Surviving the expo floor isn’t just a grind—it’s an endurance sport. But shoes with thick soles and wide toe boxes can turn that slog into a sprint.
Vendelux calculated an average of 17,000 daily steps at recent trade shows, accounting for commutes, meal breaks, seminars and booth-hopping.
With 81 percent of Americans reporting foot pain in 2024, it’s clear that the right pair of shoes can make or break your weekend.
The most important thing, according to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Naomi N. Shields, is finding a shoe “that, number one, fits you well.”
Anything that squeezes your foot or provides little cushion can contribute to common issues like blisters, calluses, plantar fasciitis or general discomfort.
Dr. Shields knows this firsthand. At a recent convention, the San Antonio-based foot-and-ankle specialist traded her sensible flats for more comfortable trainers.
“I had one meeting, and another meeting, and it was a mile in between,” she recalled. “I wore a pair of flats with not enough support the first day, and I was like, ‘Oh my god, my feet are killing me.’ The next day I was like, ‘I don’t care what I look like, I’m putting on my sneakers!”
When it comes to work events, striking the balance between comfort, health and appropriate style can be tricky. If you want to avoid feeling like you’re doing CrossFit in business casual, read below below for some useful tips.
The Winner: Wide Shoes With Good Cushion
Other than a comfortable fit, you should look for shoes with wide toe boxes and thick cushioning when you’re getting ready to spend a lot of time standing.
For men, that means a dress shoe that doesn’t just have a thin leather sole, “but something that has a little bit thicker, more cushion support and is not very flexible, so your foot doesn’t have to work hard all day,” Dr. Shields says.
Some shoes are so thin you can basically bend them in half, offering virtually no support.
“Particularly for anyone who’s heavy, has a more flat foot, or is older, keeping that support is gonna help you be on your feet all day at a convention,” she said.
For women, keeping the heel length low is key. If you absolutely must use a heel, a wedge is a safer alternative. If you have the option to dress down, walking or running shoes are the best option.
Check Out These Brands (But Try Them On First)
Dr. Shields recommends asking foot-and-ankle specialists in your area for advice on shoe stores that will take their time finding you the right pair. If you want to avoid the cost of a doctor’s visit, a local running club is also a good option.
Dr. Shields’s favorite brands include Brooks, Merrell, Solomon and ASICS. She says many of her patients like Hokas and New Balances, though she warns, “what feels comfortable for you might not feel comfortable for me.”
For dressier women’s shoes, she recommends Clarks or Vionic.
For shoes with thinner soles, insoles are in order.
“A lot of over the counter ones are fine, and there’s a multitude: Superfeet, Spenco, Dr. Scholls,” she said.
Metatarsal pads can also distribute pressure away from the ball of the foot, the part of the sole just behind the toes. This is a common site for pain, according to research from KURU footwear.
“If you’re standing all day, they increase the surface area that’s getting pressure, so it’s the same amount of force, but spread around a wider area,” Dr. Shields said.
Start Preparing Before the Conference
Pro-tip: Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet hurt the most.
“If you find a shoe that fits great at that point, it’s gonna feel wonderful,” Dr. Shields said.
If you’re like three-quarters of Americans and you’re carrying a few extra pounds, shedding them could help your foot health in the long run.
“Every 10 pounds you lose, you take 50 to 60 pounds off your knees, ankles and feet,” Dr. Shields says. “That little extra weight adds a lot of force to what you’re walking around and standing on.”
Lastly, prepare yourself by taking any opportunity you can to walk long distances.
“For a lot of people who go to a once-a-year industry convention, attending or vending, they may not be used to being on their feet all day if their job is sitting down,” she said. “Work on your general conditioning so you can walk the distance.”
