Ask HN: Standing Desk Folks – What shoes do you wear?

6 points by morepyplease 10 years ago | 15 comments

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!

OWaz 10 years ago |

I 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 10 years ago | |

another good point, even when you have a standing desk, changing positions is still key.

theWold 10 years ago |

I 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 10 years 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.

DrScump 10 years ago | |

But would hiking boots meet this dress code, if sneakers won't?

mod 10 years ago | |

FWIW most hiking boot soles don't hold up well on pavement.

gonyea 10 years ago |

None at the desk. I have a nice gel floor mat and comfy socks.

e15ctr0n 10 years ago | |

This 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/

My company was happy to pay for it once I explained the productivity benefits to them.

avitzurel 10 years ago |

I 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/l... Can't recommend them enough.

cyberpanther 10 years ago |

No shoes is the best

morepyplease 10 years ago | |

Interested 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?

DichromaticAnt 10 years ago | |

Agreed. 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..

ljk 10 years ago | |

is this just on carpet? doesn't stand for a long period of time without shoes hurt your heels?

cyberpanther 10 years ago | | |

i 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.