Best Shoes For Standing All Day

Sore Feet

The most obvious side effect of standing all day is sore feet, with the pain often being felt in the base of your foot. When we are standing, there is constant pressure and blood pooling in the veins of our feet. Consequently, long-term standing can cause swelling and pressure in the surrounding tissue, leading to what we commonly call “sore feet”.

Swelling

You guessed it - swelling can cause foot pain. When you are standing for prolonged periods of time, gravity causes a buildup of fluid in the foot. As a result, your foot may start to increase in size, which could affect the fit of your shoes and make them feel tight and uncomfortable. Swelling from standing is not just limited to your feet - it can also affect your legs and calves, causing pain in these areas.

Fatigue

Although it is natural to stand for long periods of time, it is known to cause muscular fatigue. In order to stay balanced on your feet, your body is constantly in a state of contraction - even if you don’t realise it. As a result, you might find yourself feeling extra tired and a little achy after a day of standing.

Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain

Have you ever noticed back, neck or shoulder pain creeping up on you during the work week? When standing all day, there is increased pressure on your spine that can result in poor posture and soreness of the upper body. As you get more tired throughout the day, your posture might gradually deteriorate, making the issue even worse.

Fit

Everyone’s feet are different, so it is important to take your time when choosing the right fit. It is also important to take into account whether your foot type is neutral, over-pronated or under-pronated. In our Running Shoe Guide, you’ll find a full breakdown of these foot types, but for now, here’s a quick summary. 

If you have over-pronating feet, your feet will roll inward as you walk, meaning you will need a shoe that provides some extra stability and support. Otherwise, you may have to deal with extra sore knees and feet - which is exactly what you don’t need. This type of foot is very common, which is why we have a large range of shoes available for over-pronation. 

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have under-pronating feet. Under-pronation is when your feet don’t roll inward enough when you walk, which has the ability to cause hip and back pain if not careful. We’ve got you covered in this area too, with a selection of shoes to help with under-pronation. If you have a neutral foot, you will also benefit from shoes suited to those with under-pronation, as they provide support and cushioning throughout the day.

Another factor to consider when trying to get the perfect fit is how much toe room there is. Try and find a size that allows for a fingers width of room from your longest toe. This will help you avoid pesky blisters that result from tight-fitting shoes. 

If you have a slightly wider foot, you’ll want to opt for a shoe with a wide outsole design. Shoes that are too narrow will place a lot of pressure on the sides of your foot, resulting in soreness. Some people with average width feet actually prefer wide fit shoes too, as it provides extra space for swelling that may develop over the day. 

Top tip: We recommend trying on shoes in the afternoon or later in the day, as your feet are more likely to be a little more swollen after you’ve been on them for the day, than if you were to try them on first thing in the morning.