT, of Mobility-Doc. Ahead, the best shoes for standing all day, including picks that cater to specific need
I’ve been wearing the Clifton lineup for years. While it used to be my go-to running shoe, now I wear it just about everywhere, because I know it’ll keep my feet happy no matter how long I’m standing. And if you’re looking to grab yourself a pair, I can’t recommend the Hoka Clifton 10 enough. As the newest model in the brand’s ultra-popular sneaker line, they offer next-level cushioning and an improved jacquard knit upper to make the shoes breathable and durable for daily use. These shoes are also fitted with Hoka’s MetaRocker technology, which minimizes foot fatigue by helping make the transition from your heel to your toe a little easier as you walk. Together, these features made the Clifton 10 easy to wear for hours on end during testing.
All that said, these shoes are stacked pretty high, which might feel wobbly if you’re not used to it. If that sounds like a dealbreaker, theHoka Bondi 9could be a better fit. It’s just as cushy but offers a bit more stability. For further insights, see myHoka Clifton 10 review.
Best Budget Shoes For Standing All Day
Slip-Ons With Slip Resistance
Sizes:Women’s 5 to 11, men’s 7 to 12 |Widths:Medium or wide |Colors:Black |Heel-to-toe drop:Not listed |Weight:Not listed
Pros:
Wide toe box improves comfort
Grippy sole improves traction on slick surfaces
Cons:
Fixed stretch laces make it harder to fine-tune the fit
Long-term quality comes into question at this price point
If you’re only on your feet for a few hours a day and can’t justify spending over $100 on shoes, the Skechers Slip-In Work Summits might be what you need. These budget-friendly shoes feature a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet cool and memory foam cushioning for dependable support. And because they’re technically work shoes, they also come with a slip-resistant sole and are electrical hazard-rated to keep you safe on the jobsite. Plus, Skechers adds a hands-free collar lining, making it easy to slip them on and off without bending down.
Of course, budget shoes sometimes come with durability concerns—it’s often true that you get what you pay for. But Skechers has spent more than three decades proving they can deliver affordable, quality footwear, and their track record gives me confidence in recommending the Work Summits as a solid choice for wallet-friendly all-day comfort.
Best Arch Support Shoes For Standing All Day
Ergonomic Design Built For Everyday Wear
Sizes:Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 15 |Widths:Medium or wide |Colors:5 for women, 4 for men|Heel-to-toe drop:10 mm |Weight:11.4 ounces (women’s), 13.1 ounces (men’s)
Pros:
Specifically designed to hug the heel and support the foot’s arch
Airy mesh upper for breathability
Cons:
May take longer than other options to fully break in
If you’re searching for a shoe that excels at providing ankle, heelandarch support, we recommend the Kuru Atom 2. The Salt Lake City-based brand is known for its supportive, yet comfortable footwear that can withstand running, walking and everyday wear. Of all Kuru’s offerings, the Atom 2 stands out most for all-day support, thanks to its thick, cushioned soles that follow the natural shape of your foot and contoured heel cups, which help absorb the impact of each step by flexing and cupping your heel.
As the new and improved version of theKuru Atom, the Atom 2 features the addition of an adjustable tongue (tightens fit of shoe and helps reduce heel slippage) and a thicker layer of Kuru’s Cloud+ Foam for greater support. That said, some reviewers found these shoes a bit stiff at first so keep in mind they may take longer to fully break in.
Best Slip-On Shoes For Standing All Day
Put It On And Take It Off With Ease
Sizes:Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 15 |Widths:Standard |Colors:11 for women, 11 for men |Heel-to-toe drop:8mm |Weight:7.6 ounces (women’s), 9.4 ounces (men’s)
Pros:
Lightweight and easy to wear
Can be worn as a slip-on or laced up
Versatile enough for the gym, travel or just wearing around town
Cons:
Not as supportive as some others
The On Cloud 6 is a great slip-on shoe for anyone who needs comfort, convenience and all-day support without the hassle of tying laces. Thanks to its speed-lacing system, you can slip it on and off with zero fuss, which can be a game-changer for those who are busy or struggle with dexterity. It also has a cushioned, lightweight midsole and soft, breathable upper to keep your feet comfortable and cool.
Forbes Vetted gear updates writer,Alexandra Garrett, has worn the Cloud 6 to the gym, on walks and while running errands, and she was immediately impressed with how easy they were to slide on and off. “When I’m looking to leave the house fast, the On Cloud 6 sneakers take seconds to slip on and go,” she says. “While they don’t have as much padding as my Hoka Cliftons, they still keep me comfortable throughout the day.”
However, if you’re someone who needs a lot of arch support or stability for intense physical activity, the Cloud 6 might not be the best fit. Its cushioning is more geared toward light support, so if you require extra structure, you might want to look elsewhere or consider adding custom insoles.
Best Hoka Shoes For Standing All Day
Pillowy Feel Combined With Exceptional Stability
Sizes:Women’s 4 to 12, men’s 7 10 16 |Widths:Regular, wide or x-wide |Colors:15 for women, 21 for men |Heel-to-toe drop:5mm |Weight:9.3 ounces (women’s), 10.5 ounces (men’s)
Pros:
Super-cushioned to prevent fatigue
Rear crash pad absorbs impact
Recommended by American Podiatric Medical Association
The Hoka Bondi 9 is the thicker, more cushioned cousin to theClifton 10. They are fitted with a tall foam sole for additional cushioning, a rear crash pad to absorb impact and more stability with each step. “The thick cushioning makes these sneakers especially supportive for long walks and travel days spent on your feet,” says Forbes Vetted deals editor Kara Cuzzone in herHoka Bondi 9 review. “I occasionally deal with foot pain on days when I log 10,000-plus steps, but that didn’t happen to me once while I was wearing these shoes.”
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