What to Look for in Shoes for Standing All Day
If you’re going to be standing all day at work — or for any activity — you’ll want to pick the right shoe. Here are several things to consider.
Construction and Materials
All our experts recommend picking a breathable material so your feet will feel comfortable but also stay dry. Miller says that if your shoe isn’t made of breathable material, such as mesh, your feet may sweat, and that can lead to blisters. The ACFAS recommends shoes that are flexible around the toe box but don't bend in the middle of the sole. If you have flat feet, choose a wider toe box and the best arch support you can find, they say.
Even with a quality shoe, it’s important to replace your shoes often. The ACFAS warns that shoes lose their ability to absorb shock over time as the cushioning and arch support wear out. If your shoe has wear and tear on the sole, then it’s time to replace it. Wearing worn-out shoes can increase your risk of Achilles tendinitis, ankle sprains, heel pain, and even stress fractures, according to the ACFAS. Vivian Yu, a fitness trainer and the founder of Gymnearme agrees. “Keep rotating shoes regularly, as wearing the same pair can lead to quicker wear and tear and might not offer your feet the variety of support they need over time," she says. "Remember, the right shoe should feel as comfortable after several hours of standing as it did when you first tried it on.”
Support Features
Arch support is one of the most important features in a shoe. “Look for the right kind of arch support,” says Yu. “This may vary from person to person, so look for a few options, especially if you have flat feet or high arches.” Yu recommends steering clear of completely flat shoes because they will lack support for your foot.
Bonza says good arch support will even alleviate strain in your feet, leg muscles, and joints. She says that while a great shoe can eliminate foot pain for many, any lingering pain is a reason to visit a healthcare professional. “If the foot pain persists, especially when walking or when at rest, go in and have your feet and limbs assessed for possible conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat foot, arthritis, and even peripheral artery diseases (PAD), which can manifest with a symptom of pain in the feet or limbs during walking,” says Bonza.
The ACFAS says that for people with especially high arches, the best shoes will have high tops to support the ankle and wide bottoms for stability.
Stability Features
“The correct type of shoe can significantly relieve foot pain,” says Pruitt. “It can provide the support, cushioning, and stability your feet need to handle the stress of standing all day.” A wide bottom can help the foot feel more stable. Even arch support can stabilize and align the foot.
Traction
Nonslip or slip-resistant shoes can be important if you work in food service or anywhere else where slippery conditions may be present. “A good grip reduces the risk of slips and falls, especially if you're working in an environment where spills might occur,” says Pruitt. Look for rubber soles or a deep tread on the bottom of the shoe.
Shoe Inserts or Insoles
“Another tip is to add insoles, as even the best shoes might need a little extra help,” says Yu. “They can provide customized support and comfort. You can also opt for shoes with removable insoles, and insert custom insoles for extra support.” One study of runners showed that orthotics improved foot comfort, and another study showed they may decrease foot pain and even improve the function of the foot.
Shoe inserts are nonprescription and can be found in most pharmacies. The ACFAS says these types of shoe inserts align your feet with your knees, hips, and back to prevent foot deformities from worsening, help with foot pain, and improve foot function. They’re mass-produced and offer four types of help, according to the APMA. These include:
- Arch support They may look like they have a bump, and they’re designed to give extra support to your foot’s natural arch.
- Heel liners Also called heel pads or cups, they give you extra cushioning under your heel. The APMA says the heels’ natural fat pad thins with age, so heel liners can be helpful.
- Foot cushions These come in different shapes and sizes and are helpful as a barrier for spots where your shoes may rub against your foot.
- Insoles These are often made of foam or gel, and they run the length of your foot to provide extra cushion and support.
Store-bought shoe inserts are inexpensive and easy to find, but custom orthotics mold to your feet and can provide specific-to-your-feet support. According to the APMA, these orthotics are prescribed by a doctor or podiatrist and created for your specific foot shape and needs. There are two types of prescription orthotics:
- Functional orthotics These are often made of stiff materials like plastic or graphite and are designed to control irregular movements, and treat foot pain, shin splints, and tendinitis.
- Accommodative orthotics These are made of softer materials and are meant to provide cushioning and support for your feet. They’re used often for people with diabetes who experience diabetic foot ulcers. In addition, they can be used to cushion calluses or other conditions that cause pain.
Shoe Fit
The fit of your shoes is extremely important for the health and comfort of your feet. ACFAS warns against shoes that are too small or too big. With oversize shoes, your foot can slide around, which may put extra pressure on your toes and cause pain. On the other hand, tight shoes can lead to blisters, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, or other issues. Tight shoes also place you at higher risk for Morton neuroma. Neuromas are injured nerves, which swell and thicken, causing pain and requiring medical intervention.
Foot and ankle surgeons recommend a fit that allows about a finger’s width of space between the tip of the shoe and your longest toe. “The fit of the shoe is important to ensure that there’s enough room (about a thumb’s width) between your longest toe and the shoe’s end to accommodate the natural swelling that occurs during the day,” says Yu.
Miller says one thing to watch out for is your heel slipping in and out of your shoe as you walk. “Shoes should fit firmly but allow enough toe room without any slipping of the heel,” says Miller.
In addition to a good shoe fit, choosing the right sock is also important. ACFAS recommends cotton socks. These may help you avoid blisters, which is important for comfort and avoiding infection that could lead to more serious issues, particularly if you’re diabetic. A burst blister can invite infection into your body.
