In this product guide:
- 1. Our top pick for standing all day: Hoka Bondi SR
- 2. Supportive cushioning for standing all day: Hoka Bondi 9
- 3. Bouncy cushioning for standing all day: Nike Vomero 18
- 4. Durable cushioning for standing all day: adidas Ultraboost 5X
- 5. Black dress (office) shoe for standing all day: Ecco ST1 Hybrid
- 6. White leather sneaker for standing all day: Nike Monarch IV
- 7. Comfortable sneaker for standing all day: Brooks Ghost Max SE
- 8. Black leather shoe for standing in restaurants: Dr Martens 8053 Oxford
- 9. Leather Chelsea boot for standing in restaurants: Blundstone BL500
- 10. Comfortable clog for standing in kitchens: Birkenstock Super Birki
- Our selection criteria
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.
Over the years, the Bondi has consistently offered a high-volume midsole with soft cushioning. Things haven’t changed on the Bondi 9; its ultra-cushioned midsole makes it an excellent choice for standing for long hours.
Hoka has updated the Bondi 9 with a softer and bouncier ride, as well as improved upper comfort. The Bondi 9 is noticeably softer than the Bondi 8 and 7.
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 Hoka Bondi 9 has a cushioned yet supportive midsole.
The upper receives a minor update – the good kind. The softer mesh on the Bondi 9 makes the interior more comfortable than the V8. It’s also effective at transferring the power from the foot to the shoe, improving the cushioning feel and overall stability.
Not only is the upper very secure, but it’s equally plush. The mesh has a spongy feel, and the padded tongue and heel add interior plushness.
If the Bondi’s narrow fit isn’t for you, optional widths (wide and an extra-wide) are available.
- Hoka’s marketing pitch: The ultra-cushioned game-changer.
- Upper: Perforated engineered mesh, reflective details. No tongue gusset.
- Upper fit: True to size, narrow.
- Midsole: EVA foam and footbed. 5 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber, exposed EVA foam.
- 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: 44 mm (heel), 39 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide, 4E – extra wide.
- Previous model: Hoka Bondi 8.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Everyday training, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 450 miles.
- Recommended paces: 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Cushioned and stable ride
- Reflective details
- Smooth transitions
- Secure upper fit
- Optional widths
Cons
- Antiquated cushioning tech
- Heavy
- Overpriced for what it offers
- Mild tongue slide
We’ll admit that a vastly improved Vomero was not on our 2025 bingo card. You can’t blame us for thinking so, considering the lackluster Pegasus 41 and half-hearted approach towards the last few Vomero versions.
All is good with the Vomero now. The 2025 edition introduces many performance-enhancing features that not only make the Vomero 18 an excellent running shoe, but also a comfortable trainer to spend long hours in.
Key to the Vomero’s cushioning is a thick midsole made of ZoomX and ReactX foams. A softer layer of ZoomX (the same foam used on the Vaporfly) adds plushness closer to the foot. The step-in comfort comes from the plush footbed and foam lasting.
Most of the midsole uses the rubbery ReactX foam. It’s firmer than the ZoomX top layer and adds cushioning comfort without making the shoe unstable.
Together, the two foams produce a stack height of 44 mm and 34 mm. The abundant cushioning under the foot makes this shoe a great pick for standing.
We were surprised by how bouncy the ride was. React and ZoomX alone cannot make a shoe springy, so there’s more to the midsole than meets the eye. Turn the midsole over, and you’ll find a deep channel that behaves like a trampoline.
Thus, the sense of bounciness is balanced with decent levels of support. The wide midsole also creates a planted foundation when standing.
The forefoot is neither narrow nor loose, and has a just-right fit that’s true to size. The generously padded tongue and heel add plushness and filter the top-down lacing pressure. The all-black Vomero 18 is ideal for use in workplaces without a safety footwear requirement.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: A comfortable ride for everyday runs.
- Upper: Engineered mesh with a full sleeve.
- Upper fit: True to size, just-right fit.
- Midsole: React X foam with ZoomX top layer. 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Regrind rubber under the forefoot, Carbon rubber.
- Weight: 298 gms/ 10.5 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 44 mm (heel), 34 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single – D (regular).
- Recommended use: Everyday runs, tempo runs, marathon training, walking.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 450 miles.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Versatile for different use cases
- Rocker assists with smooth roll offs
- Neutral and stable ride
- Goldilocks zone cushioning
- Just-right and plush fit
Cons
- No widths at this time
- Average grip on wet roads
- Runs warm due to full sleeve
- Low reflectivity
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
As a running shoe, the Ghost Max 2 has limited versatility. But it's an excellent choice for low-impact activities.
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
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.
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.
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
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 27 delivers a superbly plush and padded ride through its thick Flytefoam (EVA blend) stack, and so does the Hoka Bondi 9.
So it isn’t just the midsole material, but the overall design that matters. The adidas Ultraboost 5X 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.
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 Hoka Bondi 9 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.
Overly colorful athletic footwear are 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.