Ask HN: Standing Desk Folks – What shoes do you wear? • Hacker News Board

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

#1

Post by morepyplease » Fri, Dec 11, 2015, 4:33 PM UTC

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!

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

#2

Post by cyberpanther » Fri, Dec 11, 2015, 4:49 PM UTC

No shoes is the best

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

#3

Post by ljk » Fri, Dec 11, 2015, 4:57 PM UTC

cyberpanther wrote: post #2

No shoes is the best

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

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

#4

Post by cyberpanther » Fri, Dec 11, 2015, 5:04 PM UTC

ljk wrote: post #3

cyberpanther wrote: post #2

No shoes is the best

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

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.

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

#5

Post by OWaz » Fri, Dec 11, 2015, 5:08 PM UTC

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.

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

#6

Post by DichromaticAnt » Fri, Dec 11, 2015, 5:09 PM UTC

cyberpanther wrote: post #2

No shoes is the best

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..

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

#7

Post by cyberpanther » Fri, Dec 11, 2015, 5:12 PM UTC

OWaz wrote: post #5

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.

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

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

#8

Post by theWold » Fri, Dec 11, 2015, 5:19 PM UTC

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.

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

#9

Post by ljk » Fri, Dec 11, 2015, 5:35 PM UTC

cyberpanther wrote: post #4

ljk wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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

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.

> 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?

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

#10

Post by avitzurel » Fri, Dec 11, 2015, 6:01 PM UTC

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.