The 7 Best Shoes for Nurses of 2021

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 constriction,” 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.

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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.