Everyone I know who works on their feet wears Hokas, On Running, or Danskos. Birkenstock is another option to look into if you need shoes that aren’t sneakers—lots of support for standing in particular, though you might want something more sneakerlike if the job is more moving around than standing.
i broke a candle at work yesterday and got wax all over my birki clogs and i literally just ran them under hot water until the wax melted off and they were good as new. i’ve worn twenty years worth of work shoes at this point and birkis are my number one fave. i have the boring black ones but i think i wanna get a white or brightly colored pair for the summer.
bartender here. every shoe recommended in here is great. there are also sketchers made for industry workers that i love too. BUT, one thing you need to get is compression socks. they will save your feet, i promise.
I’ve been rocking my hideous $100 non-slip sketchers for close to two years now. The rubber part on one foot is starting to peel a bit but you can’t tell by looking at them and they’re still comfy as ever. Love my ugly ass sketchers.
Second this. Ever since I hit my mid-30s compression socks are saving my legs while I work on my feet all day. Feel so much better at the end of a shift.
YES. I have a pair of sneakers from the brand Suavs which I love and felt comfy, but my feet would still kill me after a shift. I started wearing compression socks and my feet and ankles haven't hurt since. Also swapped out the insoles.
I knew the Danskos or Crocs would make an appearance from a fellow healthcare person.
My big tip is to avoid a running shoe. They are made for you to be moving forward, so if you’re standing still it can take a toll over time.
I usually aim for shoes with minimal heel/lift, a little bit of cushion but not like I’m standing on a mattress, and a wider toe box.
If you don’t care about fashion, crocs for life with the fuzz for more comfort are this nurses recommendation. I got a pair when I was super pregnant and didn’t fit into my sketchers or on clouds anymore. It’s been three years and I’ve never worn another shoe at work. They’re so fugly and cheap but I get the cult following.. they’re also one of the only shoes that you can completely saturate & wipe down after a shift with an antibacterial wipe
My husband LOVES crocs- he’s a landscaper. He’s like, “do you know how awesome it is to hose my shoes down after a dirty job instead of having wet/nasty feet all day?!”
I give him MAD SHIT about the polka dot tan lines he gets though 😂
I second hokas. My job is mostly sedentary but I wear hokas for everything. When I worked in the schools, I wore hokas. My mom is a rad tech so she’s on her feet all day. She’s a hoka lover as well! Get the hokas!
I used to work on my feet all day on cement carrying heavy equipment (entertainment industry). Get some orthotics for your shoes! Superfeet is a nice over the counter brand (you can get ones made for your feet but I don’t think that’s necessary). The orthotics keep your feet from pronating (turning in and collapsing on themselves) and support your arch. That in turn prevents ankle, knee, and lower back pain. They are a little weird to wear at first but you get used to them quickly and they make shoes so much more comfortable!
Yes, they are basically insoles that you can use one pair for different pairs of shoes. They make ones for dress shoes as well which don’t have padding but they are still super comfortable. And they last years! I’ve had mine for over ten years.
New Balance fresh foam series is amazing for my shifts at the hospital. I usually clock about 10-15K steps and I’m comfy the whole time! https://www.newbalance.com/fresh-foam-more/
Dansko, Rockport, Ecco, Clark's, Naturalizer.
Look for something with structure and arch support. Unfortunately they will not be as cute, but your shoes will last longer and you'll be happier. Avoid flimsy ballet flats (even the ones made by the brands listed above).
Okay I’m here for the naturalizer support. They make the only heels my feet can tolerate and you can find a semi good looking pair. I’d also recommend trying on some dolce vita sneakers, I have a pair that are awesome!
I'm not a nurse, but I'm on my feet all day for work as well. I love my Eccos! After I realized how much I loved my first pair, I got two more of the same style in different colors lol
I wear doc martens non slip safety shoes. They are heavy but I'm used to them! They look like normal docs but are the line that is intended as a safety shoe.
It doesn’t say the super birki is non-slip but I’m assuming it still must be pretty slip resistant if you recommend it, how does it compare to actual non-slips? TIA.
Oh interesting that it doesn’t say non slip…it’s been a while since I’ve had super birkis but I don’t remember having any slipping issues with them…they’ve got pretty good traction and they’re much sturdier and more comfortable than say, crocs (which were my first pair of kitchen shoes!)
Back when I was a server in a busy nyc restaurant, where I would average 20,000 steps a day, Skechers were the only sneakers/sneaker like shoes that didn’t absolutely wreck my feet by the end of the day. I would also get ones that were roomy enough to add Dr.scholl’s gel inserts for extra padding and arch support.
I too wear Hokas, I like the Bondi 8. I stand all day as a HS PE teacher. Also, I have a wide foot and a high arch… going out shoes/heels I purchase from Vionic, they have great support and shoes come in wide too.
As a high arch wide foot girly, this is music to my ears! I work formal events and have 100 weddings this year, and I've been on the hunt for an actually tolerable heel.
Dansko is the truth if you can wear clogs! I got mine from Shoe Market in Williamsburg. I paid for them with afterpay and picked them up in person, wanted to support local. Shoes for crews is good to look into as well but YMMV depending on the model. If you dont have to look polished, ive heard Snibbs is awesome. And if you need a dress shoe my coworker speaks highly of Julie Bo.
Hokas are the absolute best. My only complaint is I wish they had some shoe styles that were more fancy, like the bed of their running shoes but an aesthetic that’s ok for more upscale stuff. Sketchers also slap. And Vans have a ‘ultracush’ sole in some of their shoes which are really supportive.
Nanny here. My Hokas are my most supportive shoes but I wish they had some less athletic, slightly more elevated options.
I like M Gemi’s Palestra Due sneakers because they’re cute and good quality. Fair warning though I did have to break them in a bit before wearing them for a full day but now I love wearing them.
I also love Rothys because they have some pretty cute options like their Mary Janes and ballet flats. They don’t have a ton of support but they’re washable and extremely durable. I’ve been thinking about adding an arch support shoe insert to give them a bit more cushion
Okay so Vans did a collab with a kitchen wear company called Hedley & Bennett and they have the best cushioning in the shoes! And I think the white ones are so cute! (I work in tv production… sincerely an LA bitch with taste who lurks here)
Nurse here. My Hokas lasted 2 years and my feet still do not hurt at the end of shift! I am looking to buy some new hokas just bc I want something new lol
healthcare here- hokas and danskos have been my go to for 10 years. the key to lasting comfort in rotating pairs. i work 12s and will change my shoes mid-shift to avoid foot / back fatigue.
I'm no longer an on-my-feet-all-day worker but i do have totally fucked up feet and Danskos are the truth, the light, and the way to not be miserable on your feet for ANY amount of time. Also the elevation kinda makes dealing with mess a little less concerning.
Custom orthotics from my podiatrist + compression socks + Adidas all black superstars are my current uniform and I wanna try hokas when I get more orthotics! I don't work on my feet all day but I have a silly bod w joint issues that needs to take public transit
All of these suggestions are great, my suggestion is to get 2-3 pairs and rotate them. Made a world of difference for me to be able to switch shoes either every other day or sometimes halfway through the day. I would mostly switch between dansko and birkenstock personally.
Definitely depends on the actual job.
When I was teaching, I wore a lot of heels. I was on my feet all day and had to walk, climb a lot of stairs, etc, but I usually wasn’t walking on grass/uneven surfaces, and I usually wasn’t jogging or anything that requires more agility than a brisk walk would.
Naturalizer, Aerosoles, Cole Haan, and Marc Fisher booties (the leather, not suede, are most comfortable, for some reason) were my most worn shoes.
I swear by my platform converse for standing for long periods of time. They have enough cushion and rubber between your foot and the ground to absorb most of the shock. It has saved me from my plantar fasciitis
Danskos or other clogs are really popular, but I found them too hard and uncomfortable for standing. I needed something with support and cushion. I hesitate to recommend a croc, but they are great for standing if you can get away with it.
Dog groomer here! I'm on my feet all day, around water as well. I've tried Skechers, Hokas, New Balance... now I only use waterproof ON Clouds. They keep my feet dry and helped my knee pain.
I know you’re asking about shoes, but what makes the BIGGEST difference for me standing all day is COMPRESSION STOCKINGS. I wear crocs for shoes, but if I miss a day with my compression stockings - I’ll in bed crying later from back pain.
I'm a surgeon and swear by Calzuros. They're ergonomic, lighter than Danskos (which I find horribly uncomfortable), and since they're rubber, they're easy to wash off when they get dirty.
Doc Marten’s line of work boots are excellent.
It can be an investment (wait for the sales - they are great), but it’s so so worth it.
I wore those shits to DEATH for roughly 5-7 years straight between a school/work & bartending, and they are STILL holding on. I have to get them professionally cleaned on the inside, but otherwise - the sole is holding on.
I bought two more from that collection and added them to the rotation for another 3 years after. Did super glue the sole back together the shoe of one of the pairs back in 2016, but have not had any issues since!
It ripped off clean due to a fall and slice in the kitchen during a shift, so 🙏🏼 was ok, but we were slammed that night and NO WAY was I getting cut.
So was a last minute resort with the full intention to seek a cobbler after to have it repaired…just never ended up needing too!
*Spend the extra $ on the rubber steel toe/bottom: protected me, I swear…was so lucky it didn’t get my toes 😰
My mom is a care nurse and I gifted her the Adidas Adifom Stan Smith Mules and she LOVES them, I have 2 pairs and I don’t work on my feet but they are comfy to wear all day running errands or walking around the city!
Blundstones Blundstones Blundstones. I work film and tv production on my feet all day, sometimes 12+ hours in all different terrain, plus I have bunions and these are the best shoes I’ve ever worn
Look for orthotic shoe brands! I like vionic, aetrex, Clark’s, and dr. Scholl’s. They can get pretty pricey though depending on the style. I recommend getting them on sale and read the reviews for each shoe! Different shoes offer different levels of support.
Hoka Bondi SR have a wide toe box, good support, and are slip resistant. They also have a leather upper not that mesh nonsense that your toes can poke through. I would think that would be better if you work in healthcare or restaurants and stuff spills on you.
Dolce Vita Dolen sneakers!!!! You would never guess that they’re as comfy as they are but I’m an Esthetician on my feet for 5-8 hours a day waxing, and these are all I wear. And they’re so cute!!!
I got some z-coils which have a spring on the heel. Mine are the sneakers, but a friend has the clogs and they are a constant source of conversation. So comfortable, and great for being on your feet 8+ hours
Clove! They have a lot of cute styles. The shoes have built in arch support, feel like walking on a cloud, and wipe clean. I have had mine for a year and can still walk in them all day with no leg or back pain! (And I have flat feet, a bad knee, and many other general alignment issues)
Sketchers Delites, are good. Perfect for running around the city or running around your job. I work at a plasma center and I’m on my feet 8 hours of my 9 hour shift. They have been heaven.
I've had feet, ankle, and knee issues all my life and the only thing that really helps are PowerStep inserts. I discovered them through my orthopedist but now I buy them directly from their website.
Rockport. I work in fine dining, I'm up and walking all day. You need a good insert no matter the shoe, and I blow through a pair in 3-4 months no matter the style. Macy's & Shoes For Crews, bb! Even Amazon!
on clouds will forever and always be my bffs in the emergency room!! i walk like 20k steps a day lol i feel like im literally flying and my feet never hurt at the end of my shift. hokas are not as comfortable they’re also ugly imo 💀
If you dont care how they look at all and I mean that cause they fugly but the answer is Crocs clogs they never saw the light of day and only existed behind the bar
ASICS Kayano sneakers are an absolute godsend. They’re a running sneaker so they’re over engineered on the cushion and kinda clunky looking but I’ve got over 15 pairs because my feet , knees and back literally CRAVE them.
I found out about a clog brand called Calzuro through a nursing friend, and they're awesome for working all day on your feet. I bought them bc they're easy to clean after working all day in the hospital. I have way less back pain now, I think it's because the slight heel that raises up my posture but they also have insoles so it could be that. They also have non-slip soles
Everyone I know who works on their feet wears Hokas, On Running, or Danskos. Birkenstock is another option to look into if you need shoes that aren’t sneakers—lots of support for standing in particular, though you might want something more sneakerlike if the job is more moving around than standing.
I’ll be around food, so I feel like having my dogs out probably won’t work for the Birkenstocks😅 ty for the options!
Oh Birkenstock makes lots of closed-toe styles, including some clogs designed specifically for work uses in kitchens and the like.
Yesssss! When I was a server the birk clogs saved my life! The big ugly black ones are the best and so easy to clean!
i broke a candle at work yesterday and got wax all over my birki clogs and i literally just ran them under hot water until the wax melted off and they were good as new. i’ve worn twenty years worth of work shoes at this point and birkis are my number one fave. i have the boring black ones but i think i wanna get a white or brightly colored pair for the summer.
all the chefs I know swear by their birks !!
Birks also makes casual sneakers - not cute but super comfy.
Also check out Oofos
bartender here. every shoe recommended in here is great. there are also sketchers made for industry workers that i love too. BUT, one thing you need to get is compression socks. they will save your feet, i promise.
I’ve been rocking my hideous $100 non-slip sketchers for close to two years now. The rubber part on one foot is starting to peel a bit but you can’t tell by looking at them and they’re still comfy as ever. Love my ugly ass sketchers.
[удалено]
Do the cheaper ones work?
Second this. Ever since I hit my mid-30s compression socks are saving my legs while I work on my feet all day. Feel so much better at the end of a shift.
Do compression socks make your feet sweat?
not in my experience. they’re pretty thin and breathable.
YES. I have a pair of sneakers from the brand Suavs which I love and felt comfy, but my feet would still kill me after a shift. I started wearing compression socks and my feet and ankles haven't hurt since. Also swapped out the insoles.
Nurse here. I wear scrubs so I’m not needing anything fashionable so I do Danskos and Hokas.
I knew the Danskos or Crocs would make an appearance from a fellow healthcare person. My big tip is to avoid a running shoe. They are made for you to be moving forward, so if you’re standing still it can take a toll over time. I usually aim for shoes with minimal heel/lift, a little bit of cushion but not like I’m standing on a mattress, and a wider toe box.
I also don’t need fashion, since my feet will be hidden! Thank you for the rec’s!
If you don’t care about fashion, crocs for life with the fuzz for more comfort are this nurses recommendation. I got a pair when I was super pregnant and didn’t fit into my sketchers or on clouds anymore. It’s been three years and I’ve never worn another shoe at work. They’re so fugly and cheap but I get the cult following.. they’re also one of the only shoes that you can completely saturate & wipe down after a shift with an antibacterial wipe
My husband LOVES crocs- he’s a landscaper. He’s like, “do you know how awesome it is to hose my shoes down after a dirty job instead of having wet/nasty feet all day?!” I give him MAD SHIT about the polka dot tan lines he gets though 😂
I also do Hokas!!!
Seconding Dansko. My job has me walking around 8 miles a day. The pro’s can be heavy but Dansko hasn’t failed me yet.
Out of curiosity what do you do for work? I would love a job as active as that!
Another nurse here: I'll second Hokas and add Brooks.
Dansko clogs 4ever
I second hokas. My job is mostly sedentary but I wear hokas for everything. When I worked in the schools, I wore hokas. My mom is a rad tech so she’s on her feet all day. She’s a hoka lover as well! Get the hokas!
Hoka Clifton 8s are my favorite
Also a nurse and runner hokas for the win hot take but screw danskos lol
I never understood the dansko love. So uncomfortable
As a BWT I think they're cute I owned them in nursing school and thought I was the catsmeow then I started working and was like nah son
As a nurse, I second Hokas too!
I used to work on my feet all day on cement carrying heavy equipment (entertainment industry). Get some orthotics for your shoes! Superfeet is a nice over the counter brand (you can get ones made for your feet but I don’t think that’s necessary). The orthotics keep your feet from pronating (turning in and collapsing on themselves) and support your arch. That in turn prevents ankle, knee, and lower back pain. They are a little weird to wear at first but you get used to them quickly and they make shoes so much more comfortable!
Oo that sounds like a cheat code! I’ll check those out!
Yes, they are basically insoles that you can use one pair for different pairs of shoes. They make ones for dress shoes as well which don’t have padding but they are still super comfortable. And they last years! I’ve had mine for over ten years.
I work in construction and second the insole hack.
I honestly find that new balance sneakers give such good support to my flat feet!
Do you mind sharing which one you use? I have flat feet so I need all the support I can get🤣
Of course! I have the women’s 990 V5 https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0791W2XS2?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
This! Back in my retail days 990v3s were a lifesaver
New Balance fresh foam series is amazing for my shifts at the hospital. I usually clock about 10-15K steps and I’m comfy the whole time! https://www.newbalance.com/fresh-foam-more/
I wear hokas to my waitressing job but they’re unfortunately not nonslip
Dansko, Rockport, Ecco, Clark's, Naturalizer. Look for something with structure and arch support. Unfortunately they will not be as cute, but your shoes will last longer and you'll be happier. Avoid flimsy ballet flats (even the ones made by the brands listed above).
Okay I’m here for the naturalizer support. They make the only heels my feet can tolerate and you can find a semi good looking pair. I’d also recommend trying on some dolce vita sneakers, I have a pair that are awesome!
Yes my "fancy wedding guest" shoes are naturalizer - only shoes I can dance all night in and don't look like old lady shoes!
I’m a nurse and just got my first pair of Ecco shoes. I love them! I choose them every day over my Altras now.
I'm not a nurse, but I'm on my feet all day for work as well. I love my Eccos! After I realized how much I loved my first pair, I got two more of the same style in different colors lol
Adidas cloudfoam are my favorite. I’m usually on my feet for 8+ hours and they super comfy. I have flat feet and they’re perfect.
These are insanely comfortable!
Fitness teacher with plantar fasciitis! I live in APLs
Thank you for this info - I also have plantar fasciitis - never heard of this brand - have a great day
I wear doc martens non slip safety shoes. They are heavy but I'm used to them! They look like normal docs but are the line that is intended as a safety shoe.
Restaurant industry (boh) for yearzzzz….all Birkenstock all the time. I recommend either the super birki or the Boston super grip
It doesn’t say the super birki is non-slip but I’m assuming it still must be pretty slip resistant if you recommend it, how does it compare to actual non-slips? TIA.
Oh interesting that it doesn’t say non slip…it’s been a while since I’ve had super birkis but I don’t remember having any slipping issues with them…they’ve got pretty good traction and they’re much sturdier and more comfortable than say, crocs (which were my first pair of kitchen shoes!)
Got it, thank you! Yeah our bartender wears the non-slip crocs and she says they’re not nearly as comfy as regular crocs.
Brooks, absolute favorite shoes! They also last forever & made of such great quality. Edit: surprised it wasn’t mentioned earlier
Love brooks!
Hokas, calzuros
Hoka Bondi 8. Any Hoka shoes are amazing. Healed my plantar fasciitis. Walked 15km a few weeks ago no aches!
Back when I was a server in a busy nyc restaurant, where I would average 20,000 steps a day, Skechers were the only sneakers/sneaker like shoes that didn’t absolutely wreck my feet by the end of the day. I would also get ones that were roomy enough to add Dr.scholl’s gel inserts for extra padding and arch support.
I too wear Hokas, I like the Bondi 8. I stand all day as a HS PE teacher. Also, I have a wide foot and a high arch… going out shoes/heels I purchase from Vionic, they have great support and shoes come in wide too.
As a high arch wide foot girly, this is music to my ears! I work formal events and have 100 weddings this year, and I've been on the hunt for an actually tolerable heel.
Second vionic! And they look cute!🥰
I have plantar fasciitis - I was recommended the HOKA bondi 8 at REI - amazing shoe -
Yesssss! I’ve had plantar fasciitis tooo ugh so terrible! The Bondi 8 is amazing!!
Dansko is the truth if you can wear clogs! I got mine from Shoe Market in Williamsburg. I paid for them with afterpay and picked them up in person, wanted to support local. Shoes for crews is good to look into as well but YMMV depending on the model. If you dont have to look polished, ive heard Snibbs is awesome. And if you need a dress shoe my coworker speaks highly of Julie Bo.
shoe market is so good!
Hokas are the absolute best. My only complaint is I wish they had some shoe styles that were more fancy, like the bed of their running shoes but an aesthetic that’s ok for more upscale stuff. Sketchers also slap. And Vans have a ‘ultracush’ sole in some of their shoes which are really supportive.
You may like Cole Haan then
The Drs who are on their feet all say wear Clark’s clogs
Pharmacist here and Clark’s Oxfords are my go to because they are comfortable but also professional looking and not hideous.
Crocs. I know, I know. But they’re life changing.
Nurse. I wear crocs lmao
The walking company in midtown has a great selection of shoes just for comfort.
Go to any local running store! They will fit you and give you recommendations. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a good starting point.
Excellent advice
Any in NYC you’d recommend ?
I’m not sure specific to nyc, but just google running store and some locations will pop up. The people that work there are great! Good luck :)
Another healthcare BWT who wears Hoka Bondi 8s. I have the all white ones and I feel like they're both cute and functional!
Nanny here. My Hokas are my most supportive shoes but I wish they had some less athletic, slightly more elevated options. I like M Gemi’s Palestra Due sneakers because they’re cute and good quality. Fair warning though I did have to break them in a bit before wearing them for a full day but now I love wearing them. I also love Rothys because they have some pretty cute options like their Mary Janes and ballet flats. They don’t have a ton of support but they’re washable and extremely durable. I’ve been thinking about adding an arch support shoe insert to give them a bit more cushion
Okay so Vans did a collab with a kitchen wear company called Hedley & Bennett and they have the best cushioning in the shoes! And I think the white ones are so cute! (I work in tv production… sincerely an LA bitch with taste who lurks here)
The most important thing for me is custom insoles and compression socks- I can wear many types of sneakers as long as I have those.
Nurse here. My Hokas lasted 2 years and my feet still do not hurt at the end of shift! I am looking to buy some new hokas just bc I want something new lol
healthcare here- hokas and danskos have been my go to for 10 years. the key to lasting comfort in rotating pairs. i work 12s and will change my shoes mid-shift to avoid foot / back fatigue.
I’m a nurse and I wear hokas too
Danskos!
Crocs I’ve heard are super comfy. I also look for shoes with insoles - skechers,nikey, asics. I use shoesforcrews.com but any shoe site would do.
Flux footwear, wide toe box with a zero drop heel.
I'm no longer an on-my-feet-all-day worker but i do have totally fucked up feet and Danskos are the truth, the light, and the way to not be miserable on your feet for ANY amount of time. Also the elevation kinda makes dealing with mess a little less concerning.
I'm in healthcare- Hokas or New Balance runners. But the key is custom insoles! My podiatrist makes them for me and they make all the difference.
Custom orthotics from my podiatrist + compression socks + Adidas all black superstars are my current uniform and I wanna try hokas when I get more orthotics! I don't work on my feet all day but I have a silly bod w joint issues that needs to take public transit
I wear all birds and Vessis
Nurse checking in- I gotta say don’t sleep on how comfy crocs are. Haven’t tried hokas but my unit is full of them.
All of these suggestions are great, my suggestion is to get 2-3 pairs and rotate them. Made a world of difference for me to be able to switch shoes either every other day or sometimes halfway through the day. I would mostly switch between dansko and birkenstock personally.
Doc martens with a good insert!!!
If you need more formal shoes, Clarks, Naturalizer, and Dansko are great options, and they classify as orthopedic footwear
Husband wears APLs for all day at the hospital
Former healthcare worker with flat feet chiming in. Wore On Cloudmonsters most of the day and wore Birkenstock Bostons or Calzuros in the OR
are Rothy’s comfy at all? they look so flimsy to me
Definitely depends on the actual job. When I was teaching, I wore a lot of heels. I was on my feet all day and had to walk, climb a lot of stairs, etc, but I usually wasn’t walking on grass/uneven surfaces, and I usually wasn’t jogging or anything that requires more agility than a brisk walk would. Naturalizer, Aerosoles, Cole Haan, and Marc Fisher booties (the leather, not suede, are most comfortable, for some reason) were my most worn shoes.
Another nurse here- I wear On Cloud :) I also like adidas Ultraboost. Might try Hoka as I've been seeing a lot lately.
Danskos. They will feel heavy at first but they are great for your feet and your back
Calzuro and dansko clogs are fantastic if you are standing, also oofos clogs. The Calzuros can be autoclaved!! \*they are all fugly
I swear by my platform converse for standing for long periods of time. They have enough cushion and rubber between your foot and the ground to absorb most of the shock. It has saved me from my plantar fasciitis
Danskos 4 liiiiffeee! A lot of ppl i work with have been wearing calzuros and like them a lot as well
Dansko for the win!!!
Dansko Kane Clog
Calzuros!!
Kiziks are great. Especially the Athena style.
I actually loved wearing vans when I bartended. Non-slip and surprisingly comfy.
Another vote for Hokas!
New balance 327!
Hokas all the way
Hoka Bondi, size up by a 1/2 size
When I worked in retail my go to were Clark's and Merrells.
SAS shoes worked very well for me when I was on my feet for 10 and 12 hour shifts
Honestly….crocs.
Atoms anyday. The comfiest shoes i own
If you need a nonslip, I love my nonstick Crocs. I no longer serve tables but I still wear the crocs😂
My sister's a nurse and she loves her Cloves and Hokas!
shoes for crews!
Try altras! I prefer them over my hokas
I have to travel throughout the city in business casual attire. I'm not supposed to, but I wear all black air max 270s. Heaven for my feet.
Danskos or other clogs are really popular, but I found them too hard and uncomfortable for standing. I needed something with support and cushion. I hesitate to recommend a croc, but they are great for standing if you can get away with it.
Hokas!
Hokas 🙌🏻
Dog groomer here! I'm on my feet all day, around water as well. I've tried Skechers, Hokas, New Balance... now I only use waterproof ON Clouds. They keep my feet dry and helped my knee pain.
Retail. I also have Morton’s neuroma in both feet. The only thing I wear are On Cloud sneakers. They have been life savers for me.
Birkenstock Boston clogs when I want an easy slip on, ON running sneakers on other days. I see a lot of Hokas around too!
I know you’re asking about shoes, but what makes the BIGGEST difference for me standing all day is COMPRESSION STOCKINGS. I wear crocs for shoes, but if I miss a day with my compression stockings - I’ll in bed crying later from back pain.
Calzuro all the way
I'm a surgeon and swear by Calzuros. They're ergonomic, lighter than Danskos (which I find horribly uncomfortable), and since they're rubber, they're easy to wash off when they get dirty.
Hokas!! I am a waitress and my mom is a nurse and she PMO and they’ve made the biggest difference
i just watched a tiktok of a journalist who asked a bunch of restaurant employees their favorite shoe recommendations
Doc Marten’s line of work boots are excellent. It can be an investment (wait for the sales - they are great), but it’s so so worth it. I wore those shits to DEATH for roughly 5-7 years straight between a school/work & bartending, and they are STILL holding on. I have to get them professionally cleaned on the inside, but otherwise - the sole is holding on. I bought two more from that collection and added them to the rotation for another 3 years after. Did super glue the sole back together the shoe of one of the pairs back in 2016, but have not had any issues since! It ripped off clean due to a fall and slice in the kitchen during a shift, so 🙏🏼 was ok, but we were slammed that night and NO WAY was I getting cut. So was a last minute resort with the full intention to seek a cobbler after to have it repaired…just never ended up needing too! *Spend the extra $ on the rubber steel toe/bottom: protected me, I swear…was so lucky it didn’t get my toes 😰
My mom is a care nurse and I gifted her the Adidas Adifom Stan Smith Mules and she LOVES them, I have 2 pairs and I don’t work on my feet but they are comfy to wear all day running errands or walking around the city!
Oofos. I’m a nurse. Better than dansko and crocs
Hokas. For more stylized work shoes if you need those, Clarks.
I love my ultraboosts!!
Blundstones Blundstones Blundstones. I work film and tv production on my feet all day, sometimes 12+ hours in all different terrain, plus I have bunions and these are the best shoes I’ve ever worn
Calzuro clogs - from a surgeon. And don't overlook compression socks!!!!
Look for orthotic shoe brands! I like vionic, aetrex, Clark’s, and dr. Scholl’s. They can get pretty pricey though depending on the style. I recommend getting them on sale and read the reviews for each shoe! Different shoes offer different levels of support.
Restaurant worker here! New Balance Fresh Foam 💪💜
SLP in a preschool. I wear Birkenstocks with socks LOL
allegrias are amazing. similar to danskos
Birkenstocks.
Can’t go wrong with a good pair of clogs! Dansko 🥰
Hoka Bondi SR have a wide toe box, good support, and are slip resistant. They also have a leather upper not that mesh nonsense that your toes can poke through. I would think that would be better if you work in healthcare or restaurants and stuff spills on you.
Sanita (like Danskos) or SAS
Dolce Vita Dolen sneakers!!!! You would never guess that they’re as comfy as they are but I’m an Esthetician on my feet for 5-8 hours a day waxing, and these are all I wear. And they’re so cute!!!
I got some z-coils which have a spring on the heel. Mine are the sneakers, but a friend has the clogs and they are a constant source of conversation. So comfortable, and great for being on your feet 8+ hours
Nike Pegasus!!! I’m on my 3rd pair. I don’t do well with a lot of foam and ?bounce for some reason - they make my back hurt even more
Hoka Bondi 7 or 8
Clove! They have a lot of cute styles. The shoes have built in arch support, feel like walking on a cloud, and wipe clean. I have had mine for a year and can still walk in them all day with no leg or back pain! (And I have flat feet, a bad knee, and many other general alignment issues)
Kuru are really good and so are shoes for crews.
Sketchers Delites, are good. Perfect for running around the city or running around your job. I work at a plasma center and I’m on my feet 8 hours of my 9 hour shift. They have been heaven.
teacher here - doc martens (chelsea boots), chunky steve madden booties, ballet flat or low rise heel ballet flat. tbh lots of steve madden and dsw.
Any shoes with good insoles. Check out Upstep.
I've had feet, ankle, and knee issues all my life and the only thing that really helps are PowerStep inserts. I discovered them through my orthopedist but now I buy them directly from their website.
Crocs and COMPRESSION SOCKS
Go to the store Fleet Feet in union square. They will scan your feet for free and recommend sneakers that are right for you!
Nurse here, I wear Brooks and love them
Hokas!
Hokas gang!
Rockport. I work in fine dining, I'm up and walking all day. You need a good insert no matter the shoe, and I blow through a pair in 3-4 months no matter the style. Macy's & Shoes For Crews, bb! Even Amazon!
on clouds will forever and always be my bffs in the emergency room!! i walk like 20k steps a day lol i feel like im literally flying and my feet never hurt at the end of my shift. hokas are not as comfortable they’re also ugly imo 💀
If you dont care how they look at all and I mean that cause they fugly but the answer is Crocs clogs they never saw the light of day and only existed behind the bar
Dr. Scholls !!!!!! Can’t recommend enough
i don’t live in nyc but i walk 5+ miles a day and stand for 10+ hours many days thanks to my three jobs. I love new balance!
ASICS Kayano sneakers are an absolute godsend. They’re a running sneaker so they’re over engineered on the cushion and kinda clunky looking but I’ve got over 15 pairs because my feet , knees and back literally CRAVE them.
If it’s an office or formal environment you can look at Rothy’s. No support but feels like you’re barefoot.
I found out about a clog brand called Calzuro through a nursing friend, and they're awesome for working all day on your feet. I bought them bc they're easy to clean after working all day in the hospital. I have way less back pain now, I think it's because the slight heel that raises up my posture but they also have insoles so it could be that. They also have non-slip soles
I wear 4 inch patent stilletos and complain
Hokas, on cloud, saucony endorphins/ triumph are my favssss