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The 15 Best Sneakers for Standing All Day

Based on user reviews, medical studies and our editors' experiences

ONE37pm editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. You can learn more about that process here.

Whether you’re a healthcare worker on the front lines of the or a newly housebound “WFH” worker who just bought a standing desk - there’s a pair of sneakers that will match your hustle. Being on your feet for hours isn’t an easy thing, but with some of the best sneakers for standing all day, it doesn’t have to be so daunting.

We scoured the internet and sourced real reviews to round up the 15 best athletic shoes for standing all day. From outdoor sneakers made for support to silhouettes decked out with the most comfortable footwear technology, there’s not only something in here for everyone but you just might find your next pair of favorite sneakers.

The Best Sneakers for Standing All Day, at a Glance

Why to trust us:

Not only have we been writing on sneakers since our inception, we have also had the opportunity to develop relationships with many of these brands, which has also given us a chance to personally try out their shoes. As an editor, I have been writing on sneakers for over two years, and started putting a recent focus on comfortable shoes. As of this writing, I have written pieces on the most comfortable Nikes, the most comfortable adidas shoes, and the most comfortable dress shoes, doing adequate research for each article—including user reviews and medical studies.

For our articles on shoe comfort, we frequently refer back to a 2021 footwear study conducted by Hylton B. Menz and Daniel R. Bonanno, entitled "Footwear comfort: a systematic search and narrative synthesis of the literature." This study found that "well-fitted, lightweight shoes with soft midsoles and curved rocker-soles are generally perceived to be most comfortable,"—a finding that we take into our selections.

1. Asics Gel Lyte V

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ASICS

Best Overall Shoe

  • Pros: Very comfortable, nice design
  • Cons: Runs large according to some users
  • Material: Pigskin Nubuc | Sizing: 4-14 | Weight: 120z
  • A Promising Review: "Ordered both colors and kept the blue and orange (thought I would prefer the other color). They're super comfortable and design adds a pop of color to my outfit. The fit runs large, I am usually a 9.5/10, I wound up getting a 9." - ASICS Reviewer

In case you’re unfamiliar with the low-key hype of Asics footwear, they are some of the best priced and most comfortable sneakers available. Known for their gel technology in the midsole, the brand balances itself as a staple for serious runners and for its high profile collabs with Kith’s Ronnie Feig and other must-have brands. (Check out the Kiko x Asics, if you’re looking to add some high-profile fashion and function to your rotation).

BUY NOW AT ASICS, $130

2. New Balance 990V3

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New Balance

Best Shoe for Walking

  • Pros: Versatile, more than one color, midsole cushioning
  • Cons: Could run big or small
  • Material: Pigskin and Mesh Upper | Sizing: 4.5-14 | Weight: 13.60z
  • A Promising Review: "I am completely sold to the New Balance 990v, I have them in Black, Red, Blue, White, Gray and now Mustard Yellow! One the best made shoes for people my size! 6’3” 300lbs! Very good shoes for working out and runners or standing long periods! I would like to find that Money Green color I have seen once before! Very Very good purchase! -Harold R Craig, Amazon Reviewer

The OG “Dad” sneaker, the New Balance 990V3 is popular because it’s certified by people simply looking for a high-quality pair of comfortable shoes and nothing else, i.e. your Dad. Not only has it skyrocketed to the heights of “must-have” lists and celebrity endorsements, but the brand continues to produce the shoe whose unironic greatness speaks to the quality of the fit as well as its durability.

BUY NOW AT NEW BALANCE, $184.99

3. Nike React Element 87

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Amazon

Also Great

  • Pros: Lightweight, durable, comfortable
  • Cons: Not good for bad weather according to some
  • Material: Rubber | Sizing: 4-15 | Weight: 9 0z
  • A Promising Review: "Great quality sticks out the most, and I would have to say that the creativity and comfort, translates to classic Nike. They never fail. These particular sneakers take on the color of your socks, because of the transparent material that they are made of. Very comfortable, and perfect for warmer climates. -Jerrod, Amazon Reviewer

The Nike React Element 87 debuted in 2018 and would immediately be considered for a position for the highly coveted sneaker of the year. Nike’s new React technology featured a foam midsole and outsole and seemed to be a direct competitor with Adidas’s Boost material which since 2015 has been rivaling Nike’s Air Max and Zoom as runner’s go-to performance technology.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $170

4. New Balance 998

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New Balance

Best Shoe for Pavement

  • Pros: Stylish, comfortable, good technology
  • Cons: Runs big/small according to some
  • Material: Pigskin Suede Upper | Sizing: 4-14 | Weight: 13.6 0z
  • A Promising Review: “Really like these once I broke them in after a couple of workouts. Have been wearing Nike for a while, however, used to wear [998] and got awesome mileage out of them. Will be getting these from now on as they feel to be much sturdier shoes.” - Amazon Customer

New Balance has an excellent lineup of stylish and extremely comfortable silhouettes, a personal favorite being the 998. A mixture of suede and mesh makes up the upper with the brand’s not so secret weapon, Abzorb technology in the midsole of the sneaker.

BUY NOW AT NEW BALANCE, $184.99

5. Adidas UltraBoost 4.0

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GOAT

Most Comfortable Shoe

  • Pros: Durable, nice look, very comfortable
  • Cons: Could have to go up a size
  • Material: Rubber | Sizing: 3-18 | Weight: 10.7 0z
  • A Promising Review: “I used to wear UltraBoosts all the time because the rocker sole always helped alleviate my shin splints.” - Charlie Kolbrener, Senior Editor at ONE37pm

Revealed in 2015 to high praise, Boost technology was the biggest announcement for the brand with the Three Stripes since stealing Kanye West from Nike. Taking shots at the kings of sneaker technology, Adidas jumped over Jordan to claim the #2 spot in the sneaker kingdom at the height of its popularity at that time. The ultimate runners were hailed as being incredibly light and able to go the distance for serious athletes, not to mention the brand’s incorporation of Boost in the Kanye West line. 

BUY NOW AT GOAT, $129

6. Reebok Classic Leather

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DSW

Also Great

  • Pros: Durable, versatile, goes with everything
  • Cons: Runs narrow according to some users
  • Material: Leather | Sizing: 8-13 | Weight: 8.6 0z
  • A Promising Review: "Always loved these and spouse loves them as well. Comfortable and goes with everything." - DSW Reviewer

Reebok has been a reasonably priced and high-quality brand for a long time and while they haven’t been hyped up as much as other brands, true sneakerheads always show love to the British athletic turned street style brand. They continue to put out reliable classics like the Reebok Classic Leather, a go-to pick for comfort and durability.

BUY NOW AT DSW, $79.99

7. Salomon Xt-6

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Salomon

Best Design

  • Pros: Comfortable, good for outdoors
  • Cons: Not as durable as other shoes according to some
  • Material: Synthetic/Textile | Sizing: 5-13 | Weight: 12.8 0z
  • A Promising Review: "I love the way these shoes look and they are good for hiking." - Salomon Reviewer

The Salomon Xt-6 is a sneaker good enough to go up the side of a mountain in an ice storm so you can be sure that comfort is what the brand delivers to its customers. The stylish silhouette is a nice low top cut with a technical sophistication brought out in the super weatherproof materials and heavy-duty, super treaded outsole. The cinch lace that tucks into the tongue pouch is just another excellent detail. Shop through their wide range of color options to pick the perfect Xt-6 to match your closet.

BUY NOW AT SALOMON, $190

8. Diadora V7000

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Diadora

Most Colorful Shoe

  • Pros: Affordable, stylish, good for standing/walking
  • Cons: Runs large according to some
  • Material: Textile/ Cow Suede Leather | Sizing: 4-12 | Weight: 9.1 0z
  • A Promising Review: "A pleasure to wear them! Excellent quality!" - Diadora Reviewer

Diadora is another great “Dad” sneaker brand which, in the past couple of years, has been getting its due. The chunky silhouettes provide great comfort and style. The V7000, specifically, is one of their better-looking models. The sneaker’s athletic body makes the silhouette a great middle-ground for casual and performance wear.

BUY NOW AT DIADORA, $40

9. Saucony Grid Web

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Saucony

Best Arch Support

  • Pros: Comfortable with EVA Midsole, nice design, absorbs shock
  • Cons: Could run too narrow
  • Material: Rubber | Sizing: 3.5-13 | Weight: 11.4 0z
  • A Promising Review: "I have a pair of Saucony sneakers, and can personally attest to their comfort and versatility. They can truly be worn everywhere." - Jael Rucker, ONE37pm Editor

Saucony is another notable brand continually pumping out solid silhouettes over the past few decades, One of the Top 5 “go-to” Saucony sneakers, the Grid Web silhouette is so chunky it will take you back to 2000 faster than the opening sound of an N64. The sneaker personifies comfort with a mostly mesh upper, with a molded-EVA midsole that cushions and absorbs shock, as well as a soft sock liner for added comfort and support.

BUY NOW AT SAUCONY, $119.95

10. Vans Era Comfycush

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Vans

Best Low Top

  • Pros: Versatile, lightweight, good for everyday use
  • Cons: Not as durable as other shoes
  • Material: Canvas Uppers | Sizing: 6.5-13 | Weight: 11 0z
  • A Promising Review: "I'm a needy person when it comes to shoes. First, they need to be vegan, which cuts out most of my options. I commute to work on my bike, and I don't like wearing cycling shoes, so I need my kicks to be all black (so they don't look dirty at the office), have a flat sole (so that they go on the pedals easily), and I need them to be comfortable and durable. The comfy kush fits the bill! " - Vans Reviewer

Vans as a skate sneaker are unfuckkwithable but in 2019 they upped the ante with a Comfy Cush technology, a new update to select silhouettes that elevated their notoriously flat sneakers into a new realm of comfort. Although Vans isn’t necessarily the brand you think of for “all-day comfort” the brand’s new and updated footbed was marketed as “comfortable as running sneakers” and brought a new component to the brand without sacrificing the body of their classic and iconic silhouette. Rock classic looks like the Era WITH the comfort of a running performance model. Truly the best of both worlds.

BUY NOW AT VANS, $65

11. Brooks Levitate 2

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Amazon

Best Outdoor Shoe

  • Pros: Great for running, affordable, great support
  • Cons: Less cushioning compared to other models according to some users
  • Material: Rubber | Sizing: 7-15 | Weight: 11.2 0z
  • A Promising Review: These shoes really do seem to absorb and redistribute energy from each stride and footstep so that the impact is easier on the knees, and one's foot rolls into the next stride with less effort. - Amazon Reviewer

For serious runners, Brooks ranks amongst some of the best brands out and when considering a pair of sneakers for standing all day, runners are probably going to be your best bet. Go the less familiar route with Brooks, a running brand with a strong reputation for comfort.  Known also for their reliable quality they have a strong reputation with serious marathoners and casual runners alike. The midsole is built with the brand’s DNA AMP, said to be the brand’s most responsive cushioning. The Levitate 2 is just one of the several Brooks silhouettes that will prove to go the distance.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $134.05

12. Puma RS-X

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Champs Sports

Best Supportive Cushioning

  • Pros: Variety of colors and options, comfortable, includes RS Tech
  • Cons: Could run too wide/narrow
  • Material: Rubber | Sizing: 7-14 | Weight: 120g
  • A Promising Review: People love to compliment me on my shoes. They are also very comfortable. - Manuel, Champion Reviewer

The RS running system saw a recent retro from Puma and not only brought some new relevance to the brand but also helped them cash in on the “Dad” sneaker trend with a variety of colorful and comfortable silhouettes. Similar to other brands the thick midsole provides great comfort for everyday wear. The brand took things a step further when they relaunched the RS tech for the first time and collaborated with some serious nostalgic forces. Check out my personal pick: their collab with Sonic the Hedgehog.

BUY NOW AT CHAMPS SPORTS, $69.99

13. Mizuno Wave Prophecy

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Mizuno

Most Technical Shoe

  • Pros: Upgraded model, nice interior cushioning
  • Cons: Limited color offering
  • Material: Rubber | Sizing: 5.5-10 | Weight: 13.4 0z
  • A Promising Review: I love this shoe please keep in stock! I hope they keep it around and lower the price some! Would be nice if the same shoe was made in separate women and men. - Mizuno Reviewer

Mizuno can be a slept on brand when it comes to runners but the Wave Prophecy sets itself apart as a noteworthy model for the brand. Built on Mizuno’s Infinity Wave technology, the eye-catching midsole not only draws attention but provides great comfort and supper for the wearer. The tech is apparently good for shock absorbing and relieving pressure off the knee and other key joints.

BUY NOW AT MIZUNO, $250

14. Hoka One One Bondi 6

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REI

Best for Wide Feet

  • Pros: Lightweight, good for running/walking
  • Cons: Too narrow according to some buyers
  • Material: Breathable Engineered Knit | Sizing: 7-15 | Weight: 8.9 0z
  • A Promising Review: As an older guy with wide feet it's always a challenge for me to find comfortable lightweight shoes that will help make jogging for fitness tolerable. These shoes are just the ticket to replace my Clifton 8s that have started to show their wear. - Karl, REI Reviewer

The Hoka One One Bondi 6 is one of the brand’s best silhouettes. The sneaker features an extra bulky design and that super large shape is due to all of the cushioning packed into the midsole. The brand’s most cushioned running shoe, the sneaker is good for logging the miles with an all-day comfort that won’t quit so you know you can trust it for any activity.

BUY NOW AT HOKA, $145

15. Reebok Instapump Fury

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StockX

Best for Narrow Feet

  • Pros: Groundbreaking technology, relaxed fit, EVA Midsole
  • Cons: Design might not be for everyone
  • Material: Nylon and Mesh | Sizing: 4-13 | Weight: N/A
  • A Promising Review: : “I've loved these trainers since the '90s and was not disappointed with these at all.they have to be the nicest looking trainers around and comfort is unlike any I've worn before.” - Andrew Pugh, Amazon Reviewer

As far as comfort goes, adjustable comfort reigns supreme. The Reebok Instapump wasn’t only groundbreaking technology for the brand but continues to make waves in modern footwear with collaborations from cool brands like Vetements. The Instapump gives the wearer the choice to rock a relaxed fit or pump things up a couple of levels for more secure comfort. The sneaker also features a forgiving EVA midsole to help go the extra mile.

BUY NOW AT STOCKX, $99

What to Consider When Buying Sneakers to Stand All Day:

Before you make your shoe purchase there are a few factors you'll want to consider first.

Outsole: You'll want to consider the material of your outsole. Rubber is the most common material for athletic shoes, which is a great choice because you'll need an outsole that has good traction—especially if you plan on wearing them in slippery weather.

Midsole: Additionally, a comfortable midsole is needed as well. Some of the shoes we listed above have an EVA midsole, which regarded as being the most comfortable. Other shoes have built-in padding, but the midsole is important (especially if you have pain in the middle part of your foot.

Arch Support: If you can find a shoe that has built-in arch support as well, that's definitely a plus as arch support can help with posture, shock absorption, and stability. Brands like HOKA, Skechers, and adidas are known for emphasizing arch support within their shoes.

Traction: Traction goes along with what we mentioned earlier with the outsole material. If you can get a shoe with a rubber outsole that is waterproof, you'll be in good shape. Also, shoes with large treads and sharp lugs are decent selections as well.

Durability: Durability is something that a lot of times isn't known until personally worn or tested (unless you have previously had experience with the shoe). If you can happen to find some reviews that specifically address the durability component, then you'll be in luck.

Toe Box: The general rule of thumb with the toe box is that there should be about one finger width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. This can be hard to do when buying online, but if you have a similar pair of shoes then you can try to figure out your measurements. It wouldn't hurt to check out the reviews either.

Upper: In our experience, mesh upper has been the most comfortable for us as it is breathable and sweat-wicking, but as long as any upper material has these properties, then you should be good to go.

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