Here’s a concise, practical guide to choosing the best supportive work shoes — with specific recommendations by job type, what to look for, and buying tips so you get comfortable feet all day.

What to look for in a supportive work shoe

• Arch support: firm midfoot support or removable footbed for custom orthotics.
• Cushioning: responsive midsole (EVA, PU, or proprietary foam) to absorb shock.
• Stability: a firm heel counter and a wide, supportive base to prevent rolling.
• Fit: roomy toe box (about thumb’s width from longest toe to end), snug heel, no slipping.
• Sole grip: slip-resistant tread if you work on wet/oily floors.
• Breathability & materials: leather or mesh depending on durability vs ventilation needs.
• Weight: lighter is better for standing/walking all day, provided it still offers support.
• Removable insole: lets you use prescription or over-the-counter orthotics.
• Safety features (if needed): steel/ composite toe, electrical hazard rating, puncture-resistant sole.

Best shoe types by workplace

• Standing all day (retail, factory, reception): cushioned, shock-absorbing shoes with good arch support and a wide base.
• Lots of walking (mail, hospitality, deliveries): lightweight supportive sneakers or walking shoes with durable outsoles and energy-return foam.
• Slippery/fast-paced kitchens or hospitals: slip-resistant, easy-to-clean shoes with secure lacing/closure and good traction.
• Office / business casual: supportive dress shoes or loafers with cushioned insoles and moderate arch support.
• Trades / construction: supportive work boots with ankle support, rugged outsole, and safety toe as required.

Brand and model recommendations (good starting points) Note: fit varies by foot. Try these or their current equivalents — many brands update models annually.

• Hoka: Bondi or Clifton (max/high cushioning running-style shoes) — excellent shock absorption for standing or walking long shifts.
• Brooks: Ghost or Addiction Walker — known for stable midsoles and good arch support. Addiction Walker adds motion control for overpronation.
• New Balance: 990/1540 series, or walking shoes with ortholite insoles — roomy widths and reliable support.
• ASICS: Gel-Kayano (stability) and GT-2000 (stability) — good for pronation control + cushioning.
• Skechers Work / Slip-ins: for slip-resistant and comfortable casual work models (many with memory foam). Good for hospitality but memory foam may compress with heavy use.
• Dansko / clogs (Pro XP) and Birkenstock Professional: popular in healthcare — roomy toe box, strong arch support, rocker sole for reduced fatigue.
• Vionic: shoes and slip-ons with built-in orthotic support — good for people who need strong arch support out of the box.
• Merrell / Salomon: trail-type work shoes with rugged soles for outdoor trades or uneven surfaces.
• Redback (Australia) & Blundstone: work boots — sturdy, supportive, good for trades; many Blundstone models accept aftermarket insoles.
• Keen Utility: roomy toe box, protective toecap options, good for jobs needing safety toes with comfort.

If you have specific foot issues

• High arches: look for cushioned midsoles, cushioned heel cups, and strong arch cups (Hoka, some New Balance, custom orthotics).
• Flat feet / overpronation: stability or motion-control shoes with medial posting (Brooks Addiction, ASICS Kayano).
• Plantar fasciitis: firm arch support + deep heel cup; consider orthotics (Vionic, custom orthotics, or supportive insoles like Superfeet).
• Heel spurs / Achilles pain: shoes with a slight heel lift (4–8 mm) and cushioned heel; avoid completely flat shoes.

Orthotics & insoles

• Removable insoles are highly recommended — let you replace factory insoles with supportive over-the-counter (e.g., Superfeet, Powerstep) or custom orthotics from a podiatrist.
• If you’re experiencing pain, a short visit to a podiatrist for assessment and custom orthotics is often worth the cost.

Buying & fit tips

• Try shoes later in the day when feet are slightly swollen to get realistic fit.
• Wear the socks you’ll use at work when trying shoes.
• Walk around 10–15 minutes in-store (or the shop’s return policy permitting, test at home for a few days).
• Look for a firm heel lock — heel slipping leads to blisters and instability.
• Break-in period: allow a few days of shorter wear before full shifts. If pain persists past a week, try a different model.
• Keep receipts and check return/exchange policies — comfort is personal, and even recommended models can fit differently.

Care and lifespan

• Rotate shoes if possible so midsoles can decompress between shifts.
• Replace shoes when midsoles lose bounce or you notice uneven outsole wear (generally 300–800 km for athletic-type shoes; work shoes vary by use).
• Clean & dry properly; avoid heat that degrades cushioning.

Budget guidance

• Mid-range supportive shoes often offer the best value for daily work use. Expensive running or specialty shoes can be worth it if you’re on your feet all day.
• If budget is limited, prioritize fit, removable insole for upgrade, and slip-resistance if needed.

Quick picks by common job

• Nurse/Healthcare: Dansko Pro XP, Hoka Bondi, Vionic with orthotic.
• Restaurant/Kitchen: slip-resistant Skechers Work, Birkenstock Professional, New Balance slip-resistant models.
• Retail/Standing: Hoka Clifton/Bondi, Brooks Ghost, New Balance 990.
• Construction/Trades: Blundstone steel-toe options, Redback (Aus), Keen Utility, sturdy work boots with good insoles.
• Office: Leather loafers or dress shoes with removable orthotics (ECCO, Rockport, Vionic dress styles).

If you want, tell me: your job type, any foot pain or conditions (plantar fasciitis, bunions, high/low arches), shoe size, and whether you need safety features. I can then recommend 3–4 specific models to try that will likely suit you.