According to Experts, These Are the Best Dress Shoes for Women Who Spend All Day on Their Feet (2024)

When it comes to finding comfy shoes, Yau says a wide toe box is essential. "If the toe box is too narrow and does not fit correctly, the toes can be injured, and deformities may form," she explains. That's probably why so many people love these luxe flats from Birdies that feature a rectangular toe, quilted satin footbed, and tons of fabric options, like velvet, raffia, and suede.

For Conroy, leather shoes are unmatched when it comes to comfort. "Thanks to the natural fibers, they stretch and conform to the mold of your feet," says Conroy. "With unmatched breathability, they’ll further adjust throughout the day as your feet swell." This pair comes in a plethora of size and width options, perfect for those outside of shoe-fitting norms.

Of all the heel options available, a wedge is by far one of the comfiest. They are stable, secure, and virtually fall-proof. This pair from Toms has orthopedic and eco-friendly insoles, making for comfortable, all-day wear. The stretchy knit cuff ensures the opening won't dig into your heel but conform to the shape of your ankle.

Cushioned footbeds don't just feel nice beneath your feet — they actually serve an important purpose. "As you move around, especially on hard surfaces like concrete, the added material will lessen the tension, as it wraps your feet in support," Conroy explains. And that's why dozens of reviewers have raved about these strappy suede heels from Soludos, that have added padding for long-term comfort.

Conroy suggests skipping shoes with heels altogether if you know you're going to be on your feet all day. However, if you can't resist, she suggests a modest heel that's not much higher than two inches. These contouring, ankle strap sandals from Naturalizer feature a chunky, flared, block heel and a buckle strap to keep your feet secure.

They may be pricier, but Conroy believes that natural fibers — such as leather and suede — beat synthetic materials every time. "Reminiscent of fluffy clouds, leather shoes are a gal's best friend for all day wear," she says. "Unlike restrictive synthetic styles, genuine leather shoes whisper comfort." Enter: this gorgeous leather pump from Margaux that comes in 11 colors and has just the right amount of heel (as well as cushy foam padding inside).

You may love the look of pointed-toe shoes, but there's a good chance your feet won't enjoy the feel after a long day. "Pointed toe heels and flats are ultra posh, but by design, they squish your toes," Conroy explains. "While you’ll be able to handle the sandwich effect for one to four hours, a full day on your feet is a whole other story." With its rounded toe, these soft yet durable ballet flats from Rothy's are the perfect wardrobe staple.

A low heel always beats a super-high one, especially when you're on your feet all day long. "Extremely high heel height can put the foot at an awkward angle, tipping the foot forward," Yau says. "This will put pressure on the toes, and force the toes to claw and jam, leading to pain and deformities." These ribbed booties from Everlane have just enough height to keep you feeling chic and extremely comfortable.

If you work in a more laid-back office, you may have noticed people pairing their business-casual outfits with chic, white sneakers for a classic-yet-cool look. While there are many white tennies on the market to choose from, the OluKai Haupu sneakers are a fan favorite, thanks to their soft-grain leather silhouette, complete with comfort padding. What's more, they're incredibly convenient to wear, as the heel is designed to flip down so you can easily slide into the sneakers while running out the door for work.

Along with arch support, a comfortable shoe must have plenty of shock absorption. "Cushioning helps move and evenly distribute pressure from the ground so that pressure is not isolated in one part of the foot," Yau explains. That's why the shock-absorbing, cushioned insoles in these woven leather mules are ideal for women who spend hours on their feet.

Standout features of these Dansko professional clogs include "a roomy, reinforced toe box for protection and comfort," as well as a contoured footbed, padded instep collar, protective heel counter, and anti-fatigue rocker bottom. It's no wonder the brand's iconic silhouette has over 5,000 rave reviews and an average rating of approximately 4.5 stars.

Instead of heels, you may opt for a pair of wedges, which tend to be more comfortable and stable than traditional high heels because of the even weight distribution. Some of the most comfortable wedges around are these slings from Rockport that have a modest heel and lots of cushioning, as well as a supportive outsole.

If you love the idea of wearing ultra-comfortable sneakers to work but prefer leather shoes for added class, you'll love the look (and feel) of the ECCO Women's Soft 7 Sneaker. Designed with an arch-hugging silhouette, the sleek leather sneakers offer elevated style along with all-day comfort.

Hate the feeling of sweaty feet? That can be avoided with the right materials. "Wearing shoes all day and standing all day can make your feet sweat and smell," Yau says. "Bamboo fibers are antimicrobial and can help fight bacteria and fungus that can make your feet smell." With a lining made from eucalyptus, oak, and birch wood, this moisture-wicking dress shoe/sneaker hybrid will make sweaty feet a thing of the past — even without socks!