15 Shoes That'll Make Standing All Day Suck a Little Less

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Are you standing on your feet all day long? Do you feel like you never have a moment to just sit down and take it easy? Are you planning to take the fam to Disney World in the near future? You’re going to want to get your hands on some shoes specially engineered for standing for hours on end. From sneakers and dress shoes to rugged boots (and even sandals!), the best shoe brands offer a bevy of styles that’ll mitigate any stress to your stompers as you go about your day.

The most important factor to consider is the silhouette. You don’t want anything narrow or constricting; these traits right off the bat will cause tension. Look for designs that’ll allow your feet to move freely and nimbly. Heels are also something to be avoided. Next up is the insoles, which should have great arch support and be made of materials that have added cushioning. There are also a few options that are made to be shock-resistant and odor-proof. That’s not always the case, but it’s definitely a plus. Finally, pick a style that best fits your personality and environment. You’re going to be in ’em all day, standing for whatever reason, so you’re going to want to feel good about yourself.

Whether you’re on a line at the company cafeteria, waiting to get on a rollercoaster, or squished at a summer musical festival, you can give your feet some ease by copping one of the best shoes for standing all day.

Cohesion 13 Walking Shoes

Saucony's Cohesion 13 shoes are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do. It's right there in the name. They are also great for standing long hours, thanks to the VersaFoam cushioning and a silhouette that's designed to be incredibly comfortable.

What reviewers are saying: "I loved my first pair enough to order a second pair. I work out four to five times a week mostly walking and these shoes fit me well, are very comfortable and I would highly recommend trying a pair."

React Phantom Run Flyknit 2 Running Shoes

Are you prone to injuries? Nike's React line is specifically designed to reduce all that. The style features ultra-lightweight uppers and added foam for extra comfort, which is great when you're running, and equally great when you're standing all day. What's more, The Swoosh's signature Flyknit fabric is durable and will provide you with ventilation while you're posted up in the heat.

What reviewers are saying: "It's comfort with every step! Like wearing socks with super supportive soles. I am a big fan of this sneaker and own several pairs."

Lace-Up Shoes

Thousand Fell's mission is to create sneakers that don't add to the staggering number of shoes that end up in landfills. But this is only part of what makes the brand's signature style great. It is also scratch-resistant and odor-resistant, and the interior feels like clouds—seriously. It's so supportive, it's almost hard to believe. If you consider all these characteristics, it's no wonder why we had to endorse it.

Made in US 993 Shoes

The Dad Shoe to end all Dad Shoes is an obvious choice for any list about standing all day, if only because dads, in large part, prioritize comfort above all else. Best believe that this shoe delivers on that front.

Arizona EVA Sandals

It's not new news, you are probably well aware that we at Esquire (and every one else in the world) are big fans of Birkenstock—specifically the brand's Arizona EVA sandals. Not only is it incredibly good to look at, but it is also super lightweight and comfortable, and the moulded footbed is designed for all-day comfort.

What reviewers are saying: "Amazing product at an incredibly affordable price. No break-in needed, wore these entirely on a recent week-long vacation that saw torrential rain storms and held up nicely and dried quickly in time for the next outing. Comfortable, stylish and with great utility."

Direct Attach Six-Inch Soft-Toe Boots

Don't let the heavy-duty appearance of these Timbs mislead you, because they are actually super comfortable. This is because of the brand's Comfort Suspension technology, which helps support your arches and cushions your feet with every step.

ST1 Hybrid Plain Toe Derby Shoes

Ecco doesn't play around when it comes comfort. Case in point: This derby, which features a Phorene midsole with responsive Fluidform, the brand's technology that makes all its styles light, soft, and shock-absorbing.

Pebbled Leather Oxford Shoes

Comfort is at the core of Mephisto. The French label consistently offers dress shoes that are built for standing and walking long hours. This is because of its specially-designed silhouettes, which are great for men with wide feet, and durable Goodyear-welt construction.

Original Grand Shortwing Shoes

Cole Haan produces some of the comfiest dress shoes around, the kinds of styles that'll look good in a professional setting, but provide you support needed to get you through your shift pain-free. This is because of its proprietary Grand.OS technology, which offers anatomically engineered cushioning, along with a grooved rubber sole for greater traction.

What reviewers are saying: "Excellent work shoes. I purchased these after a trip to NYC and noticed many business men wearing them with casual jeans. I see why, they look stylish and feel like tennis shoes."

Gel-Kayano 30 Sneakers

Professional runners are quick to extol the greatness of Asics's Gel-Kayano shoes. The style is designed to absorb shock, support body weight, and increase stability. All these factors make them ideal for those who are on their feet all day.

What reviewers are saying: "I bought these shoes a month ago and have run 40 miles in them so far. I really needed shoes with stability and padding. The ASIC Gel-Kayano 30 shoes are perfect for what I needed."

Trent Sneakers

Comfort is the cornerstone of Vionic's collections. The brand gathers the input of podiatrists to create styles that provide arch support and cushioning like no other. And these sneakers are a shining example.

What reviewers are saying: "Fit is great. They look great. I am thankful for these shoes. The look along with the support and comfort are great."

Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoes

Like Asics, Brooks is also a favorite of runners. The reason? The brand makes ultra-cushioned styles perfect for long runs, leisurely strolls, and, of course, standing.

What reviewers are saying: "Brooks never disappoint. The adrenaline series is my go to running shoe for comfort and stability."

Koko'O Sandals

Do you plan on dipping into a pool or the ocean sometime soon? You're going to want to cop these OluKai sandals, which will mold to your feet and have soles that can withstand tough terrain. They are also waterproof, shaking dry within seconds. You know that Disney vacation mentioned earlier? You'll be standing on line. A lot. And you'll be getting wet. These sandals can handle the whole day.

What reviewers are saying: "Purchased for my husband. He has worn OluKai’s for years. This is the only brand of “flip-flops” he will wear. They are very comfortable and looks great on his feet. This style has a little more arch than some of the other ones."

Bondi 8 Shoes

Hoka's Bondi 8 may have a big and bold silhouette with a very thick sole, but trust that the shoe is incredibly light and comfortable. It'll feel like you're walking on pillows every time you take a step. And when you've stopped stepping? Well, you're still on those pillows.

What reviewers are saying: "Working as an EMT, I'm on my feet 12 hours, so these shoes don't have my dogs barkin' at the end of 12 hours.

Cloudmonster Shoes

There's a reason why On's sneakers have achieved a cult-like following, and it's all in the name. Cloudmonster. Literally, you are a straight up beast walking on clouds. With extremely soft landings and minimum rebound, you're getting a silky smooth stride.

What To Look For

Width

A too-narrow shoe won't be comfortable to walk around in all day, much less stand around in all day. If you have a wide foot, look for an option that can accommodate with varying widths; alternatively, if your foot runs narrow, make sure the style you're picking has laces that you can tighten, or a narrow footbed.

Heel Drop

Arch support is the key to being comfortable, and it begins with the heel drop. The higher the heel drop, the more arch support your shoe will have, and when you're standing, it's important to have arch support so as to not fatigue your feet. Typically 10mm and up is considered great for a heel drop.

Insoles

A cushiony insole with extra technology, like contouring or molding, will make all the difference in adding extra comfort to your shoes.

Extra Features

Take into account where you're going to be wearing these shoes, because not all pairs are made alike. A water-resistant style will be handy for colder months and harsher climates, whereas a laceless style might be preferred for ease and simplicity.

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