Health care workers, teachers, restaurant staff, even shoe fitters. Carrying your entire body weight for 8 to 12 hrs a day in unsupportive shoes can be very hard on your body. So it’s no surprise many us experience some sort of foot pain.
Your feet take on enormous stress throughout the day and are often the most ignored part of your body. With over 40 years in the service industry, the team at Rackets and Runners has learned a thing or two about working on our feet in comfort. Here's our short list of the best shoes to help you through those long days.
Hoka One One Bondi 7
If you’re after one shoe to get the job done and provide maximal cushioning and support, look no further than the Hoka One One Bondi 7. This is a podiatrist's dream shoe with tons of cushioning, a sturdy midsole and a rocker profile. After a 12-hr day your feet will be singing all the way to bed.
What makes the Bondi 7 so unique is not only the enormous amount of cushioning beneath your feet, but also the rigidity of the shoe, which creates a unique rocker profile. The profile of the Bondi absorbs the normal wear and tear of walking into the shoe and reduces the stress on your foot muscles and joints.
Plus, this shoe has become a bit of a cultural icon. Frequent flyers to Hypebeast or Highsnobiety will notice this shoe gaining traction in the sneaker world. Big sneakers are back and by providing maximal cushioning and support, the Bondi 7 is leading the charge in both looks and feel. Better yet, there’s a suede version in stock too.
New Balance Fresh Foam More V3
A familiar foe to the Bondi is the New Balance Fresh Foam More. Earning its namesake for (you guessed it) more cushioning. If you’re after an alternative to the Hoka Bondi, these guys are the ones for you. The new version is soft and more flexible than its predecessor and comes ready in multiple widths.
Bunions? Fear not. The Fresh Foam More has a soft, flexible and forgiving upper that gives you tons of space to accommodate those family heirlooms.
New Balance 928v3
If stability, support and a rocker profile are your North Star, the New Balance 928v3 will be your guide. Made of soft yet durable leather, the upper of these shoes have quite a stylish look. For the perfect fit, it has a long-lasting lace-up closure coupled with a padded collar and tongue that keeps the ankle safe and comfortable. Furthermore, these sneakers are lined with a moisture-wicking, synthetic fabric that offers excellent breathability.
The insole is removable, allowing you to put in your orthotics whenever needed. It adds comfort and provides extra-cushioning. Lastly, the midsole is made of a foam-based polymer to provide adequate arch support and supreme stability. It has the power to reduce the shock at the impact point, balances force, and diminishes fatigue. The New Balance 928 is one of your best choices for walking/ standing all day.
women'sNew Balance 928 V3 Walking
New Balance 840v4
If you’re looking for a more traditional running shoe with the perfect amount of cushioning, keep your eyes peeled for the New Balance 840. Prior to the popularity of the maximal cushioned shoes like the Bondi and More, the 840 held top spot amongst the medical community; desired for its shape, cushioning and support. Compared to the new wave of maximal shoes, the 840 provides a more familiar amount of cushioning and flexibility, while giving your feet and joints the support you dream about. Topped off with a deeper toe box and wider fit, these shoes give your ‘little piggies’ all the room to wiggle throughout the day.
Need to have it in all black or white? These are also available with an all leather upper.
Brooks Glycerin 19
For those looking for that ultra soft, plush, and durable feel — the Brooks Glycerin 19 is your shoe. The 19th iteration of the Glycerin line gets added stretch in the upper, with an engineered mesh 3D Fit print technology that surrounds your foot and moves to your unique stride. In addition, the Glycerin 18 gets a full-length ultra soft midsole featuring DNA Loft for even more plushness underfoot without losing responsiveness or durability. If you're after a little extra cushioning but not wanting to sacrifice that responsive feel— try the Glycerin 19 out.
Brooks Ghost 14
Looking for a lightweight alternative capable of withstanding the rigours of a marathon? The Brooks Ghost is your match. Plush, soft, and a smooth ride ready to handle every minute of your day. The Ghost has tons of supportive cushioning and a secure fit to ensure that you'll stay comfy throughout your shift.
Final Thoughts
Although these 12-hr shoes provide optimal cushioning and support, the most critical part is to ensure a proper fit. If you’re not sure which shoe is right for you, pop into our Oak St store or book a shoe fitting and let our fit experts help find you the perfect match.
