42% of Standing Workers Feel Foot Pain Before Shift Ends

Footminders Report: Only 22% of Workers With Foot Pain Use Orthotic Insoles

Boca Raton, United States – May 7, 2026 / Footminders Inc. /

BOCA RATON, Fla., May 5, 2026

A new Footminders survey of workers who spend long hours standing or walking found that more than half experience frequent foot pain. The results point to broad dissatisfaction with work shoe support and a notably low rate of orthotic insole use among workers who report regular discomfort. Following widespread industry interest in its initial survey findings, Footminders Inc. has released an expanded analysis in its new ‘Foot Pain at Work Report,’ offering deeper insight into the long-term impact of standing shifts on worker wellness.

The survey found that 53% of respondents experience foot pain several days a week, and 42% said their discomfort typically sets in before their work shift ends.

The heel was the most frequently cited pain location, reflecting the strain placed on the foot during extended periods of standing or walking. The survey also found that foot discomfort often persists beyond the workday, affecting the quality of life for 32% of those surveyed.

Key Survey Findings:

  • 53% of respondents reported experiencing foot pain several days per week or more
  • 42% said foot discomfort typically begins before the end of their work shift
  • Heel pain was the most commonly reported pain location
  • 44% reported dissatisfaction with the support or comfort of their work shoes
  • Only 22% of workers experiencing weekly foot pain reported using orthotic insoles

Methodology

The Foot Pain at Work Report 2026 is based on an online survey conducted between March 1 and March 11, 2026, targeting U.S. workers.

  • Total responses: 512
  • Qualified respondents: 246
  • Qualification criteria: employed and spending at least 4 hours per workday standing or walking
  • Audience source: online survey respondents

Despite the high prevalence of foot discomfort, relatively few workers reported using orthotic support. The complete findings, including industry-specific data and ergonomic analysis, are available in the Foot Pain at Work Report published by Footminders Inc.

The survey included workers from a broad range of industries, among them healthcare, retail, construction, and food service. “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.”

About Footminders Inc.
Footminders is a Boca Raton-based company that develops podiatrist-designed orthotic insoles to help improve foot comfort and support during everyday activities. Learn more at footminders.com.

Contact Information:

Footminders Inc.

10058 Spanish Isles Blvd, Suite F12
Boca Raton, FL 33498
United States

Fred Salomon
(561) 288-0737
https://www.footminders.com