Foot Health The Best Shoes for Nurses to Help You Tackle Long Shifts Hoka One One Bondi Sneakers offer plush cushioning and a waterproof exterior By Leah Groth Leah Groth Twitter Leah Groth is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has written for publications including MyDomaine, Health, and MindBodyGreen. Learn about our editorial process and Danielle Zoellner Danielle Zoellner LinkedIn Twitter Danielle Zoellner is a freelance writer with an emphasis in health and wellness. She graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 21, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Rochelle Collins, DO Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO LinkedIn Rochelle Collins, DO, is a board-certified family medicine doctor currently practicing in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Anyone who works in the healthcare industry—especially nurses—are accustomed to being on their feet all day. That's why it's important to have a good pair of shoes. Reviewed & Approved Hoka One One Bondi SR sneakers have an EVA midsole and slip-resistant outsole to cushion your daily steps. We recommend the Slow Man Walking Shoes Sock Sneaker if you're looking for a lightweight and affordable option. When shopping for a shoe, Laura Kelly, RN, a Virginia-based nurse, recommends "getting a shoe that is a half size bigger than you normally wear, because during a long 12 hour shift walking, our feet can swell." Plus, it should be easily cleanable and comfortable. We researched dozens of shoes and evaluated them based on their reviews, materials, sizes available, arch support, prices, and designs. Each of the products chosen in this article were determined to be the best of these factors. Here are the best shoes for nurses on the market today. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Hoka One One Bondi SR at Fleetfeet.com Best Budget: Slow Man Walking Shoes Sock Sneaker at Amazon Best Tennis Shoes: Brooks Ghost at Amazon Best for Being on Your Feet All Day: On Cloud 2.0 at On-running.com Best for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Addiction Walker Walking Shoes at Amazon Best for Women: Clove Women's Pink Up Shoe at Goclove.com Best for Men: OOFOS OOClog Clog at Amazon Best Support: Bala Twelves at Wearebala.com In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall: Hoka One One Bondi SR 4.8 Courtesy of Hoka One View On Fleetfeet.com View On Roadrunnersports.com Pros APMA seal of acceptance Water resistant Plush cushioning Cons Price No wide width option The Hoka One One Bondi SR is our best overall choice because it's engineered with an EVA midsole, making it plush and offering ample cushioning for the longest of shifts. It features an ultra-grippy, slip-resistant outsole, and has been tested on surfaces with water, oil, and soap for slip resistance—an important feature in the healthcare setting. What's more, this shoe has the endorsement of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance to boot, meaning it has been reviewed by a group of APMA podiatrists to ensure it promotes foot health. Materials: Water-resistant leather | Sizes Available: 5-11 | Width: Medium | Arch Support: EVA midsole Best Budget: Slow Man Walking Shoes Sock Sneaker Courtesy of Overstock View On Amazon Pros Price Lightweight Color options Cons No laces to tighten shoe Could use more cushioning Slow Man Walking Shoes Sock Sneaker is a fraction of the price of other more widely known brands. These slip-on sneakers earn their name due to the fact that they are so comfortable, they are like walking in socks. These shoes are uniquely designed in every aspect from their style to the fashionable-but-breathable knit material used to make them. They feature an MD outsole with added air cushioning that is both non-slip and water-resistant. The arch of the shoe is perforated, offering ample ventilation and breathability that is crucial for all-day wear. You will also love that the style is available in 25 color options, and in a variety of whole and half sizes ranging from 5.5 to 11. Materials: Mesh fabric | Sizes Available: 5.5-11 | Width: Between medium and wide | Arch Support: Some arch support Best Tennis Shoes: Brooks Ghost Courtesy of Brooks View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Roadrunnersports.com Pros Large size range Various widths APMA seal of acceptance Cons Price Lacks support for high arches Comfort is key when it comes to an all-day shoe, and the Brooks Ghost is consistently picked as one of the best sneakers for everything from walking and running to standing. They are incredibly lightweight—hence the name ghost—while still managing to offer ample cushioning from your heel to toes. These shoes are made for running and will come in handy for those situations when you need to be quick on your feet. Materials: EVA foam, rubber, mesh | Sizes Available: 5-13 | Width: Narrow, medium, wide | Arch Support: Removable inserts Get in Step With the Best Shoes for People With Diabetes Best for Being on Your Feet All Day: On Cloud 2.0 Courtesy of Zappos View On On-running.com View On Zappos Pros Lightweight Extra cushioning Breathable material Cons Lacks width options Can run small On's ultra-light and uber-cushioned On Cloud is made to perform whether you spend your days in the ER, training for a marathon, or are simply looking for a super stylish sneaker to stroll in. Aesthetically, the shoe is totally on-trend and is available in a bunch of amazing hues. They are also slip-resistant, featuring the brand's patented and cushioned CloudTec sole, and are incredibly fuss-free due to their elastic speed-lacing system. Additionally, they are made out of a breathable, antimicrobial mesh which helps to keep your feet cool. Materials: Mesh, synthetic fabric upper, rubber sole | Sizes Available: 6-11 | Width: Medium | Arch Support: Neutral support, best for medium to high arches What the Experts Say “I think that nurses should pick shoes based on their preference of style and comfort but also take into account what area they work in.” — Alyssa Schiffer, a pediatric ICU nurse in Colorado The 9 Best Scrubs, According to Healthcare Workers Best for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Addiction Walker Walking Shoes Courtesy of Zappos View On Amazon View On Brooksrunning.com View On Zappos Pros Price Wide width range Maximum support Cons Difficult to break in Lacks breathability Brooks Addiction Walker Walking Shoes is one of our top picks for anyone with plantar fasciitis. It's constructed with extra cushioning in the heel and forefoot using the brand’s BioMoGo DNA technology, helping to reduce the impact on the joints. It also offers ample arch support and an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar that cradles your tendons for added security. It is available in three colors—bone, white, and black—in easy-to-clean, full-grain leather. Materials: Leather | Sizes Available: 5-12 | Width: Narrow, medium, wide, extra wide | Arch Support: Maximum support What the Experts Say “I would recommend getting a shoe that is a half size bigger than you normally wear because, during a long 12-hour shift walking, our feet can swell. The extra half size helps to accommodate for that potential swelling.” — Laura Kelly, RN based in Virginia The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis That Ease Discomfort Best for Women: Clove Women's Pink Up Shoe Courtesy of Clove View On Goclove.com Pros Wide size range Fluid resistant Easy to clean Cons Have to break in More arch support needed This stylish sneaker is constructed out of fluid repellent material and is designed to withstand industrial strength cleaners and wipes. They are also lightweight, feature strong-grip soles, slip on in seconds, and include high-performance Ortholite inserts to keep odor and bacteria at bay. Materials: Clarino, neoprene ankle sock | Sizes Available: 5-12.5 | Width: Medium | Arch Support: Some arch support Best for Men: OOFOS OOClog Clog Courtesy of Oofos View On Amazon View On Oofos.com View On Zappos Pros Color options Breathable Extra cushioning Cons Slippery on wet surfaces Lacks width options Oofos is another comfort-focused footwear brand that's perfect for nurses. Their Clog style is one of their more popular styles for healthcare workers, who swear they are significantly more comfortable than other brands. They utilize the brand’s OOfoam Recovery Technology, absorbing over one-third more impact than traditional footwear foam. They also cradle your aches, reducing stress on the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. They are also made out of closed-cell foam, meaning you can throw them in the washing machine for an easy cleaning solution. Materials: OOfoam | Sizes Available: 6-11 women, 4-9 men | Width: Medium | Arch Support: Yes The 5 Best Stethoscopes for Nurses of 2022 Best Support: Bala Twelves View On Wearebala.com Pros Fluid resistant High support High-traction soles Cons Lacks width options Lack breathability If you're standing on your feet all day, you need shoes that can keep up. Bala's Twelves are designed with comfort in mind. These sleek, stylish, and fluid-resistant shoes are great for both in and out of the hospital. Their high-traction outsoles help prevent slipping and their thick cushioning heel keeps ankles supported through long shifts. Materials: Knit, glove-like base layer; polyurethane foam soles; high-traction rubber treads | Sizes Available: 5-12 | Width: Medium | Arch Support: Arch M-Brace Final Verdict Nurses today have a lot more options when it comes to comfortable, functional, and fashionable footwear to pair with their scrubs. If you are looking to invest in a high-quality shoe that checks all the boxes—comfortable, designed to support your feet all day long, easy to clean, style-savvy, etc.—we suggest the Hoka One One (view at Road Runner Sports) as the first one you try on. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, the Brooks Addiction Walker Walking Shoes (view at Amazon) should be your first pick. How We Rated Shoes for Nurses 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best shoes for nurses we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These shoes for nurses are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great shoes for nurses, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These shoes for nurses are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend shoes for nurses with this rating; you won't find any on our list. What to Look for in Shoes for Nurses Body Responses When considering what shoe might work best for a long shift, think about how your body responds. These aches and pains coming from your feet and legs could indicate what is missing in your current shoe and that you need in another pair. “If there is a lot of aching across the forefoot joints or the midfoot/arch at the end of the day then I would suggest a more robust shoe construction,” says Diane Koshimune, M.D., a communications committee member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and podiatric surgeon with Kaiser Permanente. For people with heel pain “caused by plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis, I would recommend shoes that have a higher heel than the forefoot, referred to as positive drop in athletic type of shoes,” she adds. Speak to a podiatrist if you’re experiencing foot or leg pain after a shift and want to better understand what you can do to prevent those symptoms. Type of Shoe There are a number of different shoe styles available that could work well for a long shift at work. It is just about finding what style works best for you. “I look for style and comfort, and neutral colors that will go with many outfits,” says Alyssa Schiffer, a pediatric ICU nurse in Colorado. “Where I work we can wear whatever scrubs and top we want so having good neutral colors helps with that.” For some, they might find that a shoe similar to a tennis shoe gives them the most support and comfort throughout the workday. “An example of a shoe that I often recommend is the rocker sole design of the Hoka One One shoe. It is lightweight and very well cushioned which is optimal for many types of patients who are on their feet for many hours,” Dr. Koshimune says. But the shoe style is not meant for everyone, she adds. Shoes that are similar to clogs are also popular options for nurses because they are easy to slip on and off, durable, and can be comfortable when standing on one’s feet for long periods of time. “But the problem is they can be heavy and do not always work well in people with high insteps or people with ankle instability,” Dr. Koshimune says. For Schiffer, she prefers tennis shoes over clogs when working. “I have worn tennis shoes all my nursing career,” she says. “I have also seen many healthcare providers trip and roll their ankles in those clogs, which turned me off to them.” Job Role Depending on the nurse, they might be exposed to a range of bodily fluids while working an average shift. “If you are working in a field like labor and delivery, or the OR (operating room) where there are lots of bodily fluids during your shift, maybe crocs aren’t the shoe for you,” Schiffer says. “But always choose comfort over style, because those long 12-hour days catch up to you.” Shoes created with material that is easy to clean should be a top priority for nurses who find themselves interacting with bodily fluids. This will help prevent unwanted stains from lingering on the surface of the shoe. Also, several shoes that are made for nurses are fluid resistant, meaning the material is difficult for liquid to penetrate. Frequently Asked Questions What kind of arch support should nurses look for when shopping for shoes? The answer to this question largely depends on who will be wearing the shoe. People have different types of structures to their feet that can alter the size of their arches. So while one type of arch support might work for a nurse with high arches, it wouldn’t potentially work for someone who has flat feet. “The interplay between arch support and shoe also needs to be taken into account. A more flexible shoe for example may benefit from a more rigid insole, while a very rigid shoe may not need a rigid insole,” Dr. Koshimune says. “But this also depends on the foot structure, body habitus, walking surface, number of hours worked, steps taken during shift, etc.” Typically, someone with a flatter foot benefits from a stiffer insole with minimal arch support while a person with higher arches benefits from a cushioned insole. Speak to a podiatrist if you’re unsure about what arch support might be best for you based on your body and personal circumstances at work. Are running/tennis shoes supportive enough for nurses on long shifts? This, again, depends on the type of tennis shoe used and who will be wearing the shoe. “Not all running shoes or even tennis shoes are created equal,” Dr. Koshimune says. When comparing tennis shoes, consider what type of cushioning they offer in the different designs depending on your preferences. Also look at the construction of the sole and inner sole of the shoe. “Some are designed specifically to be minimalistic with very little cushion and even shock absorption built in,” Dr. Koshimune says. “Others are quite robust and have a lot of material in the sole and inner sole that helps to limit movement across the foot joints, which may be better in people with certain foot types.” An expert can help guide what type of running or tennis shoe you should look for when deciding between pairs. What the Experts Say “The ultimate choice really depends on how the wearer is feeling at the end of a shift. Some nurses may find that they can wear whatever shoe and feel the same at the end of a shift. However others may observe a difference in foot/leg fatigue after using different types of shoes.” — Dr. Diane Koshimune, a communications committee member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and podiatric surgeon with Kaiser Permanente Why Trust Verywell Health? As an internationally recognized health writer and product guru, Leah Groth understands that nobody wants to waste their time or money on products that fail to rear results. Over the years, she has interviewed the world's top health experts and reviewed hundreds of items, to help readers like you discover the most effective health gadgets, goops, and aids that will help you look and feel your very best. Additional reporting by Danielle Zoellner As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! 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