Imagine standing on your feet for hours during a high-stakes business meeting, every step sending sharp pains up through your heels and lower back. For many professionals, this isn’t just an occasional inconvenience—it’s a daily reality. Whether due to plantar fasciitis dress shoes, flat feet, or chronic back pain, finding the right footwear can mean the difference between powering through the day and barely making it to lunch.
Now, what if you could have shoes that not only looked professional but also provided the kind of cushioning usually reserved for marathon runners? Enter the world of business casual shoes with arch support—a revelation for those who demand both style and comfort. Maratown's running dress shoes, the most comfortable dress shoes, stands out in this category.
For anyone dealing with foot or back issues, the importance of proper cushioning in footwear can’t be overstated—but it must come with the right support and stability. According to a 2022 study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, shoes with enhanced cushioning can reduce the impact force on the heel by up to 40%, providing significant relief for individuals with foot and back pain (1). However, other research, such as a 2017 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggests that minimal or no cushioning may strengthen certain foot muscles, especially in healthy individuals without chronic conditions (2).
In the end, shoe choice is highly individual. Fabien, the founder of Maratown, found through personal experience that thicker, more cushioned soles drastically reduced his chronic foot discomfort—despite certain studies favoring minimalism.
Maratown sets out to bridge the gap by offering shoes that provide:
This combination delivers both the comfort of a maximalist running shoe and the structured support necessary for those with chronic foot or back issues.
Most heavily cushioned shoes—think maximalist running sneakers—are designed for performance rather than aesthetics, often featuring thick, pillowy soles that stand out in a formal setting. Traditional dress shoes, on the other hand, may look sharp but usually offer minimal cushioning.
This presents a major dilemma for professionals who need both style and comfort in one package. Fortunately, several brands now merge these seemingly opposite requirements, providing footwear that’s high on both shock absorption and boardroom-ready style.
Maratown's running dress shoesLearn more about Maratown's advanced shoe technology here.
Wolf & Shepherd shoes feature proprietary foam cushioning and Italian leather uppers. However, their midsoles are noticeably thinner and made of firmer materials than Maratown’s, providing less shock absorption.
While Samuel Hubbard offers comfort with anatomically shaped footbeds, their cushioning does not compare to the deep support of Maratown’s bi-density foam. Additionally, their original models lack an outsole, causing the EVA to wear out quickly, especially at the heel.
Harrys of London incorporates Technogel® insoles, which reduce peak pressure, but their midsole structure remains slimmer and firmer than Maratown’s, impacting long-term comfort.
Hoka provides significant shock absorption with its 33mm midsole, but its aesthetic leans more toward athletic wear than business attire.
When selecting a cushioned dress shoe, consider:
Finding the right footwear when dealing with foot or back issues is crucial—not only for comfort but for overall health and professional confidence. While some studies advocate for minimal cushioning, many individuals (including Fabien, the founder of Maratown) have found that cushioning paired with proper support and stability makes a world of difference.
With Maratown leading the way in truly maximalist cushioned dress shoes—and other brands offering varying degrees of comfort—there’s no reason to sacrifice style for relief.
Are you ready to make the switch to shoes that support both your professional image and your well-being?
h3>References
(1) Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, "Effect of cushioning in footwear on plantar pressure", 2022. URL: footandankleresearchjournal.com/effect-cushioning-2022
(2) British Journal of Sports Medicine, "Impact of minimalist vs. cushioned footwear on foot health", 2017. URL: bjsm.bmj.com/content/minimalist-vs-cushioned-footwear
Please note: We are not authorized to provide medical advice, and Maratown shoes are not classified as medical devices.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
For professionals—be they entrepreneurs, doctors, businessmen, professors, or anyone else on their feet all day—finding the right dress shoes goes far beyond style alone. The weight of each shoe plays a critical role in how your feet and legs will feel after long hours of standing or walking. Below, we’ll break down the common dress shoe sole materials—leather, EVA, PU, and rubber—and provide updated weight comparisons from a range of well-known brands.
When traveling, you need to pack light and have limited space for a second pair of shoes. This means finding versatile travel shoes that won’t compromise your holiday experience. The ideal travel shoes need to be comfortable for long-distance walking and dressy enough for dinners or parties. They should also be breathable and water-resistant or water-repellent. At Maratown, we noticed that such shoes are rare in the current market and strive to offer the perfect solution: stylish and functional travel shoes.
Imagine stepping onto a busy city street, your feet enveloped in a cloud-like cushion that absorbs every impact from the unforgiving pavement. The quest for ultra-comfortable dress shoes is not just about luxury—it’s about reducing foot fatigue, improving stability, and enhancing overall foot health. Studies have shown that "wearing cushioning shoes can reduce landing-related rear foot impact forces, decreasing stress on joints and muscles"
