The Best Types of Shoes for Nurses
There are several types of shoes that are suitable for nurses, depending on their personal preferences, workplace requirements, and health conditions.
- Athletic shoes, such as running shoes or cross-trainers, are popular among nurses who need extra cushioning, support, and flexibility. These shoes often have breathable mesh or synthetic uppers, responsive foam midsoles, and durable rubber outsoles. They come in various colors and styles, so you can express your individuality while staying comfortable and safe.
- Another type of shoe for nurses is clogs, which are slip-on shoes with closed or open backs, and often have contoured footbeds, arch support, and shock-absorbing soles. Clogs are easy to put on and take off and allow your feet to breathe and move freely. They also provide good traction and stability on wet or slippery floors.
- Some medical professionals prefer leather shoes, which are more formal and professional-looking, and often have padded collars, reinforced heels, and water-resistant coatings. Leather nurse shoes are durable and easy to clean, but may require some break-in time and maintenance.
- Finally, there are specialized shoes for nurses with specific foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, or flat feet. These shoes often have orthotic inserts, wide toe boxes, and other features that alleviate pain and improve gait.
Overall, the best types of shoes for nurses are those that combine comfort, support, and style and meet the standards of safety and hygiene.
Criteria for the Best Shoes for Nurses
Before we delve into the specific brands and models of shoes, let's review the criteria we used to evaluate them. We believe that the best shoes for nurses should meet the following requirements:
- Comfort: The shoes should have ample cushioning, arch support, and room for your toes. They should also be breathable, lightweight, and flexible.
- Stability: The shoes should have a firm grip on the ground, to prevent slips and falls. They should also have a sturdy sole, to absorb shock and reduce the impact on your joints.
- Durability: The shoes should be made of high-quality materials, such as leather or synthetic fibers, that can withstand repeated use and exposure to moisture, chemicals, and microbes.
- Style: The nursing shoes should reflect your personality and preferences, while also complying with the dress code and safety regulations of your workplace.
FAQs About The best shoes for nurses (Answered By A Nurse)
Q: What are the best shoes for nurses?
A: The best shoes for nurses are those that are comfortable, supportive, and durable. Athletic shoes, clogs, and leather shoes are some of the most popular options.
Q: What should I look for in nursing shoes?
A: When looking for nursing shoes, you should consider factors such as cushioning, good arch support, stability, breathability, traction, durability, and style. You should also check if the shoes comply with the dress code and safety regulations of your workplace.
Q: Can I wear running shoes for nursing?
A: Yes, running shoes can be a good option for nursing, as they provide cushioning, support, and flexibility. However, make sure to choose running shoes that have non-slip soles and are appropriate for indoor use.
Q: Are clogs good for nurses?
A: Yes, clogs can be good nurse shoes, as they are easy to slip on and off, have contoured footbeds, and provide good traction and stability. However, make sure to choose clogs that have closed backs and meet the safety standards of your workplace.
Q: Can I wear high heels for nursing?
A: No, high heels are not recommended for nursing, as they can cause foot pain, ankle sprains, and back problems. High heels also increase the risk of slips and falls, and may violate the safety regulations of your workplace.
Q: How often should I replace my shoes for nursing?
A: You should replace your shoes for nursing every 6-12 months, or earlier if you notice signs of wear and tear, such as holes, cracks, or loss of cushioning. Regularly cleaning and airing out your shoes can also prolong their lifespan.
Best Shoes for Nurses: Our Top Picks
This article presents the best shoes for nurses, based on our research and expertise. We cover a wide range of options, from athletic sneakers to clogs, from leather to mesh, and from neutral to colorful. We also provide practical advice on how to choose and care for your shoes, so that they last and serve you well.
Based on all the mentioned criteria, we selected the following brands and models of shoes, which we believe are the best for nurses.
Best Overall: New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer
Looking for a classic pair of sneakers that will keep you comfortable and looking sharp on your long shifts as a nurse? Look no further than these New Balance kicks! With their super-cushioned base, flexible outsole, and comfortable foam near the ankle, these shoes are designed to keep your feet feeling great all day long. And thanks to their leather uppers, they're also stain-resistant, so they'll stay looking fresh and clean no matter how much you wear them.
One of the standout features of these sneakers is their lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole, which provides exceptional cushioning without weighing you down. Whether you're on your feet all day or just looking for a comfortable shoe to wear around town, these sneakers are sure to deliver.
And when it comes to fit and feel, these New Balance sneakers don't disappoint. Thanks to their Phantom Liner interior, they have minimal seaming to help reduce irritation and keep your feet feeling great even after hours of wear. So why wait? Try a pair of these classic kicks today and experience the comfort and style that only New Balance can deliver!
Technical Features:
- Premium leather construction: Made from 100% leather, these shoes are built to last and look great on the job.
- Imported for top-quality craftsmanship and materials.
- Durable rubber sole: With a tough rubber sole, these shoes offer exceptional traction and support on a wide range of surfaces.
- Lightweight cushioning: Thanks to their lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole, these shoes provide exceptional cushioning without adding extra weight or bulk.
- Internal midsole shank: This feature provides additional support and stability, so you can stay on your feet all day without feeling fatigued.
- NB Soft + Supportive Comfort Insert: With a soft, supportive insole, these shoes offer unparalleled comfort and cushioning from heel to toe.
Pros:
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole provides exceptional cushioning without adding extra weight or bulk, making them comfortable for all-day wear.
- Phantom Liner interior with minimal seaming helps to reduce irritation, keeping your feet feeling great even after long hours on the job.
- Premium leather construction ensures durability and a professional look for the workplace. The right shoes can create all the look!
- The durable rubber sole offers excellent traction and support on a variety of surfaces.
- Internal midsole shank provides additional support and stability, helping you stay on your feet all day without feeling fatigued.
- NB Soft + Supportive Comfort Insert offers a soft, supportive insole for unparalleled comfort and cushioning, together with the wide toe box.
Cons:
- No specific mention of slip-resistance of these nursing shoes, which may be a concern for nurses working in wet or slippery environments.
- Leather construction may require more maintenance and care than synthetic materials.
Premium Pick: HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Womens Shoes
Looking for a versatile and comfortable shoe that can go beyond the workplace and forget about the tennis shoes you own? Look no further than Hoka's Bondis, which are not only some of the most cushioned shoes around, but also designed for running, walking, and everyday use. These durable shoes are a great investment for anyone who wants a shoe that can handle a variety of activities and terrain, making them a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
One of the standout features of the Bondis is their supremely soft but supportive EVA midsoles. This makes them ideal for people who suffer from conditions such as plantar fasciitis or simply need extra cushioning to stay comfortable during long periods of standing or walking. And with their durable construction and high-quality materials, you can rest assured that your Bondis will last for years to come, no matter how often you wear them.
So whether you're a nurse looking for a shoe that can keep up with your demanding work schedule, or just someone who wants a versatile and comfortable shoe for everyday use, the Hoka Bondis is an excellent choice. Try them out today and experience the comfort and versatility that only Hoka can provide.
Technical Features:
- Made from 100% synthetic materials for durability and easy maintenance.
- Features a rubber sole that provides excellent traction and durability. Excelent heel support of the soles is provided.
- Manufactured by Hoka One One, a reputable brand known for producing high-quality cloud shoes.
- Designed specifically for women, with a fit and feel that caters to the unique shape of the female foot.
- Ideal for running and other high-intensity activities, with a focus on performance and support. Also, an excellent walking shoe.
- Constructed with synthetic materials that are lightweight and breathable, promoting airflow and reducing foot fatigue.
Pros:
- Supremely soft and supportive EVA midsoles provide extra cushioning for long periods of standing or walking, making them ideal for people with conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
- Durable construction and high-quality materials ensure the Bondis will last for years to come.
- Versatile and comfortable, making them suitable for everyday use as well as work.
- Manufactured by Hoka One One, a reputable brand known for producing high-quality running shoes.
- Designed specifically for women, providing a fit and feel that caters to the unique shape of the female foot.
- Synthetic materials are lightweight and breathable, promoting airflow and reducing foot fatigue.
Cons:
- Only suitable for women, limiting the shoe's appeal to a specific demographic.
- Designed primarily for running and high-intensity activities, which may not be suitable for those who require a shoe for less demanding activities.
Lightweight And Durable: Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs
The Dansko XP 2.0 clogs are the ultimate choice for women who spend long hours on their feet. These clogs are ergonomically designed with a padded instep collar, a roomy toe box, and a TPU heel counter, providing superior comfort and support. The high-quality leather uppers give them a classic clog shape that is both stylish and practical.
These clogs are perfect for women who require custom orthotics, as the removable footbed can accommodate standard and custom orthotics. The Dansko XP 2.0 clogs are preferred by healthcare professionals, including nurses, surgeons, veterinarians, chefs, and dentists, due to their legendary comfort and quality.
The lightweight design of these clogs, coupled with the slip-resistant rubber outsole, ensures safety and stability on dry, wet, and oily/wet surfaces. The 1.75" heel provides additional support, making the Dansko XP 2.0 clogs the perfect choice for women who need comfort and practicality in their footwear.
Technical Features:
- Made from high-quality leather for durability and style.
- Imported to ensure top-notch craftsmanship and materials.
- Designed with a leather sole that provides a classic and polished look.
- Features a 1.75" heel that adds height without sacrificing comfort.
- Equipped with a slip-resistant rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.
- Constructed with an EVA midsole that offers cushioning and support for all-day comfort.
- Includes a dual-density PU footbed that can be removed and replaced with custom orthotics for added support and comfort.
Pros:
- Ergonomically designed with a padded instep collar, roomy toe box, and TPU heel counter for superior comfort and support.
- High-quality leather uppers give them a classic clog shape that is both stylish and practical.
- Removable footbed accommodates standard and custom orthotics, making them a perfect choice for women who require custom orthotics.
- Preferred by healthcare professionals, including nurses, surgeons, veterinarians, chefs, and dentists, due to their legendary comfort and quality.
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole ensures safety and stability on dry, wet, and oily/wet surfaces.
- The lightweight design with a 1.75" heel provides additional support.
Cons:
- Limited color options may not suit everyone's preference.
Best For Wide Feet: Naturalizer Women's Marianne Loafer
Naturalizer's shoes are a perfect fit for individuals who require comfortable footwear while standing or walking for extended periods. These shoes come in three different width options, ensuring a perfect fit for every foot shape. With a contoured dual-density footbed, these shoes offer exceptional support to the arches and heels, reducing foot fatigue and discomfort. The shoes also feature a cooling lining that helps keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day.
These shoes are available in a wide range of materials, including leather, suede, fabric, velvet, corduroy, and a combination of leather and fabric. The casual sport style features a round toe and flat feet, making them an excellent option for both work and leisure activities, providing a great arch support. Try a pair of Naturalizer shoes today and experience the perfect blend of style and comfort that they offer.
Technical Features:
- The shoes are made of 100% leather and are imported for top-quality craftsmanship and materials.
- They feature a synthetic sole that provides excellent traction and durability on a variety of surfaces.
- The shaft measures approximately low-top from arch, providing comfortable coverage without restricting movement.
- The heel measures approximately 0.5" for a comfortable lift that doesn't strain the feet, making them great walking shoes.
- The platform measures approximately 0.75 inches, offering additional height and support.
- The shoes are available in a range of materials for the upper, including leather, suede, fabric, velvet, corduroy, and combinations of fabric and leather.
Pros:
- Naturalizer shoes are designed for individuals who need comfortable footwear while standing or walking for extended periods.
- They come in three different width options, ensuring a perfect fit for every foot shape.
- The shoes feature a contoured dual-density footbed, providing exceptional support to the arches and heels, reducing foot fatigue and discomfort.
- The cooling lining helps keep feet dry and comfortable throughout the day.
- Available in a wide range of materials, including leather, suede, fabric, velvet, corduroy, and a combination of leather and fabric.
- The casual sport style with a round toe is suitable for both work and leisure activities.
Cons:
- The color options are limited.
Extreme Comfort: Brooks Women's Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe
As a nurse, you require shoes that can keep up with the demanding work schedule and provide comfort throughout the day. Brooks Ghosts are a perfect choice, designed for durability and reliability, with the comfy flat feet adding for the ergonomics. The shoes are made with high-quality materials and are known for their superior quality in running shoes. The Ghosts are built to last, providing you with the necessary support and cushioning required to keep you comfortable during long shifts.
The shoes come with an engineered air mesh upper that offers breathability and comfort. The 3D Fit Print technology provides additional support and structure to the shoes, ensuring a secure fit. The soft midsole and Segmented Crash Pad work together to provide a smooth transition from landing to toe-off, absorbing shocks and offering easy flow no matter how your foot lands.
The Brooks Ghosts shoes offer a plush, smooth ride that compares to luxury cars. Try them out today and experience the comfort and reliability that Brooks is known for.
Technical Features:
- Engineered air mesh upper provides comfort and breathability.
- 3D Fit Print technology adds structure and support to the shoes, making them perfect to relieve heel pain.
- Soft midsole and Segmented Crash Pad offer shock absorption and a smooth transition from landing to toe-off.
- Built to last with high-quality materials for durability and reliability.
- Ideal for running and other high-intensity activities, with a focus on performance and support.
Pros:
- The Brooks Ghost shoes are designed to withstand the demands of a nurse's marathon shift with their high-quality construction.
- The shoes feature a rubber sole that offers excellent traction and durability on various surfaces, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- They come in a range of sizes from 5 to 11.5 and have three width options, including regular, narrow, and wide, ensuring a perfect fit for every foot shape.
- The shoes are available in multiple colors, including black, gray, purple, coral, and multicolor, providing a wide range of options to match your personal style.
- The Ghost shoes feature the lighter-weight DNA LOFT V2 cushioning technology, providing exceptional comfort and support throughout your shift.
- The shoes are certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe, making them a great option for healthcare professionals who need to take care of their feet during long shifts.
Cons:
- Might be too soft for some users.
Budget Option: Skechers Women's D'Lites
Skechers sneakers are highly praised by service workers for their comfort and durability during long workdays. These comfortable shoes are lightweight with unique air-cooled memory foam insoles that provide exceptional comfort, while the non-slip flexible traction outsoles keep your feet stable on slippery surfaces. Additionally, the shock-absorbing midsole ensures that your feet feel comfortable throughout the day.
Technical Features:
- The shoes are made with a combination of leather and synthetic materials, providing durability and style.
- They are imported for top-quality craftsmanship and materials.
- The rubber sole offers excellent traction and durability on various surfaces, making them ideal for work environments.
- The platform measures approximately 1 inch, providing additional height and support.
- The built-in heel measures approximately 1 1/4 inches, offering a comfortable lift without straining the feet.
- The sole is flexible, allowing for easy movement and comfort throughout the day, and helping get rid of the heel pain.
Pros:
- Highly praised for comfort and durability by service workers during long workdays.
- Air-cooled memory foam insoles provide exceptional comfort.
- Non-slip flexible traction outsoles keep feet stable on slippery surfaces.
- Shock-absorbing midsole ensures comfort throughout the day.
- A combination of leather and synthetic materials provides durability and style.
- Rubber sole offers excellent traction and durability on various surfaces.
- Platform and built-in heel provide additional height and support.
- The flexible sole allows for easy movement and comfort throughout the day.
Cons:
- Can be too hard for some users.
Editor’s Choice: New Balance 327
These retro-styled running sneakers are an one of the best shoes for those looking for comfort, support, and durability. The shoes feature a lightweight, waterproof suede exterior that helps prevent spills and keep your feet comfortable. The interior lining and insole are also antimicrobial, providing odor protection throughout the day.
With a studded rubber outsole, these shoes offer excellent traction and slip resistance, making them ideal for active lifestyles. The shoes are made with a combination of leather and synthetic materials, offering durability and style.
Technical Features:
- The rubber sole provides excellent traction and durability on various surfaces, making them suitable for athletic activities.
- The brand is New Balance, known for its quality and innovation in athletic footwear.
- These shoes are designed for men's feet, providing a comfortable and secure fit. They also prevent plantar fasciitis pain.
- The color scheme of Sour Grape/Bleached Lime Glo adds a pop of color to any athletic outfit.
- The shoes fall under the athletic shoe category, providing the necessary support and comfort for active lifestyles.
- The combination of leather and synthetic materials ensures durability and longevity for these shoes.
Pros:
- The retro-inspired style adds a fashionable touch to athletic outfits.
- Lightweight, waterproof suede exterior guards against spills and keeps feet comfortable.
- Antimicrobial lining and insole offer odor protection.
- Studded rubber outsole provides excellent traction and slip resistance for active lifestyles.
- Made with a combination of leather and synthetic materials for durability and style.
- New Balance brand ensures quality and innovation in athletic footwear.
Cons:
- Not suitable for those who prefer minimalist footwear.
- May not provide enough support for those with specific foot conditions.
- Limited color options for those who prefer more subdued or neutral color schemes.
Best Nursing Shoes: Our Conclusions
In conclusion, choosing the best comfortable shoes for nurses requires considering several essential factors.
Nurses spend extended periods on their feet, and they require shoes that offer comfort, support, and durability. The shoes should also have excellent traction to prevent slips and falls in a hospital or clinical environment.
Additionally, the shoes should fit correctly, be lightweight, breathable, and easy to clean. By taking into account all of these factors, nurses can find the best shoes that meet their needs and help them perform their job effectively and comfortably.
The New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer is a great option for those in the nursing profession. With its durable leather and mesh upper, comfortable and supportive insole, and slip-resistant outsole, this shoe is designed to withstand the rigors of long shifts and provide the necessary support for a nurse's daily tasks.
The versatile design allows for use both at work and during workouts, making it a practical choice for those looking for a multi-functional shoe. Overall, the New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer is a solid choice for nurses who prioritize comfort, support, and durability in these proper footwear.
