The Most Comfortable Shoes for Working Long Hours
When your profession involves many standing hours, like a doctor in the ER or a cook in the kitchen, choosing comfortable shoes is a must. When your legs strain a lot and you are not wearing comfortable shoes, you will likely experience joint, heel pain, or general aches.
Many brands claim to have the most comfortable shoes on the market, which might be a tricky thing to confirm. That is why we researched and compiled a list of the most comfortable shoes out there. We also included a buying guide to help you know what you should look for and guide you in the decision-making process.
What are the Most Comfortable Shoes for Working Long Hours?
Definitely Vessi! Vessi shoes are super comfortable. Their vegan knit is springy, and their midsole cushioning makes them ideal for taking long walks and working long hours without experiencing pain. Apart from keeping you comfortable, Vessi shoes also keep you dry thanks to their 100% waterproof knit.
Why Vessi?
Vessi should be your first option since it uses 100% recyclable packaging and all-vegan materials. In addition, the brand focuses on material innovation by creating waterproof shoes which are practical, comfortable, and give off a stylish look.
Vessi also works with compliance, certification, and standard groups such as Global Recycled Standard, Oeko-Tex, Global Recycled Standard, BSCI, and Higg Index to ensure you get responsible sourcing.
1. VESSI Everyday Sneakers: 4.7/5
Vessi sneakers were built to offer you the utmost comfort while at the same time offering durability and style. These sneakers have a classic knit upper with vegan leather trim and have been fitted with laces that help keep your shoes snug while walking.
Vessi shoes come with micro-air pockets that allow your feet to wear them all year long comfortably. The cushioning features a smooth lining with an EVA midsole that makes them a comfortable shoe for your walking or standing needs.
Vessi's insoles are soft and offer support to your foot no matter how wide, and the outsoles are made with treads that give a good grip no matter the weather conditions.
Pros
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100% vegan and waterproof.
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Removable insoles are perfect for orthotics.
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They are very lightweight.
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It uses 100% waterproof patented Dyma-tex® knit.
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Ultralight and bouncy shoe sole with a herringbone grip that keeps you grounded when walking on wet surfaces.
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EVA soft cushioning.
Cons
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It may not offer adequate warmth for winter or cold seasons.
2. Vessi Weekend Sneaker- 4.8/5
Vessi Weekend Sneakers are designed with a 90s inspired silhouette. They come with a PU molded insole, making them super comfortable and wearable for long periods.
In addition, these Vessi shoes have a wide toe box to accommodate wider feet. They also come with a pull tab at the heel, which helps when sliding it on and off. The all rubber tread also provides extra grip.
An additional bonus is that these shoes are machine washable in cold water, but you must air dry them.
Pros
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Lightweight
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Machine-washable
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100% waterproof
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Wide toe box
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Vegan-friendly materials
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Heel tab
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Breathable
Cons
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Not a running shoe
3. Vessi Cityscape Sneaker- 4.7/5
Vessi's Cityscape provides a stand-out, stylish yet minimalistic, look that is perfect for everyday wear. They are some of the like the most comfortable shoes for standing and working for long hours. Thanks to the minimalistic aesthetic, it works perfectly with almost all attires and qualifies as a perfect choice to wear every day.
Although they are inspired by city life, these shoes for standing are not limited to walking in the city. Apart from being among the best shoes for working long hours, they are also great for standing, walking, and mild athletic activities. Some people even wear them as running shoes.
Vessi Cityscape sneakers are stretchy and breathable to maximize comfort even when your feet expand.
These shoes are 100% waterproof, and they keep you dry without the ugly water-repellent look. However, these shoes might not be the best for support on rough terrains such as ice since they offer less traction than other styles.
Pros
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Lightweight construction.
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100% waterproof.
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Breathable material and mesh upper.
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Stylish and fashionable.
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Made from vegan materials.
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Stretchy fabric for maximum comfort.
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Versatile and multipurpose.
Cons
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Offers minimum traction.
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It is not machine washable.
4. VESSI Weekend Chelsea- 4.9/5
Vessi's Weekend Chelsea shoes are made with a 4-way stretchy knit that will assure you get maximum comfort while working for long hours. They also have a high traction rubber sole that is slip-resistant. This collection offers a Chelsea-like boot design with all the same comfort the classic Weekend sneakers provide.
Like all other Vessi shoes these are also waterproof thanks to their Dyma-tex® membrane. They provide a full range of motion thanks to how ultra-light and breathable they are.
Pros
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100% waterproof.
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Pull tabs.
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Breathable and vegan materials.
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Lightweight and high-quality construction.
Cons
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No half sizes.
5. Vessi Sunday Slippers- 4.7/5
Vessi Sunday Slippers are not your usual everyday shoes, but that shouldn't stop you from adding them into your rotation. These comfortable slippers are made with the brand's patented Dyma-wool® technology. This is a special vegan wool which makes the shoes 100% waterproof, snowproof, and sand-proof.
These slippers are designed with a very grippy outsole for added traction. The best part about the Sunday Slippers is that they can be worn indoors and outdoors, so you won't have to change shoes when running errands.
In addition, these shoes include a collapsible heel which makes it much easier to slip on and off. Vessi Sunday Slippers are perfect for wide feet since they have a roomy toe box, and they fit true to size.
Pros
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100% waterproof.
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Collapsible heel.
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Warm and cozy.
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Outdoor and indoor sole.
Cons
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Not ideal for summer since they might be a bit warm.
6. Vessi Men's Everyday Move Slip Ons- 4.9/5
The Everyday Move Slip-On shoes are a great alternative to the Everyday Classic or the Everyday Move collections - especially if you like a laceless design. They feature a durable Dyma-tex® knit upper that is made to keep dirt and water particles away from the shoe. The fabric is still breathable enough to allow air to pass through, ensuring that the shoes are comfortable to wear.
These slip-on shoes are also equipped with a stretchy upper, which makes them ideal for swollen feet when working long hours. They come with a durable pull-tab system, which makes it easier to slip them on and off.
The VZero2 midsoles provide a cloud-like feel to help relieve the pain caused by various conditions such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet.
These shoes fit true-to-size and come in sizes from women's 6 to men's 14.
Pros
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100% waterproof and breathable.
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Stretchy upper fabric for the best fit.
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Pull tabs for easy on and off.
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Easy to wash with warm, soapy water.
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Cloud-like cushioning prevents heel pain.
Cons
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Not machine washable.
What To Consider Before Purchasing Comfortable Shoes
1. The Fit
How a shoe fits is the first thing you should consider when buying comfy shoes. They should conform to your feet's shape and not the other way around. Look for a pair that fits your foot properly in terms of length and width. You can compare the widest part of the shoe against the widest part of your feet, and if they are not the same size and don't stretch then choose another style. They will become uncomfortable later on.
Remember that sometimes shoes from different brands vary in size, so when shopping for the best comfy shoes try a few sizes first. Also, a comfortable pair should have sufficient space for the toes to allow for roll-through movement. If a shoe doesn't feel comfortable immediately after putting it on, you should not purchase it.
2. Features of the Shoe
When searching for the most comfortable shoes, there are a few features you should look out for:
a) Foam Insole
An insole provides the proper surface for your feet to stand on. Ensure you're looking for something with a padded heel. The best insoles are memory foam ones that mold to your foot's shape to offer maximum support and comfort.
b) Padded Lining
Your shoe padding level should be enough to prevent your feet from rubbing without affecting how they move. For flat feet choose a pair with padding on the side or top of the foot and around the ankle.
3. Flexible and Firm Sole
After finding the right size and fit for your feet, you should focus on how flexible the shoe sole is. It's important to consider a flexible sole because it helps ensure your shoe isn't going against the natural movement of your foot and causing unnecessary pain.
Flexible soles are essential because they support walking on the ground and relaxing the feet muscles. You can check if your shoes are flexible by doing the bending test. To do this, bend the shoe backwards from the toe towards the heel to the point that the soles take a V form. If they form the V they are flexible enough.
Additionally, how firm the outsole is determines stability. That is why picking an option with a rubber outsole with a minimum 2cm thickness helps provide padding between your foot and the hard surface you are walking on.
4. Time of the Day
Most people don't know that it is better to shop for comfortable shoes in the evening. This is because your feet change shape and size depending on the time of the day. For example, in the evening your feet are slightly swollen and so if your shoes feel comfortable during the evening you are guaranteed they will be comfortable all day. If when you make your purchase in the morning when your feet are well-rested, they might fit well, but they may feel too tight and uncomfortable after a little swelling.
5. Breathability
Breathable shoes keep your feet dry all day. There is no worse feeling than your feet getting sweaty and hot after using them all day. Breathability is also important because it helps eliminate unwanted odor from your shoes. The most comfortable pair of shoes should have moisture control abilities to let moisture out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Is The Most Comfortable Shoe and With The Best Arch Support?
According to our review, the most comfortable shoe that offers you the best arch support is the Vessi Everyday Sneaker.
2. Is The Term Slip-Resistant The Same As Non-Slip?
A slip-resistant shoe is a safety shoe, whereas non-slip shoes are designed to prevent slipping on wet, oily, or otherwise slippery surfaces.
The major difference between them is the rubber sole, which offers better traction and grip. On the other hand, non-slip shoes have durable antiskid soles for additional friction on greasy and slippery surfaces.
