Rushed Off Your Feet: Here Are the Best Shoes for Standing All Day
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Whether you’re headed to a concert or getting ready for work, having a pair of shoes that will support standing all day is critical. Imagine being one of those Beyoncé or Taylor Swift fans standing in uncomfortable heels for a four-hour concert? Couldn’t be us.
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Best Shoes for Standing, Editors’ Picks
Best for Music Festivals: Dr. Martens Voss II Sandals, $120 on Dr. Martens
Best for Service Workers: Dankso XP Clogs, $129.95 on Amazon
Best Sneaker: ASICS Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes, $46.47 on Amazon
Best Heels: Margaux “The Heel”, $295 on Margaux
Best Work Boot: Timberland Boondock Work Boot, $152.58 on Amazon
The best shoes for standing all day come with many product features to support your every need. If you’re a service worker and need something with a steady grip, the Dankso XP Clogs are calling your name. Or, if you’re working in a sawmill, standing on concrete grates and cement all day, the Timberland Boondock Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot might become your new best friend. Even if you’re looking for some height with some stylish appeal that doesn’t compromise comfort, we’ve covered you with the Margaux Heels.
With a range of features like non-wicking canvas, waterproof leathers, or “Anti-Fatigue” technology for all-day shock absorption, our editors have done the digging to find the best boots, heels, and sneakers to not only get you through the day but will make your day a little less painful.
Aerosoles Heeled Sandal
Features: Sturdy block heel and soft faux leather
$62.30 $99.00 37% off
Aerosoles works to develop shoes that feature comfort first. If you’re on the hunt for some height, the Aerosoles Heeled Sandal features a sturdy block heel to support balance, a diamond flex outsole, and soft faux leather that molds to your feet over time. Comes in a range of sizes, both medium and wide. (Currently available in women’s 5-10 sizing)
Promising Customer Feedback: “I wear an 11 and have wide feet. Usually wear Dansko clogs so comfortable heels that are wide enough that I can stand in are hard to find. But I love these Aerosoles sandals. They run large and wide. I ordered them in a size 11 in the tan and a 10.5 in the black. Downsizing a 1/2 size to the 10.5 was perfect. They are still a little loose but I like that. The 2.25-inch heel doesn’t feel too high, and they have a little padding under the ball of the feet. Wore them to a wedding standing for almost 4 hours and no pain in my feet. Love these!” —Entri Ways
BEST FOR MUSIC FESTIVALS
Dr. Martens Voss II Sandals
Features: SoftWair memory foam footbed
$120
Another great option for concerts or music festivals — or just any warm weather excursion — are these Voss II sandals from Dr. Martens. Featuring a memory foam footbed, they’re exceptionally comfortable over long hours of wear. The outsole is also very large for a statement-making look, but it’s made of a lightweight material and doesn’t feel nearly as big as it looks.
Promising Customer Feedback: “My go-to sandal. Stylish and comfortable—I’ve walked 10+ miles a day in these while sightseeing.” — Heather B.
Ariat Booker Ultra Western Boot
Features: All-day cushioning insole rigid sole for additional grip
$149.95
Western tradition meets Chelsea-boot versatility: the Ariat Booker Ultra Western Boot is perfect for those with busy schedules who need something more upscale. The low profile and elastic side make for an excellent slip-on-and-off style that gives you the look of a cowboy boot but fits cleanly under slim-fitting jeans and pants. Also features an all-day cushioning insole and rigid sole for additional grip. (Currently available in men’s 7-14 sizing)
Promising Customer Feedback: “My last two Ariats were the Rambler style but chose the Booker this time around. Absolutely love the look and it fits well. I am an 8.5 to a 9 in boots and chose the 8.5 in these and they fit perfectly. I do a lot of walking at work and these are holding up very well.” — Nick
BEST FOR SERVICE WORKERS
Dansko XP Clogs
Features: Patented slip-resistant rubber outsole and leather uppers treated with 3M Scotchgard™ protector
$129.95
The Dansko XP Clogs have become an industry standard for servers and chefs worldwide. Because of their unique open shape and patented slip-resistant rubber outsole, they are incredibly durable and perfect for standing on slippery surfaces like oil-covered kitchen floors. (Currently available in men’s 8.5-14 sizing)
Promising Customer Feedback: “I’ve tried a lot of shoes. I calculated that I’ve spent over $800 trying to find the perfect kitchen shoe. These are definitely it and well worth the price. Order slightly above your normal shoe size; your feet will thank you. They take a bit of getting used to and time to break in, but it’s well worth it. Wear them around the house and out doing errands for a bit before a night working on the line.” — Retsof
BEST SNEAKER
ASICS Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes
Features: Gel-Venture 8 cushioning and re-engineered outsole for better traction
$54.95
Just because you’re shopping for practicality doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have style as well — and perhaps one of the biggest trends this fall for footwear is metallics. These ASICS Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes blend these worlds, combining reflective details in a steel blue colorway with Gel-Venture 8 technology for cushioning and re-engineered outsole lugs for better off-road traction. (Currently available in men’s 7-12 sizing)
Promising Customer Feedback: “My wife is a surgical tech and stands for 12-hour shifts, and this is the only tennis shoes she wears, and me being a juvenile diabetic with neuropathy, I also only wear this for tennis.” — Henry R.
Carhartt Rugged Flex Work Boot
Features: Waterproof, breathable membrane, composite toe for protection, cushioned insole for support and shock absorbance, and rubber outsole for durable traction and flexibility
$189.99
Workers in hazardous environments need all the support they can get to stay safe while getting the job done. That’s why some opt-in for service brands like Carhartt that go the extra mile for supportive performance features. The Carhartt Rugged Flex Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boot has a waterproof, breathable membrane to keep your feet dry, a composite toe for protection, a cushioned insole for support and shock absorbance, and a rubber outsole for durable traction and flexibility. (Currently available in men’s 8-15 sizing, regular and wide)
Promising Customer Feedback: “Had these now for a few weeks. Have worn safety boots for over 30 years. These were comfortable right out of the box, appear to be good quality, lightweight considering my size of 13, and fit as expected. Nice they are composite, and I work outside in the cold weather. Feet don’t get cold from old-school steel toe. Would recommend buying.” — Leo D.
BEST HEELS
Margaux "The Heel"
Features: Plush foam padding, a leather upper that molds with wear, and comes in medium, narrow, and wide
$295
If you need to wear heels for work, or you just like the height, finding something comfortable that can be worn all day can be challenging. That’s where the Margaux “The Heel” comes in. The block heel offers some height with stability, while the plush foam padding and leather upper offer comfort that molds to your foot over time. (Currently available in women’s 3-14 sizing, regular and wide)
Promising Customer Feedback: “These are my second pair of shoes. They are unbelievably comfortable yet stylish. And if you take care of your shoes well enough, it’ll last you a bit longer.” —Aldys F.
On Cloud 5 Push
Features: Zero-gravity foam sole, lightweight and breathable fabric
$175.83+
On makes some of the best athletic wear on the market, So much so that pro athletes like Ben Shelton rely on their performance during matches. The On Cloud 5 Push is the perfect representation of that claim, designed with a zero-gravity foam sole and lightweight, breathable fabric. (Currently available in women’s 6-11 sizing)
Promising Customer Feedback: “Recently wore these on a trip for four days straight – did a lot of walking. Feet never hurt. I battled plantar fasciitis last year so I was hesitant to try new shoes on this trip. Great buy! Worth the money.” — jhferg49
VIVAIA Aria 5° Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats
Features: Cushioned insole with arch support and stretch material for wider feet
$105.99
The VIVAIA Aria 5° Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats are perfect for those on the dash or needing to do some running around. The inward adjustment creates a wider toe box for a better fit, as well as increased arch support, better heel cushioning, and high elasticity for those with a wider foot. They’re perfect for commuting and remain ultra-lightweight and breathable. (Currently available in women’s 5.5-13 sizing)
Promising Customer Feeback: “I eagerly ordered these in the hopes of finding a shoe that was similar, but not as expensive, as Rothy’s. I’m a true 8.5 with a wide-ish foot. The 8.5/39.5 was a little snug. The 9/40 felt a little wide, but overall was a better fit. A bit softer than I expected! Nice cushioned insole. Tight weave fabric, but the shoe doesn’t feel rigid.” —emeraldcitygal
BEST WORK BOOT
Timberland Boondock Work Boot
Features: Composite toe, waterproof leather, and “Anti-Fatigue” technology for all-day shock absorption and energy return. Comes in regular and wide sizes
$154.97
The Timberland Boondock Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot just might be the ultimate boot for those in tough industries. Designed with industrial-grade protection from every angle, they feature a waterproof leather upper with an internal breathable membrane for maximum waterproof protection, a molded Timberland rubber toe protector with a composite safety toe, a rigid external heel cup to support lateral movement, “Anti-Fatigue” technology for all-day shock absorption, and a breathable, moisture-wicking lining made of ReBOTL material with antimicrobial treatment for odor control. (Currently available in men’s 7-15 sizing, regular and wide)
Promising Customer Feedback: “I work at a sawmill 10 hours a day, concrete floors and metal grates all day. These boots stand up to the abuse and my feet don’t hurt at the end of the day.” —Y2N8
How We Chose the Best Shoes for Standing All Day
Pride yourself on shopping only the best selections when it comes to fashion? Us too. We are tastemakers dedicated to bringing you the finest in clothing, shoes, and accessories. Shop like a Rolling Stone editor and check out more of our stylish recommendations. Customer reviews have been edited for length and clarity, and size availability is posted at the time of publication.
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