Short answer — pick shoes made for cushioning + stability, a roomy toe box, removable insoles (if you use orthotics), and a slip‑resistant sole if your job has spills. Good all‑around supportive options by work type:

Top picks (why they’re good + sources)

• Hoka Bondi (Bondi 8): maximal cushioning and shock absorption — great for long shifts or concrete floors; holds APMA “good for foot health” recognition. (forbes.com)
• Brooks (Glycerin / Ghost line): plush cushioning with stable ride — nurses and retail workers report these as favorites for all‑day comfort. (wellandgood.com)
• ASICS Gel‑Nimbus / Gel‑Kayano: excellent shock absorption (Nimbus) and stability/control (Kayano) — good for long standing and for overpronation. (thebestofeverything.org)
• Dansko Professional / Dansko XP 2.0 (clogs): roomy toe box, firm arch support and slip‑resistant outsoles — classic for nurses/servers. (forbes.com)
• Birkenstock Super Birki (professional clogs): contoured footbed, waterproof and slip‑resistant — good for kitchen/hospital work. (benable.com)
• New Balance 626v2 / 990 / Fresh Foam X 880: work‑shoe and trainer options with good widths and removable insoles — useful if you need orthotics or wide sizing. (forbes.com)
• Skechers (Arch Fit / Go Walk / work slip‑ins): budget‑friendly, many users report comfort for long shifts; look for Arch Fit or memory‑foam + slip‑resistant soles. (realsimple.com)
• Nike Air Zoom Pulse / BALA / Clove (nurse‑specific designs): built for healthcare — fluid‑resistant uppers, easy on/off, slip resistance. (parade.com)
• Work/safety (construction, heavy duty): KEEN Utility, Timberland PRO, Red Wing — choose ANSI/ASTM safety‑toe and slip/oil‑resistant outsoles for hazardous sites. (brand guidance) (benable.com)

What to look for (features that really matter)

• Cushioning: a resilient midsole to absorb impact (helps standing on hard floors). (forbes.com)
• Arch support + firm heel cup: prevents excessive foot roll and reduces fatigue. (apma.org)
• Roomy toe box + correct width: reduces pressure, hot spots and bunion pain. (apma.org)
• Slip‑resistant outsole if you work around liquids/grease. (forbes.com)
• Removable insole if you want to use custom orthotics. (apma.org)

Buying & fit tips (to actually get supportive shoes)

• Try shoes late in the day (feet swell) and bring the socks you wear at work. Walk, stand, and squat in them before buying. (forbes.com)
• Don’t trust style alone — if possible, test the shoe for the full length of a typical shift (or buy from retailers with easy returns). (wellandgood.com)
• Break‑in gradually (some supportive shoes need a few days). Rotate two pairs of shoes if you’re on your feet every day — that extends midsole life. (rei.com)
• Replace cushioning when it breaks down — a general guideline is every ~300–500 miles or roughly every 6–12 months depending on use. (rei.com)

If you have foot pain or a specific condition

• For plantar fasciitis, look for firm heel cup + good arch support (Hoka Bondi, Vionic, Kuru, ASICS with gel). If pain persists, see a podiatrist — APMA resources explain when to seek professional care. (forbes.com)

Quick, practical next steps

1. Pick your job type (hospital/kitchen/retail/office/field) and choose one cushioned trainer (Hoka, Brooks, Asics) or a supportive work shoe/clog (Dansko, Birkenstock, New Balance). (forbes.com)
2. Try in the afternoon with your work sock and a 10–15 minute walk/stand test. (forbes.com)
3. Rotate shoes and plan to replace them when cushioning feels flat or after ~300–500 miles / 6–12 months of heavy use. (rei.com)

If you want, I can:

• Give a shorter list of 3 best options specifically for your job (e.g., nurse, server, retail associate, warehouse worker), or
• Compare 2–3 models you’re deciding between (fit, support, price).

Sources: Forbes (Forbes Vetted guide), APMA Seal program, Well+Good, Good Housekeeping, REI/Nike running shoe replacement guidance, and recent retailer/product roundups (linked sources used above). (forbes.com)

Would you like a 3‑option shortlist tailored to your exact job and foot shape (flat/high arch, narrow/wide)?