People who have jobs where they are likely to stand for a long time will agree that it can get tiring. Most of the time, you would have experienced pain in your feet or ankle sprains. Your shoes play an essential role in omitting these problems because they are designed to support your feet. If you are wondering how to buy the best shoes for standing in 2021, here's your answer:
What Features to Find?
When you are buying shoes to help you stand for long hours, here are some key features to consider:
Comfort
Undoubtedly, the most crucial thing about buying shoes for standing is comfort. If the shoes you purchase are uncomfortable, you cannot stand even for a few minutes. Of course, you can always wear the shoes and check their comfort before buying. However, look closely at the build quality of the shoes. The shoes' outsole should provide complete contact with the ground as it will ensure that your body weight is equally distributed. Your standing pressure is also evenly spread if the outsole is perfect.
Similarly, the midsole should have a comfortable cushion. Specifically, the heel area should have a considerable amount of cushioning. For additional comfort, you can buy an extra pair of supportive and breathable insoles.
Design
If you are looking for shoes that can help you stand longer without pain, style and color might not be your first preference. However, when you are buying shoes, you need to make sure that they suit your role. Some companies have dress codes, imposing restrictions on a specific color, style, or logo. You cannot overshadow these restrictions so when buying the best shoes for standing, keep in mind your dress code.
Breathability
We mentioned breathability earlier as well; let's take a closer look at it now. Have you ever experienced that your shoes are comfortable and have no issues standing and working in them? However, after a few hours, you feel like they are no longer comfortable? At this point, you might be wondering what went wrong with your shoes all of a sudden. Here's what happens:
Sometimes your feet tend to get sweaty when you have your shoes on for an extended period. Because of this sweat, after a certain period, your feet tend to become uncomfortable, and you have difficulty standing. You need to buy shoes with a mesh upper as they provide ventilation. You can also consider the moisture-wicking feature when buying shoes because they can quickly soak up all the sweat. The microfiber material used in shoes also performs the same functionality of soaking up sweat and preventing the accumulation of bacteria on your feet.
Arch Support
Whether you have flat, neutral, or high arch feet, you will always need sufficient arch support to ensure that you can stand long hours. If you are wearing shoes that don't have the perfect balance of support, you will end up having ankle sprains or foot aches. When you are standing, you are putting all your body weight and pressure on your feet, so it is essential to balance it perfectly.
You need shoes with high arch support so your feet can absorb all types of shocks, alleviate plantar fasciitis, and help control over-pronation (if you are suffering from it). The arch of your shoes should be supportive and stretchy. Mainly, leather or mesh is used to make the shoe arch, and they do their job almost perfectly. When buying the best shoes for standing, don't override the feature of arch support.
Can Shoes for Standing be Durable?
Whenever we buy something, we want it to last longer and are durable. The same is the case with shoes. However, finding durable shoes can be a tricky business, especially when you need a pair to stand and work for hours.
The quality of shoes plays a critical role in defining their durability. While sneakers and boots are considered more durable and long-lasting than fancy shoes, the quality of the former also varies. The most durable shoes are made of leather as it is a long-lasting material. The soles of the shoes also play their part in making them durable, and it is best if the soles are made of polyurethane or rubber.
Weight of Shoes
Shoes will carry your whole body weight when you are standing, so it is best if they don't weigh a lot themselves. You would not want your shoes to feel like a burden on your feet, so you should choose the lightweight ones to buy the best shoes for standing. It was hard to find light and durable shoes; however, this is no longer the situation.
Best Shoes for Standing FAQ
Q:What is the primary reason for tired feet?
A: Research has proven that poorly fitting shoes are the major reason for tired feet. A poorly fit shoe will neither provide comfort nor support your feet. If the fitting of the shoes is too tight, it will result in poor blood circulation. On the other hand, if the fitting of the shoes is too loose, they will constantly slip out of your feet. Thus, a perfect fit is essential.
Q: Should you choose memory foam shoes for standing all day?
A: Memory foam shoes are gaining popularity these days, and it's all worth it. Many customers and experts recommend using memory foam shoes for standing because they can prevent pain. They also release stress from your feet.
Q: How can I stand for long hours without tiring my feet?
A: The simplest thing to reduce tiredness when standing for long hours is to wear the best shoes. Additionally, wear socks as they can absorb sweat and reduce friction in your feet and shoes. Lastly, maintain a good posture while standing.
Q: Are compression socks suitable to wear under shoes for standing?
A: Compression socks put pressure on the soles and sometimes calves as well. Thus, it improves the blood circulation in your feet that in turn helps in reducing swelling. It can further help to reduce the inflammation caused by long-standing hours. All in all, it is not a wrong choice to accompany your shoes for standing with compression socks.