The 10 Best Shoes for Nurses in 2024, According to Nurses Themselves

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Nursing demands so much — hours spent on your feet, rushing from room to room, dodging whatever might be splashing about. That's why finding the right shoes isn't just important, it's essential. When we set out to find the best shoes for nurses, started by going straight to the source.

"It’s got to have cushion, arch support, and preferably be washable because, you know, fluids," said San Diego-based Laura Eichinger, RN, MSN. Many brands claim their running shoes and clogs have these benefits, not all do. While there are some ubiquitous brands among units — Nike, ON's Cloud shoes, Adidas, Birkenstock — settling on the right pair is a personal choice. "I rotate between three different pairs just to give my feet a break," said McKenzie Oliver, a Portland-based BSN, RN.

After securing a few recommendations from nurses, we scoured the Amazon reviews. Which shoes were still comfortable after a 12-hour shift? What shoes were protective in chaos of the ER? These are the winners. If you're looking for a gift for a nurse, you're probably safe with any of the below options — just make sure you get the right size!

Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoe

With tens of thousands of 5-star ratings on Amazon — many of them from nurses — this is the clear winner for both functionality and price. Nurses say these are lightweight, comfortable, and dry out easily in the sun. Put simply, they are "the best shoes to do a nursing shift in!" There are also 45 color combinations, and we love a shoe with options.

Clifton 8

Yes, HOKA shoes are expensive, but consider how much literal mileage nurses log when they're working 12-hour shifts. Amazon reviewers love these "excellent" shoes, saying wearing them "feels like you're walking on air." One Amazon review is simply titled "OH MY GOD," and they meant it in a good way.

Cloud 5 Sneakers

ON's Cloud collection represents some of the most popular shoes for nurses right now, according to Oliver, who has a pair of them in her rotation. Nurses in the Amazon reviews are all about the lightweight design, which comes courtesy of the brand's patented zero-gravity foam sole. There are also 38(!) color combinations, so if you like these, stock up on more.

Excite 9 Running Shoes

The Amazon review section for this pair of ASICS is full of nurses singing their praises. "I’m a nurse who works 12-hour shifts [and] these provide comfort, support, and a bit of flash," reads one review. They hit all the necessary requirements: machine-washable, equipped with gel insoles, and a moisture-managing interior liner. There are also 15 color variations, so you can pick the shade that works best with your scrubs.

Clara Shoe

Clove is the underdog taking the nursing world by storm. The brand was born with a mission to create shoes for healthcare workers, meaning every model they have is designed with medical professionals in mind. Like all their shoes, the Clara (pictured) is fluid-resistant and easy to clean. It comes in a variety of colors for men and women, and if the strap look isn't your jam, they have lots of options with laces.

Squad Service Shoe

Throw it back to the '90s with this OG service shoe from Skechers. Several nurses on Amazon swear they forget they're even wearing shoes — hours into a shift! The rubber sole ensures you won't slip on, well, whatever fluids are on the hospital floor. These also come with a gold trim, in case you want to be a little fancy.

Air Zoom Pulse Shoes

The Air Zoom Pulse shoes might be one of Nike's least flashy shoes, but they were specifically built with nurses and doctors in mind. The slip-ons are durable, washable, and, most importantly, comfortable for 12-hour shifts. One Amazon reviewer claims that after 25 years on the job, they have never had a "more comfy shoe." And hey, if black isn't your jam, there are a few other colors available.

Classic Clogs

Clogs can be a polarizing topic amongst medical professionals; you either love them or you hate them. For those who love them, Calzuro is the way to go. Engineered to withstand hours of continual use, the brand's classic clog is renowned for being autoclavable, meaning they can be sterilized in the workplace. They're slip-resistant, come in tons of colors, and you can switch up your look with detachable straps.

Note: These shoes run small; be sure to check the size guide before ordering.

Super-Birki

Birkenstock's popular polyurethane clog comes with the brand's classic cork bed, a lifesaver for those working long shifts. The model comes in a variety of bright and subdued colors, and reviewers noted that these are particularly comfortable for people who struggle with foot pain due to plantar fasciitis. For those who aren't in units that require sterilization, the Kay SL Birkenstock earns similarly great reviews.

Specialist II Clog

The Specialist II Clog has a lot going for it: it's easy to clean with soap and water, Amazon reviewers swear it's one of the most comfortable models out there, and it's one of the most affordable (yet quality) nursing shoes out there. The downside? No holes for Jibbitz.

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