16 Best Women’s Work Shoes for Standing All Day 2024

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.