According to Experts, These Are the Best Dress Shoes for Women Who Spend All Day on Their Feet (2023)

When it comes to finding comfy shoes, Yao 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, which feature a rectangular toe, quilted satin footbed, and tons of fabric options, like velvet, raffia, and suede.

They may be pricier, but Conroy believes that natural fibers — like 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, which comes in eight 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 all day long. "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 lower heel always beats a super-high one, especially when you're on your feet all day. "Extremely high heel height can put the foot at an awkward angle, tipping the foot forward," Yao 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 polished and supremely comfortable.

Nothing will ruin your day faster than squished toes, which is why it's so important to pay attention to the width of your toe box. "Poorly fitted shoes with small or narrow toe boxes can cause corns to form and lead to a lot of pain," Yao says. Luckily, even reviewers with wide feet praised these wedge booties from Sorel for their unmatched comfort and roomy toe box.

No matter your arch height, your feet require arch support. "As your feet get tired during the day, your natural arch will get lazy. But thankfully, built-in support can take the stress off," Conroy says. Like all Dr. Scholl's shoes, these super-popular lug sole loafers feature anatomical cushioning and arch support to keep your feet happy.

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

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

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

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." And that's why these leather braided slides (which are handmade by artisans in Colombia) are the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort.

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, which have added padding for long-term comfort.

Hate the feeling of sweaty feet? That can be avoided if you get the right materials. "Wearing shoes all day and standing all day can make your feet sweat and smell," Yao 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!