As much as 86% of American workers experience foot pain, making it the number one physical ailment in 2023 — outranking back, neck, and leg pain.
- The numbers are from a study that surveyed 1,000+ people from across the United States who work in careers where they’re standing or walking for most of the day.
- The survey was carried out by Arris Composites.
The Findings: After spending most of the working day walking or standing, many people deal with pain and discomfort.
- More than 1 in 4 (26%) regret working in these types of jobs, so much so that 27% are considering switching careers.
- 1 in 5 say their feet always hurt after work; 70% have skipped exercising, and 58% have cancelled social plans during the week because they’re just too tired.
- While 78% try to take breaks throughout the day, 1 in 10 say it’s just not possible given their career.
- Nearly 2 in 5 (39%) have recurring pain and 41% have gone to the doctor for help.
- The most common areas of the body American workers deal with pain are foot, spine/back, leg, neck, and shoulder.
- Workers are coping with it by doing yoga/pilates, elevating their feet and legs, using pain medicine, strength training, and massages.
- Workers who spend most of the day on their feet know the importance of comfortable and supportive shoes.
- This survey found more than half (54%) of Americans wear gym shoes or sneakers to work, followed by work boots at 25%, and dress shoes at 6%.
- Additionally, 2 in 5 employees are required to wear a certain type of shoe to work, with 28% finding those shoes uncomfortable.
- To combat discomfort, 32% of workers add orthotics or other inserts to their work shoes.
- Most (86%) prefer comfort over style in their work shoes. The top characteristics Americans look for in their shoes are padding/cushioning (71%), support (70%), and durability (45%).
- When asked if workers would be interested in trying something such as “super shoes” for everyday use, an overwhelming 83% said yes. “Super shoes” in the survey was defined as a new generation of running shoes with advanced technology and design features intended to improve a runner’s performance. These shoes typically have a thick midsole made of lightweight foam that provides high levels of cushioning and energy return, as well as a carbon fibre plate.
- While the average American worker spends 56% of the day standing or walking, jobs in food service, retail, healthcare, and tourism require people to be on their feet for the majority of the day.
- Dishwashers rank number 1, spending nearly 99% of their workday standing or walking. Restaurant cooks rank 2 at 98.1%, following closely behind are waiters and waitresses (97.4%), food preparation and serving occupations (97.2%), and cashiers (94.9%).
- Retail workers, industrial machinery mechanics, and maintenance or repair occupations also make the list, with an average of 86.9%, 84.4%, and 79.5% of their workday spent standing, respectively. Rounding out the top ten are hotel desk clerks and pharmacists.
