We Found 13 Sneakers To Keep Your Feet Ache-Free (Even After Hours Of Standing)

Share on FacebookShare on PinterestShare on TwitterMotivationThe 13 Best Sneakers For Standing All Day, According To Podiatrist Guidelinesmbg Associate Food & Health EditorBy Merrell Readmanmbg Associate Food & Health EditorMerrell Readman is the Associate Food & Health Editor at mindbodygreen. Readman is a Fordham University graduate with a degree in journalism and a minor in film and television. She has covered beauty, health, and well-being throughout her editorial career.Image by Ivan Gener / StocksyJuly 1, 2022

In This Article

1Quick list2Our criteria3How we picked4The best shoes for standing all day5The takeaway

You may not think twice about your shoe selection each morning outside of how well they match your outfit. Yet, if you're spending an extended amount of time on your feet each day, you'll likely wish you gave it a little more thought. Selecting a supportive, high-quality sneaker for a long day can make or break your comfort levels and preserve your back, knees, and hips, which are subject to suffer from inadequate shoe cushioning.

Whether you're headed out for a busy day at work or are embarking on an adventurous vacation, being intentional with your shoe choice will give you the arch support and stability you need (while staying stylish, of course).

Quick list

The best cushioning:New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 The best affordable sneaker:Under Armour Charged Bandit 4 The best multi-functional sneaker:Hoka Clifton 8 The best trail-friendly:Merrell Embark Lace The best eco-friendly:Allbirds Tree Runners The best slip-on:Skechers Arch Fit The best high-support:Brooks Addiction Walker 2 The best neutral shoe:Saucony Cohesion 14 The best breathable sneakers:Vionic Miles Active Sneakers The best arch support:Kuru ATOM The best traction:Adidas Ultraboost DNA The best for pronation:Asics GT-1000 11 The best for narrow feet:Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2

Our criteria.

A sneaker to wear while you're on your feet all day will be very similar to one you might pick for a long walk or really any other physical activity. It's important to support all areas of your foot including your ankle for maximum comfort—especially if you'll be standing on hard surfaces.

"For standing with little walking, a more supportive, less flexible sneaker like a walking shoe is best," suggests holistic podiatrist Robert Kornfeld, DPM. "For those who do a lot of walking on hard surfaces, shock absorption becomes equally important, and most running shoes are designed to ease the impact of the foot on the ground.""

Taking into consideration any pronation (the way your foot rolls when you step) will also help when selecting your ideal sneaker. "For patients with pronation problems or flat feet, a varus wedge in the heel and arch-supporting inner soles would be best," notes Kornfeld. However, if you continuously have issues with shoes, particularly with discomfort in your arch, it may be worth getting evaluated by a podiatrist to determine your specific needs.

How we picked.

Supportive

We selected shoes that will provide optimal support to all areas of your foot, from ankle to arches.

Sturdy

We included sneakers that are sturdy and up for anything, even when you’re on your feet for 9+ hours a day.

Shock absorption

We chose sneakers that allow you to stand and walk on hard surfaces while absorbing shock from the ground.

Comfort

Each sneaker is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time so you never wish you made a different choice.

mbg's picks for the best sneakers for standing:

The best cushioning: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12VIEW ON Amazon | $160VIEW ON Zappos | $160VIEW ON New Balance | $160

Pros

• Foam underfoot cushioning
• Snug fit

Cons

• Runs large

A good sneaker for spending the day on your feet must be highly supportive, and if you like a little extra cushioning in your shoe, this New Balance option is perfect. Fitted with a Fresh Foam insole to keep you feeling like you're walking on a cloud, these snug-fitting, stylish sneakers will hug your foot with midsole mapping to help disperse pressure. If you plan on being on your feet for more than a few hours, this will be your ideal option.

The best affordable sneaker: Under Armour Charged Bandit 4

Under Armour Charged Bandit 4VIEW ON Amazon | $60VIEW ON Under Armour | $60

Pros

• Affordable
• Lightweight

Cons

• Runs small

If you're looking for a budget-friendly yet dependable option, Under Armour has got you covered. This lightweight sneaker offers neutral cushioning to support balance and flexibility, plus firm material in the heel will ensure your foot stays in place all day. With a rubber sole to help grip the pavement or wherever you may be standing, these sturdy shoes are the steal of the year.

The best multifunctional sneaker: Hoka Clifton 8

Hoka Clifton 8VIEW ON Amazon | $210VIEW ON Zappos | $140VIEW ON Hoka | $140

Pros

• Breathable
• Cushioned

Cons

• Pricey
• Neutral stability

If you're looking for a pair of sneakers that you can wear standing around and while on your daily run, the Hoka Clifton 8s are going to be your ideal multifunctional choice. These sneakers are made with breathable mesh so you don't have to worry about your feet sweating up a storm throughout the day. And with EVA foam to help you feel both supported and secure, these versatile sneakers are prepped for any adventure. Not to mention their early stage meta rocker, which will make every step feel bouncy and smooth.

The best trail-friendly: Merrell Embark Lace

Merrell Embark LaceVIEW ON Amazon | $105VIEW ON Merrell | $105VIEW ON Zappos | $100

Pros

• Lightweight
• Good grip

Cons

• Runs large

It can be difficult to find a shoe that's both environmentally friendly and functional—but Merrell hit the nail on the head with the Embark Lace. With a 100% recycled mesh footbed cover and FloatPro Foam™ midsole, which will feel lightweight and comfortable on your feet all day, these shoes are a great investment with less impact on the planet. An added bonus? They're great for really any terrain.

The best eco-friendly: Allbirds Tree Runners

Allbirds Tree RunnersVIEW ON Allbirds | $105

Pros

• Breathable
• Carbon neutral

Cons

• Small size range

A stylish and functional sneaker should be a staple in every wardrobe, and Allbirds offers all of this and more. These carbon-neutral shoes are both breathable and lightweight while matching nearly any outfit you could put together—all while featuring a cushioned midsole that will keep your feet supported for the entire day. Our favorite part? They're machine washable.

The best slip-on: Skechers Arch Fit

Skechers Arch FitVIEW ON Skechers | $95

Pros

• Well-cushioned
• Lace-free

Cons

• One width option

We get it, sometimes you don't want to be bothered with the effort of tying your shoes. On those days when you need to run out the door but also want something you know will actually be comfortable, Skechers' cushioned midsole and high-rebound Hyper Pillar Technology™ will give you all the support you need to sidestep the pain of long hours on your feet. The soles of these shoes also offer great traction, so you're no longer at risk of slipping during the workday.

The best high-support: Brooks Addiction Walker 2

Brooks Addiction Walker 2VIEW ON Amazon | $130VIEW ON Brooks | $130

Pros

• Supportive
• Slip resistant

Cons

• Chunky

If you want the maximum cushion and support from a sneaker for standing all day or heading out on a lunch break walk, Brooks Addiction Walkers are going to be your best bet. With varying width options for wider or narrower feet, these shoes offer a broad size range and maximum support to avoid wobbling or discomfort throughout the day. This shoe may be particularly beneficial for people who struggle with pronation or supination to help keep things in place while mitigating risk of injury.

The best neutral shoe: Saucony Cohesion 14

Saucony Cohesion 14VIEW ON Amazon | $50VIEW ON Saucony | $50VIEW ON Zappos | $59

Pros

• Affordable
• Neutral cushioning
• Heel support

Cons

• No option for narrow feet

For people who don't need any special features from their shoe other than optimal support, this practical and affordable option is a solid choice without any bells and whistles. Offering both regular and wide options for the width of the shoe, the Cohesion 14s will make every step feel smooth as you go about your day—supporting not just your feet but your whole body.

The best breathable sneakers: Vionic Miles Active Sneakers

Vionic Miles Active SneakersVIEW ON Amazon | $98VIEW ON Vionic | $110

Pros

• Breathable
• Stable

Cons

• Must be broken in

This sneaker features a podiatrist-designed orthotic alongside cushioned outsoles for a breathable and airy walking or standing experience, even if you're just at work all day. Especially in the summertime, your feet can begin to feel trapped and hot within chunky shoes, but these lightweight and flexible sneakers are the perfect choice for the warmest days when your feet really just need to breathe. They're the next best thing to sandals!

The best arch support: Kuru ATOM

Kuru ATOMVIEW ON Kuru | $160

Pros

• Pressure distribution heel-to-toe drop
• Heel-hugging design

Cons

• Slim toe box

Arch support is key when it comes to a stable sneaker for hours of wear, and the ATOM has not only a heel-hugging design to keep you feeling snug but also a thick-cushioned midsole. If you have a high arch or need a little extra padding under your feet to get you through the day, this sleek design offers you everything you could need while still being lightweight (with a nonmarking rubber outsole).

The best traction: Adidas Ultraboost DNA

Adidas Ultraboost DNAVIEW ON Amazon | $180VIEW ON Adidas | $190

Pros

• Wide size range
• Breathable fabric

Cons

• Pricey
• Minimal color range

A shoe that feels secure is essential when you're on your feet for an extended period of time, and with the adidas PRIMEKNIT textile upper, this sneaker feels like a second skin on your foot. This flexible shoe is excellent if you want something lightweight and stylish that will reduce your risk of slipping with Continental™ Rubber. Plus, they're made with recycled materials so you can give back to the planet.

The best for pronation: Asics GT-1000 11

Asics GT-1000 11VIEW ON Amazon | $90VIEW ON Asics | $100

Pros

• Supportive for pronating feet
• Breathable
• Wide size range

Cons

• No variation in width

Whether you're a size 5 or a size 12, you can rest assured these sneakers will be the perfect fit for daily wear in a range of colorways. Offering extra cushioning and neutral support and stability, these shoes are ideal for people who walk with even distribution of weight or pronation. FLYTEFOAM® cushioning will make every step feel airy, and taking pronation into consideration can help to reduce your risk of discomfort and injury down the line (which is where the LITETRUSS™ technology comes in).

The best for narrow feet: Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2

Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2VIEW ON Amazon | $145VIEW ON Nike | $140

Pros

• Lace-free
• Maximum airflow

Cons

• Run small

If you have narrow feet and often find yourself struggling to find a sneaker that feels secure, these lace-free Nikes are ready to change the game. Not only are they made with additional foam to keep things feeling bouncy, but they'll also be fitted to the feet with an elastic design and a Flyknit upper to lock you in place. Light, breathable, and secure are the factors to look for in a shoe that will carry you through your longest days.

The takeaway.

If you're going to be on your feet for an extended period of time, it's important to choose your sneakers accordingly for adequate support and comfort. Taking your ankles, arches, and really all of your foot into consideration when purchasing new sneakers will ensure you're feeling fresh at the end of the day, regardless of what activities you've been doing. One thing you should never cut corners on is your footwear.

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Merrell Readmanmbg Associate Food & Health Editor

Merrell Readman is the Associate Food & Health Editor at mindbodygreen. Readman is a Fordham University graduate with a degree in journalism and a minor in film and television. She has covered beauty, health, and well-being throughout her editorial career, and formerly worked at SheFinds. Her byline has also appeared in Women’s Health. In her current role, she writes and edits for the health, movement, and food sections of mindbodygreen. Readman currently lives in New York City.

Original Article