The 11 Best Shoes for Standing All Day, According to Podiatrists and Testing

Pros

• Available in medium and wide sizes
• Engineered with Brooks's patented tech that helps with stability
• Extra cushioning in the heels
• Earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

• Some reviews say the toe box is too tight
• May require a break-in period

We just can’t—and won’t—quit recommending the Glycerin line from Brooks. And experts agree! “This is a great all-around shoe,” says Dr. Anne Sharkey, a board-certified podiatrist based in Texas. “The toe box is roomy. There are two levels of cushioning available depending on preference. The heel-to-toe differential is 8mm, which is a great all-around option. There is also a regular Glycerin (more neutral feet) and a Glycerin Max for feet that have mildly flat arches and need some additional support.”

“For someone who will be exercising or moving for much of the day, I like the Brooks Glycerin 23,” agrees Dr. Bobby Pourziaee, the founder and medical director at Rodeo Drive Podiatry. “It provides a highly cushioned yet responsive platform rather than simply feeling soft underfoot. That balance is important for all-day activity because you want enough cushioning to reduce fatigue while still having a shoe that feels stable and responsive as activity levels increase.”

Full Brooks Glycerin 23 Review

Pros

• Received the APMA Seal of Acceptance
• Under $100
• Plush cushioning for all day comfort
• Hands free on-off great for mobility issues

Cons

• Only available in medium widths

Not in a position to drop over $100 on a new pair of shoes? No problem. This pair of slip ons from Skechers has excellent support for all day comfort, plus These are slip-on, making them easy to use for anyone with mobility issues. The cushioning is ample and they provide great support,” Sharkey adds.

“Skechers are my winning sneaker,” writes Associate Commerce Editor Hannah Jeon after months of testing this pair of affordable walking shoes. “The cloud-like, lightweight cushioning and natural-feeling arch support immediately felt comfortable on my feet with no break-in period required—and stayed comfortable even after logging miles of walking through New York City streets.

Skechers vs. Vionic Full Review

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Pros

• Waterproof and wipes clean
• Interchangeable footbeds available
• Back strap can be tucked down
• Users report these are the most comfortable clogs they've worn for all-day shifts

Cons

• No narrow or wide options
• Relatively expensive for a clog

“For nurses who routinely spend long shifts on their feet, I recommend the Commbi Atlas Clog because it was designed to provide sustained support and reduce foot fatigue during prolonged standing and walking,” says Dr. Pourziaee. “Its removable podiatrist-designed footbed provides arch support, a deep heel cup, and forefoot cushioning, while the supportive platform helps reduce stress on the feet and lower extremities throughout a demanding shift. Another practical benefit for healthcare professionals is that the clog's exterior can be easily wiped clean if it comes into contact with fluids during a shift, making it particularly well suited for the clinical environment.”

Then again, if you prefer a sneaker to a clog, Hoka and On Cloud both have some great options for nurses.

Pros

• Removable mesh EVA insole easier on joints
• Contoured arch support and deep heel cup for comfort
• APMA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

• Not as cushioned as other options
• Not made for slick floors

Teachers who spend all day at the whiteboard and need a shoe with all-day support that actually looks cute: We see you... and so does Dr. Sharkey. “This is just such a fantastic shoe,” she tells us. “It has all the casual appeal of popular brands with performance running/walking shoe features inside. The first time I put these on my feet I audibly gasped with surprise at how comfortable they are... These will keep your outfits looking cute while standing on your feet and chasing after kids on the playground all day long.”

Dr. Sharkey also recommends the brand’s Uptown Loafer for those working in retail, which provides the same support in a dressier style.

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Pros

• Extremely cushioned
• Design literally propels your feet forward
• Breathable upper mesh fabric
• Earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

• Not easily cleaned
• Springy cushioning might not be the best if you're looking for enhanced stability

Though you don’t necessarily need a specialized shoe for plantar fasciitis, one with extra cushioning in just the right places can definitely ease the pain. The Glycerin 23 is a favorite among our panel of experts, including Dr. Parthasarathy, who praises its “generous toe box with cushion.” She likes that “it has neutral support that can work for many different foot types and it accommodates a customized orthotic well to help support the plantar fascia.”

Prevention Assistant Editor Jenn Gonick called these shoes “the most cushioned shoes” she’s ever worn in her recent review of the Glycerin 23s, which bodes well for those with aching feet!

Pros

• At 8.7 ounces, it's one of the lightest shoes in our lineup
• High cushion and low heel-to-toe drop provide a lot of stability
• While it only comes in one width, it has a very roomy toe box
• Received APMA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

• Not everyone loves the high heel collar on these
• Some complaints about the quality of stitching on the upper fabric

Real runners know Altra is an MVP for shoes that propel you forward, but the brand also makes a model that provides all-day comfort for those suffering from an all-too-common ailment: the dreaded bunion. Dr. Parthasarathy calls out the FWD VIA 2 for its “generous, roomy toe box” and “supercritical midsole foam for additional support with cushion.” It also has a low drop (4mm) compared to other walking and running shoes, which will reduce pain by aligning your feet properly.

Bonus tip: If you have especially wide feet, our editors recommend Altra’s Torin 8 sneakers, which have one of the widest toe boxes we’ve ever tested.

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Pros

• APMA Seal of Acceptance
• Breathable mesh upper
• Reflective bits good for safety and night time wearers
• Extra cushion from previous model for enhanced comfort

Cons

• Tough to keep clean
• Fans of the previous model are not sure new features are an upgrade

Prevention’s Content Strategy Manager Jordan Levy is a big fan of Hoka’s Arahi 8 sneakers for running, but these are also supportive and stable enough for all-day wear. “The Arahi 8 is an excellent choice for walkers who need additional stability,” Dr. Pourziaee previously told us. “Its support system helps control excessive foot motion without feeling bulky or overly corrective. I often recommend it for individuals with flat feet or mild overpronation.”

Dr. Sharkey also called out this model as a good option for overpronation, explaining that “Hoka’s H-Frame technology helps guide the foot through a more efficient gait cycle.” No more rolling!

Full review of Hoka Arahi 8

Pros

• APMA Seal of Acceptance
• Spacious toe box
• Super cushioned but still lightweight
• No break-in period required

Cons

• No narrow or wide width options

If your long day includes a bit of exercise, Hoka’s Clifton 11s are your best bet for coming home without sore feet. “It's a versatile option,” says Dr. Parthasarathy, noting the “neutral footbed that can accommodate orthotics to customize for your foot type.” She’s also impressed by the lightweight nature of the shoe, given its substantial cushioning.

Associate Commerce Editor Hannah Jeon also noticed the surprising weight-to-cushion ratio. “The cushioning felt super soft with its cushy, compression-molded EVA foam, but not overly plush or mushy that it felt like my feet were sinking in too much,” she wrote in her recent review of the Hoka Clifton 11s. “They also didn’t feel too bulky or clunky on my feet (a common complaint I’ve heard about some Hoka styles, like the maximum-cushioned Bondis), despite the ample cushioning and high stack height (38 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot).” It also made a convert of our Brooks loyalist, Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Finigan in her Brooks vs. Clifton review, so you know it’s good.

Full review of Hoka Clifton 11s

Brooks Ghost 18 vs. Hoka Clifton 11 Review

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Pros

• Improved cushioning provides a bouncy feel
• GuideRails technology keeps feet stable and aligned
• Impressive selection of sizes, colors, and widths
• Received the APMA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

• 10mm midsole drop won't be good for those with bunions
• Some reviews say these have too much padding, leading to loss of stability

Out of all the shoes in Brooks’s lineup, Adrenaline GTS 25s are the model Dr. Sharkey recommends for flat feet because they are “constructed with technology to increase support.” That tech includes Brooks’s signature GuideRails system, which keeps feet aligned and stable. “In addition to the GTS system for protection against excess motion they have soft cushioning underfoot for shock absorption and comfort,” Dr. Sharkey says.

In her review of the Adrenaline GTS 25s, Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Lewis Finigan praised the latest model’s responsive cushioning, high collar, and breathable mesh upper. “Because of these updates I found them super easy to pull on, and the laces felt extremely secure,” she wrote. “I typically have to retie my shoes a few times during my first workouts (and inevitably end up ordering new, flatter laces), but these were immovable throughout. A huge plus in making my feet feel secure.”

Read our full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

Pros

• Memory foam collar won't rub on your ankles
• Upper fabric is water-resistant
• Soles are slip-resistant with added traction
• Hoka's most-cushioned shoe

Cons

• At over 11 ounces, these are a bit heavier than other recommendations
• Fabric isn't breathable, so feet can get hot throughout the day
• Can feel tight in the break-in period

We love Hoka’s Bondi 9 as an all-day shoe—in fact, it’s Dr. Priya Parthasarathy’s recommendation for those with arthritis—but the SR model is specifically designed for those working long shifts on slick floors.

“This is my go-to shoe recommendation for those in food service. The outside is an ultra-grippy slip-resistant material making it perfect for those that encounter slick conditions at work,” Dr. Sharkey says. “The Bondi is Hoka’s most cushioned shoe and has an EVA midsole which is perfect for shock absorption especially for those spending long hours on their feet.”

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Pros

• Breathable mesh upper
• Dense Fresh Foam X is great for those who want a more structured (less pillowy) shoe
• Tongue is cushioned so tight laces won't irritate the top of your foot
• Deep heel will allow custom insoles, if necessary

Cons

• Only available in three colors
• Runs small

“People with high arches typically need excellent shock absorption because a higher, more rigid arch may not dissipate impact as efficiently,” says Dr. Pourziaee. “The New Balance Fresh Foam 880v15 provides substantial cushioning from heel to forefoot and is available in multiple widths, making it a comfortable option for prolonged standing and walking.” Dr. Pourziaee also recommends these for bunion relief because they “provide substantial cushioning... which can help reduce pressure and fatigue around an already sensitive forefoot.”

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