Best Shoes for Standing

Many occupations require standing for long periods. For these jobs in particular, the right shoe choice can make a huge difference.

Standing for long periods of time is not normal human behaviour, but it is happening more frequently due to the work demands in occupations like retail, hospitality, teaching, hairdressing, and healthcare. Although it doesn’t seem physically demanding, standing for prolonged periods is surprisingly hard on the body.  

Standing all day can impact comfort and cause aching joints, poor posture, and chronic pain. In addition to musculoskeletal pain, standing can adversely affect the cardiovascular system by causing oxidative stress and venous pooling in the lower limbs. 

Choosing the best shoes for standing all day is a positive step in staying healthy.

Getting Fitted

The first and most important step in choosing a shoe style for a standing occupation is to get a professional fitting, from the likes of Shoe Clinic. Even if you think you know your shoe size, it is still important to get fitted. Foot size can change over time through experiences like ageing, weight gain/loss, or pregnancy. 

Many people also have one foot that is slightly larger than the other, so it is important to consider the comfort of both feet when choosing shoes.

To maximise comfort and health, the anatomy of the foot should be considered when choosing a shoe model. A shoe-fitting professional can help you understand the anatomy of your foot in greater detail. 

Perhaps you have one overly pronated foot, high arches in both feet, or a bunion that aches on one foot. Your foot width can also affect your comfort within the shoes, as shoes are designed to accommodate different anatomical features. A professional can help you choose the model that meets the needs for your arches, foot width, and any other unique features.

When going for a shoe-fitting, you should have the feet measured at the end of the day. Our feet swell throughout the day, and at the end of the day, your feet will be at their largest. For comfort’s sake, it’s better to have shoes that are slightly loose than to stand all day in shoes that are too tight.

Choosing a Style 

Depending on the job or situation, you might be able to choose comfortable-looking shoes, such as sports shoes, rather than shoes that are more formal in appearance. 

If you can choose a sports shoe style, the shoes should be chosen the same as you would for walking or running. Walking and running shoes have many features that should all be taken into account when selecting the perfect pair: 

• Heel collar - helps to ensure proper fit and supports ankles
• Flexibility - shoes should generally move easily with you and not be too stiff (unless a stiff shoe is what is required)
• Insole and midsole - the inner cushioning of the shoes helps with proprioceptive feedback and shock absorption
• Outsole - the outer traction of the shoe can affect functionality of the shoes
• Toe box - the toe box should be wide enough for you to wiggle your toes 

It is also important to choose a shoe that is lightweight if you will be standing all day. The weight of shoes can accumulate as a stressor to the body over prolonged periods.

If you have a job that requires a more formal shoe, or a non-descript shoe, there are plenty of brands that offer shoes to meet your aesthetic needs. 

Brooks, Ascent, and Rockport all make shoe models with sleek designs that would be appropriate in a more formal setting, or for a job that requires a plain black shoe. These shoes can still have the appearance of a sporty style, while other models look more like dress shoes that can be worn with a professional look, such as a suit. 

Some jobs also require the foot to be more protected, such as a construction job. These shoe types might not be as flexible for movement, but they offer the top priority of safety for the feet. 

In summary

While the public health focus has been on the unhealthy nature of sedentary work, standing on the job also has its share of potentially negative impacts on health. It is highly important to seek professional guidance and find the best shoes for your needs if you will be standing for prolonged periods of time.