The Bondi sneakers from Hoka One One are cushioned and waterproof.

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Professionals in the healthcare sector, and nurses in particular, are used to spending long shifts on their feet. For this reason, a sturdy pair of shoes is a necessity.

A nurse from Virginia, Laura Kelly, RN, says, "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." Further, it needs to be soft and simple to clean.

We read countless customer reviews, analyzed the materials used, checked the sizes offered, tested the arch support, and compared the prices and designs of dozens of pairs of shoes. The products featured in this piece were selected because they exemplify the qualities highlighted here.

These are currently the top-rated footwear options for nurses.

Hoka One Bondi Sr
Pros

  • Certification from the American Podiatric Medical Association

  • Impervious to moisture

  • Having thick padding for comfort

Cons

  • Price

  • Not a choice for a broader width

Customer Feedback Over half a hundred reviewers on Road Runner Sports gave these shoes four stars or higher.

Due to its plush and cushioned EVA midsole, the Hoka One One Bondi SR is our top pick. Because of its ultra-grippy, slip-resistant outsole, it has passed tests for slip resistance on surfaces with water, oil, and soap, making it suitable for use in healthcare facilities. Additionally, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded this shoe their Seal of Acceptance, indicating that it has been evaluated by a panel of podiatrists and found to be beneficial to foot health.

The list price at the time of publication is $175.

Leather uppers that repel water; sizes 5–11; medium width; EVA midsoles with arch support.

Slow Man Walking Shoes Sock Sneaker
Pros

  • Price

  • Lightweight

  • Choices of Colors

Cons

  • Because there are no shoelaces, the shoe fits snugly.

  • Lacks padding and needs improvement

When compared to other, more well-known brands, Slow Man Walking Shoes Sock Sneaker is a steal. The name of these slip-on sneakers comes from the fact that wearing them is as easy as putting on a pair of socks. The knit material used to make these shoes is both stylish and breathable, making them a one-of-a-kind product in every way. These shoes have a non-slip, water-resistant MD outsole with added air cushioning. The perforations in the shoe's arch provide the airflow and breathability necessary for all-day use. The 25 color options and range of whole and half sizes (ranging from 5 to 19) are just icing on the cake. 5 to 11

List price at the time of writing: $36

Fabricated from Mesh, with 5 Size Options Support for Arches: Moderate | Width: Medium-Wide to Wide | Age Range: 5-11

Pros

  • Broad assortment of measurements

  • Sizes range

  • Certification from the American Podiatric Medical Association

Cons

  • Price

  • Suffers from a lack of arch support for those with high arches.

When it comes to walking, running, or just standing around all day, the Brooks Ghost is widely considered to be one of the most comfortable sneakers available. Despite their eponymous name, these shoes are so featherlight that they won't even weigh you down. These are running shoes, so they'll be useful whenever you need to be quick on your feet.

As of this writing, the price tag is set at $130.

Available in sizes 5-13; made of EVA foam, rubber, and mesh; narrow, medium, and wide widths; and equipped with removable insoles that provide arch support.

On Cloud Shoes
Pros

  • Lightweight

  • Additional padding

  • Soft, breathable fabric

Cons

  • Not enough width options

  • Sometimes comes up short

Whether you spend your days in the emergency room, in marathon training, or just want a super stylish sneaker to stroll in, On's ultra-light and uber-cushioned On Cloud is built to perform. The shoe is visually stunning, and it comes in a wide variety of trendy colors. They have the brand's patented and cushioned CloudTec sole, making them slip-resistant, and an elastic speed-lacing system, making them incredibly hassle-free. The antimicrobial, breathable mesh construction also aids in keeping your feet comfortable and dry.

At the time of print, the price was $140.00.

Mesh, synthetic fabric upper; rubber outsole; sizes 6-11; width, medium; arch support, neutral; recommended for moderate to high arches.

My opinion is that nurses should choose footwear based on both personal taste and the environment in which they work. " —Alyssa Schiffer, a Colorado-based pediatric intensive care unit nurse

Brooks Addiction Walker V-Strap 2
Pros

  • Price

  • Multiple dimensions

  • Sustenance to the fullest extent

Cons

  • Hard to gain entrance

  • Insufficient ventilation

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, we recommend trying a pair of Brooks Addiction Walker Walking Shoes. The brand's proprietary BioMoGo DNA technology was used to add extra cushioning to the shoe's heel and forefoot, thereby reducing the shoe's wear and tear on the wearer's joints. It has a deep heel cup, which protects your heel bone, and an extended progressive diagonal rollbar, which wraps around your tendons for stability. Full-grain leather in bone, white, and black hues are all at your disposal.

At the time of writing, the price was $52.

Highest arch support; leather uppers; sizes 5–12; narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide.

"Because our feet can swell during a long 12-hour shift of walking, I recommend getting a shoe that is a half size bigger than you normally wear." With the added half size, you'll have room for any possible expansion. Based in Virginia, Registered Nurse Laura Kelly

Women's Clove Shoes
Pros

  • Variation in sizes

  • Tolerant of Fluids

  • Easy to disinfect

Cons

  • It's time to make an entrance

  • There must be more arch support

This trendy sneaker is made of a fluid-repellent material that can withstand wipes and cleaners used in the industrial setting. They are easy to put on and take off, have durable outsoles, and are equipped with high-performance Ortholite insoles to prevent the buildup of odor and bacteria.

At the time of writing, the price was $139.

Sizes 5-12 are available; they are made of Clarino and a neoprene ankle sock. Support for the Arch: 5 | Width: Medium | Arch Height: Slight

Oofos clog
Pros

  • Different Shades of Color

  • Breathable

  • More padding

Cons

  • Dangerous on wet floors

  • Scarcity of width variations.

Another brand of shoes that focuses on comfort and is great for nurses is Oofos. One of their most well-liked shoe designs is the Clog, which has proven to be a hit among healthcare professionals who claim they are much more comfortable than other brands. OOfoam Recovery Technology, which is used in the shoes, allows them to absorb more than a third more impact than regular shoe foam. They cushion your feet, ankles, knees, and lower back, relieving pain and easing discomfort. Additionally, they are constructed from closed-cell foam, making them machine-washable.

At the time of publication, the price was .

Made from OOfoam; Sizes 6-11 for women; 4-9 for men; Medium Wide; Arch Support, Yes

Bala
Pros

  • Impervious to Fluids

  • Strong backing

  • Soles with a lot of traction

Cons

  • It has no available widths.

  • Not breathable

You need sturdy footwear if your work requires you to be on your feet for long periods of time. Bala's Twelves are built for relaxation. These shoes are not only practical in the medical setting, but also fashionable and comfortable outside of it. There is no need to worry about slipping thanks to the high-traction soles, and the thick padding in the heel ensures that your ankles will remain supported even during the longest shifts.

As of press time, the price was $150.

Fabricated with a knitted, glove-like base layer, polyurethane foam soles, and high-traction rubber treads, these shoes come in sizes 5–12 with a medium width and an Arch M–Brace for added support in the arch area.

Shoe options for today's nurses are much more diverse, providing a wide range of styles that are both practical and fashionable. If you want to buy some nice shoes, you should look for ones that have all the features you need (they should be supportive, comfortable, easy to clean, fashionable, etc.). The Hoka One One (available at Road Runner Sports) is a great option to try out first. The Brooks Addiction Walker Walking Shoes (available to view and purchase on Amazon) are an excellent option for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis.

Think about your body's reaction to various shoe styles when trying to decide which one would be best for a long shift. Any discomfort in the ankles, calves, legs, or feet may be a sign that your current footwear is inadequate. As one doctor puts it, "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." D , podiatric surgeon at Kaiser Permanente and a member of the APMA's communications committee "I would recommend shoes that have a higher heel than the forefoot, referred to as positive drop in athletic type of shoes," she says of her recommendation for those suffering from heel pain "caused by plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis." If you are experiencing foot or leg pain after a shift and want to know what you can do to prevent it, you should consult a podiatrist.

Numerous shoe designs exist that could be comfortable enough for an entire workday. It's all a matter of finding your own personal preference in terms of aesthetics. Colorado nurse Alyssa Schiffer, who works in the pediatric intensive care unit, says, "I look for style and comfort, and neutral colors that will go with many outfits." I work in an environment where employees are encouraged to express their individuality through the clothes they wear to the office. Some people may find that a tennis shoe-style shoe provides the most support and comfort for them during the workday. Hoka One One's rocker sole design is typical of the kinds of shoes I recommend. Dr. Andrew Weil says, "This shoe is ideal for a wide variety of patients who must be on their feet for long periods of time because it is both lightweight and extremely well cushioned." Koshimune argues But, she cautions, the shoe design isn't for everyone.  

Nurses often wear clog-like shoes because they are simple to put on and take off, are long-lasting, and can be comfortable even when standing for long periods of time. However, "the problem is that they can be heavy, and they don't always work well in people who have high insteps or people who have ankle instability," Dr. According to Koshimune, When she's working, Schiffer would rather wear tennis shoes than clogs. She claims, "I have worked as a nurse in tennis shoes the entire time." I was turned off by those clogs because I've seen too many medical professionals fall down and twist an ankle while wearing them. ”

In the course of a typical shift, nurses may come into contact with a wide variety of bodily fluids. According to Schiffer, "maybe crocs aren't the shoe for you 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." "But always pick ease of movement over flash, because those long 12-hour days will catch up with you." Nurses who frequently deal with blood and other potentially infectious fluids should prioritize wearing shoes made from materials that are simple to disinfect. As a result, the shoe's surface is less likely to be stained. Additionally, many nursing shoes feature fluid resistance, making them less likely to absorb moisture.

  • When looking for shoes, what kind of arch support should nurses prioritize?

    The person who will be wearing the shoe is the primary determinant of the answer to this question. The size of an individual's arch can vary because of the unique anatomy of each person's feet. A nurse with high arches might benefit from one type of arch support, but a person with flat feet might not. It's important to think about how the arch support in your shoe interacts with the rest of your footwear. As an example, a more flexible shoe could use a more rigid insole, while a very rigid shoe might not require a rigid insole at all," Dr. According to Koshimune However, "this also depends on the foot structure, body habitus, walking surface, the number of hours worked, the number of steps taken during shift, etc." Some people with flat feet do better with a stiffer insole that provides less arch support, while those with higher arches do better with a more cushioned insole. If you want advice on the best type of arch support to use for your feet in the workplace, a podiatrist is the best person to consult.

  • How well-supported are running and tennis shoes for long shifts on the nursing floor?

    Again, this is dependent on the tennis shoe and the intended wearer. When asked about the quality of running shoes, Dr. Koshimune argues When contrasting tennis shoes, it's important to think about the different types of padding offered by the various styles. Check out how the shoe's sole and inner sole are made as well. "Some are made on purpose to have as little cushion and shock absorption as possible," says Dr. In Koshimune's words When it comes to restricting motion at the foot's joints, "others are quite robust and have a lot of material in the sole and inner sole that helps to limit movement," which may be preferable for those who have a different type of foot structure. If you need advice on what to look for in a pair of running or tennis shoes, consult a professional.

"How the wearer feels at the end of a shift is the most important factor in making the final decision." After a long shift, some nurses may find that they don't care what kind of shoes they're wearing. Nonetheless, some people may find that different shoes cause them to tire out their feet and legs in different ways. Dr. Diane Koshimune, a podiatric surgeon at Kaiser Permanente and a member of the APMA's communications committee

Leah Groth, a well-known health writer and product expert around the world, knows that no one likes wasting time or money on useless products. She has reviewed hundreds of products and talked to the world's leading health experts to help readers like you find the best health tools, potions, and supplements to help you feel and look fantastic.

By Danielle Zoellner, with additional reporting.

Veteran health journalist Danielle Zoellner understands how crucial it is to locate a remedy that precisely addresses one's health concerns. Danielle has reviewed dozens of products and conducted hundreds of interviews with medical and health professionals over the course of her career. To help readers like you find the best products for your everyday needs, she draws on her extensive experience and expertise in the field.