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Our top picks
What makes a shoe well-suited for long periods of standing?
Courtesy of the brands / Laneen Wells
Overall, the shoe should feel structured and sturdy (not floppy or squishy).
Materials
Inside, look for an insole made from ethylene vinyl acetate (a.k.a.
Beyond the footbed, she recommends looking for rubber soles thatll have better traction and stability.
Original image by SELF director of editorial operations Westry Green
Already deal with these issues?
Standing all day in thin, flimsy shoes can make them worse.
They have outstanding arch support that keeps my arthritic knees cushioned and feeling amazing all day, one said.
Another reviewer wrote that they felt like they were walking on air in these shoes.
One Sneaker Award tester wore theirs to a four-hour concert with no complaints.
Our director of editorial operations says his Bondis feel like cushiony-yet-firm mattresses under his feet.
I can walk and stand for hours on end without getting sore, he adds.
As SELF has previously reported, this design can help reduce strain on your lower body.
Plus, SELFs director of fitness and food calls it her legit savior.
This helps your foot feel aligned and supported as you go about your day.
Plus, for anyone who shies away from trendy maximalist shoes, youre in luck.
I work in a laboratory and I walk and stand all day long.
These are perfect, writes one reviewer, adding that their pair was pretty easy to break in.
I could live in them, one wrote.
The best shoe for all day wear, walking or standing!
She notes that the heel counter feels stiff, secure, and supportive.
If thats not quite your vibe, this shoe comes in almost three dozen other punchy colorways.
I love my Dansko clogs!
Original image by SELF director of editorial operations Westry Green
Another, a chef with decades of experience, shouts out the added cushioning in the heel.
There are plenty more pairs to choose from, including the expert- and editor-approved options below.
(Its also removable if you use orthotics or over-the-counterinserts.)
Original image by SELF director of editorial operations Westry Green
Theyre truly the most comfortable shoes Ive ever worn, one Nordstrom reviewer wrote.
Original image by SELF director of fitness and food Christa Sgobba
Original image by SELF director of fitness and food Christa Sgobba
Original image by SELF contributor Westry Green
Original image by SELF contributor Westry Green
Original image by SELF senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by SELF senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by SELF senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by SELF senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by Stephanie Pasternak
Original image by Stephanie Pasternak
Original image by SELF Sneaker Award tester
Original image by SELF Sneaker Award tester
Original image by SELF Sneaker Award tester
