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16 Best Women's Work Shoes for Standing All Day, According to Experts

A podiatrist and a celebrity stylist weigh in on the most comfortable work shoes for long days at the office.

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most comfortable dress shoes for women margaux heel and birdies starling in black velvet
Margaux/Birdies

Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Some office-appropriate accessories and attire are easier to shop for than others — work pants, summer dresses, and work bags are pretty easy to come by. Finding the best shoes for standing all day, on the other hand, can be more of a gamble. After all, how do you know if a pair of flats, loafers, wedges, or heels are actually going to support your soles through long days at the office, shift after shift?

While scouring reviews can certainly help lead you in the right direction, it's also beneficial to know exactly what to look for in terms of padding, arch support, heel protection, and more. That's why we consulted with celebrity podiatrist Marion Yau (a.k.a. Miss Foot Fixer) and celebrity stylist Cindy Conroy to recommend and identify the key characteristics of comfortable women's work shoes for daily use.

Best Work Shoes for Standing All Day

Whether you work in a business casual environment or take charge in a corner office of a formal workplace, we've got you covered with over a dozen comfortable footwear picks — from favorite brands like Dr. Scholl's, ECCO, and Naturalizer — fit for the occasion. When you slip your feet into these well-reviewed shoes — ranging from sandals and booties to loafers and block heels — you can expect your soles to feel supported with optimal arch support, insole padding, and more. What are you waiting for? Your new favorite work shoes await.

    1
    Best Overall

    Birdies The Starling

    The Starling
    $98 at Birdies
    Credit: Birdies
    Pros
    • Available in tons of colors and fabrics
    • Roomy toe box and cushioned footbeds
    Cons
    • Run a little wide

    When it comes to finding comfy shoes, Yau 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 that feature a rectangular toe, quilted satin footbed, and tons of fabric options, like velvet, raffia, and suede.

    RELATED: Best Ballet Flats for Women

    MaterialsRaffia, velvet, leather, woven, and knit options
    Colors23
    Sizes5-13
    WidthMedium
    2
    Best Loafers

    Dr. Scholl's Webster Loafer

    On Sale
    Webster Loafer
    Now 42% Off
    Credit: Dr. Scholl's
    Pros
    • Provides tons of arch support
    • Lightweight and flexible
    Cons
    • Some reviewers recommend a heel insert

    No matter the height of your arch, 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.

    RELATED: Best Slippers With Arch Support

    MaterialSynthetic leather
    Colors4
    Sizes6-11
    WidthsMedium and wide
    3
    Best Flats

    Rothy's The Flat

    The Flat
    Credit: Rothy's
    Pros
    • Available in 14 colors
    • Machine washable and sustainable
    Cons
    • Run small

    You may love the look of pointed-toe shoes, but there's a good chance your feet won't enjoy the feel after a long day. "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.

    MaterialRecycled plastic
    Colors14
    Sizes5-13
    WidthMedium
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    4
    Best Leather Sneakers

    ECCO Women's Soft 7 Sneaker

    Women's Soft 7 Sneaker
    Credit: ECCO
    Pros
    • Sold in 10 colors
    • Designed with an anatomical footbed for long-lasting comfort
    Cons
    • Since they're leather, they require upkeep

    If you love the idea of wearing ultra-comfortable sneakers to work but prefer leather shoes for added class, you'll love the look (and feel) of the ECCO Women's Soft 7 Sneaker. Designed with an arch-hugging silhouette, the sleek leather sneakers offer elevated style along with all-day comfort.

    MaterialLeather
    Colors10
    Sizes4-11.5
    WidthMedium
    5
    Best Pumps

    Margaux The Heel

    The Heel
    Credit: Margaux
    Pros
    • Available in 11 colors
    • Low block heel and foam padding
    Cons
    • On the pricey side

    They may be pricier, but Conroy believes that natural fibers — such as 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 that comes in 11 colors and has just the right amount of heel (as well as cushy foam padding inside).

    MaterialsSuede, leather, and calf hair options
    Colors11
    Sizes3-14
    WidthsMedium, narrow, and wide
    6
    Best Booties

    Everlane The Glove Boot

    The Glove Boot
    Now 25% Off
    Credit: Everlane
    Pros
    • Available in three colors
    • Stretchy, sustainable, and super supportive
    Cons
    • Run a little small
    • The black boots are so popular, they often sell out

    A low heel always beats a super-high one, especially when you're on your feet all day long. "Extremely high heel height can put the foot at an awkward angle, tipping the foot forward," Yau 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 chic and extremely comfortable.

    MaterialsRecycled polyester, nylon, and elastane
    Colors3
    Sizes5-11
    WidthMedium
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    7
    Best Clogs

    Dansko Professional Black Cabrio Clog

    Professional Black Cabrio Clog
    Credit: Dansko
    Pros
    • Sold in 21 colors
    • Available in narrow, medium, and wide options
    Cons
    • Some shoppers report that the lining bleeds

    Standout features of these Dansko professional clogs include "a roomy, reinforced toe box for protection and comfort," as well as a contoured footbed, padded instep collar, protective heel counter, and anti-fatigue rocker bottom. It's no wonder the brand's iconic silhouette has over 5,000 rave reviews and an average rating of approximately 4.5 stars.

    MaterialLeather
    Colors21
    Sizes4.5-13
    WidthsNarrow, medium, and wide
    8
    Best Business-Casual Sneakers

    OluKai Haupu Sneaker

    Haupu Sneaker
    Pros
    • Designed with anatomically contoured footbeds for all-day comfort
    • High traction soles
    • Signature drop-in heels makes for convenient wear
    Cons
    • Some say they run small

    If you work in a more laid-back office, you may have noticed people pairing their business-casual outfits with chic, white sneakers for a classic-yet-cool look. While there are many white tennies on the market to choose from, the OluKai Haupu sneakers are a fan favorite, thanks to their soft-grain leather silhouette, complete with comfort padding. What's more, they're incredibly convenient to wear, as the heel is designed to flip down so you can easily slide into the sneakers while running out the door for work.

    MaterialLeather
    Colors4
    Sizes5-11
    WidthMedium
    9
    Most Breathable

    Vivaia Square-Toe Chunky Heels Melody Pro

    Square-Toe Chunky Heels Melody Pro
    Pros
    • Includes "blister-proof padded heels"
    • Pressure relief insoles
    Cons
    • Available in mostly neutral colors

    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," Yau says. Luckily, these square-toe heels have a stretchy toe box to fit your feet, instead of squish them. Bonus: They feature insoles designed to inhibit bacterial growth, so your feel will feel (and smell) fresh all day, too.

    RELATED: Best Shoes for Bunions, According to a Podiatrist

    MaterialsNatural artemisia argy and rubber
    Colors12
    Sizes5-11
    WidthMedium
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    10
    Best Wedge Sandals

    Rockport Briah Perf Sling

    On Sale
    Briah Perf Sling
    Now 42% Off
    Credit: Rockport
    Pros
    • Available in 8 colors and wide sizes
    • Low wedge heel and tons of cushion
    Cons
    • Some wearers 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 of the even weight distribution. Some of the most comfortable wedges around are these slings from Rockport that have a modest heel and lots of cushioning, as well as a supportive outsole.

    MaterialLeather
    Colors8
    Sizes5-11
    WidthsMedium and wide
    11
    Best Slip-Ons

    Birdies The Swift

    The Swift
    Credit: Birdies
    Pros
    • Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear
    • Trendy gold option available
    • Can easily be dressed up or down
    Cons
    • Colors sell out fast

    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 thousands of reviewers have raved about these office-appropriate slip-on dress sneakers from Birdies. They feature seven layers of comfort for cloud-like cushioning with each step.

    MaterialsLeather
    Colors4
    Sizes5-12
    WidthMedium
    12
    Best Slingbacks

    Naturalizer Women's Banks Slingback Pumps

    Women's Banks Slingback Pumps
    Now 10% Off
    Pros
    • Great range of widths and sizes
    • Adjustable heel strap
    Cons
    • Slingback fits low on the heel

    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." This pair comes in a plethora of size and width options, perfect for those outside of shoe-fitting norms.

    MaterialLeather
    Colors27
    Sizes4-13
    WidthsNarrow, medium, and wide
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    13
    Best Arch Support

    ABEO Lizzy Low Heel Sandals

    Lizzy Low Heel Sandals
    Credit: ABEO
    Pros
    • Adjustable strap
    • Built-in orthotic insole
    Cons
    • Some reviewers wish the adjustable strap would tighten more

    Sure, cork sandals may not seem like a supportive shoe option, but we can assure you, this pair meets all the marks. It comes in two footbed options: natural and metatarsal. The metatarsal footbed is ideal for those with pain in the balls of their feet while the natural option is ideal for all others. Between the memory foam insoles and adjustable velcro strap, these cork sandals are a dream to walk in.

    RELATED: Most Comfortable Walking Sandals

    MaterialsLeather, memory foam, cork, and rubber
    Colors6
    Sizes6-11
    WidthMedium
    14
    Best Wedges

    Vivaia Almond-Toe Wedge (Tamia Wedge Pro)

    Almond-Toe Wedge (Tamia Wedge Pro)
    Credit: Vivaia
    Pros
    • Comfortable stretchy upper
    • Supportive wedge silhouette
    • Padded heels
    Cons
    • Some shoppers report these run small

    Of all the heel options available, a wedge is by far one of the comfiest. They are stable, secure, and virtually fall-proof. This pair from Vivaia has pressure-relief insoles, making for comfortable all-day wear. The stretchy knit upper ensures a comfortable fit, while the padded heels prevent blisters from popping up mid-day.

    MaterialsNatural Artemisia
    Colors8
    Sizes5-11
    WidthMedium
    15
    Best Heeled Sandals

    Naturalizer Vera Dress Sandal

    Vera Dress Sandal
    Credit: Naturalizer
    Pros
    • Low block heel and buckle closure
    • Available in wide sizes
    • Sold in 19 colors
    Cons
    • Primarily sold in neutral colors

    Conroy suggests skipping shoes with heels altogether if you know you're going to be on your feet all day. However, if you can't resist, she suggests a modest heel that's not much higher than two inches. These contouring, ankle strap sandals from Naturalizer feature a chunky, flared, block heel and a buckle strap to keep your feet secure.

    MaterialsFabric, leather, patent leather, metallic leather, and suede options
    Colors17
    Sizes4-12
    WidthsNarrow, medium, and wide
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    16
    Best Neutral Pumps

    Everlane The Day Heel

    The Day Heel
    Now 25% Off
    Credit: Everlane
    Pros
    • Spacious toe box
    • Stable block heel
    • Flexible heel
    Cons
    • Only sold in neutrals

    The Everlane Day Heel is beloved by thousands of shoppers and for good reason! It features all the elements of an ultra-comfortable pair of heels, including a block heel, spacious rounded toe, and flexible elasticized heel. They're also sold in a few nude hues, making them the perfect pick for anyone looking to test out the naked footwear trend.

    MaterialLeather and Suede
    Colors6
    Sizes5-11
    WidthNarrow and Comfort

    What to look for in work shoes you'll be standing in all day

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    ✔️ 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 feet, which causes less stress and strain.

    ✔️ Comfort: When you think of professional shoes, the first word that comes to mind most likely isn’t "comfy" — but comfort really is imperative. If a shoe feels uncomfortable or constricting the moment you put it on, 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."

    FAQ

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    • What is the best shoe for being on your feet all day? Generally speaking, you'll want to look for shoes that have padded, anatomically-correct footbeds, low heels (if any), and flexible uppers that move with your feet (not against them).
    • How can I make my shoes more comfortable for standing? Many insoles and heel pads exist to make shoe silhouettes more comfortable. For heels, check out the Dr. Scholl's Stylish Step Ball of Foot Cushions for High Heels. If you tend to feel the most tension in your heels while standing all day, consider adding the Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Advanced Heel Cushions to your shoes.
    • Are memory foam shoes good for standing all day? Yes. Memory foam offers extra cushion to help distribute weight across the heels, arches, and balls of the feet. In doing so, memory foam helps to make shoes more comfortable for longer periods of time.
    Headshot of Rebecca Norris
    Rebecca Norris
    Contributing Writer

    Rebecca Ravee Norris is a freelance writer with a decade's worth of lifestyle media experience. Based out of the Washington metropolitan area, she covers everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. She is a graduate of George Mason University and has a B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. When she's not writing, she can be found with her beloved Jack-Chi, Cash, working through reps at the gym, dreaming up her next home decor project, testing a new recipe, getting lost in the pages of a book, or catching up on her favorite shows. 

    Headshot of Kate Franke
    Kate Franke
    Editorial Assistant

    Kate Franke (she/her) is the editorial assistant at Woman’s Day. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!

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