Comfort Shoes

I am a big fan of ECCO shoes and boots for comfort at work. This model is a lightweight, flexible leather shoe with an anatomic footbed and moisture-wicking lining. These shoes would be great for going from standing to taking a few laps during your lunch or breaks. This model received the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

These are very comfortable, well-cushioned shoes that are also lightweight and flexible - excellent for walking comfort. The Trans Am model is "orthotic ready" with inserts and shoe liners designed to be removed to be replaced with a prescription orthotic.

Most Rockport shoe designs have won the APMA Seal of Acceptance. I have generally found Rockports to be too stiff in the sole to promote proper roll-through of the foot when walking. But for a comfort shoe for standing/walking these designs may be appropriate.

MBT©, Masai Barefoot Technology mimics the way the Masai tribe walks barefoot. These shoes have a stiff fiberglass in the sole. MBT shoes have no heel, forcing you to really roll through each step from heel to toe, enforcing good walking technique. They are heavier shoes and can take some getting used to. The makers claim that the design can make you feel better from head to toe. If you have problem feet and have tried many different solutions, MBT shoes are one more option.

Z-Coil shoes are super-cushioned by a spring in the heel and major cushioning in the forefoot, plus a stiff orthotic. Testimonials abound for them helping conditions such as plantar fasciitis. They also have a big market among those who must walk and stand all day on concrete surfaces - such as nurses, store clerks, etc. They are individually fit by a distributor to ensure proper fit. The drawbacks are that they are heavy and rather odd looking - but you can get them with an enclosed heel. They have styles for comfort walking as well as fitness walking and trail walking.

Many of my friends with problem feet finally found comfort when switching to Birkenstock sandals with their negative heelbed. While I take testimonials with a grain of salt, I can point to many people who will only wear Birkenstocks due to their great experiences.

Earth Shoes feature the KALSO® Negative Heel™ Technology, which they claim promotes the natural way of walking, like you are walking barefoot in sand.

For many years, volkssport walkers throughout the USA swore by SAS shoes. These were in fact the only shoes I could wear at work to prevent aching, tired feet when my job required constant standing and moving short distances. SAS Shoes are not sold on the internet. They are best found at SAS Factory Outlet stores at factory outlet malls, or at comfort shoe stores. They are well-cushioned and flexible, great for walking but a bit hot.

Nike Free shoes mimic walking barefoot and fits like a glove. The extreme flexibility from the grooved sole allows your foot to move as it wishes, not how the shoe wishes. The shoes come with a recommended training schedule to slowly build your time in them, as your feet and body adjust to the extreme freedom. Unlike the other comfort shoes listed, these have minimal cushioning and are extremely lightweight.