When you’re on your feet for hours and hours, your muscles can get exhausted, with the pressure points on the bottoms of your soles screaming for relief. If sitting down isn’t an option, there’s an easy solution: wearing some of the best shoes for standing all day. “The right shoes can significantly alleviate discomfort by providing support, cushioning, and stability,” says podiatrist Suzanne Fuchs.
But what exactly should you look for? Both Dr Fuchs and podiatrist Bruce Pinker recommend slipping on a pair with good cushioning (to absorb impact and disperse pressure), proper arch support (to reduce strain on your muscles and ligaments), a firm heel counter in the back (to keep your foot stable), and breathable materials (to keep things from getting too sweaty inside). They both add that if you have low arches, you might benefit from stability shoes with firmer insoles and extra support under the arch to keep the feet from rolling inward while standing around.
