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What are the best shoes for nurses and healthcare professionals? It seems like a simple question. But the answer can get really complicated. Not just any old walking shoe will do for nurses on their feet all day. That's why we asked the nurses themselves. Here are the nursing shoes that were most recommended by our online community of over 500K nurses.

How We Chose the Best Shoes For Nurses

To discover which shoes truly meet the needs of nurses, we turned to our vibrant community of over 500,000 nurses. We asked them to share the footwear they swear by for long shifts, comfort, and durability. We then took all the responses from our community and selected the shoes with the most recommendations. 

We didn’t stop there – we wanted real, firsthand experiences. We reached out to nurses across the country, inviting them to wear the top shoes recommended by their fellow healthcare professionals and provide us with honest, in-depth feedback. From bustling hospital floors to fast-paced clinics, nurses wore these shoes during their shifts and shared how they held up under the demands of their jobs, ranking them in terms of quality, cost, comfort, water resistance, sharpes resistance, non-slip, style, foot support, durability, and ability to clean.

So, here it is! Our list of the best shoes for nurses, ranked by their overall scores. 

Nurse.org may receive a portion of sales via affiliate links on this page. We strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service.

1. Uni Shoes* - Best Overall!

Overall rating: 4.8

Uni shoes scored the highest overall, making it our top pick for nursing shoes! Founded by nurses, Uni was ranked highly across all categories, with its only ding being the high cost. 

Nurses appreciate Uni's fluid-resistant technology and stylish appearance, which allows them to express their personality while maintaining professional standards.  Uni offers a range of comfortable and supportive options, including mid-rise styles for those needing extra ankle support, addressing a gap in the market for fashionable yet functional nursing footwear.

Q&A

  • Do you have any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions that usually influence your shoe purchase?
    • “No”
  • What shoes do you usually wear to work and why?
    • “Unis or Air Force 1s. I like shoes that are comfortable and stylish!”
  • How long are you usually at work during a typical shift?
    • “8-hour shifts.”
  • Is there anything else you think nurses should know about Uni shoes? 
    • “They are WAY more comfortable than any of the other shoes marketed to nurses that are currently available and they look so much better. The mid options are great for those of us who need ankle support and no other nursing shoe has that option!”
  • Would you recommend them to a coworker? 
    • “100%, and I have!”

2. Asics Shoes 

Overall rating: 4.8

The second-highest ranked nursing shoe was Asics, which received high marks in nearly every category. Nurses particularly appreciate Asics' Gel-Nimbus and Gel-Kayano series, which feature innovative gel cushioning systems that absorb shock and provide excellent arch support during long shifts.

Additionally, Asics offers a generous 25% discount for medical professionals through their Medical Professional Discount program, making these high-quality shoes more accessible to healthcare workers.

3. Clove Shoes

Overall rating: 4.7

Clove shoes have gained popularity among healthcare professionals for their innovative design tailored specifically for the demands of nursing. Nurses appreciate their fluid-resistant materials and easy-to-clean surfaces, which help maintain hygiene in fast-paced environments, as well as the comfort and support they offer during long shifts.

 

Pros:

  • "My body feels aligned, and I have more support."
  • "It only takes one day to get used to them. With new shoes I usually have to break them in before they feel comfortable. I didn't have to do that with Cloves."

Cons:

  • No cons were reported by the reviewer.

 

4. Hoka One One Shoes

Overall rating: 4.6

HOKA ONE ONE shoes have become increasingly popular among nurses for their exceptional cushioning and support during long shifts on hard hospital floors. Nurses particularly appreciate the thick, lightweight midsoles that provide excellent shock absorption and reduce fatigue in the feet and legs. Additionally, many nurses praise HOKA's rocker-bottom design, which promotes a smooth, efficient gait and helps alleviate pressure on the joints during extended periods of standing and walking.
 

Pros:

  • “I enjoyed the extreme support the sneaker has. It is instantly noticeable that the soul of the foot will be cradled throughout the day."
  •  I also took them running (they are primarily a running shoe) and the support on the foot upon impact with the floor is INCREDIBLE.”

Cons:

  • “It is bulky and definitely tricky to style."

5. Figs | New Balance 996 Unisex

Overall Rating: 4.6

New Balance's collaboration with FIGS has created a stylish and functional footwear line specifically designed for healthcare professionals, addressing the unique demands of nurses on their feet all day. Nurses appreciate these shoes for their lightweight construction and supportive features, which provide comfort during long shifts while also allowing for personal expression through trendy designs.

Pros:

  • "The shoes are incredibly stylish but also comfortable."
  • "These shoes are perfect for someone who wants a little height because the soles are thick."
  •  "I could also wear these shoes out and about because they're comfortable, functional, and stylish.”

Cons:

  • They're not sharpes resistant.