Wearing the incorrect footwear to work can result in various life-threatening accidents and situations. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction sector suffered the most injuries.
Moreover, slips, falls, and trips were the second leading cause of workplace injuries that often resulted in workplace deaths, as reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Such accidents and injuries clearly show the importance of wearing work shoes for a prolonged period.
People who spend the majority of their day on their feet are at higher risk of developing varicose veins, back pain, and other health problems. According to the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, standing all day can cause severe foot problems such as aching feet, blisters, rheumatism, arthritis, malformations of toes, flat feet, bunions, sprains, and fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
Therefore, choosing the right work shoes is essential to minimize the risk of fatal injuries and health problems. In this article, we will share some factors to consider when choosing the best work shoes for standing all day.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Work Shoes for Standing All Day
When choosing the best shoes for standing all day, you need to consider the following factors.
Work Environment
The work environment is the first and most significant factor you need to consider when choosing the best shoes for standing all day. Depending on where you work, you’ll need different types of shoes.
For example, if you work in a kitchen, you’ll need oil and water-resistant shoes to prevent slips and falls. On the other hand, if you work in a hazardous environment, such as a construction site, you’ll need steel-toe boots to protect your toes from heavy objects.
Shoe Material
The material of the shoe is also an essential factor to consider. You should choose a shoe made of high-quality breathable material such as leather or mesh to avoid sweaty and smelly feet.
Moreover, the material should be durable to withstand the wear and tear of a long workday.
Cushioning
Having the right cushioning will help you absorb the impact of walking and standing all day. It can also help reduce pain in your feet, back, and legs.
Therefore, you should choose shoes with proper cushioning and support, such as gel insoles or memory foam. Additionally, some companies use their own proprietary cushioning technology to provide the highest level of comfort.
Look for shoes with padded collars and tongues and cushioned midsoles.
Shock Absorption
Shock absorption works with cushioning to reduce the impact of each step. It also helps to provide an excellent energy return, which can help reduce fatigue.
When choosing shoes with shock absorption, look for ones that have special features, such as air pods or gel inserts. Additionally, some companies use their proprietary shock-absorbing technology, such as heel pads and forefoot pads, to provide the most effective shock absorption.
Arch Support
If you have flat feet or high arches, you’ll need shoes with good arch support to avoid pain and injuries. Look for shoes with built-in arch support or insoles that provide extra arch support.
Moreover, shoes with good arch support will reduce pressure on your arches and help distribute weight across your foot.
Wide Toe Box
Wide toe boxes are not necessary for all shoes. However, if you have wide feet, you’ll need to find shoes with a wide toe box to avoid cramped toes.
Additionally, shoes with a wide toe box provide more room for your toes to move and breathe, reducing foot fatigue. It also reduces the risk of bunions, hammertoes, and other foot problems.
When choosing shoes with a wide toe box, make sure they’re not too loose.
You can stretch your chosen shoe if it’s not wide enough by following a method in our guide on how to stretch shoes for wide feet.
Removable Insoles
Although removable insoles aren’t necessary, they are a helpful feature to have. With removable insoles, you can easily take them out to clean. Additionally, you can also change the insole with one that provides more or less cushioning, depending on your preference.
Cleaning shoe insoles is essential to avoid foot odor and maintain healthy feet. To ensure a hassle-free cleaning process, follow our easy step-by-step guide on how to clean shoe insoles.
However, removable insoles are beneficial for people who have plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or other foot conditions. In such a case, a more supportive medical insole can be substituted for the standard insole.
Outsole Material
It’s important to choose an outsole material that can withstand the wear and tear of a long workday. Additionally, the outsole material should provide good traction to avoid slips and falls.
Some of the best materials for outsoles are rubber and polyurethane. These materials are both durable and slip-resistant. However, they can be heavy, so consider thermoplastic rubber if you’re looking for a lighter material.
Safety Standards
If you work in a hazardous environment, you’ll need to find shoes that meet the safety standards for your industry. For example, if you work in construction, you’ll need a shoe with a safety toe cap to protect your toes from falling objects.
Other safety standards exist for different industries, such as electrical hazard (EH) and slip-resistant (SR) shoes. Before purchasing work shoes, make sure they meet the ASTM, SATRA, or CSA safety standards.
Break-in Period
Most shoes will require a break-in period, during which they will feel stiff and uncomfortable. During the break-in period, it’s important to wear the shoes for short periods of time to avoid pain and injuries. After a few days or weeks, the shoes should start to feel more comfortable as they conform to the shape of your feet.
So, be patient and give them a chance to stretch out and become comfortable. You can follow our guide on how to break in shoes in order to speed up the break-in process.
Now that you know what things to consider when choosing the best work shoes for standing all day, you may be thinking, what are the best shoes for standing all day? So, if you’re looking for a complete list of work shoes that are ideal for standing all day, consult our guide on the best work shoes for standing all day.
