Industries With Highest Rates of Foot Pain

September 26, 2025

A recent survey found that 44% of respondents currently experience chronic, ongoing foot pain.

Foot pain is a prevalent issue. In a new survey of 1,000 Americans, sponsored by KURU Footwear, 44% said they currently experience chronic, ongoing foot pain.

Foot Pain by the Numbers

When asked how often the pain strikes, the answers were as follows:

56% experience foot pain daily

24% feel it less than once a week

15% deal with it weekly

3% say it hits monthly

2% experience it constantly with no relief

Here's how respondents described the intensity of their pain:

61% say it’s moderate and occasionally disrupts their day

20% call it mild but annoying

18% say it’s severe

Foot Pain on the Clock

When foot pain strikes, here’s how it affects people at work:

20% take more breaks than usual because of foot pain

18% take medication before or during work

16% have visited a medical provider

15% have avoided certain tasks

12% wear orthopedic or medical footwear

9% have left work early

7% have missed work entirely

When asked what’s behind the pain, many pointed to their jobs:

33% believe their foot pain was caused by their job

32% say it wasn’t caused by work

28% aren’t sure

7% say “somewhat”

And for many, work makes things worse. In fact:

62% say their pain is worsened by their job

17% aren’t sure

13% say it isn’t

8% say “somewhat”

The impact goes beyond the workday. Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) of those with foot pain have filed a workers’ compensation claim related to their condition. And for some, it’s career-altering: 

48% have considered changing jobs or roles to reduce their foot pain

24% believe their job has permanently damaged their feet

8% already have

The survey named the industries that experience the most pain.