We’ve Tested Over 50 Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes — These Are the 10 We Recommend if Your Job Has You Standing All Day

We tested over 50 top-rated walking shoes and carefully considered key features such as material, support, comfort, and durability. We also paid close attention to how the shoes performed during various types of activities, including standing for long periods, walking, and running. We chose our top picks based on overall performance paired with the shoe's ability to keep feet supported and comfortable throughout the day.

We spoke with five experts across different fields, including podiatry, physical therapy, surgery, and internal medicine. After gathering their insights and recommendations, we ensured each of our top picks had the features they suggested were important for healthy feet. These are the experts we spoke with:

• David Schrieber, DPM, podiatrist at Inspira Health in New Jersey
• Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, faculty member at New York College of Podiatric Medicine at New York Medical College
• Mitzi Williams DPM, pediatric foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida
• Evans Sirois, DO, board-certified internist and co-founder of N-2 Water
• Troy Hurst, PT, DPT, licensed physical therapist and medical writer at Flow Feet

According to Williams, you should consider your foot type before anything else when shopping for walking shoes. “Some people have more of a flat pronated foot where the arch collapses down into the ground, while others have more of a high arched foot type,” she says. She recommends paying close attention to your foot's anatomy and shopping for shoes that cater to your specific foot needs.

Sirois says the right pair of walking shoes can alleviate muscle fatigue and foot and leg pain. He suggests looking for shoes with good shock absorption and cushioning, as well as a supportive arch.

Here's a breakdown of the key factors to consider when buying walking shoes for standing all day:

• Arch Support There are three primary types of foot arches: low (flat), neutral (normal), and high. Low or flat arches collapse to the ground when your foot contacts the floor, while high arches create a curved, rigid foot. Consider seeing a podiatrist if you have any concerns about your arch type or experience discomfort during long periods of standing. Those with low arches should look for shoes with extra midfoot support. Those with high arches should look for shoes with a deep heel cup and cushioning in the forefoot.
• Width Your shoes should feel snug around the ball of your foot, which is usually the widest part of your foot, says Sirois. This provides stability and prevents your foot from sliding around in your shoe. Some types of shoes come in different widths to accommodate both wide and narrow feet.
• Toe Box Sirois says your shoes should fit well in length and width without pinching or rubbing. When standing with your shoelaces, “There should be about a thumb’s width (about ½ inch or 1 centimeter) between your longest toe and the front tip of the shoe,” he says. “Your toes should not touch the edge of the shoe when standing.” Additionally, make sure the toe box is deep enough to allow your toes to spread naturally when pushing off while walking or running.
• Cushioning Cushioning comes in many forms, such as foam materials like EVA or polyurethane, gel inserts, or air pockets. While your arch and foot shape may dictate the type of cushioning that works best, you should be able to tell rather quickly if a new pair of shoes suits your needs. “Sneakers and walking shoes should not require a lot of breaking in,” Sirois says. It's important to try shoes on before purchasing whenever possible, ideally later in the day when your feet are more swollen, he adds.
• Breathability If your feet sweat, look for materials like mesh or knit uppers that allow air to circulate freely. Proper airflow can help prevent excessive sweating and reduce the risk of developing blisters, unpleasant odors, or fungal infections. Breathability is also particularly important if you live in a warm climate.
• Durability High-quality materials such as leather, durable synthetic fabrics, or reinforced rubber outsoles can provide longevity and withstand wear and tear. Leather is popular because it molds to your feet over time, is easy to clean, and has water-resistant qualities.

However, standing all day can also lead to fatigue, joint pain, and swelling in the legs and feet. This is especially true if you're not used to standing for long periods or have underlying health conditions such as arthritis or plantar fasciitis. Wearing the wrong footwear while standing for extended periods can also worsen these conditions.

To avoid harmful effects, it's crucial to strike a balance between sitting and standing throughout your workday. Incorporate regular breaks whenever possible, and be mindful of your standing posture. Keep your shoulders relaxed, chest open, and knees slightly bent to alleviate strain on your back and maintain proper alignment.

There are many reasons your feet may ache when standing for extended periods. “While there are certain activities and circumstances which can lead to stress fractures (aka hairline fractures), overuse of the soft tissues is commonly what causes pain,” says Schrieber. “Soft tissue overuse can be localized to the front of the foot (forefoot) or back of the foot (rearfoot) or can be global.”

Schrieber explains that pain in the ball of the foot is called metatarsalgia. It's usually the result of excess pressure on the metatarsal bones. Pain in the back of the foot is often linked to issues like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. Having heel spurs can worsen foot pain, especially during weight-bearing activities. He advises consulting a doctor if you experience persistent pain lasting several days or longer.

More cushioning doesn't always equate to more comfort, says Dr. Landau. “Running or standing long periods in a 4 mm heel drop or less shoe with cushioning … performs like a negative heel (walking uphill), which would in fact cause more gait abnormalities and pain,” she explains. The feet are intended to move freely in an unrestricted, natural motion.

The right amount of support ultimately depends on your individual needs and foot structure. Sirois says to make sure that your shoe has proper arch support. If you have a low or flat arch, you'll need shoes with extra support in the midsole to help prevent foot fatigue and discomfort. If your arches are high, you should opt for a shoe with a higher heel drop that will support the natural curvature of your foot. Adequate arch support keeps your foot stable and properly aligned, reducing the risk of injuries and painful conditions like plantar fasciitis.

According to Dr. Williams, many people benefit from wearing shoes with stiffer soles that do not bend in the middle. “This type of shoe functions as an improved shock absorber and minimizes pressure and load in areas that can be problematic.”

It's best to consult a medical professional before purchasing a new pair if you have underlying foot pain or discomfort, as there are no clear recommendations for how much support a shoe should provide.

“A proper fitting shoe can be the difference between standing all day without pain and needing to see a physician,” says Schrieber. That said, you should see a doctor if you have had moderate foot pain for more than a few weeks, if the pain is severe or getting worse, or if you have any other concerns or symptoms.

Here are a few tips for alleviating acute foot pain from standing all day:

• Take breaks to sit or stretch throughout the day.
• Do calf or toe stretches to ease tightness.
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good arch support to distribute pressure evenly.
• Prop your feet up at the end of the day to help with swelling.
• Use ice packs to calm inflammation.
• Massage your feet or roll them over a tennis ball to soothe sore muscles.
• Try compression socks if blood flow is a concern.