How to Choose Shoes for All Day Standing

Did you hear that sitting is the new smoking? It’s got the same effects on your body as smoking does! So that may encourage you to stand for more of the day (if work allows), which would be great, if you had the right shoes. Otherwise, standing all day sounds like a real chore. Ask a security guard or fast food cook – they’ll agree. So how do you choose the right shoes for standing all day long? Think of a FAST COP – who also spends a lot of time standing. F – Fit – Your footwear should fit your feet properly. Don’t get shoes that are a size too big or too small and if you are a half size, try to avoid shoes that only come in full sizes. Try shoes on in the afternoon, when they are more likely to be a little more swollen than in the morning. A – Arch and heel support – Whether standing or walking around all day, your feet will get tired and need as much support as possible to maintain stability until the end of the shift. Without proper arch and heel support, the feet may have to strain to stabilize, which can lead to overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. S – Soles – Depending on where you’ll be standing or walking around all day, be sure to have the right outer soles. If you will be in an environment with potential to slip, you’ll want to make sure your shoes have rubber soles that have good traction. However, if you have a job in a place that might trip you up, such as for home care aides in a carpeted house, you may want shoes that are smooth to avoid catching the carpet. T – Temperature – Think about the material of the shoes you will purchase. How hot or cold will you be wearing these shoes? If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, you’ll want shoes that allow for ventilation. If you’ll be standing outdoors in the cold a lot, you’ll want material that will insulate your feet and keep them dry and warm. C – Cushioning – Standing or walking all day can cause a burden on the rest of your body, including the knees, hips, and back. For those who are walking, even the little impact over a long period of time can cause joint pain. Good cushioning can help reduce that fatigue and impact on the joints. O – Orthotic Inserts – You may have found the perfect shoe with all the attributes you need (and the characteristics that your employer requires), but it may lack one thing or another in terms of support. That’s where you can benefit from purchasing orthotic inserts to improve arch support or cushioning in the shoes. If you have specific needs, you’ll want to get custom orthotics from our podiatrists. P – Protection – Because most people who stand all day are likely to be those who need to stand because of work, you should also pay attention to work hazards and possible injuries. If sharp or heavy objects could fall on your feet, you’ll need to wear protective shoes made with hard material, which may not be breathable. Take opportunities to air out the feet and shoes, and change socks once or twice during your shift if you’re prone to sweating. Do you need custom orthotics for all day standing? Make an appointment with us at Alamitos-Seal Beach Podiatry Group. One of our board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Douglas H. Richie, Dr. Jeremy L. Cook, Dr. Faye E. Izadi are dedicated to high quality food care at our Orange County offices in Seal Beach, CA and Los Alamitos, CA.