Best shoes for standing all day

by Solereview editors
This article was updated on January 6th, 2025 with current models. Solereview has no ties to the industry and does not accept free products. We buy all our shoes at full retail price; the proof of purchase is here.

The Nike Monarch IV on wet sidewalks.

Our top pick: Hoka Bondi SR
Hoka Bondi SR product box


Hoka Bondi SR

The Bondi SR’s cushioned midsole, slip-resistant outsole and durable leather upper makes it our top choice for standing.

Buy from Zappos.com

This Hoka shoe shares its name with the standard Bondi, but the two are nothing alike. Well, except for the cushioned midsole, that is.

Unlike the regular model, the Bondi SR has two differentiating features. It has a full-contact outsole made of slip-resistant rubber, making it a better choice for indoor floors than regular sneakers.

Two, the upper uses leather instead of mesh. This makes the upper somewhat liquid-resistant while also making it easy to wipe clean.

Like many other Hoka shoes, the Bondi SR has a thick midsole that makes standing less punishing on the feet.

Hoka uses compression-molded EVA foam for its midsole, so while the cushioning may not feel as exciting as the newer super-foams, it makes the midsole comfortable and supportive.

 

Soft cushioning for standing
New Balance 1080V14 product box


New Balance Fresh FoamX 1080V14

The soft and bouncy 1080 makes standing for long hours easier on the feet.

Buy from Newbalance

  1. Read our detailed review of the New Balance 1080v14 here.

Over the years, the 1080 has consistently offered a high-volume midsole with soft cushioning. That doesn’t change for the 1080V14; the bouncy Fresh FoamX midsole makes it an excellent choice for standing for long hours.

New Balance has updated the 1080V14 with a bouncier ride, improved stability, and snugger upper fit.

The midsole has a wide base, so there’s a uniform spread of cushioning available under the foot.

The outsole uses strips of blown rubber under the forefoot, so it blends with the midsole instead of acting as a resistant layer. This prevents the build-up of pressure hot spots under the feet.

The upper receives a major update – the good kind. The V14 has a more conforming fit than the V13 because of the thicker (and slightly stretchy) mesh. It’s also more effective at transferring the power from the foot to the shoe, which in turn improves the cushioning feel and overall stability.

Not only is the upper very secure, it’s equally plush. The mesh has a spongy quality to it, and the padded tongue and heel add interior plushness.

Just in case the standard width doesn’t fit, the 1080V14 runs in three additional widths, ranging from a narrow to an extra-wide.

  • New Balance’s marketing pitch: Reliable comfort and high performance.
  • Upper: Engineered mesh, gusseted tongue.
  • Midsole: Full-length Fresh FoamX foam, 6 mm heel drop.
  • Outsole: Softer rubber under the forefoot, harder rubber in the rear.
  • Weight: 298 gms/ 10.5 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
  • Stack heights: 39 mm (heel), 33 mm (forefoot).
  • Available widths: B (narrow), D – regular (reviewed), 2E (wide) 4E (extra-wide).
  • Previous model: New Balance 1080V13.
  • Country of origin: Vietnam.
  • Recommended use: Daily training, tempo runs, marathons.
  • Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
  • Median lifespan: 400 miles.
  • Recommended paces: Slower than 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile).
  • Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.

Pros

  • Versatile ride, more propulsive
  • Quick transitions, effective rocker
  • Secure and plush fit
  • Long-distance comfort
  • Multiple widths

Cons

  • Lower forefoot and heel stability than v13
  • Weaker proprioception and ground feel vs. v13
  • Scarce reflectivity

 

Soft cushioning for standing
Asics Cumulus 26 product box


Asics Nimbus 26

The Nimbus 26’s soft yet supportive cushioning makes standing comfortable. The new outsole improves the grip.

Buy from Zappos.com

  1. Read our detailed review of the Asics Nimbus 26 here.

Relatively speaking, the Asics Nimbus 26 is firmer than the 25. It’s still a very soft shoe though, and most of the plushness is available just under the foot. There’s a plush footbed and a thinner layer of soft foam above the Flytefoam Blast+ midsole.

This adds a lot of comfort when standing in the Nimbus. There’s a lot of foam under the foot; the rearfoot and forefoot stack heights are 42 mm and 34 mm respectively. The midsole has a wide footprint, so that makes the Nimbus 26 fairly supportive.

Just know that the Nimbus 26 has a narrow fit, so you might want to try the wide or extra-wide version for more space. The Nimbus 26 is also available in an all-black color, as well as in a Lite-Show (reflective), and a TR (Trail) version.

The outsole rubber has been updated with the Asicsgrip compound, so the traction is an improvement over the Nimbus 25.

  • Asics’s marketing pitch: Add comfort to every step.
  • Upper: Engineered mesh, inner gusset.
  • Midsole: Flytefoam Blast+ foam, heel Gel unit. 8 mm heel drop.
  • Outsole: Hybrid Asicsgrip rubber.
  • Weight: 305 gms/ 10.7 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
  • Stack heights: 42 mm (heel), 34 mm (forefoot).
  • Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E (wide), 4E (extra-wide).
  • Previous model: Asics Nimbus 25.
  • Country of origin: Indonesia.
  • Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.

Pros

  • Midsole comfort for standing
  • Supportive and neutral cushioning
  • Smooth transitions
  • Optional wide, extra-wide sizes

Cons

  • Upper is warm
  • Low reflectivity
  • Printed heel loop may irritate
  • Outsole grip needs further improvement
Durable cushioning for standing
adidas Ultraboost 5X product box


adidas Ultraboost 5X

The Ultraboost 5X makes the forefoot thicker and more cushioned, and also improves the fit. That’s good news when being on the feet all day.

Buy from adidas.com

  1. Read our detailed review of the adidas Ultraboost 5X here.

The 5X is the most cushioned version of the Ultraboost by far. The forefoot is a lot thicker than the Ultraboost Light, and the shoe also manages to lose weight due to the re-formulated Boost foam.

With the redesigned high-volume Boost midsole, so there’s no dearth of comfort during standing. The adidas Ultraboost is often the shoe of choice for retail workers, servers, and even delivery personnel – and it’s easy to see why.

The wide base makes it supportive; the stability is also helped by the plastic heel clip and redesigned Torsion shank. The cushioning isn’t a ‘sink-in’ kind, yet feels deeply padded.

The grip is excellent because of the wide outsole coverage. The Ultraboost 5X’s Continental rubber outsole has increased contact area as the midsole no longer has the deep groove under the heel.

If you’re wide-footed, you might want to first try before buying. The forefoot/toe-box has a snug fit due to the stretchy Primeknit mesh upper.

This feedback isn’t specific to the UB-5X, as the Ultraboost has always had a tight fit.

However, we’ve never found the fit to be uncomfortable, and the elastic fit is likely to fit most foot profiles. Unlike the Ultraboost Light, the midfoot doesn’t have a floating plastic cage. Both sides of the midfoot are fused over with a set of reflective 3-stripes.

This shoe is also available in a workplace-friendly all-black color.

The Boost foam is made of expanded Polyurethane, so it is resistant to temperature changes (in freezing winters, for example). It’s also highly resistant to compression fatigue, thus increasing its lifespan.

  • adidas’s marketing pitch: Delivers continual energy return across the miles.
  • Upper: Stretchy Primeknit upper with a bootie construction.
  • Midsole: Full-length ‘Light Boost’ foam, Torsion midfoot shank. 10 mm heel drop.
  • Outsole: Single piece Continental rubber.
  • Weight: 275 gms/ 9.7 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
  • Stack heights: 38 mm (heel), 28 mm (forefoot).
  • Available widths: Single, D – regular (reviewed)
  • Previous model: adidas Ultraboost Light.
  • Country of origin: Vietnam.
  • Recommended use: Daily cruiser, half-marathons, marathons.
  • Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
  • Orthotic compatibility: Low.
  • Median lifespan: 500 miles.
  • Recommended paces: Slower than 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile).
  • Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.

Pros

  • Soft and bouncy comfort
  • Very secure fit
  • Outsole traction
  • Long term durability
  • Highly reflective upper

Cons

  • Lower stability than before
  • Shallow toe box
  • No optional width(s)
  • Short Torsion piece affects transitions

 

Best dress shoe for standing
Ecco ST1 Hybrid product box


Ecco ST1 Hybrid

The PU foam midsole and leather footbed make the ST1 Hybrid one comfortable dress shoe.

Buy from Zappos.com

  1. Read our detailed review of the Ecco ST1 Hybrid here.

The cushioned and supportive PU midsole isn’t the only thing that the Ecco ST1 has going for it; its true-welted midsole is perfect for most formal settings. It doesn’t look like a dress sneaker at all.

The midsole cushioning is delivered by a dual-density midsole with a softer shock-absorbing core under the heel.

The Ecco ST.1 hybrid as a standing shoe.

Above the PU midsole is a cushy, leather-lined insole with a generous amount of arch support. The wide and firm midsole makes the ST1 Hybrid very stable, even for heavier users.

Besides multiple colors, the Ecco ST1 Hybrid is sold in two variants. There’s a standard version with a rich leather upper, and another with a waterproof Gore-Tex lining, just in case your workplace involves contact with liquids.

Ideal use cases for the ST.1 Hybrid would be standing jobs like expo demonstrators, security, logistical supervision, or any other job that requires long hours of standing.

 

Best white sneaker for standing
Nike Monarch product box


Nike Monarch IV

As boring as it may look, the Nike Monarch IV is surprisingly versatile.

Buy from Nike.com

  1. Read our detailed review of the Nike Monarch IV here.

The under-stated Monarch IV is one of Nike’s best-selling shoes and it’s easy to see why. A full-length Air bag offers ample cushioning within the firm and supportive midsole. The single-piece rubber outsole grips well and adds durability.

Standing in the Nike Monarch IV.

The upper is robustly built and is offered in an all-leather or mesh-leather combination. And let’s not forget the Monarch’s phenomenal value-for-money proposition; all these features are packaged at a reasonable $80 retail price.

The Monarch IV is also sold in an all-black, workplace-safe color.

  • Nike’s marketing pitch: Total support for moving in comfort.
  • Upper: PU-coated leather and synthetic leather with mesh tongue and lining. No sleeve.
  • Upper fit: Fits shorter than regular Pegasus Trail 5.
  • Midsole: EVA foam midsole with 3/4th length Nike Air bag.
  • Outsole: Carbon rubber in a herringbone pattern.
  • Weight: 423 gms/ 15 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 10/UK 9/EUR 44/CM 27.1.
  • Stack heights: 36 mm (heel), 26.5 mm (forefoot).
  • Available widths: D – regular, 4E – extra-wide.
  • Country of origin: Vietnam.
  • Recommended use: Daily casual wear, streetwear.
  • Median lifespan: 600 miles.
  • Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -10° C/14° F.

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Ultra-stable ride
  • Firm, albeit comfortable ride
  • Build quality, durability
  • Optional 4E width
  • Available till a size US 15

Cons

  • Heavy
  • A break-in period is required
  • Not breathable, runs warm

 

Comfortable sneaker for standing
Brooks Ghost Max SE product box


Brooks Ghost Max SE

This shoe marries a suede upper with the Ghost Max 2’s midsole, so that makes it a soft, bouncy, yet supportive shoe.

Buy from Zappos.com

The SE version of the Ghost Max 2 (our review, here) glues a comfortable suede upper over the same midsole. So while the shoe looks different than the G-Max 2, it has an identical ride.

The new DNA Loft V3 midsole gives the Ghost Max 2 a softer and bouncier ride than the Ghost Max 1. It retains some of the features that made the original Ghost Max unique – things like the 6 mm heel drop and the ultra-wide midsole.

Except that the G-Max 2 feels much livelier than before. The reformulated foam compound adds a generous amount of cushioning comfort and bounciness, but in a way that supports the foot. The softness of the removable footbed is immediately noticed upon stepping inside the shoe.

The wide base and raised sidewalls keep the foot supported over long hours; the rubber outsole grips well on most artificial surfaces.

There’s more to the shoe than its comfortable midsole. The upper has more forefoot room than comparable trainers in this category (like the Bondi 8, for example), and uses plush materials to make the interiors comfortable. The heel and tongue are quilted with soft padding, and mesh lining creates a smooth fit.

The suede panels on the SE upper add durability and fit security.

  • Brooks’s marketing pitch: Maximum comfort and cushioning for your feet.
  • Upper: Synthetic suede and mesh; no sleeve.
  • Midsole: Full-length DNA Loft V3 supercritical foam. 6 mm heel drop.
  • Outsole: Soft blown rubber under forefoot, firmer rubber under the heel.
  • Weight: 315 gms/ 11.1 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
  • Stack heights: 39 mm (heel), 33 mm (forefoot).
  • Available widths: Single -D – regular.
  • Country of origin: Vietnam.
  • Recommended use: Walking, slow runs
  • Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
  • Median lifespan: 450 miles.
  • Recommended paces: Slower than 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile).
  • Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.

Pros

  • Long-distance comfort
  • Plush upper
  • Roomy forefoot and toe box
  • Wide midsole/ousole footpring
  • Outsole grip

Cons

  • Lack of optional widths
  • Mild tongue slide

 

Comfortable standing shoes for kitchens and restaurants

 

Best leather shoe for standing
Dr. Martens 8053 Oxford product box


Dr. Martens 8053 Oxford

This Doc features an oil-resistant outsole and a comfortable air-cushioned midsole.

Buy from Zappos.com

With Dr. Martens, it doesn’t matter if it’s a 1460 or 8053. For that matter, a boot or an Oxford.

As long as the model has the signature ‘Air Cushion’ sole, you’re covered. By that, we refer to the translucent outsole’s resistance to oil, acid, and fat – as well as its adequate levels of slip resistance.

The insole and the sole with its hollow chamber make most Docs sufficiently comfortable for all-day standing and walking.

Buying an eight-eyelet lace-up 1460 boot will provide better protection as well as ankle support, but a lot of service industry workers also prefer the low-cut Oxford design. Certain variants have oil pull-up leather upper that does a good job of repelling water.

The Doc Martens and Blundstones are usually two of the most popular brands bought by food industry professionals for their use-case versatility.

Also recommended: The Keen PTC Oxford – a certified non-slip shoe with a black leather upper and EVA foam midsole.

 

Best leather boot for standing
Blundstone BL 500 product box


Blundstones BL 500 Chelsea

This comfortable and durable leather Blundstone Chelsea goes easy on the feet.

Buy from Zappos.com

A Chelsea boot silhouette has several advantages when used in the service industry. The no-lace exterior makes it harder for spilled liquids to get inside the shoe.

And it helps if it’s a pair of Blundstone BL500; the oiled leather does a good job of repelling fluids. There’s no lacing, so the elastic panels make the boot easy to wear and take off.

Like the Doc Martens Air-Cushion sole, the Blundstone sole is resistant to oil, acid, and organic fat. While the BL500 is not certified as occupational footwear, it can be used as a part of a workplace uniform or casual streetwear.

The PU midsole and removable comfort footbed make the BL500 comfortable enough for everyday wear.

 

Best for standing in kitchens
Birkenstock Super Birki product box


Birkenstock Super Birki Clog

Do you have a back-of-the-house job? It’s time for a clog, then.

Buy from Zappos.com

A commercial-grade Polyurethane foam Clog is very convenient in the service industry for several reasons.

The one-piece construction makes it very easy to clean and disinfect, whereas the specially formulated sole is slip-resistant and great at repelling grease and oil. One can toss the S-Birki into a dishwasher after removing the insole; that’s not possible with a pair of Blundstones or Dr Martens.

At the same time, the all-foam construction provides all-day comfort with a supportive ride.

The Super-Birki has a removable cork-latex footbed for an extra layer of comfort. The S-Birki has a super-wide midsole and upper for stability and sufficient air circulation in a hot environment.

Also, a lot of food industry professionals want the option of removing their footwear quickly in case of an unfortunate oil spill. That’s why most chefs wear open footwear like a clog.

The S-Birki is a certified occupational footwear product.

 

How we selected

The Ultraboost 22 GTX inside a post office.

A postal worker wearing a pair of Ultraboosts. Many industrial settings have an anti-fatigue mat, but it’s not enough for long-term comfort. This is where a cushioned shoe helps.

Jobs that involve standing and walking put an enormous amount of stress on your feet. Just take a moment to think of it; the entire body weight rests on the feet over a period that could last anywhere between 6 – 14 hours.

People working in the retail and service industry know this, and so do those employed in hospitals, restaurants, and post offices.

(Related read: Our 4,000 word guide on the best shoes for letter carriers and postal workers)

ER personnel/doctors/nurses regularly work 12-hour shifts. If this is done in regular shoes, the experience can quickly turn unpleasant. The sole feels tired and strained; you can’t wait to get home and take your shoes off.

Even shorter shifts of 6 – 8 hours are tiresome. Solereview frequently receives footwear questions from readers employed in the healthcare and retail industry.

When choosing a pair of shoes for being on your feet all day, several design attributes need to be considered. If the following section appears similar to our walking shoe guide, that’s because both walking and standing have shared design needs.

1) The outsole design should preferably be wide and flat: An outsole with full ground contact is important to spread the pressure evenly. Over a prolonged period of standing, protruding outsole lugs may become a source of discomfort.

2) The midsole should be cushioned: You need a comfortable shoe if you’re going to be standing all day. Also, both the forefoot and heel should have ample cushioning because the bodyweight is constantly transferred across the heel and ball of the foot.

That being said, several EVA foam-based midsoles pass muster. The Asics Nimbus 26 delivers a superbly plush and padded ride through its thick Flytefoam (EVA blend) stack, and so does the New Balance 1080 V13.

So it isn’t just the midsole material, but the overall design that counts. The adidas Ultraboost Light is another example. Even though it has a high-volume midsole, it is firmer because of the outsole redesign and additional stability features.

3) A spacious upper to splay the toes: A narrow-fitting shoe can be torturous during long hours of standing, so a shoe with an accommodating interior helps.

The outsole of the Dr Martens 8053

4) A good grip for smooth artificial floors: Most jobs that involve standing are located indoors with artificial floors. So the outsole needs to have good traction. Shoes like the Hoka Bondi SR (featured here) have certified slip-resistant soles. Dr. Martens and Blundstone soles perform well on greasy floors as well.

5) A higher heel-to-toe offset: The ‘offset’ or ‘heel drop’ indicates the difference between the heel and forefoot thickness. For a standing-friendly shoe, it’s preferable to have a higher heel drop (say 8-12 mm) to alleviate pressure on the Achilles tendon and calves.

Do sports shoes check all the boxes for standing all day? It depends.

In our opinion, most walking and running shoes are OK for standing – only if it is for 6-8 hours. People working in sporting goods stores fall under this category, where the shifts are relatively shorter. In some cases, sporting goods store employees get to choose a product to be a part of their uniform, so it makes sense to get a running shoe.

If the shifts exceed 6-8 hours, then adopting a different footwear strategy will be wise. We say this for a couple of reasons.

Most running shoe outsoles have rubber lugs and grooved separations that apply pressure from underneath. This isn’t an issue for a few hours but tends to manifest itself over a longer period.

The narrow waist of some running shoes is unsuitable for standing. The midsole is slim around the middle, and that translates into a conforming upper fit. Running shoes are built this way for a reason; the foot needs to be locked down during the runs. But the same snugness that benefits running will become uncomfortable during 12+ hours shifts.

The heel view of the Hoka Bondi 8.

The Hoka Bondi 8 has a cushioned yet supportive midsole.

Also, depending on the place of employment, other footwear requirements may need to be considered. For example:

1) Plain colors: If the workplace atmosphere is formal, then conspicuously colorful running shoes may be unacceptable.

The Ecco ST.1 hybrid as a standing shoe.

The Nike Monarch IV on a sidewalk.

Many athletic footwear are more colorful than confetti, thus making them unsuitable for formal settings. Hence, plain colors like all-white or all-black are desirable. The second part of this guide contains shoes that address such styling needs. Here, you’ll find shoes like the Ecco ST.1 Hybrid and other non-athletic footwear.

2) Maintenance-friendly design: Some jobs that require standing all day happen to be in the food-service industry, and the shoe is likely to come in contact with spilled liquids and such. So a mesh upper won’t cut it, but rather fully covered leather uppers that are easier to wipe clean.

3) Non-marking outsoles: Certain workplaces require footwear to be non-marking. This is the property of outsoles that leave no black skid/scuff marks on the floor.

If the shoes that are a part of your uniform possess non-marking outsoles, then you must find an appropriate replacement. Most running shoes do not have non-marking outsoles.

3) Oil-resistant outsoles: Most outsoles do not play well with greasy kitchen floors – a thin film of cooking oil and debris creates a hazardous surface. Here, one could either get an industrial clog like the Super Birki, or buy a pair of Dr. Martens with their Air-cushion outsoles. Even Blundstones and certain Mephisto models also pass muster.

We’ve updated this guide with a separate section on recommended shoes for chefs and restaurant workers. The footwear requirements for greasy floors and potentially hazardous spills are very different from your regular workplace.

Considering the number of variables involved, we’ve compiled three recommendation lists. The first group comprises athletic footwear (aka tennis shoes) that are comfortable enough for standing. The second section has everyday office shoes with workplace-safe colors and features.

Lastly, shoes for working in the hospitality industry (including kitchens) are grouped separately. Some service industry professionals prefer a clog for ease of use; they are easy to clean and also quick to remove after a hot spill. Here, clogs from Crocs, Dansko, and Birkenstocks perform well.

On the other hand, many chefs and restaurant workers prefer a proper boot or oxford. Closed shoes offer a higher level of support as well as the choice of using custom orthotics. Common choices are boots from Blundstone or Doc Martens.

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