13 Most Comfortable Shoes for Standing All Day 2024

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Best Cushioned Shoes for Standing

Loewe + On Cloudtilt Stretch Recycled-Knit Sneakers

The coveted Loewe Cloudtilt sneakers are intended to make you feel as though you’re standing on an unbelievably soft surface (hence the name). With a foam sole crafted with cutting-edge technology, you’ll have ample support while standing in these lightweight shoes. The flexible knitted upper also makes each pair super stretchy, so you’ll slip into them with ease.

Sizes: 6–13

Colors: White, purple, navy, green, black

Best Office-Approved Shoes for Standing

Common Projects Track Technical Leather and Suede Sneakers

Although these Common Projects trainers are inspired by retro running shoes, they are perfectly suitable for standing. The design features a thick rubber sole, a soft leather upper, and sturdy laces that will keep your feet comfortably locked into place. Stand anywhere you’d like in these shoes, but we’d highly recommend this pair for your workplace, as they’re definitely office-approved.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: Off-white, gray, black

Best White Shoes for Standing

Off-White Runner B Low-Top Leather Sneakers

While standing, your weight automatically shifts to your heel and the ball of your foot, or what Dr. Lobkova calls the “weight-bearing zones.” To protect your feet, you’ll want to choose shoes that deliver maximum comfort in both areas, such as this pair of Off-White sneakers. Not to mention, these shoes are offered in a brilliant white shade that’s a no-brainer with casual outfits.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: White

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Best Street-Style Shoes for Standing

Balenciaga Track Sock Sneakers

Take your street-style aesthetic to the next level with Balenciaga’s Track Sock Sneakers. While they have the sole proportions and insole padding needed to stand all day, the real intrigue comes from the windowlike layers of leather cutouts all over each shoe. Wherever you decide to stand, we guarantee you’ll receive nods of approval from intrigued onlookers.

Sizes: 4–12

Colors: White/black, white/pink

Best Neutral Shoes for Standing

Veronica Beard Lennox Leather Low-Top Sneakers

If you’re looking for an uncomplicated shoe, try Veronica Beard’s low-top sneakers finished with a complementary combination of neutrals. As you stand in these sneakers, you’ll also appreciate the sturdy platform that provides over an inch of cushioning.

Sizes: 5–11

Colors: White/beige/blue

Best Cotton Shoes for Standing

The Row Owen Mixed Media Runners

The Row is most notably renowned for its ready-to-wear, but the brand’s carefully crafted shoes deserve just as much praise. One of the best-selling pairs is the Owen sneaker, a polished shoe with a simple silhouette. This fan favorite is designed with cotton lining for a breathable fit, so there’s no need to worry about feeling constricted.

Sizes: 5.5–11

Colors: Gray/beige

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Best Flexible Shoes for Standing

Rag & Bone Retro Runner Chenille Sneakers

Standing for long periods of time just got a whole lot easier with Rag & Bone’s Retro Runner Chenille sneakers. While wearing these shoes, you’ll instantly notice how the flexible footbeds quickly mold to the shape of your feet. If you’re searching for shoes that don’t require a breaking-in period, you’ll be quite content with these.

Sizes: 35–41 EU

Colors: Ecru

Best Celeb-Approved Shoes for Standing

New Balance 990V6 Suede, Leather, and Mesh Sneakers

Need I say anything more about the popularity of New Balance sneakers among celebrities? If you want to channel your inner It girl with an inherently cool sneaker, these 990V6s are begging to be added to your shopping cart. With an emphasis on insole cushioning, they’re built to become your go-to standing shoes. They’ll also transition into your everyday lineup, whether you’re walking to the grocery store or going on a quick jog around your neighborhood.

Sizes: 5–11

Colors: Gray, black, purple, gray/blue

Best Loafers for Standing

Tod’s Gomma Pesante Glossed-Leather Loafers

If you often find yourself in formal spaces that aren’t sneaker-friendly, try these glossed-leather loafers. Designed by Italian artisans to withstand years of wear, the chunky soles will support your feet all day long while ensuring optimal traction.

Sizes: 4–12

Colors: Black

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Best Sporty Shoes for Standing

Nike Air Max 90 Sneaker

I invested in a pair of Air Max 90s a few years ago, and I’ve never looked back. As someone who doesn’t have much of an arch, I can confidently say the shape of the insole offers immense comfort. Whenever I’m prepping for a long day of being on my feet, I immediately pull these out of my closet.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: White, black/white, rose/white

Best Chunky Shoes for Standing

Axel Arigato Marathon R-Trail Panelled Sneakers

A stylish chunky sneaker will elevate any wardrobe, and I’m in need of a comfortable sneaker collection revamp. I’ve been eyeing Axel Arigato’s Marathon R-Trail paneled sneakers—mainly for their breathable mesh upper, treaded rubber sole, and durable heel.

Sizes: 36–40 EU

Colors: Off-white

Best Mesh Shoes for Standing

Valentino Garavani Low-Top Lace-Up Sneakers

Valentino Garavani’s lace-up shoes are not your ordinary white sneakers. Look closely and you’ll notice the paneled mesh design and bold logo print, which make this supportive sneaker stand out from the rest.

Sizes: 37–39.5 IT

Colors: White

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Best Flats for Standing

Le Monde Béryl Grosgrain-Trimmed Velvet Mary Jane Ballet Flats

If you’re vehemently opposed to sneakers, this pair is just for you. Le Monde Béryl’s Mary Janes feature a slightly elevated heel, providing extra cushioning beneath the foot. The slim buckled straps are also a nice touch that will keep your foot in place while you stand.

Sizes: 35–42 IT

Colors: Ivory

What should someone look for in a comfortable standing shoe?

Lobkova tells Bazaar her patients benefit from shoes that feature a proper cushion, a firm arch support, and a 6- to 8- millimeter heel-to-toe gradient. A heel-to-toe gradient, also called an offset, is the difference in height between the heel and the ball of the foot. “Ideally, the heel should look about one inch higher than the ball of the foot,” she says. “This ensures a slightly elevated heel, so that there is reduced tension on the Achilles tendon.” The doctor also shared that the offset helps maintain proper posture by reducing pressure on the lower back.

As for the insole of the shoe, there should be a sturdy medial and lateral arch support to reduce tension on the plantar fascia. “The plantar fascia band is commonly aggravated or overstretched while standing for long periods of time,” she explains. “The insole should also have a deep heel cup for heel and ankle stability.”

What type of shoe is best for standing all day?

Lobkova says people who find themselves on their feet all day should consider sneakers with a supple mesh or leather upper, a foam midsole, and a rubber outsole. She also notes that the heel counter (the part of the sneaker surrounding the back of the heel) should be firm.

To check for firmness, she recommends applying what she likes to call a pinch test. “[When you] pinch the sides of the counter, the material should not be flexible. It should be firm, and it should not collapse in,” she explains.

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Meet the Expert

Dr. Nelya Lobkova is one of New York’s leading surgical podiatrists. She is also an American Board of Podiatric Medicine–certified surgical podiatrist and founder of Step Up Footcare in TriBeCa.

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

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