Retail, hospitality, hairdressing, reception, days in the kitchen or running after the kids: standing for eight or ten hours puts your feet to the test. At the end of the day, it's often the shoe, more than the tiredness, that makes the difference between sore feet and simply tired ones. Here are the criteria to check before you buy.
In short
- A cushioned insole that follows the arch of the foot.
- A slightly raised heel rather than a completely flat sole.
- Room for the toes and an adjustable fastening.
- A non-slip outsole and a breathable material.
Why your feet hurt when you stand all day
When you're standing and barely moving, your body weight rests constantly on the same pressure points: the heel and the forefoot. Without cushioning or support, these areas take everything. As the hours go by, your foot swells slightly, and a shoe that felt perfect in the morning becomes tight in the afternoon.
The 6 criteria for a comfortable shoe for standing
1. An insole that supports the arch
An anatomical, slightly contoured insole spreads your weight across the whole sole of your foot instead of concentrating it on the heel. It's the most important criterion.
2. A well-cupped heel
A heel set in a deep cup is stabilised with every step, which limits fatigue. It's one of the details that make our Sienna clog pleasant to wear from morning to night.
3. A slight rise rather than a flat sole
A completely flat sole isn't necessarily the most comfortable over time. A few millimetres of difference between heel and forefoot, with a slightly thick sole, often relieves the back of the foot.
4. Room and an adjustable fastening
Your foot swells throughout the day: a rounded shape and an adjustable buckle let you adapt the fit. If you have wide feet, also read our guide wide feet: how to find comfortable shoes.
5. An outsole that grips
Kitchen floors, wet tiles, polished wood: a treaded sole prevents slips and gives you confidence with every step.
6. A breathable material
A foot that sweats heats up, swells and rubs. A breathable material and a soft lining avoid that "sauna" feeling at the end of the day.
What about summer?
When it's hot, it's tempting to switch to flip-flops, which offer almost no support. A sandal with an anatomical footbed and adjustable straps is a much better choice for long days. Our Ravello sandal combines a cushioning cork-effect midsole, two independently adjustable buckles and vegan suede straps that don't stick to bare skin.
Our tips to last the whole day
- Alternate two pairs from one day to the next: the sole regains its shape and the shoe dries properly.
- Move whenever you can: a few steps, rising onto your tiptoes, ankle rolls.
- Shop at the end of the day, when your foot is at its widest.
- Keep an eye on wear: a collapsed sole no longer supports anything.
Depending on your job, safety shoes or a specific style may be required: check with your employer. And if pain persists, a podiatrist will be able to advise you.
Frequently asked questions
What shoes are best for working on your feet all day?
Shoes with a cushioned, anatomical insole, a well-held heel, a shape that leaves room for the toes and a non-slip sole.
Are clogs and mules suitable?
Yes, if they have a real anatomical footbed and a well-cupped heel. Their rounded shape and easy slip-on make them valuable allies for long days.
Should you go up a size?
If you're between two sizes, yes: your foot swells as the hours go by. Our size guide will help you choose.
Read also
- Wide feet: how to find truly comfortable shoes
- Working from home: what to wear on your feet to feel good all day
- How to choose suede clogs
Clogs and sandals designed for comfort from morning to night: discover our sunny-days collection and All our styles.
