March 20, 2025

Is Standing All Day Bad for Your Health?

If your job keeps you on your feet from sunup to sundown, you’ve probably asked yourself at least once: Is standing all day bad for you? At first glance, it may seem like a healthier alternative to sitting all day—but like most things, too much of one thing can tip the scales in the wrong direction.

Whether you're a nurse pacing hospital halls, a barista behind the espresso machine, or a retail worker constantly moving, any standing work for long periods takes a toll. Let’s unpack how prolonged standing affects your health, what risks you need to watch for, and how to feel better—one step at a time.

The Effects of Standing All Day on Your Body

Standing may seem passive, but it’s actually a full-body effort like any physical activity. Despite its benefits, over time, prolonged standing starts to tug at your body in ways you might not notice until that deep ache creeps into your legs or lower back.1 Let’s discuss the health risks associated with standing all day.

Circulation Slows Down

When you’re upright for prolonged hours, blood tends to pool in the lower extremities. That means your heart has to work harder to keep it flowing, which can lead to swelling in the feet and ankles. Not only does this feel uncomfortable—it also contributes to fatigue and increases your risk of varicose veins.

Muscles and Joints Take the Hit

Standing in the same position stiffens your muscles, especially in your legs, hips, and back. This can throw off your posture, overloading one side of the body or leading to joint pain. If you’re not regularly shifting your weight or stretching, muscle tightness builds up fast when you’re sitting/standing.

Symptoms to Watch For

Common standing too long symptoms include:

  • Aching feet 
  • Low back pain
  • Swollen legs
  • Fatigue or heaviness in your lower body
  • Tight calves or hamstrings
  • Stiff knees and sore hips

Over time, these symptoms can snowball into more serious issues if left unaddressed.

Potential Health Risks of Standing for Too Long

So, let’s get to the real question: Is it bad to stand all day? The short answer—yes, prolonged standing does come with health risks. And it’s not just discomfort we’re talking about.

1. Musculoskeletal Strain

When your body holds one position for too long, your muscles, ligaments, and tendons work overtime to stabilize you. This can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, and increased risk of overuse injuries. According to a study, prolonged standing can lead to fatigue and discomfort in as little as 60 minutes.2

2. Foot and Leg Problems

If your feet hurt after standing all day, you’re not alone. Standing for long stretches, especially on hard surfaces, can cause plantar fasciitis, arch strain, and heel pain. Your legs might also feel tired, sore, or even tingly from reduced blood flow.

3. Increased Cardiovascular Risk

You read that right—standing long hours day after day can actually increase your risk of heart disease. A study found that people in standing jobs had a twofold higher risk of heart disease compared to those who sat most of the day.3 Why? The increased pressure on your circulatory system from gravity and restricted movement in your workplace.

How the Right Footwear Can Reduce Discomfort

Here’s where things start to feel better—literally. While you can’t always control your standing work environment, you can control what’s on your feet.

Cushion, Support, and Structure Matter

The right shoes are more than just foot coverings—they’re your foundation. Standing in unsupportive shoes increases the pressure on your heels, arches, and toes, which contributes to foot pain while working.

So, how can foot pain from standing all day be relieved? Start with a supportive, cushioned pair of sneakers that are built for real life.

Why Clove Sneakers Stand Out

Clove sneakers are specifically designed for professionals who spend their entire day on their feet. With plush insoles, supportive arch design, and slip-resistant outsoles, they offer a reliable way to reduce fatigue and minimize strain.

And when the workday’s over? Slide into Clove SuperCush Recovery Slides. These were made to give your feet the relief they deserve—cushioned, breathable, and ridiculously comfortable.

Tips to Minimize the Negative Effects of Standing All Day

Is standing for too long bad? Yes. But here’s the good news—you can take simple steps to ease the burden on your body. Here’s how to stand for long periods of time without hurting your feet too much.

1. Shift Your Posture

Posture includes standing up straight and distributing your weight evenly. Don’t lock your knees or lean to one side. Keep a slight bend in your knees and shift your stance every 20–30 minutes. You should also do this when you are seated for too long at your work desk.

2. Stretch It Out

Stretch your calves, hamstrings, and lower back during breaks. Try toe raises, wall stretches, or simple forward folds. These easy exercises can increase blood flow and help relieve tight muscles.

3. Take Movement Breaks

If possible, alternate between sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day. Even 5 minutes of movement every hour helps reduce pressure and reset your muscles.

4. Use Compression Socks and Orthotics

Compression socks support circulation, reduce swelling, and can help prevent fatigue. Custom or supportive orthotics also take pressure off sensitive spots like the arch or heel and can be a game-changer for chronic foot pain.

5. Evaluate Your Workspace

If you're at a standing desk, make sure it’s set to the right height. Your screen should be eye-level, your elbows at a 90-degree bend. Add an anti-fatigue mat for bonus support, especially if you’re on tile or concrete.

So... Is Standing All Day Bad for You?

Here’s the bottom line: Is standing all day bad for your health? Not inherently—but doing it without breaks, support, or movement absolutely can be. From circulation issues to joint strain, the effects of standing for too long aren’t just annoying— they can be harmful if ignored.

But don’t worry. You can relieve the pressure with intentional strategies, supportive footwear, a standing desk, and restorative habits like stretching and movement. 

Browse Clove’s newest releases today and find sneakers designed for long shifts and everyday recovery.

 

Sources:

  1. British Safety Council. Prolonged standing no better for health than long periods of sitting, study finds. https://www.britsafe.org/safety-management/2024/prolonged-standing-no-better-for-health-than-long-periods-of-sitting-study-finds
  2. ResearchGate. Negative Impacts of Prolonged Standing at Work on Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Physical Fatigue: The Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351800475_Negative_Impacts_of_Prolonged_Standing_at_Work_on_Musculoskeletal_Symptoms_and_Physical_Fatigue_The_Fifth_Korean_Working_Conditions_Survey
  3. The University of Sydney. Standing more may not reduce cardiovascular disease risk, could increase circulatory disease. https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2024/10/17/standing-more-may-not-reduce-cardiovascular-disease-risk--could-.html