The Best Shoes for Standing All Day

Academy Staff

February 22, 2022

4 min read

The kind of shoes you wear to work matters when it comes to your job performance. After all, to take on jobs that require standing, walking long distances, and strenuous activities from beginning to end every shift, you need the best work boots and shoes that offer the right balance of comfort and toughness.

We know that you need durable work shoes that stand up to the most rigid daily demands while keeping you safe from workplace hazards with supportive and plush comfort in a pinch. Here are our picks for the Top 5 best shoes for standing all daywhen working in your industry:

Warehouse Work

Standing on your feet all day is standard practice on the warehouse floor. Although it's part of the job, standing for long periods of time can cause pain and harm over a prolonged period, especially if you have flat feet. To meet the challenges of warehouse work, you'll need work shoes that blend maximum comfort with protection and support.

1. Men’s Reebok Sublite Cushion EH Alloy Toe Lace Up Work Shoes

Alloy toes allow for a more lightweight feel than steel and are complemented with electrical hazard protection for unparalleled safety
The breathable and flexible mesh design and moisture-wicking nylon mesh linings partner up to keep your feet dry, cool, and comfortable
MemoryTech Massage insoles and durable rubber padded outsoles provide extra cushioning and reliable, non-slip traction to keep you steady and sure on your feet

2. Men’s SKECHERS Relaxed Fit Cankton Lace Steel Toe Work Shoes

An extremely comfortable option at a great opening price point makes this one of our highest-rated work shoes with over 200(!) 5-star customer reviews
You won’t know you’re wearing steel toes with its Relaxed Fit® design that offers a wide, roomy fit.
Cushy, memory foam insoles, padded collar and tongue, and midsoles with shock absorption properties pamper your feet throughout the long hours

3. Men’s CAT Streamline Leather EH Composite Toe Lace Up Work Shoes

An ultra-durable, safety-focused work shoe that feels and fits like a pair of comfortable athletic shoes
Rugged, durable leather uppers and lightweight composite toes meet the challenges of your workday and surpass them with the addition of electrical hazard protection
Dual-density midsoles, foam footbeds, and an SRX-injected, slip-resistant outsole keep you sure-footed in unsure conditions and offer ample cushioning for maximum comfort

4. Men’s Reebok Astroride EH Steel-Toe Lace Up Work Shoes

A stylish, low-cut athletic design, slip-resistance and electrical hazard protection deliver lightweight and flexible performance, complement your day wear, and meet the safety demands of your workplace
Stretch-mesh uppers and moisture-wicking nylon linings allow flexibility and breathability that is second to none
Dual-density midsoles, foam footbeds, and an SRX-injected, slip-resistant outsole keep you sure-footed in unsure conditions and offer ample cushioning for maximum comfort

5. Men’s Brazos Workman Steel Toe SR Lace Up Work Shoes

Our most budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp out on comfort, safety, or durability
Slip-resistant design and lightweight, flexible MemorySole outsoles provide great traction and mobility
Anti-microbial and moisture-wicking technologies keep your feet dry and fresh to take odors and moisture out of your workday equation

Service + Healthcare

Are you darting from one place to another, dodging slick and slippery conditions, deciding outcomes in split seconds, and doing all this and more before lunch (or perhaps even serving it)?

Men and womenworking in the healthcare and service industries deserve a pair of shoes that cradle them in comfort, keep them sure-footed on an array of surface types, and match the toughness of their most taxing shifts.

1. Women’s SKECHERS Work Squad EH Service Shoes

With an opening price point option, over 500 5-star customer reviews, and a combination of comfort, safety, and durability, there’s no question why this shoe is one of our most popular women’s options
Shock-absorbing midsoles and memory foam cushioned insoles reduce tired feet and keep you supported and springy on your feet for longer
3-D printed synthetic overlays at the toes and heels provide dependable durability, while rubber outsoles provide oil and slip-resistant traction to put the sure in sure-footed

2.Women’s SKECHERS Max Cushioning Elite SR Relaxed Fit Work Shoes

A versatile shoe stylish enough for front-of-the-house, and safe enough for back-of-the-house, with cushioning to carry you throughout the house and over 200 5-star customer reviews
Lightweight, responsive ULTRA GO® midsoles and Max Cushioning™ design supply the exceptional comfort and support needed to get you through overtime
Forefoot flex grooves and slip-resistant outsole provide sure-footed mobility

3. Men’s SKECHERS Nampa Groton Service Shoes

This service shoe is one of our most budget-friendly options with a formal yet casual look and a comfortable feel
Rubber outsoles help you navigate safely over oily or slippery surfaces with excellent traction
A Relaxed Fit® design, shock-absorbing midsoles, and memory foam insoles serve up advanced cushioning

4. Men’s SKECHERS Arch Fit Slip-Resistant Axtell Shoes

A Relaxed Fit® design, shock-absorbing midsoles, and memory foam insoles serve up advanced cushioning
The Arch Fit insole systems deliver podiatrist-certified arch support, as removable insoles make this one of the most comfortable shoes for standing in over long hours
Durable rubber slip- and oil-resistant traction outsoles with wraparound toe details help ensure sturdiness on the job

5. Men’s SKECHERS Cessnock Service Shoes

One of our most popular men’s picks with over 300 5-star reviews, our customers claim these shoes can handle 20- to 25-thousand steps per day without missing a beat, making them one of the best shoes for plenty of walking on the job
Mesh fabric uppers are water and stain-resistant and feature woven textures for enhanced breathability and comfort
Relaxed Fit® comfort, flexible, shock-absorbing midsoles, and cushioned memory foam insoles are matched with rubber, slip-resistant outsoles to help you make confident, comfortable strides all day long

Tactical + First Responders

Days working in the tactical field or as a first responder are all about high-pressure situations – as well as high speed, high demand, and highly unpredictable. Therefore, you need versatile work shoes that are lightweight enough to keep you responsive, yet durable enough to take on the most difficult obstacles.

1. Men’s Under Armour Micro G® Valsetz Leather Tactical Boots

A trusted athletic brand designed an athletic boot to create a work boot that is unlike any other everyday tactical boot that you have ever dealt with before
Lightweight and breathable with rough-out leather and 1,000D nylon uppers means these work boots are never short of durability and rugged good looks
Micro G® foam midsoles allow for long-lasting, responsive cushioning, while the oil- and slip-resistant high-traction rubber lug outsoles provide enhanced, versatile grip on a wide variety of surfaces

2 and 3. Men’s Bates Tactical Sport 2 Boots

For over a decade, Bates’ Tactical Sport has been a trusted best-seller for first responders, and now it’s been re-booted to be lighter, faster, and more ground-gripping than ever
Available in durable full-grain leather black or a suede leather khaki option with moisture-wicking linings, side zippers for easy entry, and form-fitting and breathable removable PU inserts for comfort
11mm heel-to-toe drop and ground-gripping TacTRACTION rubber outsoles rush to your aid with better ground connection

4. Men’s Tactical Performance Hawk Steel Toe Tactical Boots

This Academy exclusive is a budget-friendly option at a great opening price point with the added protection of tough and reliable steel toes
Lightweight, 5-inch height designs, paracord laces, and EVA midsoles recognize your need for speed and complement it with a quick, cushioned performance
Slip- and oil-resistant treads, much like our other choices in this category, provide firm footing you can trust on the go

5. Men’s Tactical Performance Sawyer Boots

An Academy exclusive that boasts durable and waterproof leather uppers to keep you safe and protected against the elements
Side zippers and speed laces make for quick and easy on and off
Slip- and oil-resistant outsoles take wearing these work shoes to the next step by ensuring you receive enhanced traction across almost any surface

Redefine your workday to meet the high demands of your industry with durability, comfort, support, and confidence underfoot. Your workday is never short of hazards or long hours on your feet, but you can find work boots that deliver a comfortable and reliable performance when you need them the most on the job.

Shop Academy Sports + Outdoors online and in-store to find your next pair of high-quality work boots and other great shoes and boots for your additional footwear needs.