The 9 Best Shoes For Standing All Day, From Office-Friendly Heels to Boots

Larroudé
Nordstrom
Larroudé
Nordstrom
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It sounds sort of funny, but there are so many reasons to stand all day, whether you prefer a raised desk at the office; are constantly on the go, taking meetings all over your city; or traveling often, and for long periods of time. The need for stylish and comfortable walking shoes to get you from point A to point B is crucial, which is why we've curated a list of comfy heels and work shoes that provide support and durability.

Of course, this all comes down to footwear construction — no matter how much we can appreciate an eye-catching upper. Many of the shoe brands on this list are well-known for their science-backed insole designs, including Marion Parke, started by a podiatrist and foot surgeon-turned-designer; and Vivaia, a sustainable label turning recycled plastic water bottles into machine washable shoes with a honeycomb cushioned footbed.

We kept a wide range of styles, budgets, and needs in mind when building this shopping list, so whether you're more of a demure-leaning ballet flats person or a '90s grunge connoisseur, there will be a pair of shoes here for you. Ahead, shop the full list, from a top-selling option by Tory Burch to a luxe knee-high boot this writer swears by.

Top Rated Shoes For Standing All Day
nordstrom.com

Top Rated Shoes For Standing All Day

Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat ($129-$258, originally $228-$258)

These Tory Burch flats have long been a favorite among the fashion set, especially given the designer's signature recognizable hardware at the toe cap. They have a cushioned insole and are made to shape and form to your unique foot shape, making them a breeze for standing or traveling (hence the name). These have also garnered close to 7,000 positive reviews at Nordstrom at time of posting, so the feedback speaks for itself.

Flats For Standing All Day
PS Photography | Angela Elias

Flats For Standing All Day

Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat ($98)

For under $100, you'll be majorly impressed by these ballet flats that hold your foot in place with a comfortable stretch strap. The selling point here is the MWL Cloudlift Lite padding that feels "buttery-soft," according to our editor. Read more of why these flats stand out above the rest in her review of the Madewell Greta Ballet Flats. Spoiler: no blisters!

Editor quote: "I've tried on many iterations of this style of ballet flat from a variety of brands and immediately noticed how the elastic straps would cut into the tops of my feet, or the way the back of the shoes would dig into my heels. With this shoe, they immediately felt comfortable and I didn't have to suffer through a breaking-in period." — Angela Elias, contributor, Shopping

Work Shoes For Standing All Day
PS Photography | Sarah Wasilak

Work Shoes For Standing All Day

Steve Madden Lawsen Black Leather Loafer ($100)

Owning affordable, versatile, and comfortable work shoes is an absolute must, but when your chosen pair is also cool enough to wear out on the weekends for all-day adventures, that's something to write home about. The Steve Madden Lawsen fits the bill. It has a 1.5-inch platform that offers a subtle boost of height, and the lug sole is what keeps the shoes perfectly on-trend. Style them with any type of suit or ankle-crop trousers to fully reveal the silhouette and spark compliments. Read more from our editor in her Steve Madden Lawsen Black Leather Platform Loafers review.

Editor quote: "While these loafers do take some breaking in, they fit true to size and I experience zero slippage or blisters when styling them with or without socks. In fact, my first wear test was a full day out in New York City for Fashion Week, which involves plenty of running around. I'm particularly smitten by the design details of the shoe, especially since I'm a gold jewelry girl, so the hardware complements my go-to accessories nicely." — Sarah Wasilak, associate content director, Shopping

Heels For Standing All Day
andreassous.com

Heels For Standing All Day

André Assous Wynne Woven Heel ($139)

This new arrival at André Assous has all of the comfort the brand is known for, and a notable addition of style thanks to the chic yet classic woven pattern of the soft nappa leather. These have a sturdy 2.2-inch heel and a cushioned footbed for all-day standing or walking. They're also available in half sizes, which is a major plus when it comes to finding heels that truly fit like a glove.

Supportive Shoes For Standing All Day
vivaia.com

Supportive Shoes For Standing All Day

Vivaia Almond-Toe Running Heel Boots ($159)

You have to imagine that if a boot is deemed a "running heel," it promises plenty of comfort for standing all day. Vivaia is a sustainable brand with shoes crafted from recycled plastic water bottles, and most of its footwear is machine washable — unheard of! These boots in particular are offered in six different shades and come equipped with an ultra-supportive V-Pro WalkSole, enhanced arch support, and a water-repellent, stretchy upper, just in case of bad weather. The outsole is also anti-slip, keeping you on sturdy ground throughout the day, and the honeycomb cushioned insole is packed with activated carbon for pressure relief. Your feet will thank you.

Sneakers For Standing All Day
thereformation.com

Sneakers For Standing All Day

Hoka x Reformation Mach 6 LS Crochet Sneakers ($160)

If you've ever tried walking (or standing) in a pair of Hoka sneakers, then you know just how much comfort you're promised with the smart investment. Following a collaboration with FP Movement, the brand has joined Reformation to launch an aesthetic sneaker made from recycled polyester and organic cotton — but it's not all about the visual. Sure enough, the shoe is equipped with Hoka's max cushioned midsole rubber outsole for all-day comfort. Whether you rock them in eggnog shortbread or this "rainy day"-inspired combo, they pair equally well with tennis skirts as they do with your favorite jeans.

Boots For Standing All Day
revolve.com

Boots For Standing All Day

Chelsea Paris Zora Boot ($316, originally $595)

Raise your eyebrows in suspicion all you want, but don't let the look of this heel stop you from trying these well-crafted boots that will elevate your wardrobe in so many ways. This writer can attest to their all-day comfort and high-quality appeal of the butter-soft leather. If you need a pair of boots that aren't low to the ground and help you achieve ultimate sophistication, these are it — the sculpted heel is angled just right to keep your foot in place and calf positioned sturdily within the shaft.

Comfortable Shoes For Standing All Day
larroude.com

Comfortable Shoes For Standing All Day

Larroudé Anne Boot in Burgundy Leather ($485)

The Anne Boot is one of Larroudé's bestselling shoes on the site. Available in three different neutral and wearable shades, the classic riding boot is named for Princess Anne and crafted in Lancaster leather. Thanks to the one-inch block heel and memory foam cushioned insole, these offer durability and support for all-day standing. An added bonus? They come in half sizes, so you can easily source a perfectly-snug fit.

Best Insoles For Standing All day
marionparke.com

Best Insoles For Standing All day

Marion Parke Classic Pump 70 ($495)

If you have yet to learn about Marion Parke, you'll soon be shopping every pair of the former podiatrist's shoes. Parke's innovative Triple I insole technology is extremely well-respected, and it's part of every shoe the brand offers — including this bestselling classic pump. The insole is crafted to sculpt to the natural shape of your foot with every wear, reducing fatigue and pressure on the ball and increasing stability as you walk. Once you try out these insoles, you'll be picking up these shoes in at least two of the seven colorways available — we're sure of it.


Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.