The 8 Best Shoes for Walking *and* Standing All Day, According to Expert Criteria

{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"1FQDMKjCjj45KT3I3tfd1T","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Fun fact: American workers spend an average of ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2021/civilian-workers-spent-an-average-of-57-3-percent-of-the-workday-standing-in-2020.htm"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"57 percent of their workday","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" on their feet, so when you’re shopping for nine-to-five footwear, it’s key to look for style and function. Whether you prefer to wear flats or sneakers, clogs or slip-ons, we found the best shoes for walking and standing all day that you ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"italic"}],"value":"don’t","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" want to overlook on your search.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"What are the best shoes to wear if you are on your feet all day?","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.illinoisfoot.com/"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"When shopping for the ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"best walking shoes, you want a quality pair—which can often come at a price. This is because higher-quality walking shoes are typically made from better materials that function more optimally for support and comfort, says Caroline McCulloch, podiatrist, physiotherapist and founder of footwear brand ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://us.frankie4.com/"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"FRANKiE4","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":". However, she says the upfront cost for quality shoes will typically be much cheaper than money one might spend treating foot pain caused by wearing a less-than-ideal pair. Clearly, there are many benefits of walking—whether you’re walking after eating or in the morning, midday, or in the evening—so don’t let the wrong shoes sideline your step goals.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"What to look for in a walking and standing shoe","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"When shopping for shoes to walk and stand in all day, board-certified podiatrist ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://illinoisfoot.com/team-members/dr-patrick-mceneaney-dpm/"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Patrick McEneaney, DPM","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" asks that people consider three things.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Fit","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-3"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"First is fit. “You want to make sure that the shoe fits adequately. It should be wide enough in the front, but not too wide in the back,” says Dr. McEneaney. If the back of your footwear isn’t snug enough, it will cause your feet to rub and may result in blisters. Conversely, if the shoes are too narrow, it will squeeze your toes and might cause joint pain. In other words, you want a Goldilocks shoe that fits ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"italic"}],"value":"just right","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":".","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Support","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-3"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Support is also important, says Dr. McEneaney, and you want a shoe with soft yet firm support. “[Squishy] shoes feel comfortable initially, but they may lead to chronic overuse problems or can actually accentuate pre-existing problems,” he says.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"A stiff midsole","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-3"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Lastly, Dr. McEneaney recommends selecting shoes with a stiff midsole. “When you look at the bottom of the shoe, the middle one-third should be stiff and difficult to bend. The more that it bends, the more it’s going to load pressure from the back of the foot to the front of the foot. If the shoe has some more stiffness, it’s going to load the pressure through the shoe and take some of that stress off the middle of the foot,” he says—and you don’t want any foot stress on top of work stress, that’s for sure.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Can you use running shoes for walking?","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Another common question when it comes to walking shoes is whether or not running shoes do the trick. According to McCulloch, yes, running shoes can be good for walking as they come in different levels of support for different feet types. “Generally speaking, as long as you are in a running shoe suitable for you, or in the least, a running shoe that feels very comfortable for you and doesn’t ever cause symptoms, then yes, I would say running shoes are good for walking,” she says.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"With all this in mind, you’re ready for The Great American Pastime—and by that I mean shoe shopping, not baseball. Below, find the best shoes for walking and standing all day.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Best shoes for walking","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"3LpSLsQAtnj96WcxisaCWY","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"3X44Xi7Jmt4lZHQLuwsiS3","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Best shoes for walking on concrete","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"18wR5VZt5z2qAQXWlAdDP1","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Best walking shoes with arch support","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"tYM80QQY17fva3Ubn72YG","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"1BbIUlJzXnZjwdhBcyNr4X","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"6qlxQA3mhwxJCzCGsB8tt8","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Best shoes for standing all day","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"61lInsGNlJuqiHCIgEvkBC","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"3qyf46lR3ll2rNGKY1P6YU","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Frequently asked questions","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"What shoes should I wear for long hours?","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-3"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"To answer this question, McCulloch begins with what types of shoes ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"italic"}],"value":"not","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" to wear for long hours such as flat shoes, shoes that lack cushioning and contouring, high heels, or any shoe that doesn’t hold onto your foot well. She says to opt for a shoe that “fits well and feels like supportive cushions under your feet,” which is ideally a shoe with a sole and footbed that’s not too hard and not too soft, cradles the heel, and supports the arch. These will also help keep you balanced and feeling secure.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Can old shoes hurt your feet?","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-3"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"A shoe’s job, McCulloch says, is to cushion, take shock, and provide support with every step we take. Overtime due to wear and tear, the shoe’s ability to do its job reduces and, you’ll likely feel it, meaning you may feel a new pain in your feet or lower limbs. “Old shoes can be the cause, or exacerbate foot or leg pain,” she says. In this case, it’s time to invest in a new pair of walking shoes.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"How long should a pair of walking shoes last?","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-3"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Many of us are guilty of hanging on to our favorite (and likely beat up) pair of walking shoes for far too long, but the truth is walking shoes aren’t designed to last forever. McCulloch says a walking shoe’s longevity depends on various factors such as usage, stress put on the shoes, the materials the shoe is made out of, and the wearer’s foot mechanics. With that said, “if they don’t feel as good as they used to, it’s time for a fresh pair,” she says.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"How do I know when I need new walking shoes?","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-3"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"If wearing an old pair of shoes doesn’t feel as good as they used to or you notice any type of pain, those are signs that you should ditch your walking shoes and buy a new pair. McCulloch says you can also look for signs visually by inspecting the sole’s compression rather than waiting for pain to manifest. To do so, sit your shoes on a flat bench and notice if the inner or outer side of the sole appears compressed to the point that it tilts inward or outward significantly. If it does, that indicates that it likely tilts your foot when worn and is no longer supporting your foot properly.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Are memory foam shoes ideal for standing all day?","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-3"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"The short answer: yes and no. “Memory foam by itself will give you that nice soft underfoot feeling initially,” McCulloch says. “But over time, a memory foam layer by itself won’t cushion and support your foot to the level it deserves.” The reason, she says, is because memory foam is just one component of ideal foot support.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Which insole is best for standing all day?","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-3"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Ideally, McCulloch says, you want a shoe with a support system of layers made of different materials, each with specific densities and contours that cradle, angle, and protect the foot.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"document"}
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