After a long day at work, do you come home so fatigued that all you can do is a collapse in bed? Do you feel like your legs can no longer support you after standing all day?
Unfortunately, this is a common problem for workers who spend most, if not all of their eight-hour work shifts on their feet.
If you are one of them, you may be wondering if there is something you can do to mitigate your fatigue. Your free time after work is valuable, and you should have the energy to enjoy it.
We’re here to tell you that the answer can be as simple as what you wear on your feet.
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Is It Important To Choose the Types of Shoes for Standing All Day?
Most people’s concept of work involves a lot of sitting down in front of a computer and staying there throughout their shift before clocking out. In truth, many different occupations keep workers on their feet all day, such as those who work in retail, restaurants, or the hospitality industry.
To ensure comfort and long-term musculoskeletal health, it is very important to wear the right types of shoes whether you work sitting down or standing up. Your choice of footwear significantly affects how you feel during and after a long day at work.
Standing, walking, and even running for hours at a time puts tremendous stress on your lower extremities—your entire body weight rests on these areas, and it can be difficult to carry. Proper support is needed to ensure that you don’t end each day exhausted and in pain.
You should wear shoes that fit your feet properly in length and width. A wide and flat outsole combined with a cushioned midsole will balance your weight throughout your foot, so no area experiences too much stress.
What Type of Shoes Should Be Worn To Reduce the Fatigue From Standing All Day?
If you are on your feet all day, the best type of shoes to wear is athletic shoes. More specifically, basketball shoes, cross-fit training shoes, or running shoes. Orthopedic shoes are also designed to provide the utmost comfort.
Here’s why you should opt for these shoe types:
Provides Good Foot Support
We can’t stress enough that proper foot support is the key to reducing fatigue after a long day at work. This concept applies no matter how much time you spend on your feet.
Think of your shoes as your feet’s mattress. If you purchase an excellent pair of athletic shoes that provides full support, you won’t ever have to complain about tired feet if you end up standing all day.
Evenly Distributes Weight
Basketball and running shoes are specifically designed to handle rapid shifts in weight due to lateral, vertical, and horizontal movement. When the wearer jumps up and down or runs around, a dynamic shift occurs in the shoe, something that no other type of footwear can provide.
While your workplace may not involve as much jumping and running as a basketball player or marathon runner, you can still benefit from the fact that your shoes can handle proper weight distribution. This type of holistic support will work wonders to reduce fatigue after a long day on your feet.
Has Room for Your Feet to Flex
You need a pair of shoes that fit well, but it’s best to avoid shoes that are too restrictive. Your feet expand when you spend extended periods on your feet, and your shoes should comfortably accommodate that change.
You should be able to wiggle your toes to promote proper blood circulation while working. Instead of a pair of narrow dress shoes, you need athletic shoes with wide-toe boxes that will keep you comfortable throughout your shift.
How To Pick The Right Shoes To Reduce Fatigue From Standing All Day?
Standing all day at work is very tiring, and it can have long-term effects that could damage your feet and cause chronic pain. If your feet are constantly fatigued, it’s best to pay attention and do something to mitigate the pain.
Your feet are critical parts of your body that you must take care of. Don’t take them for granted, and do everything you can to ensure that they are always in good shape.
You can start by picking the right shoes to reduce fatigue from standing all day.
Many people choose shoes based on aesthetics or branding. We can’t stop you from choosing the latest or the coolest pair of kicks, but consider what you will be doing when you wear them.
Your working shoes should be entirely different from the ones you wear on a night out with friends or a day trip with your pet. The shoes you wear when you stand all day at work must reduce fatigue and provide all the support you need.
Look for shoes that can withstand a lot of abuse, feel comfortable, and still look good at the end of the day.
Let’s get started on the factors you need to consider when buying your standing-only shoes:
Check the Arch Support
The arches in your feet carry your body weight when you stand, and they push you forward when you walk or run. They take the brunt of the impact when your foot is on the ground, so they can become very painful when you spend long hours on your feet.
Thankfully, most shoe manufacturers have incorporated normal arch supports in their shoes. It’s just a matter of finding the right fit for you.
Not all arches are created equal, so those with flat or high arches opt for special aftermarket accessories to accommodate the unique shape of their feet.
Consider the Shoe Construction
What types of materials were used to construct your shoe? Does the material provide proper support? How long will the shoes last if used on a daily basis?
High-quality shoes have a superior build quality that ensures long-lasting performance, even with daily use. Don’t skimp on your working shoes—you spend ⅓ of your life wearing them, so get the best of the best.
Heavy Shoes Can Lead To Tired Feet
One element that some people neglect to consider is the weight of the shoe. Remember that your shoes’ weight will also contribute to fatigue if used for long periods.
If you prefer a bit of heft to your footwear, that’s perfectly fine. But heavier doesn’t necessarily mean better—balance your weight preferences with your long-term comfort.
Pick the Right Shoes for the Right Activities
Find the right pair of shoes appropriate for what you’ll be doing. Your work shoes don’t need to be a fashionable pair you can wear on a date; you should focus on functionality instead of aesthetics.
Try Before You Buy
Online shopping is more popular than ever, but when it comes to buying shoes, nothing compares to going to the store to try them out. Salespersons in shoe stores are more than happy to assist you, and you should feel free to try out as many pairs as you want before you purchase anything.
Try a pair in your size. Now, walk around a bit. Do the shoes fit well? Do your feet feel snug within the shoe without feeling too tight? Do you have the support you need?
Ask for a half-size larger or smaller to ensure that you have achieved the perfect fit. Make sure to imitate your daily working conditions as closely as possible—do you wear thick socks? Jeans? Slacks? Do the shoes suit?
Don’t worry about spending a lot of time on your shoe shopping trip. You and your feet deserve the best possible pair of shoes to wear every day, and this is the only way to ensure that you can mitigate your fatigue.
How Can I Make My Shoes More Comfortable Standing All Day?
Even the best orthopedic or athletic shoes in the market cannot protect you completely against your body weight and the compounding effect of gravity. Mass-manufactured shoes will not fit every person’s feet and meet everyone’s specific needs.
Fortunately, you can make your shoes even more comfortable by using arch supports, insoles, inserts, or custom orthotics.
Inserts
Inserts can instantly make any pair of shoes more comfortable and alleviate foot pain and fatigue. They are made of foam or gel, and they can be placed in strategic areas within the shoe to make it fit more comfortably.
Insoles
Insoles are specialized inserts that cover the entire foot to provide proper arch, ball, and heel support. There are insoles specifically designed for casual use, for athletes, or to mitigate work fatigue.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are medical devices specifically designed to accommodate an individual’s needs. You will need to consult a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Doctor-designed orthotics are created after thorough scans and impressions to fit the patient’s foot perfectly. They control the overall alignment of the foot and redistribute the pressure on the feet, reducing discomfort and pain.
FAQ
What type of shoes should NOT be worn to prevent fatigue from standing all day?
If you want to ensure long-term foot health, avoid shoes that provide no arch support or force your toes to scrunch together. You must stand flat on your feet and maintain a natural, comfortable posture throughout the day.
The worst type of shoes one can wear while working are high-heeled shoes with pointed toes. They force the wearer into an unnatural posture and draw body weight to rest on the balls of the feet.
Conclusion
What type of shoes should be worn to reduce fatigue from standing all day? The search for the perfect pair of working shoes may be long and daunting. You must find the right combination of support, comfort, and aesthetics in the products available in the market today.
Fortunately, shoe manufacturers have dedicated their resources to creating shoes that provide proper support and great fit. This should make the search for working shoes much easier.
You can consult with a podiatrist to get recommendations for orthopedic shoes or be measured for custom orthotics that can mitigate chronic pain and fatigue. Modern orthopedic shoes are no longer as conspicuous as they used to be; no one would notice if they saw you wearing a pair.
If you are required to wear heels or dress shoes at work, choose the most comfortable pair you can find. Bring a pair of wide and cushioned shoes to wear on your commute and during breaks.
It’s best to prioritize comfort over cool factors when it comes to shoes that you’re expected to wear while standing all day.
My name is Vance, and I am the owner of To Ergonomics. Our mission is to improve your workflow by helping you create a supportive and welcoming environment. We hope that you’ll find what you’re looking for while you’re here.