We’ve Tested Over 50 Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes — These Are the 10 We Recommend if Your Job Has You Standing All Day

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 boasts many features we look for in a supportive, comfortable walking shoe. The breathable nylon upper promotes ventilation to prevent overheating or excessive sweating on hot days. The gel cushioning system is designed to minimize foot fatigue and reduce impact on your joints while walking. You'll also find that the outsole offers traction that is suitable for most terrains.

Our tester Natasha Caleel wore these shoes on various surfaces and found them incredibly comfortable, especially on harder surfaces like pavement and concrete. The cushioning system truly made a difference when running — she describes them as bouncy and responsive. She also loves the stretchy tongue and laces, which make it easy to slide the shoes on while tied if desired. “[They are] incredibly comfortable, very thick in the soles but felt like they hugged my feet well and were not heavy,” says Caleel.

These shoes are best for people with a neutral arch or mild underpronation, which means your foot tends to roll slightly outward when you run. Consider a different option if you have moderate to severe overpronation (when your foot rolls too far inward) or need extra arch support. They are not waterproof and can be difficult to clean since the upper has a mesh-like texture that traps dirt. But if you want a lightweight, breathable shoe that will keep your feet from aching at the end of a long day on your feet, then these Asics are a great choice.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440v1 is a great budget-friendly option if you're looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe for under $100. This shoe features New Balance's signature Fresh Foam X technology, which helps absorb shock and prevent discomfort from prolonged wear.

They have an 8-millimeter (mm) heel-to-toe drop, which means the heel is slightly higher than the toe. This helps support a more natural stride and can alleviate pressure on the balls of your feet. Additionally, the Fresh Foam X 1440v1 has a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet from holding moisture that could potentially lead to blisters or other discomfort.

We appreciate how lightweight and flexible these shoes are. The pair weighs under 8 ounces (oz), so you won't feel like you're carrying a ton of bricks on your feet. Plus, the flexible design allows for a full range of motion during activities like jogging or yoga. Potential drawbacks include durability issues with the mesh upper and a lack of extra arch support. They come in fewer colorways than other New Balance models, but there are still several neutral options in the lineup.

If you need something with a bit more durability and support, the Hoka Bondi SR is worth considering. We like these walking shoes because the leather upper resists wear better than nylon or mesh uppers. Leather is also easier to clean because it isn't as porous as other materials. “The materials definitely seem high quality,” said our tester Caroline Lubinsky, adding that the rubber sole is super heavy-duty.

The rocker design of the Bondi SR helps with smooth transitions and can be great if you're on your feet all day. Our tester said the shoes provide a respectable amount of cushioning and support. They are particularly well-suited for demanding workdays that require a lot of standing or walking, such as in healthcare or service industry jobs.

However, it's worth noting that the bulkier design may not be as aesthetically appealing for some. Another option will suit you better if you plan to wear them during moderate to high-intensity workouts because they are heavy and less breathable than athletic shoes.

When you experience pain in the back of the foot and heel, it's most commonly related to plantar fasciitis and tendonitis, Schrieber says. These are conditions caused by overuse, which leads to inflammation of the tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of your foot.

According to Evans Sirois, DO, board-certified internist and cofounder of N-2 Water, wearing shoes with proper arch support can significantly reduce pressure on the plantar fascia. This tissue connects your heel to the front of your foot and supports your arch during movement.

Aside from their obvious comfort and support, one of my favorite features is the quick-toggle laces. I adjusted them on day one and didn't have to touch them again for the rest of the week. While they run slightly large, I appreciate that they come in half sizes and wide-width options. However, the wide toe box and bulkier design may not be the best fit if you have narrow feet.

If you have high arches, you may benefit from a shoe that has extra cushioning and flexibility in the midsole, says Troy Hurst, PT, DPT, licensed physical therapist and medical writer at Flow Feet. “Those with high arches ... tend to underpronate, meaning their feet may not absorb shock as effectively,” he explains. “In this case, a shoe with additional cushioning and flexibility in the midsole is typically more appropriate to help distribute pressure evenly.”

The Brooks Ghost 16s contain a special nitrogen-infused foam cushioning called DNA LOFT v3, which provides a soft and responsive feel without compromising durability. The shoe's midsole is segmented into zones that support smooth heel-to-toe transitions. It also helps distribute pressure and impact more evenly.

Our tester Tori Martinet, RD, found that the Ghost 16s cater to an active lifestyle. They offer breathability for all-day wear, along with the support and cushioning needed for running or walking. “I wore these to one gym class and for two longer walks,” Martinet said. “I felt comfortable on unstable terrain or doing complex movements without fear of slipping in them.”

They do run a bit narrow, but with four width options, you'll likely find the right fit. However, where the medium-width option has more than a dozen colorways, the other widths are limited to just a few options. We also noticed they take about a week to break in, but they’re good to go after that.

When I tested the Cloudstratus 3, they felt extremely supportive without sacrificing comfort. They are truly cloud-like in the way they adapt to the shape of your foot to provide stability. I wore them during long periods of standing, as well as regular physical activity like walking and jogging, and they held up well in both scenarios.

These shoes have a mild rocker shape to minimize pressure on your feet and toes. The curved shape also promotes a more natural walking or running gait. I also appreciate the breathable mesh upper and the quality of materials, as my feet tend to sweat throughout the day. You can tell they're well-crafted from the moment you put them on. The downfalls? They are somewhat pricey and don't come in wide or narrow options.

If you have wide feet, Dr. Sirois recommends looking for a shoe that feels snug around the widest part of your foot, the ball, without feeling too restrictive or tight. “You should not feel the shoe pinching your toes,” he says. The Hoka Bondi 9 earned this spot on our list because of its roomy toe box and wide and extra-wide options.

When our tester Mary Sauer tried the Bondi 9, she said they were surprisingly bouncy for such a large shoe. While it's a bit clunkier than some, there's a good reason for it. The outsole features a layer of rubberized foam that allows it to compress and bounce back with each stride. This not only provides a cushioned landing but also gives the shoe added energy return, making it less taxing on your legs when standing and moving around on your feet all day. “I really like the cushion. There is a bit of a ‘cloud-like’ feel to the step,” said Sauer.

Sauer also noted that these shoes give you a little extra height — about an inch — but you'll adapt quickly. “Even though the intense sole was a weird adjustment, I ultimately think it provides a lot of shock protection.” It only took two days to break them in during testing. While Hokas are notoriously bulkier and heavier than your average running shoes, the Bondi 9 is wider than its predecessors and offers more room in the toe box. For these reasons, you should pass on this model if you have narrow feet.

Hurst says that the right cushioning can make all the difference in reducing lower back fatigue. “When the midsole is overly soft, the intrinsic foot musculature (the little stabilizer muscles in your feet) and other stabilizing muscles of the legs and core may have to work harder to maintain balance, which can lead to fatigue in the legs and lower back over the course of several hours.”

I tested the Brooks Ghost Max 2. I found them to have ample cushioning in the heel to absorb shock and reduce the impact on your spine, but it's not overly soft. It still offers appropriate stabilization and support. Overall fit is also important, as shoes that are too narrow or loose can cause discomfort and contribute to postural imbalances and pain. These shoes are available in three widths to accommodate different foot shapes, and they feature a 6 mm offset from heel to toe for maintaining a neutral foot position. I ordered the standard (medium) width, and while they run a bit narrow, my foot felt extremely stable during exercise.

In my tests for comfort and overall feel, the Ghost Max 2s passed with flying colors. After an initial weeklong break-in period, the shoes felt snug and secure without being too tight. They’re comfy, supportive, and nicely cushioned. I appreciate the low-profile design and lightweight feel. While the standard-width model comes in more than a dozen colors, the wide-width version is available in only two. They also feel less roomy compared with some others.

The upper is made with a blend of recycled polyester mesh to promote airflow. The heel area features several design elements catering to additional support and cushioning. An external heel counter locks your foot in place, while the molded sockliner and padded tongue provide an extra touch of comfort. The 11 mm heel-toe drop can further alleviate pressure on the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. However, your arch type determines whether this heel drop suits you.

“A higher heel drop with less cushioning is best for someone with a high arch type foot,” says Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, faculty member at New York College of Podiatric Medicine at New York Medical College. “A person with a low arch can tolerate a lower heel drop better, as this would match their foot.”

The flexibility of a shoe is also important to consider, as it impacts how your foot moves and absorbs shock. Mitzi Williams, DPM, pediatric foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute in Florida, notes that a more flexible shoe tends to lack shock absorption, which can increase pressure on the heels and ball of the foot.

Thankfully, the Cloudflyer 4 offers a balanced combination of comfort, flexibility, and durability. “The shoes seemed well-made and high-quality,” Cunningham said. Just note that the color options are limited, and there are lighter and more breathable options out there if you prioritize those qualities.

Concrete floors are hard on your feet and joints, so if you spend a lot of time walking on them, it's vital to have shoes with the right features and support. The Addiction Walker 2s are intended for people who spend a lot of time on their feet.

Because the outer part of the shoe consists of durable leather and rubber, the shoe is water-resistant, slip-resistant, and easy to clean — all features that benefit those who work in restaurants, healthcare, and other industries where walking is the norm.

Our tester Raki Swanson tried out the Addiction Walker 2s. She found them quite comfortable and supportive after an initial break-in period. The arch support is well-designed and may help reduce foot and lower back discomfort. Like other Brooks, Swanson said they run slightly narrow but offer four width options: standard, wide, narrow, and extra-wide.

This version features a supportive and stabilizing diagonal roll bar and extra cushioning in the midsole for added stability. Keep in mind that they’re heavier, stiffer, and not as breathable as many nonleather options. “The shoes look much better and more appealing once I received them versus what they were on the website,” she said. “The leather is high-quality and seems easy to clean.” She also noted that they are extremely firm, which makes them an excellent choice for those who need extra support and durability.