I need advice for the best sort of shoes to buy for someone who stands for 8 hours at a time, to tolerate foot pain. I need them to look like regular shoes, so nothing odd/exotic, but just a good pair of work shoes geared specifically towards standing (as opposed to running or walking.)
What sort of shoes would work best for me, what would they cost, and where would I get them?
Thanks.
Try finding a nearby New Balance store – ask them for a ProFit…
Besides a shoe that fits correctly, you do want a shoe with better cushioining.
Here’s why: Ergonomic studies of workstations meant for “standing” employees find that a cushioned support put on the floor (certain floor mats for instance) reduce the injury levels considerably. Therefore, adding the cushioning in the shoe itself will have the same effect.
The first and most important part is to get shoes that fit correctly and well.
Next is foot support and cushioning.
Last is external support (can your employer provide “standing” mats? – if you work in a lab, or at a bench production/testing site? if yes, then this is nearly a must)
When I was a waitress, nurses shoes worked best.
My ex-g/f was a nurse, and when she was doing neo-natal (where she stood in one place for an hour or more) she wore nurse’s clogs. They look dumb, but she never had any back pain after a shift with them. (12-15 hours)
When she was working a floor, and would alternate walking/standing, her shoe of choice was always New Balance. She said the clogs were too hard to walk in, and the NB’s were a good hybrid.
I have a sit-down job, so standing for long periods can be killer on my back. The only standing I do are at concerts twice a month, and since I switched to NB cross trainers, I haven’t had so much as a twinge.
Rockport Shoes are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn in my life. They’re designed for people who are on their feet all the time.
Invest in a pair of Doc Martens. They are the most comfortable shoes.
Red Wing Shoe stores carry not only work boots but also work shoes, many designed for what you need.
The most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve owned, is also the most hideous. I wear them daily. They’re called Wallabees, and they’re made by a British manufacturer called Clark. The link shows the split suede style. They also have an oiled leather style that is a bit more forgiving in moist conditions. I’ve found the suede stains really easily.
Forgot this part of your question–I would expect to pay $50-150 for a good pair of work shoes or boots.
Holy sweet mother of god. Someone else who wears Wallabies?!?
My husband LOVES Wallabies. LOVES them. Sure, they cost $110 a pop and are ugly as sin, but he doesn’t care. He has dedicated part of his website to Wallabies.