Humans are built to walk — and we’re really, really good at it. Studies have shown that walking made it possible for humans to use tools and set the stage for the development of bigger brains.
All this walking, however, took a toll on our feet. To help solve the problem, humans living 30,000 years ago came up with a great idea: shoes.
Of course, now shoes are commonplace. We wear them everywhere — from taking casual strolls to playing high-intensity sports to walking around our workplaces every day. The challenge? Finding shoes that fit. Reviews of research literature found that more than 60% of people wear the wrong size shoes, and evidence indicates that poorly fitting shoes can cause foot pain and foot disorders, such as toe deformity, corns, and calluses.
Choosing the right work shoes for long days is critical to keep yourself comfortable and keep yourself healthy.
What to Look for In All-Day Work Shoes
So what makes a good all-day work shoe? Five components are critical.
Cushioning
Great work shoes should come with adequate cushioning. This doesn’t mean you need the softest, most supple shoes on the market — though if that’s your preference, there are plenty of options — your new shoes should have enough cushioning that even after you stand all day your feet aren’t in pain.
Support
It’s also important to ensure your new shoes include great support for your arches, toes, and heels. If you feel like any parts of your foot are “dropping” or unsupported while you walk, walk away. What seems like a minor inconvenience in-store can become a huge pain after 8 hours on your feet.
Construction
How shoes are made also affects their efficacy as work shoes. For example, shoes with poor stitching or that use low-quality materials may break after just a few months (or weeks) of use.
Ventilation
The longer you wear your shoes, the hotter your feet get, especially if you’re moving around all day. Look for shoes that offer good ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry.
Ease of replacement
Comfortable shoes that are “special edition” or from retailers that aren’t easy to access aren’t a great choice for long-term work footwear. The harder your shoes are to replace, the more time you may spend in uncomfortable footwear while you try to find your next pair.
Four Tips to Find Your Best Fit
When it comes to finding your best-fit work shoes, start with these four tips.
- Get expert advice
While you can buy just about anything online, it’s worth visiting a high-quality shoe store in person to see what trained salespeople recommend for your job.
- Consider the long term
Given your work schedule, how long do you expect shoes to last? For example, if you have a job where you’re on your feet all day, every day, it may be worth buying multiple pairs of the same shoe to ensure you’re ready when one set wears out.
- See what other customers are saying
It’s also a good idea to read reviews from other customers. Look for reviews from non-biased sites, rather than those posted on company websites or social media feeds. Ideally, you want to know the good and the not-so-good before making a decision.
- Don’t settle
You shouldn’t have to choose between comfortable shoes and shoes that satisfy workplace dress codes. Don’t settle for footwear that looks great but isn’t comfortable or shoes that feel great but don’t meet workplace expectations.
Instead, opt for shoes that offer a balance of style, comfort, and cost.
Taking It One Step at a Time
High-quality, comfortable shoes can help reduce the risk of foot pain and boost overall productivity during your workday.
When it comes to getting the best-fit shoes for your job, however, take it one step at a time. Try on multiple types and styles to see which offers the best balance of price, performance, and support.
Put simply? Great work shoes are a good investment — and your feet are worth it.
Kelsey Jayne is Vice President of Design at Dansko. She is a fourth-generation shoemaker with a background in fashion, who brings a deep appreciation for the authentic craft of shoemaking. Passionate about thoughtful design, Jayne focuses on creating comfortable footwear that has a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Her mission is to create stylish, comfortable and practical shoes that promote a more thoughtful approach to overall well-being.