Standing All Day at Work? 5 Podiatrist-Approved Tips to Prevent Sore Feet

Standing All Day at Work?

5 Podiatrist-Approved Tips to Prevent Sore Feet

If you’re on your feet all day—whether you're a nurse, teacher, hairdresser, shop assistant, or chef—you already know how tiring it can be. By the end of your shift, your feet feel like they’ve run a marathon, even if you haven’t moved far from your workstation.

So how do you stop sore feet from ruining your day?

Here are 5 foot-friendly tips we share with our patients at Coventry Foot Doctor to help keep you comfortable, even on the longest days.

1. Wear Proper Shoes (Not Just Comfy Ones)

Not all “comfy” shoes are created equal. If your shoes feel soft but don’t support your arches or cushion your heels properly, your feet will still ache by the end of the day.

Look for shoes with:

• A firm heel counter (the back part of the shoe)

• Good arch support

• Cushioned insoles

• A wide toe box so your toes aren’t squished

🛑 Avoid: Flat slip-ons, unsupportive trainers, or worn-out shoes with no structure.

2. Try Supportive Insoles or Orthotics

If your job keeps you upright for hours, your feet need backup. Supportive insoles or custom orthotics can help spread pressure more evenly and support your foot’s natural shape.

At our clinic, we often see people who thought sore feet were “just part of the job”—until they tried proper insoles and couldn’t believe the difference.

3. Move When You Can

Even a little movement helps. If you’re stuck in one spot all day (like behind a counter or surgery table), try these:

• March on the spot for 10 seconds

• Roll from heels to toes every so often

• Shift your weight from one foot to the other

• Do a few ankle rolls at break time

Movement boosts circulation and stops stiffness building up.

4. Cool Down After a Long Day

When you finally get home, treat your feet to a bit of TLC.

• Soak them in warm (not hot) water with Epsom salts

• Use a massage ball or frozen bottle under your arches

• Elevate your feet while watching TV—this helps reduce swelling

A bit of foot care goes a long way in speeding up recovery for the next day.

5. Listen to Your Feet

Foot pain isn’t “just part of the job.” If your feet are constantly sore, achy, or swollen, there might be an underlying issue like:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Flat feet

• Joint problems

• Poor footwear fit

You don’t have to wait until it gets worse. A quick foot check-up with a podiatrist can help prevent long-term damage and get you back to feeling your best.

You Deserve Happy Feet—Even at Work

We see a lot of hard-working people at our clinic who spend 8, 10, even 12 hours a day on their feet. And the good news is—you don’t have to suffer. A few small changes can make a massive difference.

Need help finding the right footwear or wondering if orthotics are right for you? We’ve got you covered.