The 12 Best Pairs of Shoes for Guys Who Stand All Day

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WHILE MUCH has been said about time spent sitting down, Americans spend a ton of time standing—especially at work. And all that standing can take a toll on your entire body, especially your feet. "Standing requires a significant amount of isometric muscle force (where muscles are under constant stress but there is no motion of that body part), and fatigue may set in over a short period of time," says Mark J. Mendeszoon, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Ohio.

"As fatigue ensues, the body will accommodate to compensate to remain standing, and muscle imbalances and pain may develop throughout the body."

Aside from your core, your feet and ankles especially take the brunt of providing a sound foundation for support. "Having the ability to walk intermittently as opposed to standing will distribute the body weight and thus reduce the static pressure on the feet and body and make it more dynamic," says Dr. Mendezoon. "As most people do not have perfect feet, proper shoe gear and possible insoles or orthotics may mitigate many standing problems and conditions."

Read more: Best Stretches to Relieve Back Pain

This is all to say your best shoes for standing all day are important. They require research, and yes, even a little bit more of an investment than what you typically spend. To save you precious time, we pulled together our top picks—with major help from Dr. Mendeszoon—to bring you the best shoes for standing up to 12 hours and beyond. So ditch those floppy beaters. It's time to get a real pair of steppers.

Best Running Shoes | Best Walking Shoes | Best Work Boots | Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet | Best Running Shoes for High Arches | Best Workout Shoes for Men

Best Neutral Shoes for Standing All Day

Saucony's Guide 16 receives top marks for its PWRRUN+ midsole, which is somehow light-as-a-feather and incredibly cushy to provide all-day comfort for your feet. Ideal to use during hour-long stints at your standing desk or long runs after work.

Asics makes plenty of Men's Health-approved running shoes that can take on plenty of mileage. That's why it's no surprise that their kicks are also great for standing and walking all day in. Asics' GEL-Cumulus 24 is a bestseller thanks to its Flytefoam midsole for Cloud Nine-like support.

Hoka's marquee runners received a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association for their incredible foot support, so you know they work for long days at the office. Users gave the Clifton 9 hundreds of five-star ratings, citing its soft-as-a-down-pillow sole to fend off aches and pains.

Yes, it's true. New Balance's signature Fresh Foam shoes are back, and in the highest stack ever. And they're as easy on the feet as they are on the eyes. That's because this model's latest iteration was redesigned to maximize cushioning and support, so you can wear it all day, every day.

When it comes to neutral running shoes, Altra tops our list for its supreme shape that takes comfort, mobility, and stride in mind. Plus, its chunky midsole makes for a retro-inspired look that looks as good as it feels.

Best Stability Shoes for Standing All Day

Stability shoes are great for those who overpronate, meaning their ankles roll too far inward with each stride. They're also great for standing all day in since their specialized cushioning helps take the impact off of our feet and ankles. These Beast runners are designed to remove impact from running or standing on your feet all day.

The beauty of Saucony's shoe is that it offers a cushiony underfoot that guides your steps without restricting them, which means your feet will be less likely to ache after hours of standing. Also, its proprietary cushioning adds extra relief to your arches.

Larger guys need extra support when they're standing for hours. Enter this bestseller from New Balance, which can provide foot support for guys over 250 pounds. It's so impressive it's received hundreds of five-star ratings on Amazon. One happy customer wrote, "I especially love the soft and stretchy heal so it never cuts in my Achilles."

Best Walking Shoes for Standing All Day

Though technically a running shoe, it makes for a great walker. If a middle-of-the-day work break looks more like a quick walk (or even jog) around the block, then these Brooks shoes have you covered. This bestseller in the running community has received plenty of love for its DNA LOFT cushioning that's somehow both soft and secure, so your foot will be fastened and comfortable during all your afternoon walks.

New Balance walking shoes are known for their stabilizing abilities, and these 928v3s are no exception. Customers love how easy these are on their knees, thanks to New Balance's proprietary, impact-absorbing midsole. Plus, its suede finish adds extra style points.

Best Work Boots for Standing All Day

Long days on the field or construction zone call for work boots with ample support. These tough-as-nails boots from Ariat get the job done, thanks to a rebound foam insole that offers plenty of cushion without compromising on flexibility. Made with a waterproof leather outsole, it's made to hold up even after years of use.

Timerbland's PRO series is made up of heavy-duty boots that can take a licking, while being incredibly soft on your feet. Take this option, which has a shock-diffusing plate and an anti-fatigue footbed to provide hours-long comfort.

How to Choose the Best Shoes for Standing All Day (for You)

Standing all day can be tough on your feet, legs, and back, so it's important to choose shoes that provide adequate support and comfort. Here are some tips on how to choose the best shoes for standing all day:

Arch support: Arch support is crucial to maintaining proper alignment and reducing stress on your feet and lower back when standing for long periods of time. Look for shoes with built-in arch support and consider adding orthotic inserts to really customize your fit.

Wide toe box: Shoes with a narrow toe box can pinch and cramp your toes, leading to discomfort and pain after a long day. Look for shoes with a roomy toe box that allows your toes to spread out naturally.

Cushioning: Shoes with good cushioning can help absorb shock and reduce the impact of each step, reducing fatigue and soreness in your feet and legs when you can't seem to get off your feet. Look for shoes with thick, shock-absorbing soles or midsoles made of materials like EVA or memory foam.

Material: If you stand all day, your feet likely get hot and sweaty. There's no denying it! But worry not, just look for shoes whose upper is made with breathable materials like mesh or perforated leather to help keep your feet cool and dry.

Try on shoes at the end of the day: Your feet can swell throughout the day, so it's important to try on new shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. This will ensure you choose shoes that fit comfortably even when your feet are at their most swollen.

Consider your specific day-to-day: Everyone's feet are different, and everyone's day-to-day requires something different from their shoes. So it's important to consider any specific issues you may have, such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or bunions. Look for shoes that are designed to address these issues and fit your specific daily challenges, such as shoes with extra arch support or a wide-toe box.

What Are the Best Shoes to Wear if You Are on Your Feet All Day?

The most important aspect of finding good shoes for standing all day is to be properly fitted and measured by a professional. "The best time of day to be measured and fitted is in the late afternoon or evening, as this is when feet will be at their largest dimensions," says Dr. Mendeszoon.

Once work shoes are purchased, they should solely be used for work, and not other activities. You should also consider purchasing two pairs to rotate between, which will allow the shoes to ‘recover’ and feel fresh when putting them back on your feet. "Work shoes should be replaced at least every year or sooner, if one experiences pain or every 500 to 600 miles," says Dr. Mendeszoon.

You should also pay attention to certain details of the shoe. Starting with the midsole, you should look for a shoe that provides adequate cushioning and a comfortable midsole—no matter your occupation. Once you start looking at the outer sole, the details start to split up depending on your career. "Non-slip and non-skid soles are available for those occupations such as folks in the food industry, laboratories or medical field," says Dr. Mendeszoon. In general, however, your shoe's outsole should be able to provide a solid foundation and be relatively flat and wide enough to adapt to the ground surfaces.

Last, but certainly not least, is the upper. The upper design of your shoe should provide enough room in length and width so that your toes can adequately move. "Specific job requirements may require that the uppers be made of a non-mesh, breathable material ( like leather or waterproof materials) to prevent the feet from being exposed to spills or environmental exposures," says Dr. Mendeszoon. Some occupations also require steel toe or composite protective caps for the toes, which can be extremely painful. "In some situations, a metatarsal bar cap can be applied to a regular shoe if the steel or composite caps are too painful," says Dr. Mendeszoon.

Are memory foam shoes good for standing all day?

Memory foam molds to the shape of your foot, providing cushioning and support where you need it most. Which makes it a good choice for reducing foot discomfort when standing all day.

The material can also help reduce pressure points and distribute weight more evenly, which can be especially helpful if you're on your feet for long hauls. Memory foam shoes typically have good arch support and shock absorption, which can help reduce strain on your feet and legs, too.

That being said, it's important to note that not all memory foam shoes are created equal, and some may be more supportive and comfortable than others. It's a good idea to try on several different styles and brands to find the one that feels best for your feet and provides the support you need for your type of foot.

How We Selected

For the past three years, we consulted with Men's Health's Fitness editors and writers, along with Dr. Mendezoon, on the top shoes for standing all day. Experts including our fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., and deputy editor of commerce Christian Gollayan put countless shoes through the wringer to evaluate their fit, support, and effectiveness. We also considered top-reviewed men's shoes that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.

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