A new survey from Footminders Inc. has found that 53% of workers who spend long hours standing or walking experience foot pain several days a week or more, and 42% report that discomfort sets in before their shift ends. The findings, released in the company's Foot Pain at Work Report, underscore a widespread issue among employees in industries such as healthcare, retail, construction, and food service.
The survey, conducted online between March 1 and March 11, 2026, targeted U.S. workers who stand or walk for at least four hours per workday. Of 512 total responses, 246 qualified based on employment and activity criteria. Results show that heel pain is the most commonly reported pain location, and 44% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the support or comfort of their work shoes.
Despite the high prevalence of foot discomfort, only 22% of workers who experience weekly foot pain reported using orthotic insoles. This low adoption rate suggests that many workers may not be aware of the benefits of supportive footwear or orthotic inserts.
"These results highlight how common foot pain can be for people whose jobs require long hours on their feet," said Fred Salomon of Footminders Inc. "Many workers assume soreness is unavoidable, but supportive footwear and orthotic insoles can often make a meaningful difference."
The survey also found that foot discomfort often extends beyond the workday, affecting the quality of life for 32% of those surveyed. This indicates that the impact of workplace foot pain is not confined to work hours but can have broader implications for overall well-being.
The complete findings, including industry-specific data and ergonomic analysis, are available in the Foot Pain at Work Report published by Footminders Inc. The company, based in Boca Raton, Florida, develops podiatrist-designed orthotic insoles aimed at improving foot comfort and support during everyday activities.
The survey results highlight a potential opportunity for employers to address foot health in the workplace. With a significant portion of workers experiencing pain and dissatisfaction with their footwear, interventions such as providing orthotic insoles or encouraging better shoe choices could improve employee comfort and productivity. The low rate of orthotic use suggests that education and access to supportive products may be key factors in reducing work-related foot pain.