The best shoes for flat feet standing all day

Motivation

The 13 Best Sneakers For Standing All Day, According To Podiatrist Guidelines

The best shoes for flat feet standing all day

Author:

Updated on October 10, 2022

The best shoes for flat feet standing all day

mbg Associate Food & Health Editor

By Merrell Readman

mbg 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.

Last updated on October 10, 2022

Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission.

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:

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.

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

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

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

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

Our picks for the best sneakers for standing:

Pros:

  • Foam underfoot cushioning
  • Snug fit

Sizes: 5-13, including half sizes

Colorways: 15

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.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight

Sizes: 5-11

Colorways: 5

Anyone seeking a budget-friendly yet dependable option should look no further than this more affordable Under Armour pick. The lightweight sneakers offer neutral cushioning to support balance and flexibility with firm material in the heel to 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.

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • Neutral stability

Sizes:: 5-12, including half sizes

Colorways:: 14

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.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Good grip

Sizes:: 5-11, including half sizes

Colorways:: 7

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.

Pros:

  • Breathable
  • Carbon neutral

Sizes:: 5-11

Colorways:: 15

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.

Pros:

  • Supportive
  • Slip-resistant

Sizes:: 5-12, including half sizes

Colorways:: 2

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.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Neutral cushioning
  • Heel support

Cons:

  • No option for narrow feet

Colorways:: 5

For people who don't need any special features from their shoe beyond optimal support, this practical and affordable option is a solid choice. Instead of paying for unnecessary bells and whistles, you'll get a breathable upper, pressure-reducing cushioning, and an even plusher sole than previous models. Available in half sizes, the Cohesion 15 PL make every step feel smooth as you go about your day—supporting not just your feet but your whole body.

Sizes:: 5-12, including half sizes

Colorways:: 5

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. While most sneakers can make your feet feel hot and sweaty, especially in the summertime, these lightweight and flexible sneakers allow for plenty of airflow. We'd even deem them the next best thing to sandals!

Pros:

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

Sizes:: 5-12, including half sizes

Colorways:: 9

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).

Pros:

  • Wide size range
  • Breathable fabric

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • Minimal color range

Sizes:: 5-15, including half sizes

Colorways:: 40

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. The 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.

Pros:

  • Supportive for pronating feet
  • Breathable
  • Wide size range

Cons:

  • No variation in width

Sizes:: 5-12, including half sizes

Colorways:: 12

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).

Pros:

  • Lace-free
  • Maximum airflow

Sizes:: 5-12, including half sizes

Colorways:: 7

Finding a sneaker that feels secure can be a struggle with narrow feet, but these lace-free Nikes are ready to change the game. An intricate spiderweb-like elastic design works together with the Flyknit upper to firmly lock your foot in place. They also boast foam cushioning to keep things feeling bouncy, for a final design that's lightweight, comfortable, and breathable.

Pros:

  • Removable insole
  • Lace-free
  • Available in medium & wide widths

Sizes:: 5-13, including half sizes

Colorways:: 2

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 supportive insole 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. Plus, those who prefer custom orthotics can remove the insole altogether for an extra level of personalization.

Pros:

  • Removable insoles
  • Sustainable manufacturing & materials

Cons:

  • Leather not washable

Sizes:: 5-13, including half sizes

Colorways:: 7

Our editors swear by these sneakers for a full day on your feet—whether that means working in the office or a full day of strolling around the neighborhood. They cork insole gives just the right amount of cushioning feet without feeling too plush underfoot. The durable outsole is chunky and sturdy with just the right amount of grip to keep feet securely planted, even on slippery floors. There isn't much we don't love about these kicks, including their sustainable manufacturing and sleek design. The only complain? The white vegan leather is hard to keep clean through multiple wears (and not washable).

Don't miss our full review here.

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.

What shoes are good for flat feet and standing all day?

Our Top Picks.
Best Overall: Asics GT-2000 Sneaker..
Best Slip-Ons: Merrell Work Jungle Moc AC + Pro Sneaker..
Best for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 Running Shoe..
Best for Flat Feet: Hoka One One Bondi 8 Running Shoe..
Best for High Arches: Brooks Ghost Running Shoe..

What shoes are good for long standing?

Arch support - There's little worse than achy arches. Choosing a shoe with good arch support will help to distribute weight across the foot, reducing the pressure on your arches. Cushioned sole - Like arch support, a cushioned sole will help to reduce impact on your feet, making standing all day much more bearable.

What shoes are best for standing on concrete all day?

Best Shoes for Concrete Floors.
Shop Women's New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12..
Shop Men's New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12..
Shop Women's Saucony Triumph 19..
Shop Men's Saucony Triumph 19..
Shop Men's Asics GEL Kayano 29..
Shop Women's Asics Gel Kayano 29..
Shop Men's Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16..
Shop Women's Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16..

Are flat shoes better for standing?

Say No to Flats Flats, contrary to popular belief, are not the best option for people who spend long periods of time standing for work. Good arch support is important to help reduce weakness and soreness in the legs and feet, and it also helps to prevent back pain.