The Best Shoes for Nurses That Will Keep You Comfortable Through All Your Rounds

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The idiom "walk a mile in my shoes" takes on new meaning when you're a nurse. For starters, some studies have shown that during a 12-hour shift, nurses can walk an average of three to five miles. That means you'll need comfortable shoes that are up to the task.

After speaking to podiatrists, nurses and other experts, then scouring online reviews, we've rounded up the best shoes for nurses, from cushy walking shoes designed to offer extra support during long shifts to hardworking rubber clogs that are easy to clean.

Whether you're male or female, when shopping for nurse shoes, you'll want to prioritize options with spacious toe boxes, sufficient arch support, and adequate cushioning. Being on your feet all day can be painful, especially if you aren't wearing the proper footwear! Foot pain can also be exacerbated by bunions or plantar fasciitis, so if you're a nurse with these conditions, you'll want to be especially thoughtful with your shoe choices. Depending on the setting you work in, you may also want to buy shoes made with materials that are particularly easy to clean.

Keep reading for full reviews of our top expert-recommended picks, and head to the end of this guide for more advice from experts on how to choose the best shoes for nurses. Take note: These shoes also make thoughtful gifts for your favorite nurse or nursing graduate, too!

Bondi 8

Whether you're planning to run marathons or run rounds, these Hoka running shoes are renowned for their next-level cushioning. So much so, that they've been awarded a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

“Hoka is a brand that I often wear for long days on my feet doing surgeries,” says board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon Dr. Brad Schaeffer, DPM, who works at Central Park SOLE and stars on TLC’s My Feet Are Killing Me. “This pair in particular provides a great balance for heel strike to toe-off with good stability and really adequate cushioning.”

Schaeffer isn’t the only fan of Hoka's Bondi sneakers. Louisville, Kentucky-based family nurse practitioner Jessica R. Perez, APRN, FNP-BC, swears by them, too. “They’re super comfortable, come in cute colors, and are very durable, so they’re worth the investment in my opinion,” she says.

Women's Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe

If you're looking for a budget-friendly pair of women's shoes, look no further. The product developers at Rykä spent 35 years perfecting a silhouette designed specifically with a woman's unique foot shape in mind. So it's no surprise that the Rykä Devotion Plus 2 Sneaker has earned such a loyal following.

Over 11,000 Amazon shoppers have given this supportive mesh sneaker a 5-star review, applauding everything from the breathable design and non-slip outsole to the superior cushioning that helps take pressure off feet and joints.

Women's Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe

These cute sneakers have plenty of features that make them ideal for nurses, including plenty of midsole cushioning, durable rubber soles, a unique heel design that hugs the foot and a ton of color options.

There are also plenty of glowing reviews from actual nurses. "WOW! I am a nurse and these are awesome!" shared one Amazon shopper. "Comfortable, breathable, reduces leg exhaustion, and just good to look at all in one. This is proof that comfort DOESN'T have to be ugly!"

Professional Petrol Patent

Dansko Professional Clogs, which have the APMA seal of approval, have long been a favorite among nurses and podiatrists alike — and for good reason! “The rocker bottom helps provide good balance transfer between heel strike and toe-off, the forward motion while walking,” Dr. Schaeffer says. Because of this, they help distribute pressure, making for comfortable wear when you're on your feet all day.

“They have all the elements that nurses should look for in a proper-fitting shoe, including a roomy and reinforced toe box so your toes and feet don’t feel pinched or constricted, arch support, a padded instep, and a protective heel counter that allows the heel to move up and down freely while providing lateral stability,” Dr. Schaeffer adds.

Dominion Fertility nurse Ashley Vargas, LPN, who was a frontline worker in the INOVA ER during the pandemic, can back up these claims. “These clogs provided a lot of support and comfort when I was on my feet for hours in the ER,” she says. “The heel support was something that I didn't know I needed until I started wearing these shoes and noticed how much better my feet felt.”

Another highlight of these clogs: The water-resistant patent leather design. “They’re so easy to clean — when COVID hit, I could easily wipe them down and disinfect them,” Vargas says.

Unisex Adult Bistro Clog

Dr. Schaeffer is quick to point out that medical professionals love their Crocs. “Not only do they have cushioned footbeds that massage your feet, they’re also breathable, have great slip-resistant soles, are water resistant, and, importantly, they’re easy to clean,” he says.

While he recommends Crocs' often-sold out Women's Mercy Work Clog, he adds that Crocs' Unisex Bistro Clog is just as great (to wit, it has over 40,000 5-star reviews on Amazon). Take note that while the Bistro Clog features indents on the sides, they aren't holes. While this makes the shoe slightly less breathable, it also means your foot will be more protected from spills and other messes.

Work Relaxed Fit Nampa-Annod SR

While not the most stylish option, these practical shoes from Skechers have plenty of features that make them especially suited for nurses and other healthcare workers. They're slip resistant, have a synthetic leather upper that's easy to wipe clean, and feature a supportive memory-foam insole that makes them comfortable to wear for hours on end. "I work in a hospital and log an average of 20,000+ steps per day," shared one reviewer. "These shoes are perfect for being on your feet for long periods of time."

Women's Classic

Clove is a footwear brand that caters specifically to healthcare professionals. The brand's best-seller is the Women's Classic sneaker, which is made from a "fluid-resistant" leather-like microfiber fabric that's designed to prevent stains and be super easy to clean. So if you regularly come into contact with messes on the job, these shoes aim to keep your feet dry, all while looking quite stylish in the process.

Twelves Flow Athletic Shoe

Yes, stylish shoes for nurses in wide widths do exist! Case in point: Bala Twelves, a fluid-resistant shoe made specifically for those in the healthcare industry. With compressive knit uppers, supportive arches and cushioning, plus a high-traction outsole, these sleek sneakers are a nurse's dream, according to reviewers. In fact, Perez is one of the shoe’s many fans. “They have a snug fit, they stay comfortable for full shifts, and they’re very easy to clean,” she assures us, noting that even her white pair has held up well.

New Balance 5740

Another pair of shoes designed specifically with healthcare workers in mind? Yes, please! The New Balance x FIGS 5740 Unisex Sneaker is a lightweight, retro-inspired shoe with a water-repellent upper, an antimicrobial, anti-odor insole, and durable rubber outsoles. Plus, just look at them: Available in six different color combos, they're a style statement in and of themself. And when you purchase them, you'll even be shown which FIGS scrubs they'd look best with, so it might inspire you to update not only your nursing shoes but your work clothes, too.

Women's GDEFY MATeeM Athletic Shoes

For those who love the look and feel of sock-like knit sneakers, Dr. Schaeffer recommends the newly released GDEFY MATeeM Athletic Shoes. “These active shoes are made with 'Corrective Fit' orthotics and are designed with great shock absorption, including cushioning and stability for comfort,” he says. “I always refer to our feet as the body’s shock absorbers, and this brand has a patented system that claims to absorb the shock and convert it into renewed energy to keep you on your feet longer.”

Classic Glitter Clog

While all Crocs are beloved for their cushy EVA footbeds that make for all-day comfort, Vargas recommends the Classic Glitter Clog most of all — so long as you're not in a high fluid-impact role.

"In the ER, we were highly encouraged not to wear open-heel shoes like Crocs, but in my new role, within a fertility private practice where it's more of a controlled atmosphere, they're my go-to," she says. "They're comfortable and sold in so many great colors, which makes it fun when most medical shoes are plain. Plus, in fertility, I like to bring a little bit more joy to my attire, and my patients love my sparkly pink Crocs — I literally don't go a day without someone complimenting them."

Women's Frontline Work Shoes

If you're looking for waterproof shoes, consider GALES' Frontline Work Shoe. They look like slip-on Vans or Keds, but are made of stain-proof synthetic rubber. To prevent them from getting sweaty, there are two air holes along the instep of each shoe. Additionally, they're lined with Ortholite insoles, which help cushion any impact.

What to look for when shopping for the best shoes for nurses

When shopping for shoes as a nurse, you'll want to keep a few things in mind, according to the experts we spoke with. Look for:

✔️ A cushy-yet-lightweight silhouette: When you're on your feet all day, the last thing you want is to feel dragged down by your shoes. No one wants to feel like there's a firm brick beneath your foot with each step! With this in mind, look for shoes that feature ergonomic cushioning that fits the natural contour of your soles, and prioritize those with at least 8 mm of cushioning or more.

✔️ Ample arch support: The longer you stand, the more your arches will take on that stress. As such, opting for shoes with built-in arch support can be a good idea. That said, if you have a pair of shoes that you love but simply wish they offered more support, there's always the option to add insoles, which can provide cushion, arch support, and shock absorption.

If your biggest concern is joint pain associated with being on your feet all day, Dr. Schaeffer recommends Dr. Scholl’s Prevent Pain Lower Body Protective Insoles ($18). “They’re designed to reduce the leading cause of pain in key lower body joints — your feet, knees, and lower back — from reoccurring, so they’re perfect for nurses who are on their feet most of the day,” he says.

✔️ An easy-to-clean material: Generally speaking, nurses fare best with fluid-resistant and waterproof shoes, as they'll hold up the best over time.

✔️ A slip-resistant sole: Since hospitals and medical spaces are equipped with hard floors and prone to spills, it's important to look for shoes with slip-resistant soles to prevent accidental falls.

FAQs

• What kind of shoes are nurses supposed to wear?
  Nurses will be the most comfortable in breathable, supportive, cushioned shoes that are resistant to liquids, if not fully waterproof. While slip-on mesh and knit shoes are comfortable and convenient options, Dr. Schaeffer says that "lace-up shoes offer the ability to adjust the fit during the day and may be a better option for longer stretches of time."

• What type of sneaker is best for nurses?
  While an APMA Seal of Acceptance is a great indicator, typically, a good shoe for nurses is made with breathable, fluid-resistant materials, supportive arches, slip-resistant outsoles, and ample cushioning. That said, no two feet are identical, so it's important to consider your personal preferences when selecting your ideal shoe.

• What is the best shoe for standing all day?
  In short, one that's designed to evenly distribute pressure and absorb shock. Typically, these shoes are categorized as running or walking shoes, while lifting shoes will likely be too firm for all-day comfort.

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