Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

Are you standing on your feet all day long? Do you feel like you never have a moment to just sit down and take it easy? Are you planning to take the fam to Disney World in the near future? You’re going to want to get your hands on some shoes specially engineered for standing for hours on end. From sneakers and dress shoes to rugged boots (and even sandals!), the best shoe brands offer a bevy of styles that’ll mitigate any stress to your stompers as you go about your day.

The most important factor to consider is the silhouette. You don’t want anything narrow or constricting; these traits right off the bat will cause tension. Look for designs that’ll allow your feet to move freely and nimbly. Heels are also something to be avoided.

Next up is the insoles, which should have great arch support and be made of materials that have added cushioning. There are also a few options that are made to be shock-resistant and odor-proof. That’s not always the case, but it’s definitely a plus. Finally, pick a style that best fits your personality and environment. You’re going to be in ’em all day, standing for whatever reason, so you’re going to want to feel good about yourself.

Whether you’re on a line at the company cafeteria, waiting to get on a rollercoaster, or squished at a summer musical festival, you can give your feet some ease by copping one or more of the styles below.

We updated this article in November 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.


When your profession involves anything from running alongside a gurney to standing for hours in the ER or operating room, the right shoes are a must. After all, being on your feet all day puts your lower extremities under a lot of stress. So if you’re consistently wearing unsupportive shoes, you could develop achy arches, exacerbate plantar fasciitis, joint pain, and other uncomfortable foot-related issues. That’s where the best shoes for nurses—or for anyone who stands for long periods of time—come to the rescue.

Meet the Experts: Howard Friedman, D.P.M. is a Suffern, New York-based podiatrist, Karen Langone, D.P.M. is a podiatrist based in Southampton, New York, and Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S. is a podiatrist based in Kansas City, MO.

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

“Not wearing the right shoes can cause many issues aside from foot discomfort including pain in the hips, knees, and back so it’s important to have a good stable pair of shoes that put your body in the correct equilibrium,” explains Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S. “The longer you are on your feet with bad or uncomfortable shoes, the worse those problems can become. This is especially important for people who have jobs that force them to be on their feet all day like nurses, retail, hospitality, etc.”

Fortunately, there are lots of footwear options perfect for people who stand all day—you just have to know what to look for. It’s important to choose shoes that have good non-slip grip for dashing between patients, as well as extra cushioning that supports nurses who are up on their feet for hours. But not all shoes are made equally, so we spoke with experts to find the best shoes for nurses.

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Our top picks

  • Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

    BEST OVERALL

    HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Running Shoe

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  • Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

    Best Value

    New Balance 608v5 Running Shoe

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  • Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

    Best Slip-On

    Crocs On-The-Clock Work Slip-On

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  • Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

    Best Loafers

    Naturalizer Marianne Loafer

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  • Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

    Best Support

    Brooks Ghost 13 Sneakers

    Read more

Show more

The options below are perfect for nurses and anyone else—retail workers, servers, bank tellers—who spend most of their workdays on their feet. Shop the best ones, according to podiatrists.


1. Hoka One One Bondi 7 Sneakers

HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Running Shoe

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day
Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Running ShoeCredit: Amazon

Pros

  • EVA midsole
  • Internal heel counter
  • Memory foam collar

Sizing5–12WidthRegular, wideColorsBlue

As some of the most cushioned shoes available anywhere, Hoka’s Bondis are already ideal for nurses. But they’re especially great for people who don’t want a pair of shoes that they’ll only wear to work, since these durable kicks are also designed for running, walking, or just heading to the grocery store after a shift. Plus, the supremely soft but supportive EVA midsoles mean they’re a good fit for anyone with plantar fasciitis.

“These Bondi 7s are the ONLY shoe my feet do not hurt in,” writes one reviewer and veteran healthcare worker. “Been a nurse for 30 years and only wish these were around earlier in my career.”


2. New Balance 608v5 Sneakers

New Balance 608v5 Running Shoe

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day
Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

New Balance 608v5 Running ShoeCredit: New Balance

Pros

  • Stain-resistant upper
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Uncomfortable heel for some

Sizing5–12WidthRegular, narrow, wideColorsBlack, white, brown

You just can’t beat a classic, like these tried-and-true kicks from New Balance. With a super-cushioned base, comfy foam near the ankle, and a flexible outsole, these sneakers are designed to keep you on your feet (and feeling good) all day long. And on top of all that, their leather uppers are stain-resistant, meaning they’ll look crisp long after you’ve broken them in.

“I have worn nothing but New Balance for close to 25 years,” one reviewer, a nurse who works 12-hour days, writes. “If you have a job where you are constantly on your feet, THIS IS THE SHOE FOR YOU. I wear compression socks as well. They are true to size, and after working long hours my feet don’t hurt.”


3. Crocs On-The-Clock Work Slip-On

Crocs On-The-Clock Work Slip-On

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

Crocs On-The-Clock Work Slip-OnCredit: Crocs

Pros

  • Slip-resistant
  • Tapered fit around heel
  • Arch support

Sizing6–12WidthRegularColorsBlack, white, navy, multicolor

You can’t go wrong with a great pair of Crocs, and this version made specifically for those who stand for long hours is a favorite of Sayed. These shoes have an enclosed and reinforced heel and toe to help protect your feet, while offering arch support for comfort and slip-resistant treads for safety.

“I have experience working with plenty of different shoes in two different restaurants. I know the feeling of pain in your feet whenever you get off a long, 12 hour shift. After a five hour shift, your feet feel exhausted. Let me tell you about the On-The-Clock Croc,” one reviewer writes. “These crocs are the best shoes for working in a restaurant. They have a soft, comfortable feeling when easily slipping the crocs on without having to hassle with any shoe laces. The outside of the crocs have a hard, water-resistant touch…these shoes help comfort me as I work over a 12-hour shift. After a long day of work, I don’t have to worrying about my feet cramping anymore”


4. Naturalizer Marianne Loafers

Naturalizer Marianne Loafer

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

Naturalizer Marianne LoaferCredit: Naturalizer

Pros

  • Supportive footbed
  • Breathable lining
  • Available in four widths

Cons

  • Some reviewers find arch support lacking

Sizes4-12WidthsRegular, narrow, wide, double wideColorsMauve, black, white

With three different width options, Naturalizer’s super-comfy shoes are designed for people who need to be on their feet all day. This pair features a contoured, dual-dense footbed that provides plenty of support to the arches and heels, plus a cooling lining to keep your feet dry.

“These shoes are fantastic! I work in a clinic standing all day, but wear business casual,” a reviewer explains. “I need to be able to squat and kneel often during the day. I also have relatively flat feet and the shoes are very well-cushioned and supportive. They are also very on-trend at the moment!”


5. Brooks Ghost 13 Sneakers

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

Pros

  • APMA Seal of Acceptance
  • Memory foam cushioning
  • Variety of colors available

Cons

  • Not enough arch support for some

Sizing5–11.5WidthRegular, narrow, wideColorsBlack, gray, purple, coral, multicolor

When you’re dealing with all of the responsibilities of being a nurse, you want a shoe that can withstand the rigors of a marathon, Langone says. Brooks is known for its quality running shoes, and Ghosts are no exception. They’re described in terms typically reserved for luxury cars: plush, with a smooth ride. Tons of supportive cushioning and a secure fit ensure that you’ll stay comfy throughout your shift, too.

“I stand on a concrete floor every day for eight hours,” says an Amazon shopper who used to experience intense pain in their back and feet after working. “Brooks is the first shoe I have kept and used for work and has consistently good performance results.”


6. Dansko Professional Clogs

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

Pros

  • APMA-recommended
  • Antimicrobial lining
  • Supportivre

Sizing4.5–12WidthRegular, wideColorsBlack

“I’ve often recommended Dansko clogs or similar clogs to nurses because they are very supportive,” Friedman says. This classic leather pair—which has a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association, and is also recommended by Sayed—features a roomy toe box, a comfy platform, and an antimicrobial lining to ward off odor after all-day wear.

“These are the only shoes I will wear to work,” one Amazon reviewer raves. “I have pairs that I’ve had for five years and still wear. At the end of a long day with patients my feet don’t hurt at all, not like they would when I would wear tennis shoes that were just as expensive.”


7. Skechers D’Lites Memory Foam Sneakers

Skechers D’Lites Lace-Up Sneaker

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

Skechers D’Lites Lace-Up SneakerCredit: Skechers

Pros

  • Cushioned memory foam insole
  • Arch support
  • Non-slip insoles

Cons

  • Some reviewers note that they run narrow

Sizes5–11WidthsRegular, wideColorsBlack, gray, white, multi

These Skechers sneakers garner high praise from service workers for their comfort and durability during long workdays. They’re also lightweight with unique air-cooled memory foam comfort insoles and non-slip flexible traction outsoles, which keep your feet glued to the floor through spills. And, they come with a shock-absorbing midsole, meaning your feet will feel like they’re floating all day long.

“I recently had surgery on my foot and was told that I needed to transition to wearing an orthopedic shoe for three months,” wrote one Amazon customer. “In my quest for an alternative, I came across this shoe. It's very lightweight and has great arch support with air-cooled memory foam. YAY, no sweaty feet!! It also has a very sturdy sole. I showed them to my podiatrist and she approved. On my next visit, she was wearing a pair. I am in these shoes every day and they fit and feel great. I will be buying another pair in a different color.”


8. Yhoon Sock Slip-On Sneakers

YHOON Sock Slip-On Sneaker

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

YHOON Sock Slip-On SneakerCredit: YHOON

Pros

  • Slip-on style
  • Platform sole
  • Lightweight, breathable outer material

Cons

  • Foot may slip to front of shoe

Sizing5–12WidthRegularColorsBlack, dark gray, light gray, red, purple, multi

This lightweight slip-on sneaker will keep you moving quickly and safely on slick hospital floors, while the fly woven outside allows your feet the chance to breathe during long shifts. These slip-ons also feature an air-cushion sole design which makes it comfortable and adjustable to your feet.

“I finally found a sneaker I can wear all day at work,” wrote one satisfied Amazon customer. “I’ve had three back-to-back 10-hour shifts on my feet and they do not hurt. It’s like walking on air. When I take my shoes off after work I do not have to ice or rub them. I will buy more to keep as backup. My feet have room on the sides and front and it does not feel like it will come off. Your foot is secure and comfortable.”


9. FIGS New Balance 327

Figs New Balance 327 Unisex

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

Figs New Balance 327 UnisexCredit: FIGS

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Antimicrobial lining
  • Waterproof

Sizes5.5–14.5WidthsRegularColorsNavy/muave

These retro-inspired, stylish running sneakers come recommended by Sayed for their durability, support, and comfort. The outside of the shoe is crafted from a lightweight, waterproof suede to guard against spills and keep your feet comfortable, while the interior lining and insole are antimicrobial for odor protection. Additionally, these shoes have a studded rubber outsole to aid with traction and protect against slipping.


10. Oofos Unisex Clogs

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

Pros

  • Non-slip
  • Shock-absorbing memory foam
  • Easy on/off

Cons

  • Some users report a poor fit for supination

Sizing6–16WidthRegularColorsBlack

Everyone deserves a pair of comfortable and easy-to-wear clogs like these. They feature a special OOfoam recovery technology that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam. The patented footbed also cradles your arches, which will reduce stress on the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. The brand notes that the clogs are made in whole sizes so they recommend sizing down.

“I’m an ICU nurse and I’m on my feet for most of my 13-hour shifts,” wrote one reviewer. “I developed plantar fasciitis in my right foot and the pain was so terrible, I began limping out of work each day. These are miracle shoes! Wore them a whole shift and while I still had a bit of heel pain I wasn’t limping. Started wearing them all the time and now the plantar fasciitis is gone! I’ve been singing their praises to my fellow nurses and soon my whole unit will be in them.”


11. Sticky Non-Slip Shoes

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

Pros

  • Moisture-wicking insole
  • Waterproof
  • Non-slip

Cons

  • Some users say the arches are flimsy

Sizing5–11WidthRegularColorsBlack, white, blue, purple, green

When you have to walk through spills and deal with all kinds of fluids, the last thing you want to think about is whether your shoes will survive your shift. Thankfully, this ultra-grippy pair is designed for those moments; just wipe it clean and get moving again. Better yet, workers rave that these shoes require zero break-in time—a godsend for those first weeks after you start wearing a new pair.

“I didn’t believe from the review hype that these shoes would be that comfortable but they really are,” one reviewer says. “I would recommend these to all nurses. Stop spending $200 a pair for those hard, clunky, heavy shoes! These are amazing and I ended up buying two more pairs in different colors.”


12. Asics Gel-Venture 7 Sneakers

ASICS Gel-Venture 7 Sneakers

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

ASICS Gel-Venture 7 SneakersCredit: ASICS

Pros

  • Gel cushioning
  • Ortholite sock liner
  • Variety of colors available

Cons

  • Some users say they run small

Sizing5–12WidthRegularColorsBlack, gray, multi

If you tend to have achy arches after a long day, the gel tech in the rearfoot area and EVA midsole offer up easy comfort. The shoes also include an Ortholite sock liner that gives an additional layer of cushioning underfoot—ideal for nurses with flat feet.

“I love Asics for the fit, comfort, and stability,” wrote one customer. “This has been good for my overpronation (wearing a slight insert). I work in a doctor’s office and am on my feet a lot. No back or knee problems while wearing these.”


How to choose the best shoes for nurses

“You now see all kinds of medical professionals on hospital floors wearing running shoes that are designed to stand up to a lot of stress and strain,” says Karen Langone, D.P.M., a podiatrist based in Southampton, New York.

Clogs are also a good choice, says Howard Friedman, D.P.M., a Suffern, New York-based podiatrist. They tend to have a wide toe box, which helps accommodate feet as they naturally expand throughout the day. This is why you often see surgeons and other health professionals wearing them in the operating room, Freidman says. You also need a shoe that’s durable but also lightweight—after all, you’re probably clocking several miles a day around the hospital. Lastly, shoes with a slip-resistant sole are key, as you never know what messes will come your way.

To help keep pain at bay, Freidman suggests picking up at least two pairs of supportive sneakers or clogs. (Or one of each!) A shoe’s cushioning becomes completely compressed after six hours or so and no longer offers support, Friedman cautions. So having two great pairs allows you to change halfway through your shift.


How we chose the best shoes for nurses

We consulted Howard Friedman, D.P.M., Karen Langone, D.P.M., and Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S., to find the best shoes for people on their feet all day. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to find the only shoes that nurses should wear for all-day support.


Why trust us?

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

Sanah is the associate editor at Prevention.com focusing on all things commerce within the health and lifestyle space. She scours the internet for the best finds money can buy, and pretends to shop for herself in the process. This Boston University grad loves to sip coffee, read during her commute (without falling over), and binge Gilmore Girls reruns until she’s memorized every line. Follow her on social media as she tackles cooking in the kitchen and see what she’s currently obsessing over.

Best shoes for someone on their feet all day

Freelance Editorial Assistant

Shannen Zitz is a Freelance Editorial Assistant at Prevention who recently graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with an English degree. She loves all things fashion, beauty, and wellness. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit. 

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