Here’s a short, practical guide to comfortable work shoes (quick picks by need, plus fit & care tips).

Top picks by use-case

• Standing all day / maximum cushioning (retail, teaching, long shifts)
  • Hoka Bondi SR — very plush cushioning + slip‑resistant SR outsole. (forbes.com)
  • Brooks Ghost (running shoe used as an all‑day shoe) — stable, well‑cushioned for long shifts. (businessinsider.com)
• Clogs & slip‑ons (nurses, chefs, hospitality)
  • Dansko XP 2.0 and Dansko Neci — classic supportive clogs with good slip resistance. (forbes.com)
  • Crocs Bistro (work clog) — lightweight, inexpensive, slip‑resistant option for kitchens. (forbes.com)
• Slip‑resistant sneakers for service/healthcare
  • Hoka Bondi SR (listed above) and work versions of Skechers or New Balance (many models have SR/Work editions). (forbes.com)
• Safety‑toe / jobsite boots (construction, warehouse)
  • Keen Pittsburgh, Wolverine Vantage (and many Timberland PRO / Wolverine I‑90 options) — look for ASTM/ANSI ratings for impact/compression. (bobvila.com)

Important safety/standards note

• If your workplace requires protective footwear, OSHA requires employers to provide/use protective footwear that meets consensus standards (ASTM/ANSI for safety‑toe, etc.). Check product markings (ASTM/ANSI) if you need a safety toe, electrical hazard (EH), puncture resistance, etc. (osha.gov)

Fit & buying tips (what podiatrists and APMA recommend)

• Shop late in the day (feet swell) and bring the socks you’ll wear at work. Have both feet measured and fit for the larger foot. Shoes should feel supportive and comfortable right away (don’t rely on “breaking in”). Try walking on hard surfaces in the shoes before buying. (apma.org)
• Use the APMA “1‑2‑3” test: check heel stiffness, appropriate toe flex, and that the shoe doesn’t twist in the middle. (apma.org)
• If you need more support, add a high‑quality insole (Superfeet, Powerstep, Dr. Scholl’s options are commonly recommended by podiatrists) — insoles can greatly reduce fatigue and pain for people who stand a lot. (prevention.com)

Extra practical tips

• For wide feet: New Balance and Hoka (some models) offer wider widths. For narrow feet: try models available in narrow sizes or use thinner socks.
• Rotate two pairs of shoes if possible (reduces fatigue and lets cushioning recover).
• Replace shoes when cushioning/support is worn (running/walking shoes often need replacement around 600–800 miles or ~6–8 months of heavy use; watch for midsole compression and outsole wear). (apma.org)

Quick price/selection note

• Budget range: $40–$80 (basic Crocs, Skechers work lines)
• Midrange: $90–$160 (Brooks, New Balance, many Dansko, Hoka models on sale)
• Work boots/specialty safety: $120–$250+ depending on toe type and safety ratings. (Prices vary by retailer and model.)

If you want, I can narrow this to a shortlist (3–5 specific models) tailored to your exact job, foot width, and any foot issues (plantar fasciitis, bunions, etc.).