An In-Depth Review of the Top 14 Sneakers for Comfortably Standing All Day in 2023

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The right footwear can make or break your day, whether you're heading to the gym, running errands, or walking around and exploring. And if you're someone standing on their feet all day for work or school, then you know that not every style is made to withstand your grueling shifts or classes, which can result in major discomfort, strain, and fatigue. That's why it's important to consult the pros and lean on podiatrist recommendations to find the best sneakers for standing all day.

We’ve done the footwork (pun totally intended) and tested several pairs of cushioned, supportive shoes ourselves. We also asked expert podiatrists for their trusted takes on what to look for in sneakers for standing all day. These kicks blew past our expectations to deliver a comfortable, stable wearing experience — without any evidence of blisters, arch pain, or other common discomforts.

With a firm, padded midsole to securely support your arches, we’ve found the Nike Air Zoom Structure 24 shoes to be the best sneakers for standing all day long. The addition of a wide tox box gives your digits room to spread out, offering you a reliable, stable base for standing (read: your body weight will be evenly distributed throughout your foot, and no one area will feel more fatigued).

Similar to the brand's other popular shoes, like the celebrity coveted Air Force 1s, Nike added a few clever features that make these shoes ideal for long days on your feet. The interior of the shoe is designed to prevent sock bunching, thanks to a soft, durable lining. Plus, the laces cinch down super securely, so you won’t be bending over constantly to readjust or retie. Put simply, you won’t miss a step wearing these sneaks. They do run a little heavier than other models we considered, but we think that’s a fair trade-off that you likely won’t notice.

Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 6 | Heel to toe drop: 7.6 mm | Weight: 9 oz

One of New York City-based podiatrist Hillary Brenner’s, D.P.M. favorite brands for arch support, Asics deliver the proper cushioning, stability, breathability, and durability to keep your feet comfortable from clock in to clock out. With the GT-2000 Sneaker, your foot is secure and supported thanks to thoughtful details such as its Ortholite sockliner and padded heel, which also shifts your body mass forward, reducing the strain on the lower limbs. It also adheres to your foot's natural gait pattern and cushions your step to promote shock absorption.

Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 13 | Heel to toe drop: 8 mm | Weight: 8.2 oz

At $70, these shoes are easy on the wallet and your feet. We love the secure yet pliable fit; the shoe gently cups your foot but doesn’t rub or slip in any way. The breathable mesh upper really helps this shoe transition to all-day wear; if you’re part of the sweaty feet club (we see you), this pair will actually feel breathable. We also love that the rubber outsole is non-slip and textured for extra grip. These shoes run small, FYI, so order up a half-size.

If your feet need a little extra support, you might add an insole. We found these shoes to be more flexible than your typical stability shoe. Normally, the pliability wouldn’t make this shoe a fit for standing all day, but we’re sold on the lightweight upper and think the support will be fine unless you have a specific foot condition (like plantar fasciitis or high arches).

Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 23 | Heel to toe drop: Unknown | Weight: 6 oz

While the Dansko Kane Clogs are popular among nurses who work long shifts, we’ve found them to be especially well-suited to food service and hospitality workers who have to tread carefully among spilled drinks and sticky surfaces. “I was a waitress in college, and my Danskos held me up on days when I worked a double,” says Kristen Geil, Shape commerce editor. “I never worried about slipping, thanks to the rubber outsole, and the EVA material was so easy to wipe down if some stray ketchup was spilled on them.”

While we’ve had no trouble wearing these shoes for hours on end, they’re probably not the best choice if you have to move quickly. There’s always the chance your heel might slip out of the back if you get into a trot (although we’ve never personally had that happen).

Sizes: 4.5-13 | Colors: 7 | Heel to toe drop: 12.7 mm | Weight: 7 oz

Thanks to its midsole cushioning, supportive heel, and springy outsole, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12 Running Shoe is able to mold to your foot's unique shape and deliver all-day comfort. In our tests, we were impressed by the balance of thick, plump cushioning and light weight of the shoe. Plus, we never felt like we were sinking into the shoe, since it was so supportive. (Pro tip: We’ve found that these run a little big, so if you’re between sizes, go down.) 'These are one of my favorite pairs for everyday wear,' adds Geil.

Brenner is a fan of New Balance shoes, in general, for their wide toe boxes, and Pidich is a fan of this style because it's available in wide and extra-wide sizes. 'Not only do our feet need arch support, but they also expand and swell throughout the day,' she adds. 'A shoe that feels snug in the morning might hurt at the end of a long work shift. It has a mesh fabric that will comfortably fit over a bunion, hammertoe, or a tailor bunion.'

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 20 | Heel to toe drop: 8 mm | Weight: 8.3 oz

News flash: Your feet deserve a little extra TLC after a day spent standing, even when you’ve worn your supportive sneakers. In fact, the muscles in your feet need to recover after a tough day, just like the rest of your body needs to recover after a killer workout. That’s when it’s time to slip into something a little more comfortable — like the Oofos Ooahh Slide Sandal. Not only does it feel like walking on a cloud, but it absorbs about 37 percent more impact than your average pair of foam footwear. That quality makes it perfect for wearing at home, especially if you have hardwood floors. 'I wear these for standing at my desk at home, and honestly, hours can go by before I realize whoa, I'm still standing pain-free,' says Geil.

We wear these regularly after workouts and while working remotely from our home offices, and we’ve noticed that on days we don’t, our knees start to ache and our low backs tighten up. That said, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend these for long walks or anything more than light errands; the structure of the shoe had us tripping a bit when we encountered uneven surfaces.

Sizes: 5-15 | Colors: 8 | Heel to toe drop: Unknown | Weight: 4.6 oz

Designed to reduce arch pressure, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Running Sneaker utilizes the bounce and responsiveness of its PureGEL™ technology for easy and lightweight cushioning. 'Asics Gel-Nimbus shoes are my personal favorite shoes for plantar fasciitis,' raves Pidich. 'They contain extra cushioning and added support around the arch.' They also absorb shock in the heel with their gel panels. Plus, the rounded toe shape creates a spacious toe box for those with wide feet.

Shape editors have relied on this shoe for cross-training, which implements several fitness modalities. “I’ve had bouts of plantar fasciitis for the past several years, and I’ve never had a flare-up when wearing the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25s consistently,” says Geil. “And it’s a small detail, but I love the pull tab at the back of the heel — it makes these shoes so easy to slip on and off after a long day.”

Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 20 | Heel to toe drop: 8 mm | Weight: 8.9 oz

'The Hoka One One Bondi 8 Running Shoe is ideal for flat feet,' Pidich explains. 'If you have flat feet, your foot arch disappears when you stand up. It's also more challenging to propel yourself forward. This sneaker will offer the best foot arch support for all-day standing.' The shoe's memory foam cradles your heel and ankle for optimal stability and support as its EVA molded midsole provides energizing cushioning.

“My friend and I take an epic walk every summer around Manhattan (14 miles is our record) and Bondi 8s have become my go-to shoe for it,” says Shannon Bauer, senior commerce editor. “I have good support during the miles and experience minimal soreness when we're done.”

We also love the Bondis for plantar fasciitis, thanks to the thick midsole. However, these are a little heavier than other pairs we tested (like the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12s).

Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 21 | Heel to toe drop: 4 mm | Weight: 8.9 oz

Due to its responsive BioMoGo DNA foam, the Brooks Ghost Running Shoe offers plush midsole cushioning from the heel to the forefoot so it can conform and support high arches. Strategically-placed grooves encourage the foot's natural movement by providing additional flexibility. 'These shoes offer plush cushioning that can withstand long hours of standing on hard surfaces,' Chanel Perkins, DPM, explains. 'This style is durable, so it won't quickly wear out. It's also lightweight so it doesn't feel like your feet are in cinder blocks all day.' Not to mention, it’s a long-time favorite of Jennifer Garner’s. (For even more arch support, check out these editor-approved insoles from Amazon.)

Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 39 | Heel to toe drop: 12 mm | Weight: 9.1 oz

Another trusted brand from Brenner, Mephisto shoes — which she says are supportive across the board — cater to not only the feet, but also to the legs and back, as well. Those looking for a shoe that's stylish for everyday wear but doesn't sacrifice comfort will find the Mephisto Rebecca Perforated Sneaker to their liking. It's made with the brand's Soft Air footbed to ensure arch support and has a removable anatomical insole for added comfort. The style's rubber outsole aids in shock absorption, while the leather upper enhances its durability. We couldn’t find info listed about the heel to toe drop or the weight of the shoe, but considering other specs, we’d estimate the offset to be pretty low.

Sizes: 5.5-11 | Colors: 4 | Heel to toe drop: Unknown | Weight: Unknown

Fans of slip-on sneakers that are constantly on their feet need a style like the Merrell Work Jungle Moc AC+ Pro Sneaker, which has a contoured footbed, EVA midsole, and cushioned outsole to provide hours of comfort. 'I have several patients that work in the food industry,' New York City-based podiatrist ​​Casey Ann Pidich, DPM, begins. 'I've recommended this shoe to them. Not only is it non-skid for slick work environments, but it's also supportive and comfortable for standing all day.' Additionally, it's made from a durable-yet-breathable leather material and is designed to repel odors.

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 1 | Heel to toe drop: Not listed | Weight: 10 oz.

Designed with tired feet in mind, the New Balance WID626v2 Work Sneaker keeps your foot securely in place with its supportive leather upper, tractioned lug outsole, and stabilizing insert. Together with its soft textile lining, removable foam insole, contoured midsole, and padded tongue, you're given the perfect amount of stability, cushioning, and support for every stride. The shoe's rubber exterior also makes it resistant to markings, oil, and slipping.

Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 1 | Heel to toe drop: Unknown | Weight: 6.1 oz

Another pick from the podiatrist-trusted brand, the New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer is cushioned in all the right places to ensure all-day support. 'This brand is a favorite in the podiatry community,' Perkins says. 'With their all-around supportive structure, these shoes are definitely designed to keep you on your feet all day long. The sole is also extra-cushioned for maximum comfort.' Centered with a memory foam insert, the sneaker conforms to your foot and absorbs shock with its compression-resistant heel crash pad. On the outside, its flexible outsole guarantees comfort and its leather-rubber exterior repels water and stains. This sturdy shoe would also be a great pick for nurses who need sneakers for standing all day.

Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 2 | Heel to toe drop: Unknown | Weight: 9.8 oz

The Allbirds Tree Dashers Running Sneaker features a supportive dual-density midsole and is designed to flex with your foot, promoting its natural movement while providing cushioning where needed. Additionally, this lightweight and airy sneaker wicks away sweat and minimizes odor. 'Shoes in this brand are not only sustainable, but they're also extremely comfortable,' Perkins shares. 'The upper material is breathable, so you can wear them all day without worrying about sweaty feet. The midsole is supportive but flexible to conform to your foot movements.' )

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 9 | Heel to toe drop: 7 mm | Weight: 8.6 oz

When choosing the best sneakers for standing all day, we prioritized a few criteria above the rest after thorough interviews with our panel of podiatrists, who contributed their expertise to this article. We looked for shoes that were comfortable to wear for long periods of time, durable enough to survive plenty of wear and tear, and stable enough to promote your foot’s overall health. Specifically, we looked for insights about arch support, which our panel of podiatrists agreed was the most important quality in sneakers for standing all day. 

Once we knew what we were looking for in these sneakers, we started the research phase. We began creating this list of the best sneakers for standing all day by searching the internet for the best-sellers from top (or even lesser known) brands. We read reviews, both positive and negative, and made a list of our top contenders. Then we once again turned to our team of podiatrists to weigh in and give advice on their go-to shoe brands (New Balance, FYI, is most podiatrists’ shoe brand of choice). Finally, we combed through our months and months of sneaker testing results, pulling any shoes that got high marks for comfort, stability, support, durability, and value. From this combination of insights, we made our final selections and gave further details on what kind of person, or foot type, would be best for each shoe. Each of the shoes featured in this article was selected by either a podiatrist or via our month-long testing process for sneakers, so you can feel confident lacing up these kicks before a long day.

Regardless of your sense of style or profession, Brenner lists arch support as the most important factor to consider when shopping for supportive sneakers to stand in all day. 'You can look for this in the thickness in the arch,' she says. 'The thicker the arch, the more supportive.' 

Unsupportive sneaker wearers also run the risk of developing other ailments such as plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. If you're someone with hammertoes and bunions, Brenner warns that the pain associated with these conditions can become worse. Not to mention that wearing the wrong shoes for an extended period of time can affect other parts of your body, leading to arthritis, ankle sprains, and pain in the knees, hips, and back. 'This usually occurs in shoes that don't have arch support,' says Brenner. 'Pain is an indicator of when it is time to get a new pair of shoes. You can also check the bottom of the shoe to see if the treads are worn out.'

From there, she notes that you'll want to ensure your chosen sneaker has a wide toe box with a mesh material and a thick chunky heel: 'If the toe box is too narrow, there isn't support in the arch of the shoe; this is also true if the heel is too thin.' Also worth noting: To ensure all-day comfort, Brenner recommends investing in orthotics for extra support and cushion. Her favorite insoles are the Superfeet Orthotic Insert and the Powerstep Pinnacle Arch Support Insoles.

As for what not to buy, Brenner adds, 'Avoid a shoe with a hard material that goes over bony prominences. Make sure the shoe is semi-rigid and not too flexible.' Instead, you'll want to check for an arch that is thick, a wide chunky heel, and make sure you can't bend the shoe in half, she adds. To really ensure a perfect fit, Brenner recommends trying on the shoe towards the end of the day 'when your feet are true to size' and having feet measured for width and size. 

Shannon Bauer is a Senior Commerce Editor for Shape with seven years experience in the beauty and wellness industry. With a background in fashion design, she is well-versed in the materials and design of sneakers, and as an active individual herself, has tested many of the options on the market. Beyond Bauer’s personal knowledge, she completed research on all of the products, read reviews, considered the various needs, and consulted experts to create this list. The podiatrists who weighed in are also experts in their field and knowledgeable about sneakers for standing all day. The podiatrists also gave advice on what to look for in a sneaker to ensure your health and safety. These sneakers for standing all day are the best on the market.