The 10 best shoes for standing all day in 2024, tested and reviewed

Cost: $135 | Materials: Eucalyptus tree fiber upper, foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: Neutral | Sizes available: Women's 5-11 with half sizes up to 10.5; men's 8-14 with half sizes up to 13.5 | Widths: Regular width only

The Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 earns our top spot as the best overall shoe for standing all day, and for good reason. I first discovered Allbirds about five years ago, and they've been my go-to shoe ever since.

The B-Corp-certified footwear brand is known for its sustainable, minimalistic and incredibly comfortable designs. Allbirds has become a favorite for many, and the Tree Dasher 2 has features that make it perfect for prolonged periods on your feet.

Crafted with eco-friendly materials, this shoe boasts eucalyptus tree fiber for the upper, sugarcane-based midsoles and a natural rubber outsole. However, the real standout feature is the added cushioning. The Tree Dasher 2's improved SweetFoam midsole is softer and more supportive than previous models, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Additionally, this shoe has a deeper, more cushioned heel cup for superior shock absorption and a flared heel shape for enhanced stability. Whether you're running errands or standing for long periods, the Tree Dasher 2 offers unmatched support and comfort, making it the ultimate choice for anyone needing reliable, all-day footwear.

Cost: $145 | Materials: Knit upper, EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: High | Sizes available: Women's 5-12 with half sizes up to 10.5; men's 7-16 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Regular and wide

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to walk on clouds, let me introduce you to the Hoka Clifton 9. Since its inception in 2009, Hoka has rapidly climbed the ranks to become one of the most beloved footwear brands, thanks to its chunky, maximalist designs that offer unparalleled cushiony comfort. Both trendsetters and podiatrists swear by them.

For those with wider feet, the Clifton 9 stands out as our top pick. Like many Hoka shoes, it proudly carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance, signifying its benefits for foot health. The Clifton 9's plush comfort is what sets it apart. "Hoka shoes feature unique cushioning that reduces back pain and improves posture and gait," says Jerick Sobie, a certified pedorthist and co-owner of Lucky Feet Shoes in Southern California. "The Clifton 9 is especially good for standing all day because of its excellent stability and shock absorption."

During my test run, I was impressed by the compression-molded EVA midsole, which provides a soft, springy feel. The Clifton 9 also boasts Hoka's signature meta-rocker bottom and a wider base, enhancing foot stability no matter how wide your tootsies and effectively combating foot fatigue during long hours of standing. And despite its chunky appearance, it weighs in at less than 8 ounces, making it surprisingly lightweight. All in all, it's perfect for anyone who regularly spends a lot of time on their feet.

Cost: $95 | Materials: Leather upper, EVA midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: Moderate | Sizes available: 5-12 with half sizes up to 11.5 | Widths: Medium, wide and extra-wide

When it comes to finding the best leather shoe to balance style, comfort and orthopedic support, the OrthoFeet Emily is a fantastic choice.

Orthopedic shoes are essential if you have plantar fasciitis, bunions, neuropathy or foot pain. They also help prevent future issues and provide extra support for prolonged standing.

Like all OrthoFeet shoes, the Emily features a removable orthotic insole, an arch booster and two fitting spacers, allowing for a customized fit. Additionally, these shoes offer all-day comfort with a wide toe box and a highly cushioned heel.

If you're looking for a comfortable, work-appropriate shoe, the OrthoFeet Emily is your best bet. While it may not be the trendiest shoe on the market (although honestly, it's pretty cute when paired with skinny jeans or capris), its supple leather and classic silhouette make it perfect for the office while delivering exceptional comfort.

Cost: $140 | Materials: Leather upper, EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: Moderate | Sizes available: 8-14 (no half sizes available) | Widths: Medium only

The Men's Walker is a classic, all-black Oxford shoe that offers extra support and stability for a long day at work. The EVA-molded footbed and contoured polyurethane midsole provide podiatrist-recommended arch support, cushioning and shock absorption. Plus, the insole is removable, so you can easily add your own orthotics.

Plus, if you need slip-resistant or waterproof shoes (say, if you work in the medical field or a restaurant), these deliver on all fronts. 

Cost: $75 | Materials: EVA foam | Type of arch support: Neutral | Sizes available: Women's 5-18; men's 3-16 (no half sizes available) | Widths: Regular width only

Think of the Kane Revive as a classed-up version of Crocs — they're a slip-on shoe made of waterproof materials that are comfortable, affordable and designed to be worn during most casual activities, whether running errands or participating in a walking tour. They're intended to be used as a "recovery shoe" to soothe tired, achy feet after a day of strenuous activity, but we like them for their comfort during long days of standing. 

The Kane Revives offer ample cushioning and an anatomical design with neutral arch support. This design promotes natural foot movement during walking without the extra stability features meant to prevent excessive inward foot rotation (overpronation).

The footbed features raised nodes that are meant to help stimulate blood flow and aid recovery, offering a gentle massaging sensation as you stand or walk around. The shoe also has a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, which takes pressure off the Achilles tendon and encourages proper walking form. All of that equals an easy, lightweight pair of shoes that feel great for prolonged wear. Plus, they’re available in 15 different colors.

Cost: $140 | Materials: Mesh upper, exposed foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: Neutral | Sizes available: Women's 5-11 with half sizes up to 10.5; men's 7-14 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Regular width only

When you're on your feet all day, a lightweight shoe can make a world of difference. The On Cloud 5, from one of the fastest-growing footwear companies, is our top pick for lightweight shoes due to their feather-light construction and innovative, flexible design. The Cloud 5 weighs in at a tiny 7 ounces, making it one of the lightest running or walking shoes available.

This Swiss shoe brand has gained its notoriety for its distinctive CloudTec sole, which is featured on all of its products. This patented sole isn't just for show — it's an innovative cushioning system. The hollow pods, known as "clouds," compress on impact before releasing, helping to absorb shock while putting a little spring in your step. This makes landings softer, takeoffs more powerful and the overall ride smoother, giving you the sensation of "walking on clouds."

I used these on several all-day walking tours during a family vacation, and they helped keep my feet and legs from feeling the strain of the extra activity. They're a good option for anyone looking for a lighter weight shoe.

Cost: $145 | Materials: Knit upper, EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: Stability | Sizes available: Women's 5-12 with half sizes up to 10.5; men's 7-15 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Regular and wide

Bruce Pinker, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, says he often recommends Hokas when his patients ask for advice on which athletic shoes to buy. Along with comfort, the best athletic shoes should offer stability, which is why the Hoka Arahi 7 is our top pick. 

Classified as a moderate stability trainer, the Arahi 7 features the brand's J-Frame midsole. This is a J-shaped strip of foam that's firmer than the rest of the midsole and wraps around the heel and along the interior side of the shoe. This support foam prevents the foot from rolling too far inward, a mechanism known as overpronation.

Overpronation is common in those with flat feet and can lead to various foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions and heel spurs. Unsurprisingly, it's important to prevent overpronation when running or engaging in high-impact activities. Although the Arahi 7 is a less "plushy" ride than some of Hoka's shoes, for those who are on their feet all day, it provides the support and stability needed to maintain proper foot health.

Cost: $60 | Materials: Closed-cell foam | Type of arch support: Moderate | Sizes available: Women's 5-16; men's 3-16 (no half sizes available) | Widths: Regular only

Some sandals — flip-flops, we're looking at you! — are just about the worst footwear for prolonged periods of standing or walking, but there are a few exceptions to the rule, and the Oofos OOriginal Sandal is the perfect example. 

These highly supportive flip flops are made from OOfoam, a proprietary closed-cell foam that absorbs 37% more impact than the EVA found in other shoes. Because of this, they feel exceptionally comfortable and cushy. 

While most flip-flops are flat and unsupportive, Oofos are designed to provide proper arch support. The thick, slightly curved sole also works to take pressure off the heel and allows for a more natural range of motion. Admittedly this creates a slightly wobbly sensation that takes some adjusting to, but once you get used to the feel, you'll never want to go back to regular flip-flops again.

Of course, they're a bit chunky looking, so if you're looking for a more sleek sandal, they're not going to win style awards. But, they do come in multiple colors and they're perfect for outdoor activities during the summer. 

Cost: $110 | Materials: Suede upper, sheepskin lining, foam midsole and sugarcane EVA outsole | Type of arch support: Low | Sizes available: Women's 5-12; men's 7-18 (no half sizes available) | Widths: Regular width only

Ugg may be known for its warm winter boots, but if you're looking for a slipper you can wear all day, we vote for the brand's cozy Tasman slippers. They feature an easy, slip-on silhouette, a plush footbed and a durable outsole, so you can wear them inside or out without worrying about ruining them.

Uggs are renowned for their signature shearling interior, and the Tasman model is no exception. It boasts a thick sheepskin and wool lining, helping keep your feet cozy and warm. 

Cost: $140 | Materials: Leather upper, EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: Moderate | Sizes available: Women's 4-10; men's 6-14 (European sizes) | Widths: Regular width only

When you need a robust sandal you can wear while taking a hike or scrambling over rocks at the beach, the Ecco Yucatan Sandal, a hiking sandal available for men and women, provides the right amount of support and comfort. It has a contoured footbed with thick, EVA foam cushioning to provide a soft, supportive fit and a microfiber cover to help absorb sweat. The three-strap design and thick, durable rubber outsole help to offer extra grip and stability.

Of course, they're not the most stylish sandals we've ever seen, but this is where function needs to outweigh form. Rather than try to hike with a pair of sandals that look cute but can't hold up to the challenge, go ahead and invest in true hiking sandals like these. They did their job when I was hiking the rainforests in Costa Rica, keeping my feet comfortable and well-supported despite the sometimes-rough terrain (plus, they transitioned well to the beach, too).