Just happened to find this post. I've worked in factories for almost 20 yrs. All my jobs were standing or moving within the production areas, 8 to 12 hrs on 7 day shifts. A sports med. dr advised the top of the line New Balance if I wasn't going to spend over $300 for orthotics, which the insurance wouldn't pay for. After trying many types of sportswear shoes (before going to heavy orthopedic shoes) I bought a pair of Skechers to replace my shoes that I wore at home. I found that I could wear them right out of the box, no breaking in, wonderful support and cushioning. Since my areas at work didn't require steel-toed shoes, I wore them to work the next shift. Could not believe the difference in my feet and legs when I returned home! No achy legs or feet! As a Supervisor on my last job, I walked over 6 miles a shift, just back and forth in the factory during the shift (we didn't have comfy desks on the production floor), so I bought 2 pair of black Skechers and alternated every day. I'm not a little person by no means, and am convinced that my Skechers saved my feet from those horrible concrete floors!
Of course, not everyone's feet are the same, but thought I'd throw in my 2 cents worth for your consideration. I still buy them (in white for everyday) online from the Skecher sites, Footsmart or sites where they sell nursing shoes, whenever they are on sale. That way I'll never be without a pair, should they discontinue my favorites. Hope my experience will help someone else.