Nursing as a profession does put a set of unique demands on the nurses. The large number of hours that a nurse spends standing predisposes her to a number of conditions. Varicosities, deep vein thrombosis and embolisms lie on one side of the spectrum. Day to day complications usually are leg pain and fatigue. That is why it is important for a nurse to choose footwear that she finds comfortable.
The color of the shoe should never play a role in the type of shoe that you choose. A white shoe or a black shoe of the same design will always provide the same amount of comfort. Designing the right kind of shoe for a nurse is a science in itself. Choosing the right kind of shoe means that you need to understand the science that is involved in designing them. Let’s take a look at the best shoes for nurses that are available in the market today.
Clogs for Nurses
1. Dansko Professional Clog
Dansko is one of the top companies medical professionals turn to when high quality work footwear is a requirement. And the Dansko Pro Clog is one of the best choices for nursing shoes in white. Compliments will come flying your way when you slide into these beauties. The classic comfort clogs come in a variety of polished or oiled leather finishes as well as patterns and textures to fit in or stand out as desired.
The padded collar creates a comfortable and secure fit as soon as the feet enter the shoes. Wider reinforced toe box ensures extra durability and freedom of movement right where you need it. Removable dual density foam foot bed absorbs moisture while providing all day comfort. Propelling action of the rocker forefoot aids in walking movement. And the slip-free grip sole resists water, bodily fluids, oils, and even animal fats, so all you have to think about are your job tasks.
2. Crocs Women’s Neria 2 Pro Clog W Mule
If you have many long shifts, the Crocs are just what you need. These shoes offer all-day comfort that reduces the stress and fatigue you usually experience during long hours at work. The heel measures 1.5 inches while the platform is approximately 0.75 inches. The inside has a soft fabric lining, and the slip-resistant rubber sole has a snug bottom that gives you the right amount of shock absorption along with a broad heel strike that offers excellent traction and slip resistance.
The Crocs are designed to be worn and taken off easily but are constructed such that they won’t fall off when you’re walking or running. These shoes are also ideal if you have plantar fasciitis. This is because they offer triple comfort: memory foam pillows, foam footbed and croslite outsole.
They were initially meant to be worn by nurses and other healthcare professionals, but once word spread out, hospitality workers, teachers and veterinarians are appreciating the all-day comfort provided by this shoe. Crocs Neria Pro Clog shoes are available in a variety of colors and sizes.
3. Klogs USA Women’s Mission Clog
Klogs USA Women’s Mission Clog is a traditional looking professional white nurse shoe with serious power in the production. Soft leather uppers in oiled, metallic, or textured options come in an array of colors to meet or exceed your fashion expectations. Side gore notches help with entry and exit, while soft lining absorbs moisture to keep feet cool and dry.
Lightweight and flexible, the latex-free, antimicrobial treated foot bed keeps feet odor free while providing excellent arch support and soft cushioning. Non-marking soles are traction gripped for non skid safety and security. With the simple lines and safe features, there’s no wonder these are among the best nursing shoes on the market.
4. Crocs On The Clock Work Clog
Lastly we have an alternative looking nurses shoe that is instantly familiar and appealing ; the Crocs work clog. Crocs is quite a fashionable name and there is a sense of style to these nursing shoes but one this is still understated and could work well in a hospital environment.
There is a nice color range ; traditional white for the wards but also a black , all the materials are synthetic with clean lines and there is a strong slip resistant sole, Croslite material to relieve pressure and a footbed that increases circulation and messages feet.
There is the criticism that they are not a classic Crocs shoe; no, but they are a nurse’s crocs shoe and the ideal midway point for practicality, comfort, familiarity and style.
5. Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat
If you’ve ever wondered what happy feet look like, then one company has just the answer for you. Introducing what is arguably one of the trendiest nursing shoes, the Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat is a vibrant, incredibly popular Mary Jane.
So, what makes this particular flat different from all those other MJs? I’m glad you asked. Apart from being brilliant white, the Paloma Flat is packed with an array of different technologies all aimed at keeping you comfortable throughout your entire shift, and then some overtime.
But that’s not even the best part; the Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat is sure to become a daily staple wear once you get a load of the features. Do you prefer your own orthotic insoles? No problem, just pop out the removable foot bed and install custom insoles for even more personalized comfort.
Likewise, the manufacturer was thoughtful enough to include built in arch support and anatomically correct design to give you that extra bit of all day comfort and support. However, the piece de resistance has to be the Rocker Outsole that is engineered to roll naturally and give you better posture and normal gait. No more limping after a few hours on your feet.
6. Nurse Mates Libby Slip On Shoes
Slip ons are popular in the medical field due to their comfort, ease, and flexibility. And Nurse Mates Libby white slip on shoes are one of the best model nurse shoes available. Breathable full grain leather uppers come in several color options to match or complement your favorite scrubs. The clog style shoe goes a step beyond typical back lip options by enclosing the heel entirely with a padded collar.
Soft leather lining wicks away moisture to keep feet cool and dry. The foot bed has a pillow top for ultimate comfort, and it can be removed to allow your own orthotics. The heel is just under 2” for a comfortable and confident lift. And the lightweight rubberized sole is slip resistant to ensure security regardless of the demands you’ll face.
7. AnyWear Women’s Exact Clog
AnyWear Women’s Exact Clog can take you from functional to fabulous with a simple switcheroo. These fully fashionable comfort clogs are made of synthetic materials which easily adapt to vegan needs as well as those who simply prefer a non-leather lightweight and flexible modern white work shoe and sixteen different other color and pattern options easily compliment any color or style scrubs you may choose or need to wear on any given day.
The fun nurse shoes are completely washable, have a patented airflow system, offers firm support with a removable insole, and the heel meets standard dress code requirements. The polyurethane sole is gripped for serious traction on any type of surface. And while these may look like Crocs, they fit slightly snugger and cost a lot less, so you can buy extra pairs without any guilt whatsoever.
8. Skechers Performance Go Walk Shoe
Branded as shoes that deliver all-day comfort and support, Skechers Performance shoes have been specially designed with the needs of the nursing profession in mind. These shoes have excellent arch support as well as a comfortable design that allows nurses to stand on their feet for long hours without experiencing fatigue.
The heel measures 1.5 inches and has a 0.75-inch platform. The inside has a soft fabric lining, and the roomy interior provides superior comfort and protection for your toes. Its rubber sole has a comfy bottom that gives you the perfect amount of shock absorption along with a broad heel strike that offers excellent stability.
Without doubt, the Skechers walking shoe features the same quality craftsmanship that all Skechers shoes have; carefully selected materials and a robust construction system that ensures good leg, foot and back health. The goal is so that wearers can walk on them all day without feeling pain or fatigue.
The best part is that this shoe provides wearers with a variety of choices in heel styles and height, ensuring there is a flawless fit for everyone. It also comes in different colors and patterns. With Skechers Performance walking shoe, you’ll never have to choose between feeling good and looking good.
9. Alegria Duette Slip Resistant Work Shoe
Alegria work shoes are perfectly suited for those on their feet all day. These nursing shoes feature a perfect fit removable footbed made of latex, cork, and memory foam for ultimate comfort and support. These work shoes are made of leather and also feature a leather lining for further comfort. The sole is made of slip-resistant polyurethane which functions to help guard against slips and falls and also acts as a shock absorber.
The slip-on style makes it a breeze to get in and out of these shoes that have a sensible heel height of only 1.25 inches. Comfortable and supportive, shoes are available in white, but you also have white and 5 other dazzling colors to choose from.
Sneakers for Nurses
10. ASICS Gel Nimbus Tennis Shoe
The ASICS gel Nimbus shoe is designed to fit the foot completely. The synthetic fabric ensures that no spillages are absorbed into the shoe. We all know that this is a big concern for almost all nurses. It also means that the shoes are easy to clean!
The shoe also comes with a rubber sole. This means that the shoe has a good grip on the ground and the chances of a nurse slipping reduces significantly. The height of the platform makes the shoe comfortable and easy to use. There is no additional strain that gets exerted on the back or the calves.
The ASICS gel Nimbus shoe is a lace up shoe and is designed for running. It works well for nurses who work in high intensive areas like casualties, trauma centers and even intensive care units. The breathable mesh and the padded collar work towards giving the user more comfort. They also help in securing the foot well. The supportive heel clutching system is another great feature which helps support the heel and the ankle of the user! This shoe is ideal for a nurse who is an underpronator or supinator.
There are some other features that are noteworthy. The gait of a nurse has always been a primary cause of concern. A good gait means good balance and a good healthy skeleton-muscular system. That is why the ASICS gel Nimbus tennis shoe has incorporated a gait enhancing guidance system in their design!
11. Skechers for Work 76555 Albie Tennis Shoe
The Skechers for work women’s 76555, is different from the previous Skecher’s model that we just discussed. Unlike the previous model, this product isn’t a slip-on. In fact the Work women’s 76555 is a laced up tennis shoe which provides support to the foot when you are running about your tasks. These shoes are meant to be worn and not removed frequently because you can waste time when lacing them up. This is why most ICU nurses tend to strap themselves into these kind of pairs.
The synthetic fiber ensures that spillage is not a problem. Spillage usually possess a problem because we worry about the infections that it can bring. The 76555 is made of a synthetic material. This doesn’t absorb liquids as easily as natural materials. It is also so much easier to clean!
Like the other shoes, the work women’s 76555 comes with a rubber sole which helps give the wearer a firm grip on the ground. This means less accidents and a better safety record!
The inner sole is made up of a memory foam. Those of you who are familiar with memory foam will know that this takes the shape of your foot. It also reverts to it’s original shape and dimension when not in use. This takes the comfort level of this shoe up a notch or two!
12. Brooks Women’s Addiction Walking Shoes
Girl, when Brooks released their newest and meanest nursing shoes on the block, they were not playing around. They’re tough but comfortable, rigid but flexible, and damn near irreplaceable.
I kid you not; these guys literally turned walking and standing all day into an addiction.
You guessed it; we could only be talking about the Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes. But just what is it about these shoes that just make you want to be on your feet all day long?
Well, it could be the HydroFlow tech that enhances and boosts the midsole cushioning to provide unbridled shock absorption. Ladies, you know that means good news for battered feet at closing time. What’s more, Brooks went ahead and added dynamic gooey fluid units at the forefoot and heel to make you feel as if you were walking on manmade clouds.
But that’s not even the most attractive feature; not even by a long stretch. Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker tennis shoes incorporate extended progressive diagonal rollbars that present a robust, dual density posts at the arch for pronation control. Lastly, the ASTM certified skid and slip resistant outsole is engendered to cut down any instances of accidents at the workplace.
13. Skechers for Work Women’s Eldred Slip Resistant Shoe
Looking for the ideal shoe for standing all day? If so, then the Skechers Eldred should be at the top of your list. These shoes closely resemble the Sure Track Erath style, but have some noticeable differences. It’s apparent where the inspiration came from. The improvements are spot-on and make the shoe an all-round fit for standing long hours.
As you have come to notice from the Skechers brand, their focus is on creating extremely breathable shoes. The upper planetary allows plenty of fresh air to come in and out of the shoe. This makes it a very comfy shoe. Your feet will not only feel good, but they won’t stench either.
As far as design goes, the Eldred is very elegant. It has a roomier round toe design with lace-up closure. These shoes are available in two different colors – black and white.
There is a thick synthetic outsole and rubber insole to make every step comfortable. Most wearers have praised this shoe for its superior support. They claim that it is far more comfortable than many nursing shoes they have owned in the past. This is all thanks to the lighter, thinner, airier design.
14. New Balance Women’s WW577 Walking Shoe
This pair of shoes do not come in a variety of colors but the black and white models that are available are very popular. Made of leather, the New Balance Women’s WW577 Walking tennis shoe is durable and practical. It covers the entire expanse of your foot and ensures that your skin is protected from any spillage.
The lace up feature ensures that the shoes can be tightened to suit your foot perfectly. This prevents accidents that are caused by loose and ill fitting shoes. Another feature that helps reduce accidents is the rubber sole. It does this by virtue of the fact that it allows the wearer to have a strong grip on the round.
It also has one of the classic walking features… That is the upper padded collar. This is perfect for support and safety. It protects the ankle while allowing it a good range of movement. This makes it perfect for use on all those hectic days at work.
The Abzorb shock absorbing cushion helps on those days you spend running to and fro. It absorbs the impact every time your feet make contact with the ground. This helps to prevent the aches and pains that you usually feel at the end of a tiring day at work.
15. Skechers for Work Women’s Erath Slip Resistant Shoe
Made from stain-resistant upper leather, these nursing tennis shoes offer plenty of comfort and are extremely lightweight. The outsole is slip resistant and has great traction, which makes wearing for long hours a complete breeze. You’ll not notice them dragging during those long night shifts.
The upper leather is incredibly easy to clean and offers a very special benefit as its germ-resistant. These shoes are very flexible and comfortable, offering good value for money, especially with other characteristics such as lace-up closure, rubber sole and sizeable relaxed fit.
Like most other shoes for nurses, they have a closed toe design which is a welcome feature, ensuring that you won’t get any excess moisture in your feet. The inner cushion offers an incredible amount of support and unparalleled level of stability while standing all day.
These shoes come in two colors, a very clean white and a simple black. They are ideal for working hours as well as after hours. They are also extremely easy to slip on and off due to their elasticity.
16. Fila Women’s Memory Slip Resistant Work Shoe
You’ll definitely love these slip resistant shoes from Fila Collection. Just as the name suggests, they are slip-resistant and extremely light. When it comes to standing all day on your feet, these shoes are touted as the best choice. The comfort of this shoe is owed to its lightweight construction and memory foam. The upper part is made from full leather that provides lateral support and makes them look and feel great. The light outsoles have rubber inserts that offer superior comfort and stability.
The shoe also has a 1.5-inch heel with a memory foam sock liner to give you the finest arch support. This additional support eases fatigue but doesn’t make the shoe heavier. The midsole is made from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) to provide extra cushioning while standing or walking.
The collar of the shoe is cushioned and has an elastic opening so you can comfortably fit your feet inside while still delighting in a perfect fit. The shoes come in a wide range of colors and are found in medium and wide sizes to cater for everyone.
17. AVIA Women’s Avi Union Service Shoe
When it comes to cost, you won’t get much better than the AVIA Union Service Shoe. But that doesn’t mean that they are of lesser quality in any way. As a matter of fact, they are one of the most durable pair of oil and slip resistant shoes which are widely popular among nurses and doctors who require comfortable shoes.
The AVIA tennis shoe is waterproof and easily washable, exceptionally flexible and durable. They also feature removable insoles which is a great plus when you want to upgrade to orthotic inserts. They fit snugly and are known by most wearers to be the most comfortable shoes, even during 10-hour shifts.
Priced modestly and proven by several reviewers as a worthy buy, even after months of wear and tear, these shoes will definitely keep your feet smiling all day long. The best part is that they come in a variety of colors including white, silver, gray and black.
18. Reebok Women’s Work N’ Cushion 4.0 Walking Shoe
This is one of the most underrated shoe brands and not so many people know about it. The truth is, this shoe is excellently stabilized and is actually thick enough to withstand long hours of standing. This particular tennis shoe comes in three distinct colors, white, gray and black.
The DMX Ride technology and low-cut design is a signature by the Reebok Company that works to provide arch support and excellent traction in any situation. With regards to comfort, this shoe is made of thick padding that ensures that the shoe is not only comfortable but also slip-resistant.
The trendy design of the Reebok is ageless; you can choose to wear these at work and even after work too. And at such a modest price, they are certainly irresistible. However, what stands out most is the ultra-soft leather interior which helps keep your feet in good health by getting rid of excess moisture.
The Reebok molds snugly to the contours of your feet, which makes standing less of a hassle. Like most other shoes for nurses, the removable insoles have superior arch support, and there is plenty of toe room too. Overall, it is a choice that won’t disappoint.
19. K-SWISS ST329 Comfort Memory Foam Tennis Shoe
The name itself conveys that K-Swiss has designed this pair of shoes with nothing but comfort in mind. Made of synthetic substance, the K-Swiss ST329 comfort memory foam shoes are easy to clean and are resistant to almost all spillages that you may encounter in the hospital. Since they enclose your foot completely, the form an excellent barrier between the spill and your skin.
A premium memory foam foot bed is the hallmark of this model. The memory foam is designed to ensure comfort and consistency is maintained throughout. You no longer need to worry about the shoe wearing out in one direction because you carry your weight differently. The memory foam will always reset to ensure that this worry of yours is blown away with the wind!
The padded collar and tongue provide additional support and comfort. It makes sure that the tennis shoe is well secured on the foot and reduces the risks of accidents considerably!
The shock spring technology at the mid sole reduces the shock that is felt on impact when you are running and walking. This helps reduce the wear and tear on your Musculo-skeletal system. It also means that you will suffer from lesser aches and pains at the end of each day.
Nurse Shoes - FAQ
Q: Are running sneakers good for nurses?
A: Yes, they are. In fact, they may be the best possible footwear for nurses. This is because they provide much more comfort for feet than flat shoes do, and they don’t let the feet become as tired as they would be in other types of shoes. The work for most nurses involves continuous walking, and that’s exactly what running shoes are designed for, so this kind of footwear is probably the all-around best for nurses who are constantly on the go.
Q: What brand of shoes are best for nurses?
A: Almost any product made by one of these companies will be suitable for nurses to wear when on duty and logging miles through hospital corridors. There are also a number of favorites used by nurses that are excellent in terms of standing up to the constant walking and standing. Dansko is one of the most popular shoes for nurses, as are Alegria and Nurse Mates.
Many nurses also swear by their favorites from the Avia, Fila, and Skechers product lines. If you find something that works for you, that's the footwear to stick with. Since sneakers tend to be ideal for nurses, the best sneaker brands are generally those manufacturers who produce the best running shoes. ASICS is a long-time maker of running shoes. New Balance and Saucony are also highly respected makers of running shoes, and both these companies have some strong entries on the market.
Q: Why do nurses wear clogs?
A: The main reason that nurses wear clogs at work is because they provide considerable comfort and support. This is totally necessary for someone who is on their feet practically the entire time of their work shift. Whereas other types of footwear might contribute to making feet tired faster, clogs tend to impart more energy to feet, and help keep a nurse going longer.
Clogs are also good for moving quickly from one place to another, which is a fairly common event for any nurse. Also, it happens often enough in hospitals that spills can occur, and when they do, it’s much easier to clean clogs than most other types of footwear.
Q: Can nurses wear Crocs?
A: In many hospitals and medical facilities, Crocs are banned because there are several health and safety issues associated with wearing them. For one thing, the holes in Crocs allow for liquids to penetrate the shoe and potentially cause harm to the feet.
They’re also not as supportive as other types of footwear, and that is very important for any shoes worn by nurses. It’s very easy for back strain and foot issues to develop, because nurses are constantly moving and walking, and seldom get an opportunity to sit down and rest. Therefore, nurses tend to choose footwear that’s more supportive and comfortable than Crocs.
Q: Are Danskos good for standing all day?
A: Yes, they are. Danskos are some of the best shoes there are for people who are on their feet all day. Since they provide a good deal of support and are very comfortable, Danskos can be a very good choice for nurses who need day-long support. Most nurses are on their feet all day long, and that makes it critical to have footwear support, so the nurse doesn’t get tired feet halfway through a work shift.
This being said, there are Dansko shoes made for people who are simply standing most of the time, and there are also types that are made for people who spend a lot of time walking. You may have to choose your Dansko footwear based on the nature of your nursing job, whether that be primarily standing or mostly walking around.
Q: How often should nurses change their shoes?
A: It’s very important for nurses to change their footwear when they become worn out with service. If shoes aren’t changed regularly, it’s entirely possible that a nurse will develop such undesirable medical conditions as plantar fasciitis, back strain, shin splints, leg strain, or heel and knee pain. Without the protection provided by new footwear, all these issues can enter the picture.
Therefore, it is best if nurses change their footwear at least every six months, and this is especially true for nurses who are very active on their jobs. Nurses who log miles of walking during every work shift may be obliged to purchase new footwear more often than every six months. However, that will have to be a judgement call on the part of each individual, because the nature of work shifts can change dramatically from one facility to another.
Q: What shoes do you wear with hospital scrubs?
A: Scrubs are the most popular type of garb worn in hospitals and other medical facilities, so it’s natural to ask what should be worn with scrubs. There are a few basic requirements of hospital footwear that should be observed when choosing what to wear with your scrubs.
Any shoes worn for a rigorous work shift in a hospital should provide plenty of support and comfort, or else they will be inadequate. You should also wear shoes that have good grips on the soles, because slipping is always a possibility, especially when spills have occurred somewhere.
Probably your least concern is for being fashionable, although if you can find a shoe that satisfies hospital requirements and still looks great, that would be a bonus. In terms of matching your footwear to your hospital scrubs, here are three top choices that will provide everything you need and will still be somewhat attractive: the Dansko professional shoe, the Alegria slip-on, and the standard nursing clogs. Any of these three will provide the comfort, support, slip-resistance, and stylish elements you need.
The Nurses Sole Mate
Nurses of all types take a beating, from migraines and emotional turmoil to joint and feet pain. Some of the pain and discomfort comes from the harsh demands of the job itself. Nurses are the primary career industry which suffers the most career-based injuries.
However, most of those are easily controlled and avoidable. Spills, misplaced or fallen items, and loose cords are prime causes of accidents in which the responsibility lies in the hands of the facility. However nurses themselves can cause their own injuries as well. How? By wearing the wrong shoes. Feet act as the base of the human body. They take the majority of the stress and strain, especially during high pressure or fast moving work shifts. Wear the wrong shoes in any situation and pain and discomfort is bound to happen. But in the case of medical professionals, that simple mistake can be a matter of life and death.
Finding a comfortable shoe is a task that most people find distasteful. This is because you can spend hours searching and still not find what you are looking for. While most of these products are available online, it is best to narrow your choice down in your mind. So you like slip on or laced up shoes? Do you like leather or synthetic shoes? With a shortened list available, the process of selecting the perfect pair becomes so much easier.
Another thing that you should keep in mind is that it is always better to buy shoes that you have tried on. So if you can go to a nearby shop and try on the different models, then don’t hesitate. It will help you understand which shoe suits you best and which shoes makes you feel comfortable. If you already have tried them on and know the answer to all those questions with certainty, then there is no harm in ordering them online. The above list of the most comfortable nursing shoes are among the best options for your most challenging career needs. At the end of the day… The choice is yours!