10 Best Shoes For Nurses (2024) + The Ultimate Buying Guide
Keep your feet comfy and protected throughout the hustle and bustle of hospital life.
Dr. Mathew M. John is a podiatrist with more than two decades of professional experience. He is currently the Medical Director of the Atlanta Center for Foot & Ankle Surgery in Sandy Springs and a published medical journal author. Dr. John is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association.
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Experience: 5 yearsSakshi Bahal is a commerce writer with a master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her to take up literature and follow that up with creative writing after completing her education.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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From running around between wards to giving support and care to the patients and working hours and hours, nurses do a lot. And as a result, they come across foot pain too. This is when the best nurse shoes come into play. Just like the doctors who are known for saving lives, nurses too contribute in great ways to the healthcare setup, which is why these shoes are designed specifically for them so that they can excel at their work without worrying about foot ache. To this end, we are going to discuss the most efficient nurse shoes in this article today and help you choose the suitable one for you. So what are you waiting for? Without any delay, scroll down and give this piece a read and pick what suits your preferences!
In This Article
Top 10 Shoes For Nurses
Best Attractive Design:Asics Women's Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoe
Asics Women’s Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoe is a top favorite among nurse shoes, and for good reason. When you are in a job that has got you on your feet all day, in 12-14-hour shifts, you want footwear that is safe, comfortable, and durable.
This shoe promises all that and more. The Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System reduces shock during the impact phase, allowing you to change your speed without injuring your feet suddenly. The durable nursing footwear comes with a removable sock liner for easy use with medical orthotics. The rugged outsole provides traction and keeps you safe on all kinds of terrain.
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Provides excellent arch support
- Can be worn with compression socks
- Attractive design
- Available in several vibrant colors
None
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 22,544 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
Best Lightweight Material:Sloggers Women's Waterproof Shoe
Sloggers Women’s Waterproof Shoe can be counted among the best shoes for nurses simply because of its waterproof feature. A hospital is not the most sanitary of working environments, and working as a nurse can expose you to unwanted fluids throughout the day.
These Sloggers are a lifesaver for nurses because they are easy to clean and keep your feet protected from any wet floors you may encounter while on duty. These lightweight nursing shoes come in a variety of colorful and attractive designs. They also serve well as gardening shoes to keep your feet dry while working in mud and mulch.
- 100% recyclable material
- Includes “All-Day-Comfort” insoles
- Lightweight
- Soft and flexible upper material that hoses off clean
- 100% waterproof
- Affordable
- Sizing may be an issue.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 31,670 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Best Cushion Support:Dansko Women's Professional Cabrio Clog
Dansko Women’s Professional Cabrio Clogs offer maximum comfort in a delightful variety of designs ranging from serious to fun. Choose one that matches your personality, and you are all set for the day! The Dansko Clogs are high on comfort, with a roomy toe area for people with wide feet. People experience and appreciate the good durability of these waterproof shoes.
The polyurethane outsole has a rocker bottom that offers shock absorption and protects against injury. These nursing clogs also have a padded instep collar that pampers your feet, especially on the days when you need to keep standing for long periods at a time.
- Made of 100% leather
- Wide heel strike for greater stability
- Rocker bottom provides shock absorption
- Memory foam footbed gives cushioning and support
- Easy-to-clean
- Attractive designs
- Sizing issues
RememberBest Breathable Option:Slow Man Women's Walking Shoes
Slow Man Women’s Walking Shoes are among the most comfortable nursing shoes out there. They are incredibly lightweight and flexible, making you feel like you are just wearing socks. The smooth, breathable fabric and wide round toe area allow increased movement and enjoyable experience, especially when you are standing or running around all day.
The MD outsole and classic air cushion design are a bonus, making this pair a must-have in your shoe closet. The high-quality rubber keeps these shoes wear-resistant and suitable for daily use, even in strenuous jobs that require a lot of walking. The design is going to fetch you compliments from fellow nurses for a long time.
- Lightweight
- Breathable material
- Non-slip rubber
- Perforated arch for ventilation
- Easy slip-on closure
- Not waterproof
RememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 94,175 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
Best Easy Slip-On:Adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe
Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoes attractively blend the feel and flexibility of lightweight sneakers that have been used for running, with an extremely modern look and design. The iconic Adidas logo is seamlessly displayed on the sides of the innovative and breathable knit textile upper.
For maximum comfort, these nursing shoes feature pillow-soft cushioning that keeps you at ease all day. The cloudfoam memory sock liner provides superior step-in comfort as it molds to your feet. These shoes are available in an exciting variety of colors and designs, so feel free to choose one that best suits your style.
- Soft cushioned sole
- Breathable material
- Lightweight
- Easy slip-on style
- Available in fun colors
- Not waterproof
- Sizes may run large.
Quick TipBest Comfortable Fit :New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize V1 Cross Trainer
New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Cross-Trainer adds a dash of attitude to your look, whether you are dressed for work or out in athleisure. This versatile piece of nursing footwear pairs beautifully with dresses, jeans, and leggings, and gives you your signature style.
The New Balance nursing shoes are ideal for casualwear and come with a textured, breathable mesh upper and comfortable slip-on design. These supportive nursing shoes offer additional lace-up support if you want a more snug fit. The signature REVlite cushioning in the midsole gives you the most comfortable yet lightweight experience, even when you are on your feet all day. According to the reviewers, these shoes are the perfect combination of style, comfort, and functionality.
- Lightweight
- Attractive design
- Cushioned midsole
- Roomy toe box
- Lack of arch support
- Not waterproof
Best Protection From Injury:Puma Women's Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer Shoe
Puma Women’s Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer Shoe has a sleek, streamlined silhouette that is sure to turn heads and fetch you compliments at work. It has a synthetic leather upper, and its midfoot saddles offer the best fit and comfort. The EVA material in the heel area absorbs impact and protects you from injury.
The attractive and stylish design is also available in 4 alluring colors, giving you more choice. They are priced competitively but may be expensive depending on the size or shade you choose.
- Lace closure for a snug fit
- Breathable EcoOrthoLite sock liner
- TPU shank for increased stability
- Cushioned midsole for comfort
- Not very breathable
- Not enough arch support
Best Sturdy Material:Skechers Women's Flex Appeal 2.0 Sneaker
Skechers Women’s Flex Appeal 2.0 Sneaker is an irresistible combination of comfort and style. The upper is made of soft jersey knit fabric, and the lace-up closure gives it an athletic look. It features a unique air-cooled memory foam insole that keeps your feet from hurting, even after standing for long hours throughout the day.
The smooth synthetic overlay at the laces panel adds extra durability for long-lasting shoes. This nursing shoe also boasts the FlexSole 2.0 – a lightweight, shock-absorbing midsole. You can take your pick from a variety of cute shades and go for colorful statement footwear or monotone as your workplace demands.
- Offer superior comfort
- Attractive design
- Lightweight
- Sturdy material
- Sizing issues
- Not waterproof
Best Flexible Option:YHOON Women's Shoes
Walk comfortably with the YHOON Women’s Shoes. Its easy slip-on design is convenient for nurses who are always on the run. These breathable shoes have durable MD soles that offer a good buffer between feet and ground, making it an ideal choice for people who have to stand continuously or walk more. The fur lining keeps your feet warm during the cold weather. Additionally, these stylish nurse shoes have a non-skid base that prevents you from skidding or tipping off. It receives positive reviews for its fit and easy-to-wear design.
- Breathable material
- Comfortable to use
- Flexible
- Slip-resistant
- Affordable
None
Best Waterproof Shoes:Clarks Women's CloudSteppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafer
Clarks Women’s CloudSteppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafers offer optimum comfort and look professional at the workplace. The latest model from the CloudSteppers collection, the Sillian Paz, is high on comfort, which is the first requirement of all nursing shoes. This professional footwear is also shock-absorbing, breathable, and water-resistant.
Additionally, it also has a soft fabric lining, a lightweight and shock-absorbing EVA outsole, and a removable cushion-soft ortholite footbed that can be washed easily in the machine. These comfortable slip-on shoes are perfect for nursing and other jobs that require you to be on your feet all day.
- Waterproof
- Removable insole
- Ortholite footbed
- Sizing issues
- No arch support
- Not breathable enough
Though nursing shoes look very similar to the usual running shoes and sneakers, there are some fundamental differences between them that set them apart. Check them out below.
How Do Nursing Shoes Differ From Other Shoes?
There is a common misconception that a good pair of running or walking shoes can double up as the perfect nursing shoes. But it is not that simple. Some technicalities and ergonomic design features distinguish shoes for nurses from other athletic shoes.
- Nurse shoes are supposed to be extremely lightweight because the job demands you to walk around a lot. It may seem like a small thing, but it impacts how your feet feel at the end of a particularly hectic day.
- Medical clogs that are designed for nursing staff are made of sturdy, waterproof material to protect against spills and other damage.
- The soles have grips built into them for slip-resistance, so you don’t injure yourself when rushing to the ER on slippery tiles.
- The soles have added cushioning and arch support to minimize the stress on your ankles, knees, and spine.
- Most nursing shoes have an easy slip-on, slip-off closure. The laces or ties, if present, are more decorative than functional.
The job of a nurse requires you to be on your feet all day long, and footwear to suit these demands needs to be high on both comfort and support. There are quite a few advantages of using shoes that are specially designed for nurses. Check them out below.
The Benefits of Using Nursing Shoes
- The high-quality fabric that goes into making trendy nurse shoes guarantees longevity and durability and is designed to be at par with the current shoe trends.
They come in highly professional yet stylish designs that go well with your scrubs.
Nursing shoes are easy to clean and usually water-resistant.
They are slip-resistant with high sole durability to protect you from workplace injuries.
If you have foot ailments like plantar fasciitis, the arch support provided by nursing shoes can ease your pain.
- Nursing shoes are comfortable enough that you don’t feel pain at the end of a long day.
Now that you are aware of all the benefits of investing in a good-quality pair of nursing shoes, take a look at the factors to consider before you hit ‘Add to cart.’
Things You Should Consider When Buying Nursing Shoes – Buying Guide
1. Design
This is extremely crucial, and we are not talking about the aesthetic appeal. When buying a nursing shoe, you need to look for footwear that puts comfort first, so consider conducting a fit assessment before investing in a pair. The footwear for healthcare professionals must have a wide toe box and a reinforced heel. It should fit you well and be easy to put on and take off. Slip-on designs are always preferable to lace tie-ups.
2. Materials
The shoe you pick must be made of breathable material to prevent your feet from sweating. Remember, you are going to be wearing them for 12-14 hours a day, so you don’t want to get hot in them. Mesh fabric wicks off moisture quicker, so mesh shoes are handy for general wards. For nurses in the ER, however, you need something waterproof that does not let you come in contact with bodily fluids or unsanitary liquids. Leather or faux leather is the right choice here.
3. Cushioning
The best shoes for nurses are ones that provide sufficient support and cushioning. Look for memory foam insoles and shock-absorbing midsoles. To be extra-safe, check with your doctor for suggestions, especially if you have plantar fasciitis or other feet conditions.
4. Traction
Before finalizing your choice, take a look at the soles. This is the part that comes in contact with the floor. Your sole must be able to deal with smooth, slippery hospital floors and keep you stable. Check the traction and slip-resistance offered by the shoes before buying them.
5. Arch Support
This is another critical factor that you must check because different people have different types of arches. Take a look at the specifications mentioned by the manufacturer and check online reviews to ensure that your shoes are genuinely suitable as well as supportive. This can go a long way in keeping your feet relaxed and happy, even during the most stressful shifts.
The Bottom Line
If you are a nurse whose profession involves staying on toes throughout the day, the best shoes for nurses will come to your rescue. Some such shoes include the Asics Women’s Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoe, which absorbs shock, the Slow Man Women’s Walking Shoes, which have a roomy toe box, and the Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe, which comes with a memory sock liner that molds to your feet. These shoes will also offer support and alleviate foot pain. The reviewed options in the list are lightweight, durable, and offer excellent arch support. In addition, they are easy to clean and super flexible. These shoes won’t let you feel any pain at the end of the day. Consider the design, materials, cushioning, traction, and arch support while choosing the best shoes for nurses.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Sakshi Bahal, is a fashion and lifestyle enthusiast for whom comfort and style go hand in hand. After going through thousands of reviews and conducting thorough research, she recommends the best nurse shoes in this article. As nurses run between wards and stand for hours, they need the best and most high-quality shoes. The shortlisted best nursing shoes for women alleviate their foot pain and provide optimum support to the feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand of shoes is the best for nurses?
Nurses can try wearing shoes from brands like Asics, Sloggers, or Dankso. These brands offer lightweight shoes that are sturdy yet breathable.
Are nursing shoes good for your feet?
Yes, nursing shoes offer proper support to your ankle, arch, and footbed and protect your feet throughout the day.
Why do nursing shoes have heels?
Most nursing shoes have heels to offer extra support to your ankles while walking. They also keep you from falling off.
Can I wear running shoes as a nurse?
Yes, you can wear running shoes as a nurse. The profession requires you to be on your feet all day long. Keep your feet comfortable with durable and sturdy shoes that can take the load of standing or running throughout the day.
Why do nurses wear Dansko clogs?
Dansko clogs offer shock absorbency and protect your feet thoroughly. They are lightweight and come with anti-fatigue EVA midsoles that are great for people who have to be on the go all day long.
Read full bio of Dr. Mathew M. John
Read full bio of Sakshi Bahal
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya
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