A new survey from Footminders Inc. finds that more than half of workers who spend long hours standing or walking experience frequent foot pain, yet a vast majority do not use orthotic insoles to alleviate discomfort. The findings, released in the company's Foot Pain at Work Report, underscore a significant gap between the prevalence of foot pain and the adoption of supportive solutions.
The survey, conducted online between March 1 and March 11, 2026, polled 246 qualified U.S. workers who spend at least four hours per workday standing or walking. Among respondents, 53% reported experiencing foot pain several days a week or more, and 42% said their discomfort typically begins before their shift ends. Heel pain was the most commonly cited location, reflecting the strain of prolonged standing or walking.
Despite the high rates of pain, only 22% of workers who experience weekly foot pain reported using orthotic insoles. Meanwhile, 44% expressed dissatisfaction with the support or comfort of their work shoes. The survey included workers from industries such as healthcare, retail, construction, and food service.
Foot pain also extends beyond the workplace, affecting quality of life for 32% of respondents. This suggests that the issue has broader implications for worker wellness and productivity.
“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.”
For HR vendors, the findings point to a significant market opportunity. Companies offering ergonomic products, including orthotic insoles, supportive footwear, and workplace wellness programs, can address this unmet need. Employers who invest in foot health solutions may see improvements in employee satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, and lower healthcare costs. The survey indicates that many workers are unaware of or resistant to using orthotics, suggesting a need for education and employer-sponsored initiatives.
The complete report, including industry-specific data and ergonomic analysis, is available from Footminders Inc., a Boca Raton-based company that develops podiatrist-designed orthotic insoles. Vendors in the HR space should consider how integrating such solutions into employee benefits packages could differentiate their offerings and drive engagement.
