The Best Shoes For Nurses Reviewed & Compared
Skechers Sport - Loving Life
Nike Shox Enigma
Hoka One One Bondi 6
Nurse Mates Velocity
Nurse Mates Dove
Alegria Keli 
New Balance WX608v4 
Brooks Levitate 2
Dansko Paisley Sneaker
SoftWalk Grey’s Anatomy Meredith Clog
ASICS Gel Dedicate
Crocs Mercy Work Clog
Skechers Women's Comfort Flex
Reebok Work N Cushion
Adidas Ultraboost 20
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
As a nurse, you’ll be spending a majority of your shifts on your feet, and not just standing around either.
The job requires constant movement back and forth between patients. Cushioning and support that lasts throughout the workday is an absolute must, as while on duty, the focus needs to be on the patients, not your sore feet.
Additionally, ignoring sore feet and continuing to wear footwear which may not be quite suitable for the task, can develop into painful foot problems down the road. We look for things such as memory foam and other dense but giving materials. These tend to offer appropriate cushioning with the right combination of support and comfort.
Any pair of shoes need to be comfortable and this is particularly true for nurses as they are on their feet all day long for long hours at a time. We know how important comfort is and that is why we made sure to look at comfort very carefully when we tested and reviewed the nurse shoes that eventually made it onto our list here.
From standing to walking to running, we tested the best walking and best running shoes for nurses in a number of situations to make sure they would keep your feet comfortable and supported all day long!
Support
Support is extremely important.
Not only does it factor in short-term comfort, but it is also the way a shoe works to allow prolonged standing without creating stress-related issues later on.
Footwear choices for this particular career field should be supportive but also maintain that support repeatedly on a reliable basis. Shoes with an ultra-soft or squishy sole might feel great at first, but as the shift goes on that once cushy sole may compress. The shoe then becomes less supportive, with the material under your feet becoming squished into only a thin piece of foam. There are many good sneakers for nurses that utilize memory foam, but with a more dense construction that will hold its form and maintain its provided support.
One thing all nurses need in a good pair of nursing shoes is support. Being on your feet all day long puts a lot of stress on your feet as well as your legs and back and joints. Add to it the running and bending and pushing that goes on during a normal shift and you will need all the support you can get. We made sure to look for nurse shoes that offer good support to keep your feet aligned properly and feeling good no matter what the day may throw your way.
Protection
Though nurses don’t need the same kind of foot protection that someone might need if they worked around heavy equipment, there are other environmental elements that their footwear should protect against.
Footwear with an open toe is not only a bad choice, it is typically prohibited in this particular field. An upper made from nearly see-through mesh would not be a super great choice either. The nursing environment has its own set of risks to be aware of such as trip hazards, plenty of equipment to bump into, bodily fluids, and we can’t forget to mention the risk of bloodborne pathogens. All great reasons to have the appropriate type of upper construction in the chosen footwear.
Textiles are just fine, as long as they still provide a barrier between your feet and the possible risks. Leather and synthetics will give more protection, but at the cost of breathable material in most cases. Another important factor to remember is slipping prevention. It’s practically a guarantee that you will encounter spills and messes as a nurse. Nurse shoes with adequate traction and slip resistance are an absolute must for the medical environment.
Shoes are made to protect your feet from the environment but they are also supposed to protect your feet from the wear and tear and abuse of day to day use. Standing and walking on hard surfaces can damage your feet and run back and forth throughout the day can cause blisters and sore spots on your feet. The nurse shoes we selected for our nurses are ones that help protect your feet against all of these attacks and that will keep your feet feeling better at the end of the day.
Style
This factor isn’t quite as critical as the others above but does matter a bit.
Some hospitals require nurses to maintain a fairly conservative dress code, depending on the type of work they are doing. Just because your job wants you to wear only white or muted colored shoes for nurses, it doesn’t mean that they have to be ugly or boring. Some models secure with laces, some are slip-on with elastic or a bungee retention system.
Some options are even backless slip-on without laces or retention of any kind. The choice you make should ideally reflect what is most practical for your particular work environment.
Just became nurses are always on the go doesn’t mean they can be stylish too! Comfort and style can go hand in hand and you do not always have to sacrifice one for the sake of the other. From comfortable features to stylish ones there are many styles of good shoes for nurses to choose from that will keep your feet comfortable and supported and still look cool too. We did our best to include a range of styles so you have plenty of options to choose from when looking for your new nursing shoes!
Overall Fit
Shoes should fit your feet perfectly, and that is even more important when you are on your feet all day.
Each person has unique feet, so you need to know your own specifics in order to choose the most suitable shoes. Let’s say you have a normal arch with normal pronation (foot motion). The only thing you need to worry about when choosing good shoes for nursing is the stability and comfort which they provide.
The final factor we took into account for the best nurse's shoes on the market was to look at their overall fit. We took all of the factors and features and design elements and compared thee shoes as an entire complete package, The overall fit takes everything into account. And while this is largely a matter of personal preference, we still looked at it and used the big picture to try and determine which shoes would best serve our hard-working nurses!
15 Best Nursing Shoes
1. Skechers Sport - Loving Life
Known for comfort and style, it would be a bit of a surprise if Skechers didn’t have a shoe on this list. The Skechers Sport Foam Sneaker is a shoe that can fit many roles, including nursing. When it comes to spending most of your days on your feet, this shoe is often shared as a good choice. Let’s take a look at some of its features and why we consider it as one of the best sneakers for nurses.
Read also about sketchers running shoes.
Read moreComfort
Comfort is what makes these one of the best nursing sneakers on the market. The comfort of these Skechers for nurses is owed to the lightweight construction and memory foam insole. Additionally, the FlexSole midsole aids greatly in making these shoes comfortable enough for all-day wear. The mesh upper also lightens these shoes for nurses up and helps to keep your feet cool and comfortable. The primarily mesh upper provides a good amount of airflow and ventilation.
This makes these good nursing shoes one of the better choices for nursing jobs, even in warm conditions.
Style
The Skechers Sport Foam Sneakers are good for both casual wear or work attire. This style is perfect for those in the nursing fields because of its ability to provide incredible comfort and support. Their style is sporty, yet conservative enough for a medical environment.
These sneakers are built mostly of memory foam, mesh, and other synthetic materials, all of which have been assembled well in a sturdy and good looking design, providing long-lasting durability. These nurse sneakers have good shock absorption, suitable enough for a 12-hour shift on your feet. Also, the memory foam insole supplies long-lasting comfort for prolonged activities.
Cost and Value
These are fairly inexpensive nurse shoes. The comfort that they offer for prolonged periods of time spent while active makes them a worthy investment. The sole of this shoe flares out slightly, adding an extra bit of stability. Additionally, the bungee securing laces are attached to the lower part of the upper, which is made of stronger synthetic material.
2. Nike Shox Enigma
When you are on your feet all day long, proper support and impact absorption are a must. The Shox Enigma is built like a tank so that the hard floor is just a little more forgiving.
Read moreComfort
These are called Shox Enigma for a reason. The heel actually boasts a pair of shocks to create a good deal of distance between your heels and the unforgiving floor. A great shock absorbing sneaker takes a lot of pressure off of your back and knees as well. It also has a super-grippy outsole to reduce the risk of slipping on a slick surface.
We also wanted to talk about the upper. It is composed of a blend of synthetic and mesh materials that offers a structured frame for enhanced stability. The mesh panels help to keep your feet cool and comfortable throughout the day.
Style
They may not be the sleekest and slyish design in the Nike line, but that has some invaluable features that will make your feet happy at the end of a long 12-hour shift.
Cost and Value
This is a great option if you need something that is stiff and supportive to protect your feet, knees, and lower back throughout the course of the day. Users love that it has a wide heel bed as well as a toe box that allows your feet to spread out naturally.
3. Hoka One One Bondi 6
Cushioning is a man or woman’s best friend when working a long shift. If cushioning is what you need, the Bondi 6 from Hoka One One has you covered.
Read moreComfort
The most notable feature of this design is that it has incredible cushioning in the midsole. It is composed of a thick layer of EVA foam that contours to the shape of your foot as you wear it, but doesn’t break down into a pancake at the end of the long day.
It also boasts Hoka One One’s patented Meta-Rocker technology in the midsole that corrects overpronation that cradles your foot from the beginning to the very end of your gait. This feature helps to keep your knees and lower back happy with each and every step that you take.
Style
This design is one of the most cushioned designs found in the entire Hoka One One line. Plus, it comes in a ton of colors and styles to perfectly pair with your scrubs.
Cost and Value
While the base of this design is cushioned and structured, the upper has a super lightweight and breathable design that allows your feet to really breathe. A wide toe box and simple laces make this one of the most comfortable designs in the Hoka One One line. They may come in at a pretty steep price point, but we feel they are worth every penny!
4. Nurse Mates Velocity
The Nurse Mates Women's Velocity shoe model lives up to its name and its reputation speaks for itself. It is a hit among the customers due to the fact that it's more fashionable than the others. It offers everything you want and needs in a good pair of nurse shoes. It has support, cushioning stability, durability, style, and is affordable making it one of the best shoes for nurses on our list. What more could you ask for in a shoe?
Read moreComfort
There’s a padded insole that increases the comfort to your foot while walking. The design is such that your feet are cushioned and supported all day long and the fabric on the outer and upper areas is breathable for maximum comfort and coolness.
People say that their muscles and tendons are less fatigued after wearing Nurse Mates Women's Velocity. This shoe model truly does live up to its name among the nursing community.
There’s special outsole is designed to provide more stability and it’s very easy for these shoes for nurses to absorb shock and impact, further cushioning your feet and protecting them from pressure and injury from long days of walking and standing and running.
Style
To boost the stability in these nursing shoes, producer offers a wide heel strike. If you’re going to walk or stand all day as most nurses do then the Nurse Mates Women's Velocity shoe is everything you want and need in a quality pair of shoes.
Cost and Value
These nurse sneakers are very easy to clean and maintain thanks to the materials used and their simple yet durable design. They are a bit more pricey than some of the other shoes on our list. However, we think that the quality and comfort they provide are well worth any monetary investment you would have to make.
No pair of nurse shoes is worth a cent if they do not help you do your job, and the Nurse Mates Women's Velocity shoe does this and more!
5. Nurse Mates Dove
The Nurse Mates Dove shoes were made with nurses in mind, sporting a clean, stain-resistant white finish and heavy cushioning. That's why they're definitely one of the best shoes for nurses on feet all day.
Read moreComfort
These nurse shoes have thick EVA cushioning that is easy to remove and replace, and are ultralight. The collars are padded and the elastic edges make them easy to slip on and off. Most find them to be true to size but those with wider feet may want to try a half size larger.
With steel shanks built in, these are great for those who need more arch support. They are non-slip and super lightweight, keeping you on your feet without the fatigue.
Style
They aren’t the most fashionable looking slip-on but they are a smart choice for those looking for a basic work shoe.
Cost and Value
These shoes for nurses are a little pricey, especially for those who might still be in school, but pretty average when compared with other nursing shoes on our list. For the wear you’ll be getting, they’re worth the initial cost.
6. Alegria Keli
The Alegria Keli is one seriously stylish and extra comfy pair of footwear that has a more than 20+ year reputation for these qualities. The Alegria Keli Professional shoe demonstrates the company’s dedication to quality, comfort, and style.
Read moreComfort
The Keli professional shoe uses the Alegria footbed which is what is preferred and used widely for all their products. It is constructed with an outside rocker, in addition, to a polyurethane layer. You will find a memory foam pad located under the leather sole.
This makes for highly slip-resistant, squeakless, and well-cushioned nurse shoes. They do run quite small, and you might have to order a whole size bigger than usual. The toe box is pretty strict and may not work if your toes are longer than usual.
These nurse shoes are a great choice for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis. The Alegria footbed provides stability from right out of the box. If you have specialized orthotics, you can easily remove it and swap in your own if the footbed doesn’t work for you.
Style
They’ve been a great hit with nurses and other professionals who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Cost and Value
These are very well made shoes for nurses that you can wear time and time again, and they will hold up nicely to heavy use. They are fairly expensive, though many users say that you’re getting what you pay for. These are nice shoes that look professional but still have personality.
7. New Balance WX608v4
New Balance has been making reliably comfortable shoes for decades. All their shoes are made in the USA.
Read moreComfort
As training shoes, the WX608v4 offers a lot of cushioning. The rubber AZORB sole also has compression resistance properties.
It will help prevent your foot from absorbing all the force of its impact on the ground. This is great for runners, of course, but it is also helpful for nurses on shift who are constantly standing and moving. That's why we listed it as New Balance nursing shoes on this list.
These New Balance shoes for nurses have firmer support in the midsole for greater support. They provide a lot of support for those with plantar fasciitis and other issues. Lace your shoelaces through all the holes for even more support.
Style
Most people associate New Balance gear with athletes, but the New Balance WX608v4 also provides the kind of support that nurses need in the best nursing shoes for women and men.
Cost and Value
Like most New Balance shoes, these hold up pretty well. Snow and water can cause problems with the sole staying on these good nursing shoes, however, and you may want to restrict these to indoor use. They’re reasonably priced for nurse sneakers that offer this kind of support.
8. Brooks Levitate 2
Brooks is a company that puts a lot of thought into the structure of their midsoles. What we liked most about Levitate 2 is that it supports the classic Brooks tech in the midsole and outsole, while keeping the upper soft and lightweight.
Read moreComfort
What makes this design perfect for standing on your feet all day is that it rocks Brooks’ patented technology in the midsole. It is composed of DNA Amp materials that provide excellent energy returns to put a little spring in your step, even at the end of a long shift. Plus, in true Brooks form, this design lasts for hundreds of miles before the midsole starts to break down.
Another thing that users love about this design is that while the midsole is super structured, the upper is lightweight and easy. It is composed of a sock-like material that gently hugs your foot for a very comfortable all-day fit. The mesh material is also very breathable and prevents the possibility of hot spots.
Style
It comes in a wide variety of unique color options, and users love that it is insanely durable.
Cost and Value
If you need a good stability shoe that comes in a lot of fun colors and styles, you can’t go wrong with the Brooks Levitate 2. It’s important to note that the price tag of this design is a lot more than other options out there, but it is also much more durable than other options as well.
9. Dansko Paisley Sneaker
This option from Dansko is classified as an outdoor sneaker, but it is packed with features that you will love when working out on the floor.
Read moreComfort
The real magic happens inside of this shoe. It is composed of quality materials to offer heel and arch support to prevent tired and achy feet at the end of the day. Users also love that the outsoles are designed to keep your traction on treacherous outdoor surfaces, so they are perfect for keeping your grip on wet or slippery hospital floors.
The upper of this design is made from 100 percent leather and DuPont Sorona fibers that are treated to be completely waterproof. Your feet may sweat a little bit more throughout the course of the day, but there are features to accommodate for extra sweat. The interior is treated with CleansportNXT to help fight odors.
Style
Users love this option because it is incredibly structured to offer a lot of stability, and it is made to weather some super harsh conditions - even inside of a hospital!
Cost and Value
If you need something a little more heavy-duty for those long and messy shifts, this design from Dansko is an excellent option. It helps keep your footing throughout the course of the day, and it provides unmatched support in your heel and ankles. Plus, it is completely waterproof, which is something that you will really appreciate. It may cost a little bit more than most, but they are built to last.
10. SoftWalk Grey’s Anatomy Meredith Clog
These are nursing shoes named and built with nurses in mind, bringing an array of essential features together in one affordable, stylish clog. The Softwalk Grey's Anatomy Meredith Clog is available in a huge variety of colors and patterns, as well as plain black and white. The trim separates the shoe at the lip for a little geometric flair.
Read moreComfort
The insole is a dual-density footbed that is super cushioned for arch support and comfort. Most have reported these being true to size, and if you have wide or flat feet these are a great fit with wide specific sizes available.
With a lightweight and well-cushioned build, these nurse shoes are easy to wear and will be sure to provide great grip with slip-resistant rubber soles.
Style
Compared to other nurse shoes on this list, these clogs are pretty middle of the road. Some of the styles are cheaper and provide a fantastic value for the price.
Cost and Value
Although there are some complaints about the durability of the shoes themselves, the best nursing shoes are made of good materials with leather casing and rubber soles.
11. ASICS Gel Dedicate
ASICS is not known only from making good quality running shoes but they also make good nursing shoes for walking and standing all day. Don’t be surprised that they’re mostly intended for tennis players, they’re so comfortable that you can wear them all day and you don’t need to worry about the blisters. They can be described as one of the best tennis shoes for nurses on the market.
Read moreComfort
GEL Forefoot Cushioning is the thing that you really need if you have to walk for long hours and what makes these the best Asics for nurses. That extra amount of padding will be something you will be thankful for. Even though there is that extra cushioning, the extra bulkiness won't impede your natural movement, just the same as the tennis player.
Better yet, forget about wet, sweaty feet. These Asics nursing shoes are constructed with a bunch of small panels that increase effective airflow so that your foot can stay dryer and these nurse sneakers themselves have massive breathability.
These nurse shoes are great when it comes to absorbing the shock. This helps to reduce muscle fatigue and you don’t feel so much pain even many hours of walking. There’s a special plastic bridge in the construction. It helps you to feel more stable during the gait cycle. At the same time, you don’t lose the flexibility that is very needed in your job.
Style
This combination of white and green looks great but it’s not the only feature of the ASICS Gel Dedicate that is spot on, they have a lot going for them.
There’s a platform in the area of the heel and this is adored by some people. The great thing about this sneaker is that it is a perfect even on wet surfaces as they’re intended on the court.
Cost and Value
The outer material is made of synthetic like most shoes for nurses. There’s, however, synthetic leather upper so we can say that these are rather durable. The price is similar to Skechers D’Lites, it’s not a small one but you pay here for quality and comfort. The design of these nursing shoes is very classical and that’s why they’re adored by many buyers.
12. Crocs Mercy Work Clog
Crocs have become pretty common for nurses to wear. They’re easy to clean, inexpensive, and comfy. While Crocs have a famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) look, their Crocs at Work collection has been designed to add more style and personality to it, while enhancing the comfort of nurses and other professionals who spend a lot of time standing or walking. The Croc Mercy Work Clog is a testament to that added flair.
Read moreComfort
Crocs have been known for being ‘ugly but really comfy’ for a long time. These nursing shoes are definitely comfortable. They offer a nice bit of cushion and are very lightweight. These nurse shoes don't offer a lot of ventilation. They also have a tendency to squeak, but they are decently slip-resistant.
Style
These nursing sneakers are a bit sleeker than your usual Crocs and don’t have that (in)famous ‘ugly but comfy’ Crocs look. They're available in four different colors: black, black with a gold leopard print design, white, and black with a silver floral design.
The designs are restricted to a small part of the upper, so they still look very professional. They do retain a bit of the clunky Crocs look despite the sleeker styling, so if you're simply not a fan of Crocs, these aren't going to change your mind.
Cost and Value
The big selling point of these shoes is that they are easy to clean off while still being a bit stylish. They’ll hold up well even with a lot of use and abuse. They’re a great budget set of work shoes for those still in nursing school or just out of it.
These nurse shoes offer a nice bit of stability and will help plantar fasciitis sufferers stand comfortably on their feet through their shift.
13. Skechers Women's Comfort Flex
Skechers has a reputation for making super comfortable footwear. Among the well-known shoe brands on the market today, it is one of the most known and respected, especially among nurses and others in the medical field. If you spend your days on your feet, on the move and you need to have that extra bit of foot support, then the Skechers Women's Comfort Flex is the shoe you have been looking for!
Read moreComfort
If you need serious comfort and support for your feet to get through your regular shift or that dreaded overtime double shift, this shoe is for you. The composition and material in the insole are perfect for support and cushioning at hour one as well as hour 18.
There’s so much support many nurses say these are the only nurse shoes they even think about wearing when they know they have a long rough shift ahead of them. These nursing sneakers demonstrate just how well Sketers knows its customers and its products.
These Skechers for nurses have good traction which is a must when it comes to maintaining balance and stability when you are on your feet all day. Traction and stability are important for a nurse and medical staff as they do a lot of running and bending and stopping and moving as part of their job.
The outer sole is fairly solid and durable. That support is going to come in handy when you're putting stress on your body and joints by being on your feet all day.
A well designed inner, outer, and midsole make the Skechers Women's Comfort Flex a great choice for any nurse and can actually help reduce pressure on the joints in the feet, legs, and back and help reduce pain and stiffness after a long shift.
Style
This is definitely a high-quality product. The Skechers Women's Comfort Flex comes in several color styles so you can match your favorite scrubs and they are made to last and hold up to the wear and tear of a nurses' hectic day.
Cost and Value
Skechers aren’t the cheapest brand on the market but we can assure you that these nursing shoes are worth every dollar you will spend and will serve you well day in and day out.
14. Reebok Work N Cushion
Branded as shoes that are “designed to deliver all-day comfort and support”, Reebok’s Work N Cushion walking shoes have been primarily designed for the role of spending long periods of time on your feet. Let’s see what these nurse shoes have to offer for the demanding duties found in nursing.
Read moreComfort
As far as comfort goes, Reebok’s Work N Cushion receives mostly positive ratings. The leather upper combined with Reebok’s Kwik-Close design allows for a sturdy and more customizable fit, aiding in the overall comfort and fit of the shoe. These shoes for nurses have all of the features necessary to provide prolonged support and comfort.
Support and stability
Some of the stability and support from its sturdy leather upper and Reebok’s Kwik-Close lacing, which helps to provide a more custom fit. Additionally, the shoe features an oil and slip-resistant sole for increased safety and stability, required for the medical setting.
Style
Not an incredibly fancy shoe, the Work N Cushion works very well for what it was designed to do, provide comfort and support when spending long periods of time on your feet.
Cost and Value
The sturdy construction of these nurse sneakers comes mostly from its leather upper. Going back a long time, Reebok has earned a good name for durability throughout many of their designs. It is a moderately priced option, but it is highly functional and one of the best nursing sneakers on the market today.
15. Adidas Ultraboost 20
The Ultraboost 20 from Adidas is a great choice for those that want something lightweight and stylish while still offering excellent support and stability.
Read moreComfort
The first thing that we wanted to note about this style is that the midsole is packed with a thick layer of supportive foam that your heels will sink into as you stand. Users love that it provides excellent energy feedback like they are walking on a cloud. Plus, the durable soles will hold up for miles without turning into a pancake.
Users also love the lightweight and breathable mesh upper of this design. It is made from easy materials that hug your skin without squeezing the life out of it. The cut of the high heel cuff greatly reduces the risk of causing blisters and won’t rub your heel raw even when breaking them in.
Style
This design boasts a super thick heel which works great for anyone that stands on their feet all day long. While it is super supportive, it is a little more flexible than lightweight than other stability options.
Cost and Value
If you are on the market for something that comes from a trusted brand that is made from high-quality materials that will hold up well even on those super long shifts, this is a great option. They may be quite expensive, but they are worth it in the long run.
Sources
- , Common Foot Problems in Nurses and, Nursing Registry
- , What Are The Most Common Types Of Shoes Worn By Nurses?, Foot care website
- , Working On Your Feet, Nursing website
- Skechers Sport - Loving Life
- Nike Shox Enigma
- Hoka One One Bondi 6
- Nurse Mates Velocity
- Nurse Mates Dove
- Alegria Keli
- New Balance WX608v4
- Brooks Levitate 2
- Dansko Paisley Sneaker
- SoftWalk Grey’s Anatomy Meredith Clog
- ASICS Gel Dedicate
- Crocs Mercy Work Clog
- Skechers Women's Comfort Flex
- Reebok Work N Cushion
- Adidas Ultraboost 20
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