Want to know the best shoes for when you are on your feet all day? If you’re one who stands for many hours of the day, you understand that being on your feet can be exhausting and lead to pain. The pain is not always in your feet, but oftentimes you may feel discomfort in your legs, back, or neck. Having the right footwear can make or break your work day and/or busy walking day. It can also prevent some health problems in your feet.
This article is going to discuss the best shoes for when you are on your feet all day. We’re also going to discuss what to look for and prioritize when selecting a shoe.
As a nurse, this is the type of comprehensive article I wish I knew about sooner!
If you are a healthcare worker, flight attendant, or just walking a lot, this article is for you.
The following shoes are not only comfortable, but they are also stylish. You will surely find a pair that meets your needs.
In this article:
Athletic Style Shoes
Business Style Shoes
Casual Shoes
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Shoes When You Are On Your Feet All Day
- Look for a Wide Outsole
An outsole is the piece of hard material on the bottom of a shoe. Oftentimes, this part is made of rubber or leather.
When you are looking for a shoe that you will wear while standing for hours on end, look for a wide outsole with full ground contact to spread the pressure evenly.
- Ample Cushioning
If you are going to be standing all day, you should ensure your shoes properly cushion the heel and ball of foot as most of our weight is concentrated in these areas throughout the day.
- Room for the Toes
Another thing to look for in shoes is spaciousness for the toes in the upper portion of the shoe. This will allow ample room to let the toes splay out.
Although some business shoes are not always designed this way, you can usually find this in athletic style shoes and, of course, sandals.
Bonus Tip – Wear Compression Socks
If you’re standing on your feet all day, compression socks are a must. Understandably, these may not pair well with sandals, but if you are able to pull it off, definitely invest in some good compression socks. They help reduce foot pain by improving blood circulation.
The best compression socks are by the brand Cherokee – check them out! I wear these everyday at work as a nurse.
These Are the Best Shoes For When You Are On Your Feet All Day
Athletic Style Shoes
1. Dansko Paisley
The Dansko Paisley is designed for outdoor use, specifically hiking. These are perfect for the trail as they are waterproof and durable. Personally, I love using these at work as a nurse. I never worry about spilling anything on these!
Not to mention, these shoes are great for odor control as they are treated for odor control and moisture management.
These even have the American Podiatric Medical Association approval standards (APMA) as they carry the APMA seal of Acceptance. The Dansko Natural Arch® technology is designed to give you support throughout a long day.
2. Vionic Miles II Sneakers
This shoe is very comfortable and stylish at the same time. As it looks like a regular sneaker, one wouldn’t think it’s actually a comfortable shoe from a brand trusted by podiatrists.
In fact, the style of shoe has received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
This shoe features a podiatrist-designed orthotic with a flexible, cushioned outsole and a lightweight, breathable upper. It has arch support that is really great, and I personally wear these at work as a nurse (I work 12+ hours on my feet!)
The shoe features a rubber outsole for long-lasting wear, and mesh on the top. They look like any other athletic shoe, so you wouldn’t know that they are orthotic because they look so good.
3. HOKA Clifton 9 Sneakers
HOKAs seem to be the most popular shoe amongst healthcare workers lately! They are very trendy and cute for one, and they provide a lot of cushion for the pressure points in our feet from standing all day – especially on the heel and ball of foot.
This shoe features a breathable material and rubber outsole for durability. They are very light weight as well.
THE DOWNSIDE – Just know from my experience, that this shoe doesn’t have the best arch support for my flat feet. If you are someone who doesn’t suffer from flat feet, this may still be a good option for you. I also found the heel to be overly cushioned, leading to my achilles tendon feeling tired.
I would recommend trying for yourself, because many people I know love these shoes and won’t be switching to another brand any time soon.
4. New Balance Made in USA 990v6
Want to know one of the best brands of shoes for when you are on your feet all day? New Balance is a brand that was recommended to me by my podiatrist specifically. One reason this brand is recommended by many podiatrists is for the exceptional arch support.
This shoe is also really cool, with a trendy design, and it is made in the USA. I own a pair of these well.
Professional Style Shoes
1. Naturalizer Everly Pump
Naturalizer is a brand that puts comfort and style at the forefront. This shoe is a classic, timeless style designed to fit the natural contours of the foot.
These are a great option for a business casual look. Made of natural materials including leather, patent leather or suede upper, this shoe forms to your feet. It also features a non-slip outsole for good grip while walking.
2. Dansko Callista
A Mary Jane heel helps complete the perfect office wardrobe, and having one that supports foot health is a must.
The Dansko shoe features the Dansko Natural Arch® technology, so it gives you the arch support you need to get through the day. It has a rubber outsole that is designed to last a long time.
Not to mention, this shoe is made of leather with odor control, and it has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
3. Naturalizer 27 Edit Licia Pump
A classic pump makes every office wardrobe whole. These shoes are designed for both style and comfort.
The upper portion of this shoe is made of leather or suede (depending on the color you choose.) The rubber outsole provides slip resistance. The contoured design makes it very comfortable to wear.
Naturalizer is always a good brand to choose when it comes to comfort and classic style.
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Casual Shoes
1. Birkenstocks
There was a time when these shoe were not considered the most stylish choice. But the tables have turned. Also like New Balance sneakers, Birkenstocks are all the rage nowadays and rightfully so.
Not only are these a trendy choice, the shoes provide exceptional arch support. They even have a raised toe bar to help place the toes in a comfortable position. The shoe is shock absorbing due to the sole made of cork and latex. Birkenstocks truly are a great option for everyone.
Of note, I found these shoes need to be broken in a little bit so that they will become your go-to most comfortable shoe in the closet.
2. Rothy’s The Weekend Slide
As this shoe is both stylish and supportive, this is a good option for those looking for a casual style.
These stylish shoes are a great option for a summer tourist who is going to walk around for hours and hours. They are cute and machine washable, but more importantly, they have a sturdy and supportive footbed. The outsoles have added traction to keep these on your feet.
This Article Was All About the Best Shoes For When You Are On Your Feet All Day
Picking the right shoe can make or break how your feet feel by the end of the day. If you find that you are suffering severe foot pain, be sure to consult a health care professional about your problem.
Overall, the best brands to purchase from are Dansko, Vionic, and Naturalizer. But there are a lot of other brands to explore for yourself. These brands just personally work best for me. Regardless, I am sure one of the above shoes will work really well for you. Best of luck on your search for the perfect shoes for when you are on your feet all day.
