There are many professions where you have to stand all day and walk from one place to another. Such movements are rarely dynamic and are often pretty limited. However, standing on your feet all day is more complicated than it appears. It can be straining for your feet, and they may feel sore after you are done for the day.
Therefore, it is essential that you wear shoes that are comfortable and do not put an excess strain on your feet. When you wear appropriate shoes, you will automatically feel less tired throughout the day and won’t be at risk of serious injury.
Factors to Consider
When choosing shoes that you will be wearing on days, you need to be on your feet, and careful consideration is required. There are many options in the market, but not all of them are designed specifically for those who intend to stand all day. Therefore, you should consider certain factors before choosing a shoe to purchase.
The Outsole Design
The outsole design of your shoe is fundamental, and you should ensure that the shoe you buy has a wide, flat outsole. Shoes with such an outsole have complete ground contact and are able to spread the pressure evenly.
Having the pressure distributed evenly is essential, especially over long periods of time, because it reduces the risk of your feet being sore around the ankles or near the toes. You should avoid shoes with protruding outsole lugs at all costs because they quickly become uncomfortable.
The Midsole Design
The midsole of the shoe you intend to but should be cushioned. When you plan to stand all day, your shoe should have the maximum comfort level, which comes with cushioning. Furthermore, the forefoot and heel of the shoe should have ample cushioning so that your body weight is distributed evenly.
Having cushioning in the front and back also ensures that your body weight is not zeroed in on one spot but is instead being transferred from the heel of the foot to the balls.
However, having a chunky midsole to account for the cushioning may make the shoe heavier. You should also aim to choose lightweight shoes.
Spacious near the toes
Having narrow-fitted shoes is a recipe for disaster if you need to be standing all day. You will feel highly uncomfortable and restricted when your toes have less space to move around. Therefore, you need shoes with a wide toe box so that your toes have ample room to wiggle around.
Some shoes are generally narrow, to begin with but get better over time as you wear them down. Thus it is always good to know whether or not a shoe will loosen up with time.
Good Grip
Jobs that require you to be on your feet for the better part of the day are located indoors. Many such places have artificial floors that are rather slippery compared to outdoor terrain with natural bumps.
Therefore, you must ensure that the shoes you buy have outsoles and good traction. Such shoes ensure that you do not slip even on smooth floors.
Best Shoes for Standing All Day
1. Adidas Men's Ultraboost 22
Pros:
- Overall flexible with a stretch web outsole
- The upper shoe is foot-hugging and supportive
- It has rubber soles which increase traction
- Its broad base provides stability
Cons:
- Toe-box has a snug fit which may be uncomfortable.
2. New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080 V11
Pros:
- Extra cushioning with Fresh Foam
- Bootie upper for a snug fit
- Rubber soles for traction
- Flexible
Cons:
- It takes time to get used to
3. ASICS Women’s Gel Venture 7 Running Shoes
Pros:
- Gel tech in the rear foot areas
- Provides extra cushioning
- Has an ortholine sock liner
Cons:
- Sizes run small
4. YHOON Women’s Walking Shoes
Pros:
- They are lightweight
- Easy slip-on design
- Breathable
- Ample cushioning
- Not too tight and cramped
Cons:
- Footbed is narrow
5. Dansko Professional Clog
Pros:
- Durable
- Ample traction
- Comfortable 0.75-inch platform with antimicrobial lining
- Padded instep collar
Cons:
- They are stiff at first
6. Martens Men's 8053 Oxford
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Has Air Cushion on the outsole
- Lace-ups provide ankle support
- Provides ample traction.
Cons:
- Hard to break in
At a Glance
Adidas Men's Ultraboost 22 | New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080 V11 | ASICS Women’s Gel Venture 7 Running Shoes | YHOON Women’s Walking Shoes | Dansko Professional Clog | |
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Material | Synthetic | Synthetic Material | Synthetic and Mesh | Fly woven material | 100% leather |
Support | Upper foot-hugging feature | Snug Style and supportive insole with ortholite sockliner | Ortholine sock liner, Rearfoot GEL technology | Lightweight, MD platform sole | Has a comfortable platform |
Comfort Features | Flexible, Uses stretch web, and has a wide base | Uses Fresh Foam on the insole and provides stretch and support | Cushioning in multiple areas | Breathable material with Air Cushion Soles | The instep collar is padded |
Durability | Durable | Not very durable | Durable | Durable | Durable |
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Martens Men's 8053 Oxford | |
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Material | 100% leather |
Support | Has a lace-up feature and textured rubber sole |
Comfort Features | The insole and sole have a hollow chamber |
Durability | Durable |
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Conclusion
Having comfortable shoes is necessary when you know you will be on your feet. Uncomfortable shoes will make you feel irritated and tired much quicker than if you wore shoes that had ample cushioning.
Furthermore, with the ample amount of choices on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose one, but if you know what you want and assess the shoes based on your requirements, you can easily find a shoe that will serve you well.