Can you recommend some good shoes for a person who works in food service 8-10 hours at a time?

For men..Dansko men’s Wil Shoe.
For women Dansko Women’s Pro XP Mule shoe

As one foot is always bigger slightly than the other always fit for the bigger foot.
Comfortable shoes should allow toes to wiggle freely.
One can add padding ( gel pads etc) but always have wiggle room available.

Check into Oofos or Hoka One One. Both are a bit pricey, but are like strapping mattresses to your feet. I had issues with my feet and Achilles tendons, but got some Oofos sandals for my knock around shoes…taking the dog for a walk, going on errands, etc. I haven’t had problems since. I know you can’t wear sandals, but they also make shoes.

Inserts/arch supports can make cheaper shoes tolerable.

If you can get the Dansko, I highly recommend them. Most of the nurses where I work wear them and are on their feet 10–12 hours a day. Also, get compression socks as they help to keep your ankles from swelling.

In Europe, Birkenstocks are the go to shoe/sandal, for nurses and people who work in waiting.

I bartended and waited tables for years. Quality brand name cross-trainers we’re good. Compression socks definitely if standing, not as necessary if walking around a lot (regular waiting).

New Balance walking shoes come in black and a variety of widths. They;re comfortable.

I like Hokas a lot but they are a little squirrelly so if your knees need more stability they might not work for you. I have recently been enjoying Soft Science shoes – quite a bit less expensive than Hoka but I can walk around a museum for hours with those on.

Merrell shoes maybe like this pair.

The best pair of shoes, for me, are Nike Monarchs. They are Nike Air soles. I have purchased 5 pairs. They’re black, and only about $45. Of course, if you puncture the sole, like stepping on something sharp, the air won’t stay in the air pockets, rendering them useless. But when I was a LEO, I had to stand for 5–16 hours. These are the only shoes I’ve found reasonably priced, that keep my feet from hurting.

Birkenstocks.

I used to have issues with plantar fasciitis and general pain from standing long hours. I tried all the mega cushioned stuff and expensive sneakers. I started walking in a pair of glorified flip flops like these and my problems went away. I have hiked in these for 10–15 miles or more, stood in them all day and never had the issues I used to have. Seems like at least for me less was better. I have a bunch of types now and the effect is the same: more cushion = problems, less=fine.

Thank you so much, everyone!