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While working at a standing desk can have great benefits for factors such as posture and blood circulation, it is also true that standing on a hard surface for many hours a day can take its toll on your body. In the long run, you’ll feel the burden of standing all day in certain body parts, and that might lead to a series of complications. Being equipped with the right gear, such as proper shoes for standing desks, is crucial if you wish to avoid unforeseen health problems that might come up over time.
To reduce the issues that can come to light by standing for too long, a great solution is to find that best pair of shoes for working at your standing desk. Research shows that these types of shoes help reduce the pressure placed on your feet, legs, and joints, effectively interfacing with the floor in order to offer the best support possible.
In this buying guide we’re going to give you all the details on the shoes that made our list. Here are the ones we will be focusing on:
The Best Shoes for Standing Desks
- Nike Tanjun Sneakers: Top Pick
- Asics 6MX: Best for Medical Orthotics
- Nike Zoom Fly: Premium Pick
- HKR Work Shoes: Best for Arch Support Insole
- New Balance 517 V2: Best Mesh and Leather Combination
- Fila Work Shoes: Best Value
- Skechers Work Shoes: Best Non-Slip Standing Desk Shoes
- Reebok Work Shoes: Budget Pick
Our buying guide is based on factors such as the main features of each pair of shoes, the support offered, the materials, the breathability, and ultimately the price for value ratio. However, we’d like to specify that people’s feet and comfort levels are not the same, therefore some trial and error might be necessary before you find the solution that is most beneficial for you. This said, let’s move on to reviewing the 8 best shoes for a standing desk.
1. Nike Tanjun Sneakers - Top Pick
The first product featured on our buying guide are the Nike Tanjun sneakers, which are one of the most comfortable options on this list. The synthetic fabric the top of the shoes rests easy on the skin, and the breathable and flexible material helps keep your feet dry during the whole work day.
The Tanjun shoes also stand out for their rubber outsole, specifically designed to absorb shock and offer greater support for your feet, legs, and joints throughout the day. But that’s not all; these shoes come with a midsole characterized by cushioned foam that allows you to stand for hours without letting pressure accumulate. Lastly, the tongue is padded for extra comfort.
The sneakers come in all sizes from 5 to 14 and there are 30 color options to choose from, even if not all of them might be available for the selected size.
Before moving on, you should know many customers have said the shoes fit a bit small, therefore you might need to settle on a larger size.
KEY FEATURES:
- Diamond shaped upper mesh
- Cushioned foam midsole
- Shock-absorbing outsole.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- 30 colors available
- Size from 5 to 14
PROS:
- Great quality
- Keep your feet dry
- Durable
- Padded tongue
CONS:
- The sneakers might fit a bit small
2. Asics 6MX - Best for Medical Orthotics
The gel-venture 6 shoes by Asics can be a good option when you need a pair of shoes suitable for spending long hours standing at a working desk.
For starters, the upper material is synthetic and breathable so that your skin will stay fresh even after long hours. In terms of sole, the rubber outsole, flexible as needed, can offer great comfort besides absorbing shock well. Worth noting when analyzing this product are the removable sock liner, which allows the Asics shoes to accommodate medical orthotics, and the rearfoot gel cushioning system, designed to attenuate shock while allowing for a smooth transition to midstance.
Moreover, high abrasion rubber has been placed in critical areas of the outsole to increase durability.
Lastly, note that these shoes might run a bit small in width and length, especially if you are new to the Asics brand.
KEY FEATURES:
- Breathable material
- High abrasion rubber
- Gel cushioning system
SPECIFICATIONS:
- 18 colors available
- Size from 7 to 14 X-wide
PROS:
- Suited for running and for standing
- Removable sock liner
- Shock absorbing shoes
- Durable
CONS:
- They might run small in width and length
3. Nike Zoom Fly - Premium Pick
Another option on our list manufactured by Nike, one of the most well-known shoe brands in the world, is the Nike Zoom Fly shoes. This product can offer the stability and support you need to work at a standing desk for several hours a day without finding yourself with sore feet at the end of the shift. You’ll find the shoes come with a dense and reactive sole that is not likely to get damaged easily.
Moreover, this light weight product is suited for standing but also for taking walks. The shoes come in three different colors and all sizes for 6 to 10 are available.
Lastly, like the first pick on our list, these Nike shoes might run a little small, so keep that in mind when choosing the size if you’re thinking about buying them!
KEY FEATURES:
- Dense and reactive sole
- Support and stability
SPECIFICATIONS:
- 3 colors available
- Size from 6 to 10.
PROS:
- Good price for quality ratio
- Light weight shoes
- Suited for standing or walking
- Durable
CONS:
- The shoes might run a little small
4. HKR Work Shoes - Best for Arch Support Insole
First thing first, thanks to their Active Air technology and the mesh material, the HKR work shoes offer great air circulation to keep your feet fresh as you work at a standing desk.
Talking about comfort, the Arch Support insole, coupled with the shoes’ memory foam construction are a great plus for people prone to foot pain and effectively provide support where you need it the most. The cushioned design helps you stay comfortable during the work shift, while the durable rubber outsole allows the product to be used for standing and walking, not so much for running, on any type of terrain.
In addition, the HKR work shoes feature a perforated padded tongue and collar support for improved comfort. Before choosing this pair, keep in mind that the size might run a bit big.
KEY FEATURES:
- Active Air technology
- Arch Support insole
- Memory foam construction
SPECIFICATIONS:
- 12 color options
- Size from 5 to 10
PROS:
- Great price for value ratio
- Durable rubber
- Padded tongue
- Collar support
CONS:
- The shoes might run a bit big
5. New Balance 517 V2 - Best Mesh and Leather Combination
The Roav V1 model by New Balance is made of leather and mesh which means the shoes will let your skin breathe throughout the day, effectively allowing your feet to stay fresh. The rubber sole includes an advanced shock absorption midsole that was engineered to absorb impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance when standing, walking, or running.
As for the outsole, it features a Ndurance rubber technology specifically designed to provide better durability in high-wear areas of the sole in order to increase the shoes’ lifespan.
Although we found these New Balance shoes to be well ventilated, lightweight and comfortable, some customers noticed that the insoles that come with the price might not offer the desired support and might need to be changed.
KEY FEATURES:
- Leather & Mesh
- Rubber sole
- Shock absorption midsole
- Ndurance technology
SPECIFICATIONS:
- 7 color options
- Size from 7 to 15 X-wide
PROS:
- Breathable shoes
- Durable
- Absorb impact
- Good for standing or running
CONS:
- The inner soles might not offer the desired comfort
6. Fila Work Shoes - Best Value
One of the cheapest options on our list of the 8 best shoes for standing desks are these work shoes by Fila. With a memory foam midsole and sockliner, customers have found this model to be comfortable throughout the day, helping you get home after your shift without sore feet.
The solid rubber sole, other than making the shoes last, is slip resistant and can be used on most types of floors. In terms of breathability, these Fila shoes feature very small holes that allow air to circulate to keep your feet cool, while the leather and synthetic overlays make them suited for most work environments.
Lastly, although the shoes are durable and can withstand months of use, some customers have noticed that after 6/7 months the insole might need to be replaced.
KEY FEATURES:
- Memory foam midsole and sockliner
- Rubber outsole
- Non-slip shoes
SPECIFICATIONS:
- 4 color options
- Size from 6.5 to 13 X-wide
PROS:
- Great price
- Leather and synthetic overlays
- Perforated for breathability
- Suited for most work environments
CONS:
- The insole might need replacing after a few months.
7. Skechers Work Shoes - Best Non-Slip Standing Desk Shoes
These work shoes from Skechers feature a cushioned memory foam insole, which can be removed when needed, that helps you stay comfortable when standing for long spans of time. This footbed is coupled with a shock-absorbing midsole and a slip-resistant outsole that make the shoes at the same time durable and suited for most types of flooring.
While the upper part of the shoe is made of leather, the ventilated lining allows your feet to breathe and the padded tongue and collar provide further protection and comfort. This shoe model comes either in black or in white, however the available sizes only go from 5 to 11 X-wide, meaning they can’t be used for larger feet sizes.
KEY FEATURES:
- Memory foam insole
- Shock-absorbing midsole
- Slip resistant outsole
SPECIFICATIONS:
- 2 color options
- Size from 5 to 11 X-wide
PROS:
- Good price
- Padded tongue and collar
- Ventilated lining
- Leather upper section
- Durable
CONS:
- The largest size is 11 X-wide
8. Reebok Work Shoes - Budget Pick
The last shoe model on our list is this one by Reebok. These shoes, other than being one of the cheapest options, feature a cushioned midsole that helps support your feet from heel to forefoot throughout the day. The outsole is made of rubber and it was designed to be oil resistant and anti-slip.
Moreover, the leather and synthetic perforated upper lets your skin breathe by promoting air circulation. Near the ankle we can find a MemoryTech foam sockliner that improves your overall comfort when wearing the shoes by cushioning your skin.
Before purchasing these Reebok shoes, you should be aware most customers complain they run a bit small.
KEY FEATURES:
- Cushioned midsole
- Rubber outsole
- Cushioned sockliner
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Three color options
- Size from 6.5 to 15 Wide
PROS:
- Good price
- Anti-slip
- Oil resistant
- Perforated upper
CONS:
- The shoes run a bit small according to most customers
Things to Consider Before Buying Shoes for Standing Desks
Now that we’ve gone into detail on each of our selections, it’s time to take a look at the most important factors to consider before settling on a pair of shoes for your workday. Here we’ve answered some of the main questions that might come to mind when looking through shoes for standing desks.
Who needs shoes for standing desks?
If you feel your feet sore after a long work shift at a standing desk, or if you simply spend a lot of time on your feet, then a pair of shoes for standing might be what you need to relieve some pressure.
Are all shoes suited for working at a standing desk?
Unfortunately, not all types of shoes work well for people who spend a lot of time standing. For example, shoes with high heels or anything above 1 inch should be avoided.
Why should I avoid shoes with a high heel?
Shoes with high platforms or heels can put a lot of pressure to the ball of your feet. In the long run, this might shorten the tendon.
Why should I choose shoes for standing?
Wearing a pair of shoes specifically designed for standing or walking can help you prevent developing an unnatural posture while also helping you relieve pressure from the wrong places, including your feet.
Should I choose shoes with a mesh upper?
Shoe models that feature a mesh upper surely help your skin breathe better. However, shoes with a perforated leather and synthetic upper can achieve the same result.
How should the outer sole be?
Generally speaking, the outer sole should be made of a durable material. For instance, rubber is not only durable, but it’s also a shock-absorbing material.
What about the insole and midsole?
Most options included in our product review feature either a cushioned insole or midsole, and sometimes they’re made of memory foam that help support your feet throughout the work shift.
Should I look for a cushioned sockliner?
Although a cushioned sockliner or a padded tongue aren’t a top priority in terms of shoes for standing desks, they can definitely improve your overall comfort when using the shoes for many hours each day.
The Benefits of Shoes for Standing Desks
Wearing the right pair of shoes when working at a standing desk can really make the difference at the end of the workday, especially if you’re prone to foot pain. Here we’ve summarized all the benefits of purchasing a pair of shoes for standing desks:
- These shoes greatly reduce foot pain at the end of the day
- The cushioned insole or midsole prevent pressure from gathering on your feet
- Most shoe models let your skin breathe and promote air circulation
- The rubber outsole is shock-absorbing
- These shoes for standing can last a long time thanks to the durable outsole
- Most shoes on our list feature a cushioned sockliner for added comfort
- These shoes can often be used for walking other than standing
- There are good options available in different price ranges
- The shoes come in a lot of sizes and can fit most feet
- Some shoes featured on our list can easily accommodate medical orthotics
Should I Buy a Pair of Shoes for Standing Desks
Nowadays, standing desks are being used more and more not only because they can improve productivity, but also because they can help you keep a natural posture while relieving pressure from your legs, joints and lower body. This all sounds great, but your feet should also be protected to make sure you won’t find yourself with foot pain at the end of the shift. That’s when shoes for standing desks come in.
Although these shoes might not always be the most fashionable, preserving your health is more important. Therefore, purchasing a good pair of shoes for standing desks can be the best solution. These types of shoes are usually flat to the ground, and they help keep your posture as natural as possible without letting stress and pressure accumulate in your heels or in the ball of your feet. Moreover, the mesh or perforated upper can keep your feet fresh during the day, while the rubber outsole effectively cushions them against hard floors.
We hope you found our review of the 8 best shoes for standing desks helpful in finding the right pair for your specific needs!
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