The 12 Best Shoes for Nurses, According to Podiatrists and Real Healthcare Workers
Many R.N.s spend long days standing on their feet, making the proper footwear important to avoid pain and even potential injury. The best shoes for nurses support arches, offer ample cushion, and grip the floor to avoid slipping when running between patients.
Meet the experts: Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in Kansas City, MO; Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist with the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Texas; Katie Levitt, N.P., a nurse practitioner in NYC; Leah Weiss, R.N., a nurse in NYC; and Ali Walker, P.T., D.P.T., N.C.S., a physical therapist in Florida.
“Nursing footwear is very individual,” explains Leah Weiss, R.N., a registered nurse in NYC. Depending on your needs, you may require shoes for plantar fasciitis, shoes for back pain, or even shoes to wear with orthotics. “Not wearing the right shoes can cause many issues aside from foot discomfort, including pain in the hips, knees, and back, so it’s important to have a good stable pair of shoes that put your body in the correct equilibrium,” Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in Kansas City, MO, explains. “The longer you are on your feet with bad or uncomfortable shoes, the worse those problems can become. This is especially important for people who have jobs that force them to be on their feet all day.”
Ahead, find the best shoes for nurses and workers who stand on their feet all day.
A favorite of Katie Levitt, N.P., a nurse practitioner in NYC, these are some of the most cushioned shoes available. Hoka’s Bondi 8s are especially great for people who don’t want a pair of shoes that they’ll only wear to work since these durable kicks are also designed for running, walking, or just heading to the grocery store after a shift. Plus, the supremely soft but supportive EVA midsoles mean they’re a good fit for anyone with plantar fasciitis.
“This is a great shoe for those on their feet long hours, especially those on hard surfaces,” says Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist with the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Texas. “This particular model of Hoka shoes is a neutral shoe with plush cushioning. This is perfect for someone with higher arches that needs shock absorption.”
We even put this sneaker to the test, confirming that it’s incredibly supportive. It’s even one of our picks for the best Hoka shoes for walking.
Weiss says Crocs “surprised” her—in a good way. “Crocs surprised me how comfortable they were. I wore them during my pregnancy,” she says. This version made specifically for those who stand for long hours is a favorite of Sayed’s, too. These shoes have an enclosed and reinforced heel and toe to help protect your feet, while offering arch support for comfort and slip-resistant treads for safety.
Brooks is known for its quality running shoes, and its Ghost sneakers are no exception. They’re described in terms typically reserved for luxury cars: plush, with a smooth ride. Tons of supportive cushioning and a secure fit ensures you’ll stay comfy throughout your shift.
This model, in particular, is editor-approved (check out a full Brooks Ghost 15 review from a shopping editor who’s an avid runner). Podiatrists love it, too. “This is another great shoe for those with a high arched/neutral foot,” says Sharkey. “Great balance between support and shock absorption.”
“I live and die by my Dansko clogs—they provide incredible back support and I can stand in them for hours,” Weiss says. Levitt also recommends these clogs—and so do podiatrists. This classic leather pair has a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association and is also recommended by Sayed and Sharkey. It features a roomy toe box, a comfy platform, and an antimicrobial lining to ward off odor after all-day wear.
“This was my personal favorite for long hours of standing in the OR during residency,” says Sharkey. “Can take a little while to get used to the firm sole, but overall these are still my top recommendation for those who will be standing mostly in one place for long periods of time.”
With three different width options, Naturalizer’s super-comfy shoes are designed for people who need to be on their feet all day. This pair features a contoured, dual-dense footbed that provides plenty of support to the arches and heels. Plus, it has cooling lining to keep your feet dry.
“These shoes are fantastic! I work in a clinic standing all day but wear business casual,” a reviewer explained. “I need to be able to squat and kneel often during the day. I also have relatively flat feet, and the shoes are very well-cushioned and supportive. They are also very on-trend at the moment.”
These kicks are super lightweight with unique air-cooled memory foam comfort insoles and non-slip flexible traction outsoles, which help you avoid slipping while running across the emergency room. And they come with a shock-absorbing midsole, meaning your feet will feel cushioned and comfortable all day.
“Working as a nurse in the health care field, comfort is extremely important to me,” wrote one reviewer. “This particular shoe by Sketchers provides great support and comfort.”
Ali Walker, P.T., D.P.T., N.C.S., a physical therapist in Florida, says “I actually had to go through a couple pairs before I landed on these.” As a physical therapist often on her feet, she liked these so much she got the same version after her other ones wore out. And they’re affordable. If you’re looking for a more updated version, the latest iteration of the shoe is the Kinvara 14, which is worth considering. But these are half the price.
Weiss recommends On shoes for nurses, specifically this waterproof iteration of the brand’s popular Cloudflyer style. “These are super lightweight and waterproof; very comfortable cushion,” she notes. The fully waterproof membrane keeps you safe from spills, while the brand’s signature CloudTec cushioning keeps you comfortable and supported no matter what the day brings you. These also feature reflective fabric for high visibility when you’re walking to your car or commuting in the dark.
Weiss says surgeons she works with swear by Calzuro clogs for long shifts. “An alternative to Dansko in the clog department, I see a ton of surgeons wear them and stand by them,” she says. The brand notes that the shoes were designed for those in the medical field, stating that it is sterilizable, autoclavable (a steam sterilization method), and antistatic. Plus, the short heel strategically reduces fatigue from standing for long hours.
How to choose the best shoes for nurses
✔️ Consider the type of shoe. Sneakers are great but so are clogs, as they tend to have a wide toe box, which helps accommodate feet as they naturally expand throughout the day.
✔️ Look for shoes that are durable but lightweight. If you’re a nurse, you’re probably logging several miles a day around the hospital, which means you want shoes that are light enough to exert less energy with each stride, while still being durable enough to withstand the frequent wear and tear that will come with standing and working all day.
✔️ Aim for a slip-resistant sole. You never know what messes will come your way while you’re on a shift, so shoes with a slip-resistant sole are key. Grippy soles will help ensure stability and balance, ensuring your safety while you’re hustling from one patient to another across the hospital.
What’s the best shoe for standing all day?
Many shoes offer support and comfort for those standing for hours. As noted, it’s important to select shoes that have good non-slip grip for running between patients, as well as extra cushioning that supports those who stand for long periods of time. Dansko is a favorite brand among experts and reviewers and even has a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Hokas are also a great option, as are the rest of the shoes on this list.
