Standing is the opposite of running. The latter is an athletic activity that involves dynamic movement, and the other is about being confined to a small area. But standing is harder than it looks—especially when you’re on your feet all day. it’s important to find the best boots for standing all day.
Those who work in the retail and service industries know this, and so do those who work in hospitals and restaurants. Jobs that involve standing and walking put a lot of stress on your feet. Just take a moment to think about it. The entire body weight remains on the feet for a period that can range from 6 to 14 hours.
ER workers/doctors/nurses routinely work standing all day. If this is done by wearing regular shoes, the experience can quickly become unpleasant. Alone feels tired and stressed. You can’t wait to get home and kick off your shoes.
Even short shifts of 6-8 hours are tiring. SoleReview often receives footwear questions from readers who work in the healthcare and retail industries.
Here’s how to choose the best boots for standing all day:
When choosing a pair of boots for standing all day, there are several design features to consider. If the following section is similar to our walking shoe guide, it’s because the design requirements for both walking and standing shoes are the same.
1) Outsole design should preferably be wide and flat:
An outsole with full ground contact is essential to evenly distribute pressure. Standing for long periods can cause leg cramps.
2) The midsole should be cushioned for standing all day:
If you’re going to be standing all day, you need comfortable, best shoes. Additionally, both the forefoot and heel should have adequate cushioning as the body’s weight is constantly transferred to the heel and ball of the foot.
3) A roomy upper to show off the toes:
Tight-fitting pairs of boots can be uncomfortable while you’re standing all day, so a pair of boots with a proper insole helps.
4) Good grip on standing all day:
Most jobs that involve standing all day are indoors with synthetic flooring. So the outsole needs good traction. Shoes like the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 (featured here) have slip-resistant soles. Dr. Martens and Blundstone soles also perform well on greasy floors.
5) High heel-to-toe offset boots for standing all day:
‘Offset’ or ‘heel drop’ refers to the difference in heel and forefoot thickness. For standing-friendly shoes, a high heel drop (8-12 mm) is preferred to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon and calves.
Do running shoes check all the boxes for standing up all day? It depends.
In our opinion, most running shoes are fine for standing – only if they are for 6-8 hours. People who work in sporting goods stores fall into this category, where the shifts are relatively short. In some cases, sporting goods store employees have to choose a product to be part of their uniform, so it makes sense to get a shoe for standing all day.
If shifts are longer than 6-8 hours, then it would be wise to adopt a different footwear strategy. We say this for a couple of reasons.
Most running shoe outsoles have rubber lugs and grooved separations that apply pressure to the bottom. It is not a problem of a few hours but it manifests itself in the long run.
The narrow waist of running shoes is also a limiting factor. The midsole is thinner around the middle, and the upper translates to a more flexible fit to the foot. Running shoes are made this way for a reason. Feet have to lock during runs. But the same flexibility that comes with running 12+ hour shifts can be detrimental to rest.
Most Comfortable Work boots for Standing All Day and Walking on Hard Floors
Comfortable shoes are essential in any work environment, whether you’re working in a retail store, behind a desk, or in a warehouse. People who sit for long periods have less to consider when it comes to the structure, support, and comfort features of their shoes. This is different for people who are standing or walking on hard floors during long shifts. It is important to find a functional shoe that protects the foot through cushioning, shock absorption, and support.
There are also other considerations such as materials used, weight, breathability, and slip resistance on the sole. However, that doesn’t mean these shoes can’t be attractive either. The following section of this guide looks at the most comfortable shoes for men and women for working in concrete work environments such as warehouses, malls, hospital floors, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, etc. Many of them are professional slip-on shoes with interesting comfort. features, but there are also some distinct styles.
Women’s best boots for Standing All Day on Concrete Floors
1. Skechers for Work Women’s 76550 Sure Track Trickel Slip Resistant Work boots
The last model in this section of women’s most comfortable shoes to work on hard surfaces all day is the Skechers for Work Women’s 76550 Sure Track Work Shoe. This work shoe takes a different twist from other models due to its lace-up, sneaker style.
2. Crocs Women’s Mercy Work Clog
The Crocs Women’s Mercy Work Clog is a “roomy” clog with an adjustable backstrap, and some interesting designs for everyday wear – a little more comfortable than others. There’s a black color, with a nice silver band on top and a small logo under the strap, an all-white one, and finally a gold one with leopard print for those who want to stand out. can run away from the Workplace.
3. Alegria Women’s Keli Professional Slip Resistant shoes for standing all day:
The Alegria Women’s Kelly Professional Slip Resistant Work Shoe is a sleek, slip-resistant work shoe featuring the trademark butterfly logo on the embossed leather upper. It comes with an incredible amount of color options that would be appreciated. Names like “full cellular” and “swirly goodness” are a bit confusing.
4. Klogs USA Women’s Naples Clog
The Klogs USA Women’s Naples Clog is very similar to models we’ve seen before – mainly because slip-on clogs are footwear for harsh environments. This model of clogs follows the trend of simple floral patterns and a wide range of color options on this leather shoe. The 2-inch heel may be a bit high for some who have their feet on concrete all day, but the shoe is seen as a very comfortable and supportive option.
Best Men’s Dress boots for Standing All Day on Your Feet
1. Nunn Bush Men’s Bleeker St Slip-On
The Nun Bush Men’s Bleecker Saint Slip-On has instant appeal for those looking for comfortable dress shoes for long days. This is mainly due to a simple phrase in the specification: dual comfort technology.
2. Clarks Men’s Un.Sheridan Go Slip On
First up on this list of the best dress shoes for men is another pair of shoes from Clarks. Clerks who represent good shoes for the man who wants to buy one can also get a level of comfort . Have a high luxury feel with these Clarks Un. Sheridan Slip-On Shoes. The leather is well crafted with good stitching and a choice of black or gray and a small heel for a bit more shape. There’s also a soft lambskin lining that wraps around the foot for a softer surface and less chance of blisters.
3. Dunham Men’s Blair Slip-On
The Dunham Men’s Blair Slip-On is even more casual again, with a softer shape and minimal detailing. It’s smart, but there is certainly less attention to detail here when compared to many of the other shoes in this range.