It’s tiring enough to be on your feet all day, so why wear shoes that are going to make that experience even worse? No shoes may be more comfortable than the slippers you put on at the end of the day, but some shoes can come close. The best part: Supportive shoes don’t have to be ugly. Comfortable walking sneakers are the way to go if you’re going the distance, but if you work in an office or corporate environment that requires dress shoes, you might be wondering about the best women's dress shoes for standing all day. Whether you're shopping for a work conference that will have you on your feet for hours on end, or you just want a solid pair of shoes that aren't sneakers to wear out and about, Woman's Day spoke to two experts for their best advice and specific shoe picks.
Meet the Experts
- Marion Yau (a.k.a. Miss Foot Fixer) is a celebrity podiatrist at the Harley Street Medical Foot and Nail Laser Clinic in London.
- Cindy Conroy is a New York- and Toronto-based television personality and celebrity stylist.
The best comfortable dress shoes to buy in 2022
- Best Overall Shoes for Standing All Day: Birdies The Starling
- Best Pumps for Standing All Day: Margaux The Heel
- Best Flats for Standing All Day: Rothy's The Flat
- Best Heeled Booties for Standing All Day: Everlane The Glove Boot
- Best Wedge Booties for Standing All Day: Sorel Evie Zip Wedge Booties
- Best Loafers for Standing All Day: Dr. Scholl's Webster Loafer
- Best Mules for Standing All Day: Nisolo Ama Woven Mules
- Best Heeled Sandals for Standing All Day: Naturalizer Rose Sandal
- Best Wedge Sandals for Standing All Day: Rockport Briah Perf Sling
- Best Flat Sandals for Standing All Day: KAANAS Coco Braid Slides
- Best Heels for Standing All Day: Soludos Gemma Heel
- Best Fashion Sneakers for Standing All Day: Ponto The Pacific
What to look for when shopping for work shoes you'll be standing in all day
✔️ Support: If you know you'll be standing in your shoes all day, Yau says the most important thing to consider is whether the shoe will give you support and cushioning. "As a foot expert, I always recommend shoes that have a little bit of arch support and cushion inside," she explains. Arch support is what gives your foot stability, while cushioning can help evenly distribute pressure from the ground to all parts of your foot so it causes less stress and strain.
✔️ Comfort: When you think of professional shoes, the first word that comes to mind likely isn’t "comfy" — but comfort really is imperative. If a shoe feels uncomfortable or constricting the moment you put it on, then it's not going to feel any better later on in the day. As Conroy explains, "You’ll know an all day pick as soon as your foot slides into the shoe. If it’s not comfortable in the first 10 seconds, she’s not the one for you. Hours into your day your feet will be miserable if a pair can’t even deliver for five minutes."
✔️ Confidence: "For women who spend all day long on their feet, wearing the correct shoes is so important," Yau stresses."The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your shoes, and generally, there are a few rules in picking out the right pair of shoes so that your feet may be pain-free and well supported."
1
best overall
Birdies
The Starling
- Available in tons of colors and fabrics
- Roomy toe box and cushioned footbeds
- Run a little wide
When it comes to finding comfy shoes, Yao says a wide toe box is essential. "If the toe box is too narrow and does not fit correctly, the toes can be injured and deformities may form," she explains. That's probably why so many people love these luxe flats from Birdies, which feature a rectangular toe, quilted satin footbed, and tons of fabric options, like velvet, raffia, and suede.
2
best pumps
Margaux
The Heel
- Available in eight colors
- Low block heel and foam padding
- On the pricey side
They may be pricier, but Conroy believes that natural fibers — like leather and suede — beat synthetic materials every time. "Reminiscent of fluffy clouds, leather shoes are a gal's best friend for all day wear," she says. "Unlike restrictive synthetic styles, genuine leather shoes whisper comfort." Enter: this gorgeous leather pump from Margaux, which comes in eight colors and has just the right amount of heel (as well as cushy foam padding inside).
3
best flats
Rothy's
The Flat
- Available in 20 colors
- Machine washable and sustainable
- Run small
You may love the look of pointed-toe shoes, but there's a good chance your feet won't enjoy the feel all day long. "Pointed toe heels and flats are ultra posh, but by design they squish your toes," Conroy explains. "While you’ll be able to handle the sandwich effect for one to four hours, a full day on your feet is a whole other story." With its rounded toe, these soft yet durable ballet flats from Rothy's are the perfect wardrobe staple.
4
best heeled booties
Everlane
The Glove Boot
- Available in three colors
- Stretchy, sustainable, and super supportive
- Run a little small
A lower heel always beats a super-high one, especially when you're on your feet all day. "Extremely high heel height can put the foot at an awkward angle, tipping the foot forward," Yao says. "This will put pressure on the toes and force the toes to claw and jam, leading to pain and deformities." These ribbed booties from Everlane have just enough height to keep you feeling polished and supremely comfortable.
5
best wedge booties
Sorel
Evie Zip Wedge Bootie
- Available in four colors
- Subtle heel height and cushioned footbeds
- May feel a bit heavy
Nothing will ruin your day faster than squished toes, which is why it's so important to pay attention to the width of your toe box. "Poorly fitted shoes with small or narrow toe boxes can cause corns to form and lead to a lot of pain," Yao says. Luckily, even reviewers with wide feet praised these wedge booties from Sorel for their unmatched comfort and roomy toe box.
6
best loafers
Dr. Scholl's
Webster Loafer
- Provides tons of arch support
- Lightweight and flexible
No matter your arch height, your feet require arch support. "As your feet get tired during the day, your natural arch will get lazy. But thankfully, built-in support can take the stress off," Conroy says. Like all Dr. Scholl's shoes, these super-popular lug sole loafers feature anatomical cushioning and arch support to keep your feet happy.
7
best mules
Nisolo
Ama Woven Mule
- Available in five colors
- Buttery soft and water resistant
- May be too narrow for some
Along with arch support, a comfortable shoe must have plenty of shock absorption. "Cushioning helps move and evenly distributes pressure from the ground so that pressure is not isolated in one part of the foot," Yao explains. That's why the shock-absorbing, cushioned insoles in these woven leather mules are ideal for women who spend hours on their feet.
8
best heeled sandals
Naturalizer
Rose Sandal
- Low block heel and buckle closure
- Available in wide sizes
- Only available in tan and black
Conroy suggests skipping shoes with heels all together if you know you're going to be on your feet all day. However, if you just can't resist, then she suggests a modest heel that's not much more than two inches, like these contouring slingback sandals from Naturalizer, which feature a chunky flared block heel and a buckle strap to keep you secure.
9
best wedge sandals
Rockport
Briah Perf Sling
Now 49% off
- Available in five colors and wide sizes
- Low wedge heel and tons of cushion
- Some wish the ankle strap could be made tighter
Instead of heels, you may opt for a pair of wedges, which tend to be more comfortable and stable than traditional high heels because they allow for even weight distribution. Some of the most comfortable wedges around: these slings from Rockport, which have a modest heel and tons of cushioning, as well as a supportive outsole.
10
best flat sandals
KAANAS
Coco Braided Slides
- Available in four colors
- Pillowy and luxuriously soft
- May be stretched out too easily
For Conroy, leather shoes are unmatched when it comes to comfort. "Thanks to the natural fibers, they stretch and conform to the mold of your feet," says Conroy. "With unmatched breathability, they’ll further adjust throughout the day as your feet swell." And that's why these leather braided slides (which are handmade by artisans in Colombia) are the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort.
11
best heels
Soludos
Gemma Heel
- Available in four colors
- Low block heel and buckle closure
- May be too narrow for some
Cushioned footbeds don't just feel nice beneath your feet — they actually serve an important purpose. "As you move around, especially on hard surfaces like concrete, the added material will lessen the tension as it wraps your feet in support," Conroy explains. And that's why dozens of reviewers have raved about these strappy suede heels from Soludos, which have added padding for long-term comfort.
12
best fashion sneakers
Ponto
The Pacific
- Super versatile and available in six colors
- Naturally moisture-wicking insoles
- Run slightly small
Hate the feeling of sweaty feet? That can be avoided if you get the right materials. "Wearing shoes all day and standing all day can make your feet sweat and smell," Yao says. "Bamboo fibers are antimicrobial and can help fight bacteria and fungus that can make your feet smell." With a lining made from eucalyptus, oak, and birch wood, this moisture-wicking dress shoe/sneaker hybrid will make sweaty feet a thing of the past — even without socks!
Corinne SullivanContributing WriterCorinne Sullivan is a digital writer and editor who covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, holidays and more.
FAQs
What shoes should I wear with a long day dress? ›
Pair your maxi dress with tights and black or brown boots for a chic, fashionable look that will enhance your ensemble. In winter, black boots are an excellent choice for most maxi styles. A super-versatile option, they will complement your attire without stealing the show.
Which brand is best for women formal shoes? ›- Ballet Flats. Rothy's. ...
- Loafers. Gucci. ...
- Pumps. Stuart Weitzman. ...
- Mules. Loeffler Randall. ...
- Sandals. Salone Monet. ...
- Booties. Bloomingdale's.
- White trainers. The ultimate in casual wear, a pair of white sneakers instantly add cool to any outfit when you're stuck for ideas. ...
- Chelsea Boots. ...
- Black Heels. ...
- Flat Pumps. ...
- Loafers. ...
- Strappy Sandals. ...
- Statement Ankle Boots. ...
- Knee-High Boots.
- Best Overall: Hoka One One Bondi 7. Amazon. ...
- Best Budget: Waluzs Slip-on Sneakers. ...
- Best Fashion Sneakers: Vionic Electra Sneaker. ...
- Best Sandals: Teva Hurricane Verge. ...
- Best Slip-Ons: Allbirds Tree Loungers. ...
- Best Running Sneakers: Brooks Ghost 14. ...
- Best Booties: Clarks Memi Top. ...
- Best Winter Boots: UGG Yose Waterproof Lace-Up Boot.
If you're feeling daring and can walk in them (LOL), stilettos are also a great option as they'll add so much height to your look. Platforms are another great option as they'll also add height to your look, while still being comfortable for your feet! Many people also like wearing flip-flops with a casual maxi dress.
What kind of shoes do you wear with a maxi dress in the winter? ›The best shoes for wearing with a maxi dress are strappy sandals, wedge heels or ankle boots. You can opt for open-toe sandals or closed-toe wedges. If you're wearing a knee-length dress, you can also go for booties like Chelsea boots or lace-up ankle boots.
What shoes suit all dresses? ›White Sneakers
This type footwear is always in style and will always make your look be on point! White sneakers are in almost everyone's closets because they literally match anything and are incredibly comfortable to wear.
Black, beige, and grey shoes go with anything. Since they are all neutrals, you can wear these colors to offset a more vibrant outfit.
How many shoes a woman should have? ›You probably need only 5 pairs of shoes
The number of shoes you need is relative to your lifestyle. I'm certain some women can live happy, stylish lives with only a few pairs of chic sneakers. But assuming you sometimes go out, work out, dress up, or dress down, you probably only need five pairs of shoes: What is this?
And while the arch of your foot is amazingly resilient and flexible, dress shoes that flatten, distort, or strain your arch cause small tears and progressive injuries to the fascia to develop over time, resulting in heel pain and eventual plantar fasciitis.
What is considered dress shoes for women? ›
As it turns out, a ladies' dress shoe is any footwear other than a boot or sneaker that is suitable for more formal attire. Or, in layman's terms, it's a shoe you can look dressy in. The category is flexible, as a dress shoe could be any style you wear in an office setting or to a wedding, depending on your needs.
Is Skechers a good shoe? ›Yes, Skechers is one of the top shoe brands in the United States. They provide comfortable and affordable shoes in different styles and designs. Skechers shoes are known for being supportive and offering amazing performance. Because there are so many styles and they last so long, they are a very popular brand.
Are Skechers good for your feet? ›They are not recommended for long-term high impact wear as the arch support is not rigid enough and wears down with prolonged use. Skechers Go Walk are lightweight and have ample shock absorbency for sensitive feet.
Which brand of shoes is the best? ›- Reebok. Reebok is one of India's most well-known shoe companies. ...
- Adidas. Adidas is the second-largest sportswear manufacturer in the world. ...
- Nike. Nike is, without a doubt, the greatest and most dependable shoe brand in the world. ...
- PUMA. ...
- Woodland. ...
- Bata. ...
- Red Tape. ...
- FILA.
Softer, lighter footwear is good for most distances on concrete surfaces, but for long-distance hiking or trail running more specialized shoes will be the best choice. Running shoes are ideal for walkers ( as well as those who move more quickly) for short or long distances, however.
Are memory foam shoes good for standing all day? ›FAQs About Foam Shoes
Foam shoes use memory foam to distribute weight across your foot to relieve pressure, support your arches, and absorb shock. They are ideal for running, walking, and standing for long periods.
Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
Are memory foam shoes good for standing all day? ›FAQs About Foam Shoes
Foam shoes use memory foam to distribute weight across your foot to relieve pressure, support your arches, and absorb shock. They are ideal for running, walking, and standing for long periods.
Are Skechers Shoes Good For Your Feet? Skechers may be good for your feet because they are designed to absorb the shock of running and walking while also reducing pain and fatigue. Skechers have a flexible sole that moves and bends with your feet while you are walking and offers gentle support while standing still.
Why do podiatrists recommend new balance? ›He recommends the New Balance 880 series. “These sneakers orthopedically and biomechanically provide excellent heel and forefoot support,” he says. “They possess a wide toe box, which places less stress and compression on the forefoot, especially in the presence of bunion and hammertoe deformities.
Is memory foam shoes good for back pain? ›
Too Hard or Too Soft a Problem
Perhaps surprisingly problematic are shoes with a memory foam or an air cushion, because they do not provide the right type of support along with their cushioning.
"People with flat feet should wear shoes that are more structured, meaning they aren't too soft or too cushioned," advised Minnesota-based podiatrist Paul Langer, DPM. With a flexible rocker platform and a memory foam-cushioned insole, this slip-on style from Alegria provides just the right amount of support.
Are memory foam insoles worth it? ›Are Memory Foam Insoles Good or Bad for Your Feet? Memory foam insoles are a good choice for people who are dealing with foot pain, helping to keep the feet in a healthy condition. While Memory foam insoles are generally comfortable and an excellent choice for your feet health, there are some cons too.
What type of shoe is best for walking? ›There's no one best shoe for all walkers. The best shoe for you is the one that fits you best. It should give you proper support, flexibility, and cushioning and compensate for any stride problems you may have, such as overpronation. Each person's feet are different.
What is a good walking shoe for a woman? ›- Best overall: Brooks Ghost 14.
- Best budget: New Balance 608 v5.
- Best for women over 50: Skechers GoWalk Joy.
- Best for flat feet: Asics Gel-Kayano 28.
- Best for wide feet: Ryka Devotion Plus 3.
- Best for plantar fasciitis: Hoka Clifton 8.
- Best for high arches: Dansko Women's Pace Walking Shoe.
- Best for back pain:
- Derby Kicks.
- Puma.
- Nike.
- Red Tape.
- New Balance.
- ASICS.
- Skechers.
- Sparx.
Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
Are Skechers good for arthritic knees? ›Skechers shoes are known for their ability to flex and twist, promoting a natural stride when you walk. Skechers GOwalk is an especially popular option for those with knee problems, including reader Penny Letchford.
Is Skechers good for plantar fasciitis? ›Having plantar fasciitis almost always goes together with having flat feet or even overpronation. But don't fret! There are plenty of shoes that can help with these foot ailments, and the Skechers Arch Fit came out on top of the best models for flat feet after plenty of testing!
What kind of shoes do orthopedic doctors recommend? ›Walking, Running | |
---|---|
Asics | Novablast, Kayano, GT-2000, Nimbus (plantar fasciitis) |
Men | Aetrex, Allem Edmonds, Cambrian, Clarks, Cole-Haan, Cambrian, Dansko. Rockport, Ecco. Kumfs |
Cross Trainers | |
Adidas | Barricade |