The 8 best shoes for standing all day, tested by a chef who works 10-hour shifts
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If you spend hours at a time on your feet, you could be unwittingly injuring yourself just by wearing the wrong shoes. It goes beyond just achy joints and sore calves: "Unsupportive footwear for professions that require long periods of standing and walking can lead to inflammatory conditions — plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia — that may take months under a doctor's care to resolve," says Timothy Oldani, DPM, a podiatric surgeon with Missouri Foot and Ankle.
Whether you're a nurse, chef, restaurant server, construction worker, or someone who spends all day running errands and chasing kids, it's worth investing in comfortable shoes for standing all day. The right pair can make a world of difference in your long-term health.
To find the best shoes for standing all day, we had two testers wear 23 pairs of shoes across a mix of environments. Our favorite pairs prevented our feet from feeling tired and achy at the end of a long day, and eventually, they became our go-to kicks for stepping out.
The 3 best shoes for standing all day we tested:
How we tested the best shoes for standing all day
Comfort: We assessed whether the cushioning was counterbalanced with a firm enough heel counter. This way the shoe can relieve pressure while reducing foot fatigue. Shoes with shock-absorbing design features like EVA foam footbeds and raised midsoles proved superior.
Durability: We wore each pair for at least three full days of standing in three to 10-hour stints. At the end of each stint we inspected the materials for any signs of wear, such as stained uppers or wore-down rubber soles.
Versatility: These shoes were tested working in a restaurant kitchen, construction site, and during landscaping shifts, as well as in places like outdoor concerts, museums, and long TSA lines at the airport.
Traction: We stood on surfaces like uneven dirt, concrete sidewalks, and hardwood floors. When testing shoes for specific parameters, such as non-slip properties or traction outdoors, we stood in each contender for five to 10 hours in applicable conditions.
Breathability: Dr. Oldani pointed out that proper ventilation is vital for standing-all-day shoes. Heat and sweat puts you at and a greater risk for blisters, infections, or slipping around inside your shoe.
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They're the best release yet in the Ghost lineup. The Brooks Ghost 16 were our former top overall pick, but they've been usurped by the updated model, the Ghost 17. This design has everything we loved about the Ghost 16 — namely an incredible balance of support and cushioning — but now has more padding and a slightly lower heel-to-toe drop, allowing for a smoother gait.
They have every feature our podiatrists want to see. Brooks' Ghost 17 sneakers have everything podiatrists say is ideal for the best shoes for standing all day: lightweight cushioning, heel stability, a rigid sole, and a breathable mesh upper. Plus, the insoles are removable if you need to add more arch support.
Importantly, they lace up. Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, a Maryland-based podiatric surgeon with Foot Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, says lace-up shoes offer better support for standing all day compared to slip-ons.
They're comfortably cushioned, but firm enough for long shifts. Our chef tester wore these shoes over a dozen 10-hour kitchen shifts, while I wore them on multiple 12-hour travel days and full city sight seeing. On all occasions, the Brooks Ghosts proved to deliver an outstanding balance of comfort and support.
The midsoles have the same DNA Loft v3 foam as the previous model, but now with about 1-3 millimeters more foam in key areas (especially the forefoot). These shoes felt lightweight and slightly springy while maintaining a medium amount of plushness under the ball of the foot.
They're our top pick overall because they're much more supportive than most well-cushioned shoes. The firm, stable heel cup works to prevent joints from feeling fatigued eight hours into a kitchen shift, according to our chef tester. He raved about how much support they offer for the knees and lower back.
They're breathable, even in the waterproof version. The Ghost 17s are engineered with mesh that feels breathable and a touch more structured than the waterproof version. Even after wearing these for hours on my feet, the shoe didn't feel overly stuffy or hot.
Nevertheless, the waterproof Ghost 16 GTX sneakers are still a good option for messy restaurant shifts or drizzly weather. The Gore-Tex membranes were effective at keeping our chef tester dry amid spills and splashes.
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They're surprisingly comfy and incredibly lightweight. Over the past three years, I've worn these clogs for long travel days, running errands, concerts, and standing for over five hours during volunteer shifts. Despite being only $60, the Sorel Caribou Clogs are remarkably supportive and easy to wear. They're made with injection-molded EVA in every part of the shoe, and the material is firm but structured — enough to keep my high-arched feet from aching after long days.
They're waterproof with a grippy outsole. These clogs are my go-to shoes in the cold (aside from when I'm tromping through snow banks in winter boots) because they seal out moisture and are made with Sorel's Evertread, a high-traction rubber that delivers reliable grip on slippery surfaces. I wouldn't classify them as completely "non-slip," but they are definitely grabby enough for nurses who may need stability on slick hospital floors.
They're stylish. The nearly 2-inch platform on these clogs gives you a height boost and, while they are basically a huge block of rubber color, I get compliments on these clogs all the time when I wear them — to the point that I've had multiple people stop to ask what they are and say they're going to go buy them after I sing all of the above praises. There's even a luxury leather version designed by Proenza Schouler, though the collab is widely sold out.
They're not great in the heat. The one downside to these shoes is that they aren't breathable. Being clogs, they're very easy to slip your feet in and out of to catch a little air, but they do build up heat during humid summers to the point where I don't wear them from May to September.
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They're made for spills and easy to clean. Our chef tester wore these on multiple 10+ hour standing kitchen shifts — including one at a very messy oyster station — and only had good things to report. These sneakers, which are part of the Crocs At Work collection, have a synthetic Nubuck overlay that's good at preventing spills from seeping inside, and it's very easy to wipe clean.
They're actually slip-resistant. Testing confirms: The Crocs Lock outsole is reliable at preventing a wipe out on slick kitchen floors.
They're comfortable and breathable. These sneakers are built with Croc's premium LiteRide footbed, which is why they're beloved among cooks, nurses, and other professionals who are on their feet all day. Our tester reported that his feet felt well-supported and free of aches after long shifts on hard kitchen floors. The lace-up sneakers are ideal for most restaurant workers who need ankle security as they pivot during busy shifts. Our tester also appreciated how breathable the upper material of these sneakers are, especially with their waterproofing overlay.
They're well-priced. I hear so many cooks complain about how the expensive, orthopedic non-slip shoes may be worth the price once, but with the stink and stains that come with months of service, they need cheaper shoes that can be easily replaced once they're trashed. The Crocs On the Clock Work Sneaker is easy to clean and rewear for longer, and at $70, they aren't too painful to replace when the time comes.
They're polished enough for front-of-house service. We decided to rank these sneakers just above the Crocs Bistro Work Clogs (which are worth an honorable mention) because they offer a more clean, understated look for servers and bartenders.
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They have pillow-soft cushioning, yet with a more rigid structure. As someone whose knees become strained from hours of standing, I found the GEL-Nimbus 27s more nurturing than something like the Brooks Ghost 16s. That said, the GEL-Nimbus 27 have a firmer midsole (which helps to keep your foot from sliding around), and are rigid enough that they can't fold in half.
They don't get squishy after a few hours of wear. High-cushion shoes aren't always ideal for standing all day because the foam compresses over time, creating a sinking or muddy feeling. But the joint relief is worth it for some, and after testing the Asics GEL-Nimbus 27s for 100+ cumulative hours across international travel days, I can confirm this is a high-cushion sneaker that maintains its structure.
They're highly breathable, even in the heat. The jacquard mesh upper is both roomy and breathable, with plush sock liners that feel soft around the ankles. The ventilation and expandable space made these sneakers comfortable and cool after they'd been on my feet for 20+ hours on a long summer travel day to Copenhagen.
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Their soft-but-rigid cushioning stays springy after standing all day. I've tested a lot of different walking shoes, and the On Cloudtilts strikes a perfect balance between cushioned and supportive. On's signature technology, CloudTec, builds the midsole out of firm foam cutouts, or "clouds," to provide structured support. These clouds are organized in a sequential collapse pattern, so they compress gradually in away that offers just the right amount of give. This allows for better balance and disperses the impact of walking all day, thereby reducing fatigue in your legs.
The uppers feel super stretchy and breathable. The Cloudtilts use a knit upper made from 100% recycled polyester that feels more elastic and forgiving — especially if your feet tend to swell. It hugs your foot like a sock without trapping heat. One downside: The sock-like upper means you lose some structure and lateral stability, so it's not ideal if you pivot a lot on the job.
The secure laces are easy to slip on and off. Dr. Parthasarathy says she finds lace up shoes are more supportive for standing and walking all day compared to one-size-fits-all slip ons. That said, sometimes you want a shoe that slips on and off easily. I love that this lace system lets you tighten across the top of the foot as needed, but has enough stretch and a simple stopper knot so you can slip them off without having to untie and re-tie every time.
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They're proper work boots — durable, weather-ready, and grippy. Wolverine has been making work gear since the early 1900s, with a long-standing reputation for quality and durability. While my husband has torn through other boots within half a landscaping or construction season, this pair showed no wear-and-tear (besides dirt stains) after two and a half months of heavy use. These boots are made with premium waterproof leather, an abrasion-resistant toe, and a ContourWelt construction that feels both flexible and secure.
They have a composite safety toe. Wolverine's Overpass CarbonMax boots are made with a composite safety toe made from lightweight carbon fiber. This meets the ASTM standards for impact and compression, and feels more lightweight than steel-toed boots. Unlike steel, it also won't conduct heat or cold, making it a better choice for extreme weather. It's also thinner than traditional steel toes, giving your toes more wiggle room without sacrificing protection.
They're comfortable for standing on soil or concrete. These boots required zero break in time and were comfortable for an all-day shift right out the box. Their shock-absorbing midsoles and removable Ortholite footbeds minimized foot fatigue, even after standing on concrete or uneven ground for 8+ hours. They also have a slight lift in the heel to take the pressure off your foot tendons.
They're lightweight and breathable. Despite being incredibly durable and having that protective composite toe, these boots weigh just 1.63 pounds. And even though they're waterproof, they're still quite breathable thanks to a moisture-wicking mesh liner.
They're backed by a 30-day comfort guarantee. Wolverine offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don't find these boots comfortable once you've worn them on the job.
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These combine the ease of flip flops with orthotic-level support. These look like your average poolside flip-flops, but they're secretly built like a recovery shoe. They combine a firm, supportive sole with a plush recovery foam footbed that absorbs shock and relieves pressure at key points like your heel, arch, and ball of the foot.
The wide toe box also lets your foot spread naturally, and the slight 1-inch heel takes pressure off your plantar fascia — a feature recommended by our podiatrists. I've worn the Fitflop RELIEFF Recovery Sandals for over 8+ hours walking and standing in museums and shops around Spain, as well as over four straight days out and about in New York City, and my feet felt as comfortable as if I were wearing sneakers.
They're surprisingly stylish for orthotics. With their slight heels and regular-width straps, these flip flops blend in perfectly with a casual summer outfit without screaming "sensible footwear."
They do rub a little in the humidity. I don't think this is a deal breaker because no blisters formed, and they felt fine when I wore them for shorter stints in drier West Coast climates. But after two days of standing on subways, in line at museums, and walking around a humid late-June New York, the straps caused some friction between my toes and outer edge of my foot. I wore preventative Band-Aids, which fixed the issue.
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Their legendary support earns them podiatrists' praise. There's a reason "Dansko" is pretty much synonymous with "supportive clogs": The brand's shoes are built with a footbed like no other — contoured specifically to reduce strain on the feet, ankles, and lower leg and made with memory foam to learn your foot's curves the more you wear them.
I wore the Platform Pro clogs for over six hours of standing at an outdoor concert, as well as many all-day stints at my standing desk. They support my arches and are cushioned in the forefoot to prevent metatarsal pain. The heel counter is very firm, and there's a slight 0.5-inch heel-drop wedge — two features podiatrists recommend for lessening foot fatigue.
They're slip-resistant. Designed with an outsole that grips on wet, dry, and oily surfaces, the Platform Pro is ideal for kitchens, hospitals, or anywhere with slick floors. The chrome-free, breathable lining keeps your feet from overheating through long shifts.
The leather is super versatile and ages well. I particularly love how chic and versatile the leather Platform Pros are over any other Danskos. They pair nicely with jeans or slacks, so they're great for any dress code.
They're not too clunky — though they're a bit loud, and not the most lightweight. The platform on these clogs gives them a bit of an elevated look, but they're also designed with Dansko's signature rocker sole to promote natural movement as you walk. This helps to minimize the clunkiness. That said, they aren't quite as lightweight as, say, the Sorel Caribou Clogs. They're also a little noisy to clomp around in on hardwood or concrete floors, so if you work in a quiet office, these might not be the best pick.
Honorable mention: Crocs Bistro Work Clogs
Many cooks and chefs prefer shoes that slip off easily in case of hot liquid spills. The Crocs Bistro Work Clogs do just that — and kept our kitchen tester's feet supported on countless 10+ hour shifts — while still offering Crocs Lock slip-resistant tread, toe protection, and a heel strap to keep your foot secure as you move around the kitchen.
- Dansko Bridget: With a double strap to hold your toes in place and Dansko's supportive contoured footbed, we found these sandals to be supportive. However, the heel cup was very narrow.
- Hey Dude Wally Work CE Classic Slip Resistant: These non-slip shoes are lightweight, have removable insoles, and are overall pretty comfortable, but they aren't breathable enough.
- FitFlop LULU Resin-Buckle Leather Back-Strap Sandals: While we like the sleek and versatile aesthetic of these double-strap FitFlop sandals, they didn't provide enough arch support after three hours of standing. Consider them only if you have flat feet.
- Hoka Gaviota 5: While these are our favorite walking shoes for arch support, the Gaviota (and most Hokas, for that matter) aren't rigid enough to off-set the high cushioning. They started to feel too squishy after a few hours of standing in them.
- Nike Motiva: With a breathable upper, wide toe box, and balanced cushioning, the Nike Motivas proved to be comfortable for hours on your feet — though not quite as supportive as the Brooks Ghost 16s or Asics Gel Nimbus 27s.
- Oofos OOmy Zen: A slide-on, high-cushion sneaker from a great recovery footwear brand, these shoes are very comfortable for walking all day. They run a full size small and may be a little too cumbersome for some people, but if you're not a fan of the Asics Gel Nimbus 27s, these are a solid high-cushion alternative.
- Wolverine Rev UltraSpring DuraShocks Vent CarbonMax Work Boot: These lightweight boots are made with the same top-tier durability, composite toe, and high-traction outsoles as the Wolverine Overpass boots, and come with a cushioned, energy-returning footbed. They just take a little longer to break in.
- 5.11 A/T 6" Non-Zip Boot: These work boots are super comfortable, breathable, and have great traction, but the toe box wore through with holes after just four months of landscaping use.
"Wearing high-quality, comfortable footwear for standing all day lowers your risk of injury and other foot issues, such as plantar fasciitis or neuromas," says Dr. Parthasarathy. Conversely, choosing unsupportive footwear can create inflammatory conditions that may take months to resolve, Dr. Oldani adds. Here's what both experts recommend:
A shoe that matches your activity. If you're walking a lot during your shift, you'll want something with more ankle support than clogs. If you're working construction, you need a boot durable enough to withstand flying debris.
Cushioning. This is crucial to increasing shock absorption and reducing stress on your ankles.
Rigidity. When you hold the shoe by heel and toe, you shouldn't be able to fold it in half.
Supportive heel counter. A solid heel counter cradles your Achilles tendon and prevents you from excessively rolling your feet inward as you step (also called "overpronation").
Breathability. When you're in an active profession, even air flow prevents overheating.
A slight wedge. A slight lift in the heel (half an inch, ideally) takes pressure off your Achilles and plantar fascia.
Removable insoles. Ideally, you can place a custom orthotic in your shoe as needed.
Secure straps. Some people find a lace-up shoe provides better support for standing all day because it keeps your foot in place.As for sandals, look for styles with adjustable ankle straps, including one over the toes for better stabilization.
What are the best shoes for standing all day?
After testing 23 pairs of shoes, we think the Brooks Ghost 17s are the best shoe for most people who spend hours on their feet. They're cushioned to absorb shock, but rigid enough to not fold in half, with a firm and supportive heel counter.
Are flat shoes good for standing all day?
No, flat shoes aren't ideal. You actually want a shoe with a slight 0.5-inch heel, as this helps take strain off your foot tendons, and one with a supportive footbed, Dr. Parthasarathy says.
Are HOKAs good shoes for standing all day?
It depends on which model, but for the most part, HOKAs are too flexible to be supportive over hours of standing. If you want a similar high-cushion shoe with a more rigid midsole for better support, opt for the Asics Gel Nimbus 27s.
What should I do if my feet hurt after a long day of standing?
If your feet hurt after standing all day, Dr. Parthasarathy recommends rotating your shoes to provide different levels of cushion and support, stretching during and after your shift, and icing to reduce inflammation. She adds that wearing compression socks may also help.