Shoes for standing all day are not only meant to take good care of your feet but also to keep your entire body supported. Be it an 8-hour shift at work or just a busy day on your feet. Here you’ll find a shoe with all the support and cushioning needed to keep you upright and pain-free.
Maybe you need a sturdy shoe for city walks or a slip-resistant outsole for the kitchen. Or perhaps you prefer cushioning that is extra plush or are looking for a low-cost alternative? We recommend the best models in several categories based on the results of our wear tests and lab tests.
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Our top walking shoe for all-day wear with the best support for foot conditions is the Brooks Addiction Walker 2, and our lab test results backed us with our decision. We discovered its sturdy construction takes away any imbalances while the balanced cushion promotes foot health, delivering steadfast comfort and dependable strides for hours on end.
One thing we appreciated is how surefooted we felt. The Extended Progressive Diagonal Bar in the midfoot stabilizes the ride and prevents excessive movements, especially as we lose control when the fatigue sets in towards the end of the day. We tried twisting and bending the shoe, but it emerged stiffer than average, evidenced by its 5/5 torsional rigidity and its longitudinal stiffness score which is 54.2% above average.
Moreover, we discovered that AW2 is not only comfortable for all-day travels but also during extended work shifts! Standing long hours on foot felt good because of its stacked yet balanced cushioning. Our durometer shows its 25.9 HA platform is at par with average, effectively cushioning our arches while preventing uneven foam compression.
However, all its commendable features come at the expense of weight. At 13.7 oz (388g), it’s 37.1% heavier than average. Those who feel burdened with heavy shoes should find another pair.
Hoka Transport
Hoka Transport edged out every other walking shoe in terms of cushioning and overlong wear on the city streets. We found that overall, its footbed is unequal – lushness, softness, and support included. The shoe does not tolerate exhaustion or discomfort during our continuous travels! In our lab, we dove in deeper and sliced the shoe in half, revealing a liberally cushioned Transport. Furthermore, our caliper clocked in heel and forefoot stack heights of 34.1 mm and 26.1 mm, which are thicker than the averages by 3.2 mm and 4.7 mm, respectively.
We were even more pleased when we pressed our durometer to the midsole, as it showed a superb level of softness of 21.9 HA – 25.5% more plush than average. This translated to a phenomenal feel during our extended city strolls.
Even though it is incredibly soft underfoot, this didn’t lead to any wobbliness. Upon investigating, we discovered that Transport’s stiffness led to a stable platform, along with a wide base.
In our lab, we measured the resistance to the bending of 30.4N, which is 59.2% stiffer than average. However, for people who prioritize flexibility over everything else, we advise seeking other pairs that allow for more natural bending of feet while walking.
On Cloudtilt
For all the comfort and stability we experienced with our walks in the On Cloudtilt, we’re captivated by its weightless sensation that had us moving freely without interruptions. Our lab results confirm its airiness while offering a plush and secure feel, making it our best lightweight walking shoe for all-day wear. Its exceptional durability also proved to be a bonus.
The Cloudtilt offers a freeing experience with its cloudlike figure validated by its 9.4 oz (266g) reading on our scale, 6.0% lighter than average. Despite its lightness, it doesn’t skimp on cushioning and delivers us with an above-average stack height of 35.5/26.8 mm! Impact protection is unmatched, allowing us to stay longer on foot.
Pushing our durometer against the foam, the pure bliss we felt was evidenced by its 20.2 HA softness, 22.6% gentler than average. Plus, its CloudTec compression further enhances comfort by making it feel softer than it is. Amazingly, we felt confident throughout because of the wide 117.7/96.7 mm base that keeps us well-balanced.
Underfoot, we measured the rubber to be 81.6 HC, 5.2% firmer than average. It also resisted our Dremel fearlessly, showing a minimal 0.6 mm average, making it great for everyday wear because the shoe has a long lifespan.
Skechers Arch Fit 2.0
Enjoying all-day comfort with Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 makes the nine-to-five grind a delight, offering solid arch support for only $90! The average walking shoe costs $119, which makes the Arch Fit 2.0 our best budget pick for all-day walking. The lab and the streets witnessed its remarkable stability and balanced cushion, ensuring our feet were taken care of to prevent discomfort, uneven collapsing, and potential injuries.
Time quickly passes by as our feet melt into the skyscraper cushioning. Our heels and lower legs felt free from strain due to its chunky rear area, which our caliper shows is a mind-blowing 39.2 mm thick, 7.1 mm above average. To bolster our form, AF2 maintains a dense foam so that it doesn’t compress unevenly, which our durometer confirms is 16.5% firmer than average.
Its reinforcing presence felt more reassuring with its vast landing base and stiff midsole. Our lab reveals a wider-than-average 114.5/90.9 mm forefoot and heel and a midsole that’s 16.3% more resistant to bending than average. These elements guide our foot alignment without much intrusion.
For whole-day trips, enduring materials are a must. However, the heel, outsole, and upper did not pass our Dremel test, causing havoc. If a long shoe lifespan is a priority, we suggest investing in more durable pairs.
