Shoes for standing all day are designed to support your entire body in addition to caring for your feet. Whether it’s an 8-hour work shift or simply a hectic day. This shoe has all the cushioning and support you need to stay pain-free and upright.
Perhaps you need a shoe that fits bigger feet or one that corrects overpronation and flat feet. Or would you rather go for something more affordable or a combination of comfort and style? Based on the findings of our wear and lab testing, we suggest the top models in a number of categories.
- Nike Motiva (best overall)
- On Cloud 5 (best slip-on)
- Hoka Transport (best cushioning)
- KEEN WK400 (best rocker)
- Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 (best arch support)
Nike Motiva
Finding a walking shoe that can compete with the Nike Motiva for all-day wear is difficult. It offers unmatched comfort, smooth strides, and unexpected longevity, making it our top choice in this category. These shoes offer a remarkable and painless experience that completely forgets time, whether we’re working or playing outside.
Motiva’s generous 34.9/25.6 mm stack of ultra-plush foam is elevating our walks to new levels. With a 15.0 HA reading, our durometer verified our feeling of being on cloud nine. The miles flew by thanks to its leg-saving features, and its distinctive wave pattern underfoot aids in weight distribution.
It has a unique rocker design that makes every step forward feel smooth. Its geometry is clear, but when it moves, it really comes to life. Motiva uses a stiff midsole, which in our flex test registers a stiffness level 43.1% higher than average, to sustain this movement.
Nike’s iconic waffle pattern on the outsole provides traction on both dry and wet surfaces. After rigorous testing, it hardly showed any wear, and our durometer’s high 92.0 HC reading and thick 3.0 mm rubber attest to its durability.
We recommend overpronators to choose a more supportive shoe because Motiva’s soft midsole might not provide the extra stability needed for their gait.
Pros:
- Rocker makes for effortless walks
- Audaciously plush cushioning
- Out-of-the-box comfort
- Very wide and stable base (for walking/jogging only!)
- Durable and grippy sole
- Amazing wear resistance in the upper
- A Nike shoe that’s NOT tight and narrow
Cons:
- Lacks breathability for hot weather
- Sole develops wrinkles easily
- Rocker takes time to get used to
On Cloud 5
The On Cloud 5’s no-tie mechanism strikes the “convenience” spot we value in a walking shoe, making it superior to all other slip-on walking shoes for all-day wear. The fact that we experienced an amazing lockdown without having to modify the shoe’s fit is astounding.
We also found this shoe to be very lightweight and flexible, so we didn’t mind wearing it for hours on end. We also discovered that On Cloud 5 is kind to our feet because we never experienced blisters or heat, even without socks.
The tiny number we obtained when we turned on the scale confirmed the feeling that nothing was on our feet when we were wearing this shoe. The On Cloud 5 was 24% lighter than average, weighing only 7.5 oz (212g). Based on our testing, we can also anticipate excellent air circulation with this shoe.
Even though we appreciate Cloud 5’s non-heel-slip fit, we didn’t like how tight it was, particularly around the toe box. Our caliper measurements of the upper revealed that it was the tightest of all the walking shoes we measured and assessed, measuring 89.5 mm as the widest part of the forefoot (7% narrower than average). Therefore, if you don’t belong on the slim footers’ side, we advise looking at wide selections.
Pros:
- Perfect for all-day wear
- Unbelievably lightweight
- Can do low-impact workouts
- Amazing in-shoe feel
- Very breathable
- Super easy on-off
- Great flexibility
- Regular laces are added
Cons:
- Not for wide feet
- Lacks durability
- Outsole catches pebbles
HOKA Men's Transport
When it came to long-term wear and cushioning, Hoka Transport outperformed all other walking shoes. We discovered that its footbed is uneven in terms of support, softness, and lushness. Weariness and discomfort are nonexistent for the shoe during our 24-hour journey!
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.
Pros:
- Unbelievably comfy
- Spacious toe box
- Adequately cushioned
- Superior traction
- Reliable outsole durability
- Easy to slip in and out
- True-to-size fit
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Not great for warm weather
- Squeaky during break-in
KEEN WK400
Without a doubt, the best rockered shoe for walking all day is the KEEN WK400. It firmly establishes its position in our rigorous lab evaluations and real wear tests. With a design that promotes movement, its matched comfort, stability, and durable outsole allow us to walk mindlessly for hours.
Its KEEN CURVE midsole is a distinguishing feature. Our surefootedness is improved with each stride thanks to a robust full-length plate underneath the midsole that maintains its rocker design. It is 60.8% stiffer than the typical walking shoe, according to our bend test.
We were drawn to the distinctive midsole and proceeded to dissect the shoe. Our caliper offers opulent comfort with a skyscraper 45.7 mm heel. The resulting 21.4 mm drop, when combined with a 24.3 mm forefoot, allows for seamless forward transitions and significantly lessens the strain on our lower limbs. One of the steepest drops we’ve ever measured is this one. We also adored its springy nature and velvety touch, which added to the ride’s forgiving qualities.
The outsole beneath our feet is 2.4 mm thicker and 12.7% more durable than the typical walking shoe. Even on less-traveled routes, its durability and resilience are highlighted by our lab results.
However, it’s also one of the heaviest walking shoes we’ve ever tested. At 13.4 oz (381g), it weighs 40.1% more than usual.
Pros:
- Rocker sole propels you forward
- Copious amount of cushioning
- Takes stress and pressure off the feet
- Amazingly comfortable step-in feel
- Highly durable and abrasion-resistant
- More stable than it seems!
- Can go from road to trail
Cons:
- Needs some getting used to
- Heavier than average
Skechers Arch Fit 2.0
The Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 provides all-day comfort and the greatest arch support, making the nine-to-five grind a treat. The lab and the streets witnessed its extraordinary stability and balanced cushion, guaranteeing our feet were adequately cared for to avoid discomfort, uneven collapse, and possible injury.
As our feet sink into the cushioning of the skyscraper, time flies by. Its chunky rear area, which our caliper reveals is an astounding 39.2 mm thick, 6.6 mm above average, relieved strain on our lower legs and heels. Our durometer confirms that AF2 is 21.6% firmer than average because it maintains a dense foam to prevent uneven compression.
Its stiff midsole and large landing base further strengthened its reinforcing presence. Our lab results show a midsole that is 15.7% more resistant to bending than average and a forefoot and heel that are wider than average at 114.5/90.9 mm. Our foot alignment is guided by these factors with minimal interference.
Durable materials are essential for full-day excursions. But in our Dremel test, the outsole, heel, and upper failed to cut, causing chaos. We advise doing more research if a long shoe lifespan is important to you.
Pros:
- Amazing support for overpronation
- Wide and stable platform
- Tons of cushioning
- Lighter than the Arch Fit 1.0
- Perfect for all-day wear
- Padded and cozy interiors
- True to size and fit
Cons:
- Very poor breathability
- Lacks durability