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Ask HN: Standing Desk Folks – What shoes do you wear?
I've been using a standing desk for about 6 months now, I'm inside of the standard BMI healthy range for height/weight as a male, and have a CumulusPRO Commmercial grade pad.
Not EVERY week, but many times towards the end of the week or some particularly bad standing days where I am not moving around enough I am starting to get some aches and pains in the heel and ball of my foot.
I typically wear your standard Vans brand shoe with some Dr Scholl's full foot inserts.
Today I experimented with wearing some fitness shoes to the office instead since it's casual Friday. The difference in comfort is night and day already. I can't wear them on a daily basis because they don't fit the dress code -- but I am curious what other alternatives I might have M-Th that other people have found success with.
Are there any good business casual appropriate shoes that have great support like a fitness shoe?
Cheers!
- cyberpanther 11y agoNo shoes is the best
- ljk 11y agois this just on carpet? doesn't stand for a long period of time without shoes hurt your heels?
- cyberpanther 11y agoi have a thin squishy mat but in the long run it is better for your feet in my opinion. Shoes often offer too much cushion and thus weaken our feet.
- ljk 11y ago> Shoes often offer too much cushion and thus weaken our feet. interesting, wasn't there a lawsuit for the vibram five-finger because there wasn't any actual benefit? what shoes would you recommend?
- DichromaticAnt 11y agoAgreed. I take my shoes off as soon as I get to work, and walk around barefoot all day. No one has said anything to me yet..
- morepyplease 11y agoInterested to hear more on this. My feet absolutely kill me around the house in the evening if I go barefoot too much. How long does it take to really build up this foot strength and do you have any support for this?
- OWaz 11y agoI have a gel mat that is similar to a kitchen standing mat. I forgot what brand it was but it was less than $35 on Amazon. I stand on that without shoes and it's very comfortable. I have a National Public stool to sit on when I need to give my feet a break.
- cyberpanther 11y agoanother good point, even when you have a standing desk, changing positions is still key.
- theWold 11y agoI wear my hiking boots. I can stand in those things all day. (Vasque is the brand, but I can't seem to find the exact pair on REI). They are plane leather, and look decent in a pair of slacks (though I only wear slacks when my jeans are dirty). Plus they'll last longer than any other business casual shoe you will ever wear.
- bowlich 11y ago+1 for Hiking Boots. I wear a pair of keens most of the time. If I am standing for a long time then I switch over to a pair of over-ankle boots -- which I happen to think are Vasque brand a well -- put a layer of polish on them from time to time and they'll last for years. My pair is starting to approach a decade of use at this point.
- mod 11y agoFWIW most hiking boot soles don't hold up well on pavement.
- DrScump 11y agoBut would hiking boots meet this dress code, if sneakers won't?
- avitzurel 11y agoI used a standing desk for a long time (year+). I recommend minimalist shoes, this will help your feet get stronger, stay away from anything that has cushion in it. Lately, I got these: http://naturalfootgear.com/collections/mens-shoes/products/lems-primal-2-black http://naturalfootgear.com/collections/mens-shoes/products/l... Can't recommend them enough.
- gonyea 11y agoNone at the desk. I have a nice gel floor mat and comfy socks.
- e15ctr0n 11y agoThis is really the key to comfort at a standing desk. Order the best gel mat on the market: the Wearwell Ultrasoft Diamond-Plate Anti-Fatigue And Safety Mat - Black With Yellow Chevron Border. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VEF51E0/ http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VEF51E0/ My company was happy to pay for it once I explained the productivity benefits to them.