Modified on November 28, 2022
What are the best footwear options for doctors, nurses, and other medical workers? Seemingly straightforward query The answer, however, can become extremely convoluted. Nurses require special footwear, so any old pair won't do. That's why we polled actual nurses. According to our survey of over 133,000 nurses, the following footwear options are the most highly recommended:
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Best Nurse Shoes (Top 12)
The following link will take you to reviews of individual pairs of shoes.
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Why Nurses Need Reliable Footwear
When searching for the ideal pair of nursing shoes, there are numerous factors to take into account. Inquire as to whether or not the footwear is,
- Waterproof, nonslip, and slip-resistant to keep liquids at bay
- Comfortable and breathable, with a generous amount of padding
- The toe box should be sufficiently large so that feet have room to swell throughout the day.
- Needle and other sharp object protection for vulnerable feet
- Especially if they are expensive, they will have a sturdy insole, midsole, and outsole that will last a long time.
- Give your feet a break from the constant pounding of standing, running, walking, and sprinting during those long shifts with plenty of support, comfort, and shock absorption.
- Very little effort is required to clean them, and it's ideal if they are stain-resistant.
Every nurse also has specific requirements for foot, ankle, and back health, such as,
- Pain in the plantar fascia of the foot
- Extremely roomy soles
- Aid for the Arch
- Suffering from painful heels
- An archless foot
- Foot pain
- Discomfort in the back
Buying a new pair of nursing shoes is, all things considered, a significant commitment and possible financial outlay. Purchasing a new pair of high-quality work shoes raises a plethora of concerns.
- Should I invest in such a pricey pair of shoes for work?
- Do you think nurses would be more comfortable in a nice pair of sneakers or traditional clogs?
- As an alternative, nurses may want to consider Crocs due to their low price and low maintenance.
- Where can I find the best-fitting, most comfortable shoes?
- What are the best shoes if I have to stand for 12 or more hours a day?
Finding the Right Shoes for Nurses
We tested the best-reviewed nursing shoes to find out the answers to these questions and more. Also, when we say "top-rated," we mean "top-rated by nurses." Indeed, we polled over 133,000 registered nurses on the best pair of shoes to wear on the job.
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Finally, we compiled all of the feedback from our community and chose the shoes that were most frequently recommended by nurses in order to determine a top-tier pair of nursing shoes.
Nurse affiliate links on this page may result in a commission for org. We make an effort to recommend products and services based on our honest opinion of them.
In the workplace, 11 nurses tried out the footwear.
We put the 10 most highly recommended pairs of nursing shoes to the ultimate test: a week of wear in some of the country's busiest hospitals. The nurses in our focus group were tasked with choosing a pair of shoes (which they kept) and testing them out on the job. )
The nurses gave us an honest review of the shoes after wearing them to work several times and ranking them. Their candid answers might shock you.
Okay, I'll just put it out there. Here is our pick of the top footwear for nurses, from worst to best on a scale from 1 to 5
1. Inches | New Balance 996 Women's
Complete Scale Average: 5
A unisex shoe designed specifically for medical staff was developed by Figs Scrubs and New Balance.
Sibyl Vinas Meza is a seasoned nurse who has worked in labor and delivery for the past five years. At work, she put Figs' New Balance sneakers to the test. Adhere to @nurse sibyl on TikTok and Instagram
Buy Figs | New Balance 996 Unisex for For USD, you can purchase the Figs | New Balance 996 Unisex.
FIS | A Look at Some New Balance Shoes
On this scale, where 5 is excellent and 1 is terrible:
Q&A
- Is your choice of footwear typically influenced by any preexisting foot, ankle, or other medical conditions?
Those who have "wide, flat feet with some plantar fasciitis pain" ”
- How often do you change the shoes you wear to work, and why?
In terms of footwear, I prefer sneakers and clogs. I feel the least discomfort from these. ”
- When you work a shift, how long is it usually?
"More than 12 hours"
- Do you have any preferences when it comes to FIGS | New Balance footwear?
The shoes are incredibly fashionable and functional. The thick soles of these shoes make them ideal for anyone who wants to gain a few inches in height. Because they are both practical and fashionable, I could also wear them out and about. ”
- Tell me what it is that you find objectionable. Fig. | A pair of New Balances
I'd love for them to be completely waterproof, but I understand that fashionable waterproof designs are uncommon. ”
- Do you have any additional information about FIGS | New Balance shoes that you think nurses should know?
"I guarantee these shoes will spark a conversation wherever you go." Many complements on how they stand out rather than join the crowd. ”
- Are they someone you'd suggest to a coworker?
“Yes”
Buy Figs | New Balance 996 Unisex for Price: at Figs | New Balance 996 Unisex.
Shoes by Asics
Final Score: 5
Licensed Practical Nurse, Master's Degree Candidate Alice Benjamin is board-certified after 20 years of practice in intensive care Shoe Model: Asics Novablast1 Trainers for Tennis employed for three shifts Follow @asknursealice with an Instagram account
For $129.95, Amazon sells the Asics Novablast running shoe.
Opinions on Asics Shoes
If a score of 5 was given, the worst possible score would be 1.
Q&A
- Do you have any preexisting conditions, whether foot, ankle, or otherwise, that usually dictate the type of shoe you buy?
“No”
- If you could ask your coworkers one question, what would it be?
When I'm going to be on my feet all day running around, my go-to footwear is a pair of Nikes or another brand of running shoes.
- When you work a shift, how long is it usually?
Working more than a 12-hour shift
- To what extent do you prefer Asics footwear over other brands?
Even after standing for long periods of time, my feet have no complaints about these shoes.
- Explain the things that bother you most about wearing Asics.
They're the lace-up type." I find it annoying that I constantly need to retie my shoes. The laces were quite lengthy. ”
- Is there anything else you'd like to share about Asics footwear that nurses should know?
“No”
- Are they someone you'd suggest to a coworker?
“Yes”
Amazon sells the Asics Novablast running shoes for $129.95.
BALA 3. Shoes
Total score: 5
Nurses multitask constantly; they should have shoes that can, too. The BALA Twelves were developed with input from tens of thousands of nurses and are custom-made for women's feet with numerous features that aid nurses in their work. The end result is a totally optimal shoe for nurses.
M.S.N., B.S.N., RN Alice Benjamin is board-certified after 20 years of practice in intensive care BALA Shoes Racquet sports footwear in the workplace for three consecutive shifts Follow @asknursealice at Instagram
Price of BALA footwear starts at $130.
Find BALA Shoes starting at $130
Review of BALA Footwear
Use this scale where 5 represents the best and 1 represents the worst.
Q&A
- Is the type of shoe you buy typically influenced by any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions you may have?
As a woman with flat feet and a size 10 shoe, I often find myself with limited options when shopping for footwear. "
- What kind of shoes do you typically wear to the office, and why do you like them?
When it comes to footwear, I typically opt for tennis or running shoes because they provide me with the most comfort and support. I'm on my feet all day and have to be nimble, so my footwear needs to be supportive, comfortable, and able to mold to my feet. "
- In a normal shift, how long do you stay at work?
More than 12 hours
- Explain why you like BALA footwear.
I appreciated the snug fit and the pleasant cushioning. In fact, they can withstand moisture and fluids. ”
- Can you tell me the things that annoy you about BALA footwear?
“Nothing My BALA shoes are the best! "
- Do you think nurses need to know anything else about BALA footwear?
“No”
- Are they someone you'd suggest to a coworker?
“Yes”
Get your feet fitted for BALA Shoes for as low as $130
4. Shoes by Brooks
Final Score: 5
An intensive care unit/emergency room nurse with ten years of experience, Wali Khan, BSN, RN, tried out a pair of Brooks Ghost 12 running shoes on three separate occasions before writing this review. If you use Instagram, follow @wali_khann.
Amazon has the Brooks Ghost 12 running shoes for .93.
Critique of Brooks Shoes
5 out of 5 is excellent; 1 out of 5 is terrible.
Q&A
- If you answered yes, do you have any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions that typically affect your shoe purchase?
“No”
- Tell me about the shoes you wear to the office and why you choose them.
"I wore my Nike Free Runs all shift, and they were very comfortable and held up well."
- How many hours do you usually work in a shift?
It took more than 12 hours to finish.
- Discuss the merits of Brooks footwear.
"Even after a lot of running around, my feet didn't hurt. There was no need for a "break-in" period because the shoe fit perfectly right out of the box. I put the shoes through their paces on a long run to gauge comfort and durability, and they passed with flying colors. ”
- Why do you think Brooks shoes are bad?
"When viewed through the lens of the average consumer, they are quite pricey. > $110 00”
- Is there anything else you'd like to share about Brooks footwear that nurses should know?
Use them exclusively for their intended purpose and get the most out of them. Running, gym, and cross-training are just some of the activities for which these footwear were designed. They can, however, be used in a medical setting to make standing for long periods more bearable. ”
- How likely is it that you would suggest them to a colleague?
“Yes”
The Ghost 12 from Brooks is a running shoe that can be purchased on Amazon for as low as .93.
The NIKE Vapormax
Final Score: 5
This review was written by Everett Moss II, BSN, RN, a Critical Care/Vascular Access nurse with 5 years of experience who wore a pair of NIKE Vapormax shoes on the job for an entire shift. Check out the Instagram feed of @the_paramurse.
Amazon has the NIKE Vapormax for sale, and it costs as little as $189.90.
Examining the NIKE Vapormax
With 5 representing the best and 1 the worst, the scale reads as follows:
Q&A
- If you answered yes, do you have any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions that typically affect your shoe purchase?
“No”
- If you could ask your coworkers one question, what would it be?
"Athletic Shoes"
- How long would you say your typical shift lasts?
"12 hours"
- Discuss the merits of NIKE footwear.
"Very airy and relaxing" ”
- Exactly what do you find lacking in NIKE footwear?
"I like it when my footwear is resistant to water."
- What else do you think nurses need to know about NIKE shoes?
"It's easy to wear all day, and they're very breezy and lightweight."
- Could you recommend them to a coworker?
"Yes"
You can get a NIKE Vapormax from Amazon for as low as $189.90.
a href="MY_REDIRECT_PREFIXhttps://goclove.com/collections/homepage/products/clove-shoe-womens-night-shift" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="">span>Clove Shoes/span>/a>/a>/a>/a>6.
All in all, this gets a 4/5.
Medical/surgical nurse of more than a decade's experience, Heather May, BSN, RN, put Clove's Nightshift shoe for healthcare workers through its paces twice before penning this review. Check out the Instagram feed of @nurse.heathermay
Purchase Clove Shoes for Only $129.99
Ranking Cloves Shoes
On this scale, where 5 is excellent and 1 is terrible:
Q&A
- Are there any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions that typically affect the shoes you buy?
“No”
- I was wondering what kind of shoes you typically wear to the office and why you might like those shoes.
The Black Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Running Shoes are my go-to work footwear due to their supportive insoles and their ability to keep my feet feeling great after standing for 12 hours straight. So that my circulation doesn't suffer, I also wear compression socks when I have to work multiple shifts in a row. ”
- In a normal shift, how long do you stay at work?
12 hours
- Tell me about the Cloves shoes that you like.
The feature that I like the most is its resistance to water. I was able to make it to work without getting wet on my drenched walk. It gave me peace of mind to know that my feet would be safe in these shoes while I cared for my patients who might accidentally spill bodily fluids. ”
- What is it about Cloves footwear that you don't like?
"I feel like more supportive insoles would make the shoe better." There is no cushioning for my arches, and the insoles are flat. ”
- Can you think of any other information about Cloves shoes that nurses might find useful?
"You could get more supportive removable insoles and swap them out for even more comfort and stability. There were creases at the top of the shoe after I wore them for two shifts. Because of their low price, high quality, ease of use, and resistance to water, I would recommend these shoes to my fellow nurses. ”
- Can you envision yourself recommending them to a coworker?
“Yes”
Sneakers made of Clove are available for $129.99.
Those are some sweet Hokas, yo.
General Score: 4
This review was written by Mariam Yazdi, a Critical Care Nurse with seven years of experience, after she wore a pair of HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 sneakers for an entire shift.
You can get a pair of HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 shoes on Amazon for as low as $119.95.
Analysis of the HOKA ONE ONE Shoe
Use this scale where 5 represents the best and 1 represents the worst.
Q&A
- Are there any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions that typically affect the shoes you buy?
Crippled ankles.
- If you could ask your coworkers one question, what would it be?
"To keep my feet from getting bored, I switch between sneakers and orthopedic (Dansko-type) styles. It gives my feet a break from the same pressure points they'd be subjected to for 40 hours a week. ”
- During a normal shift, how long do you stay at work?
"12 hours"
- In what ways do Hoka One shoes excel over the competition?
I appreciated the sneaker's incredibly sturdy structure. The foot's spirit is immediately reassured that it will be protected all day. I also wore them running (their intended purpose) and was blown away by the cushioning and support they provided my feet upon impact. ”
- Is there anything you do not like about Hoka One shoes?
You'll have a hard time trying to find an appropriate way to style this because it's big and cumbersome. ”
- Does anyone have any other information about Hoka One shoes that nurses should know?
The concrete is where this shoe truly excels. Although landing on the balls of your feet reduces the impact on your knees, I find that it becomes tiresome to run that way after a while. The aforementioned footwear provides a viable solution to The large foot cradle is reminiscent of the Sketchers brand of sneakers, but this shoe provides superior support all over the foot. My lower back and knees have experienced no discomfort or pain as a result of wearing this. This is the perfect shoe for those who need extra support but don't mind a slightly bulkier design. ”
- Are they someone you'd suggest to a coworker?
“Yes”
Start at $119.95 for the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 on Amazon.
Comfortable Shoes from Alegria
General impression: 3
Nurse Portia Wofford is a ten-year veteran of the field of long-term care nursing and infection prevention and control; she identified herself with a name badge Shoes for professionals by Alegria Dixi for the duration of a single shift Follow @thewritenurse through the social media platform Instagram
You can get a pair of Alegria Dixi Professional shoes for .99 on Amazon.
Evaluation of the Alegria Shoe
On this scale, where 5 is excellent and 1 is terrible:
Q&A
- Does the type of shoe you buy typically depend on whether or not you have any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions?
“No”
- Why do you wear the shoes that you do to work, and what do you wear them to?
“Sneakers I prefer white sneakers because they go with any color of scrubs, and I make sure they have some sort of padding inside. Furthermore, I favor items that offer superior back and leg support. ”
- During a normal shift, how long do you stay at work?
"8 hours"
- In what ways do Alegria footwear surpass your expectations?
Because of the padding on the inside and the support it provides for my calf and leg muscles, I really appreciate these. ”
- Tell me about the things that bother you about Alegria footwear.
I don't think they're a true to size shoe because of the size." My ankles were constantly being scratched by them. I needed to protect my skin by wearing a bandage. Not only are they dense, but they are also heavy. ”
- Could you recommend them to a coworker?
“Yes”
You can get a pair of Alegria Dixi Professional shoes for .99 on Amazon.
When Wearing One's Cloud-Based Footwear
General impression: 3
This review was written by a NICU nurse and nurse educator with five years of experience, Kathleen Gaines, MSN, RN, who wore a pair of On Cloud running shoes to work for three shifts.
include this link in image captions: https://amzn.to/3fdVSZz
If you're looking for a pair of running shoes, the On Cloud costs $128.17.
Rating Cloud-Based Shoes
On this scale, where 5 is excellent and 1 is terrible:
Q&A
- Are there any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions that typically affect the shoes you buy?
"I usually have to wear orthotics in my shoes due to my high arches and chronic ankle pain."
- How often do you change the shoes you wear to work, and why?
Shoes by Nike Compression socks for nurses In the case of orthotics, this means
- During a normal shift, how long do you stay at work?
"12 hours"
- Comment on the benefits of On Cloud footwear.
It didn't feel heavy when I walked. In them, my feet did not experience any discomfort. ”
- In what ways are On Cloud shoes lacking?
The shoes were extremely narrow, and I do not have a wide foot. Throughout the whole shift, they were too snug, and I had to keep letting them out. Another issue is that they are difficult to maintain. If they became soiled with blood or other bodily fluids, I'd have to put them through a wash cycle in the washing machine. ”
- What else do you think nurses should know about On Cloud footwear?
These aren't very durable against blades. The uniform code for intensive care unit nurses prohibits me from wearing these while on duty. They don't look like shoes intended for a nurse at all, more like a pair of runners or gym shoes. The price is also rather high in comparison to other pairs of sneakers. ”
- Are they someone you'd suggest to a coworker?
“No”
Pay just $128.17 for a pair of On Cloud sneakers.
10. Brand Name: Vessi Shoes
General impression: 3
To prepare for this review, Cameron Hershey, BSN, RN, a Flight Nurse/Critical Care Transport nurse with 5 years of experience, wore a pair of Vessi waterproof sneakers for 5 shifts in the hospital and 2 shifts in the helicopter. You can find @traumacam on Instagram.
Review of Vessi Shoes
On a scale where 1 is the worst and 5 is the best,
Q&A
- Do you have any preexisting conditions, whether they be related to your feet, ankles, or elsewhere, that typically affect your choice of footwear?
Having "flat feet"
- What kind of footwear do you typically wear to the office, and why do you think it's appropriate?
When I'm at the hospital or riding in an ambulance, I usually put on my Adidas NMD R1s. Depending on how I'm feeling, I wear a different shade. HAIX Airpower XR2 boots are what I wear when I'm in the air in a chopper. Without exception, my shoes have no inserts. ”
- How many hours do you usually work in a shift?
"12 hours"
- Tell me about the features that make Vessi shoes so great.
Having to tie and untie them every time was a pain, so the fact that I could just slip them on was a huge plus. My wide feet appreciate their flexibility. In addition, I appreciated how it looked. After a long day at work, I felt comfortable wearing them out in public with my regular clothes and not looking like I was still in my work shoes. ”
- Is there anything you don't like about a pair of Vessi shoes?
They can take in a lot of moisture and store it in their structure. The fact that they leak water despite the fact that they are watertight The fact that they are almost entirely fabric means that, while they are very comfortable, they are probably not the best choice for emergency room or critical care transport work due to the ease with which blood and other secretions can seep through. ”
- What else do you think nurses should know about Vessi shoes?
Because they are so comfortable, I plan to keep wearing them around the house, but I probably won't bring them with me on a shift in the emergency room or the field. I would wear them again if I had to work in an intensive care unit. ”
- Are they someone you'd suggest to a coworker?
"Yes"
Shoes by Vessie are $135.
11 a href="MY_REDIRECT_PREFIX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" span class="span" href="https://amzn.to/36PMHL8">span>Danskos Clogs/span>/a>
In general, we give this a 3.
This review was compiled after Emily Bryant, BSN, RN, an emergency room travel nurse with six years of experience, wore a pair of Dansko Women Professional clogs for three 12-hour shifts.
You can get a pair of Dansko Professional clogs on Amazon for only $134.95!
Opinions on Dansko Shoes
On this scale, where 5 is excellent and 1 is terrible:
Q&A
- Is the type of shoe you buy typically influenced by any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions you may have?
Neuroma, I require extra-wide footwear.
- Explain the shoes you typically wear to the office and why you choose those specific styles.
"The Altra Lone Peak 4 is my favorite pair of hiking shoes." Shoe Types: 5 Tennis Shoes, 2 Dansko Slip-Ons I switch back and forth between the two depending on my weekly schedule and how my feet are feeling. When I have to wear the same pair of shoes for several consecutive shifts, no matter how comfortable they are, my feet start to hurt by the end of the day. ”
- To what extent do you typically stay at work past the end of your shift?
More than 12 hours
- Tell me about your favorite pair of Danskos and why you like them.
The pressure is distributed so well across my feet that I almost never get foot fatigue or blisters from wearing Danskos. Not only are they long-lasting—I've had mine for years—but they're also very sturdy.
- What is it about Danskos footwear that you don't like?
They make a clunking noise whenever you walk in them, and are generally uncomfortable. It takes some effort on your part to walk quietly and without dragging your heel. I've also noticed that it's challenging to walk quickly in them without worrying that you'll lose your footing. Although I don't think they're particularly attractive, I wear them anyway because they are so ubiquitous. ”
- What else do you think medical professionals need to know about Danskos shoes?
To be honest, I mistook the material for regular leather. They're more difficult to clean, and I don't want to ruin their aesthetic by wiping down their exteriors with a wet wipe. They're not immediately comfortable, but they do break in and become more so with use. ”
- Do you think they're good enough to suggest to a coworker?
“Yes”
Clogs by Dansko Professional are $134.95 on Amazon.
12 Those Shoe Gales
Conclusion: 5
White, black, blue, purple, and teal Gales are the first personal protective equipment shoes made specifically for nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse, Master's Degree Candidate Alice Benjamin has been working as a critical care nurse for over two decades, and she has passed Gales S hoes slobs working three 12-hour shifts Follow @asknursealice via Instagram
You can purchase Gales footwear for .95.
Assessment of Gales Footwear
On this scale, where 5 is excellent and 1 is terrible:
Q&A
- The number of times you wore them to the office
For the past four weeks, I have been constantly clad in my Gales. No, I won't need to take them out before the switch. " - Please rate the sample shoe on the following criteria:
"They fit like a glove, are super comfortable, don't require laces, and are perfect for throwing on and running out the door." - Is there anything you don't like about the trial shoe? The lack of ankle support has me wishing for a better shoe.
- Is there anything else about Gales shoes that you think nurses should know? "No "
- Is the sample pair of shoes something you'd buy again or suggest to a coworker? "Yes "
Get a pair of Gales shoes for only .95
Is there a pair of shoes that you think would be perfect for nurses that would be both stylish and functional? Share your thoughts on Instagram. @nurse_org
