The Best Shoes For Nurses in 2024, According to Nurses
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. 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.
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The Best Shoes for Nurses
If you want to jump to a specific shoe review, click on the link below.
- Clove
- STAND+ Shoes (formerly Gales)
- Uni Shoes
- Calzuro
- Figs New Balance 996 Unisex
- Asics Shoes
- Brooks Running Shoes
- NIKE Vapormax
- Hoka One One
- Alegria women
- On Cloud Running Shoes
- Vessi
- Dansko Nursing Clogs
- Compression Socks
How We Chose the Best Shoes For Nurses
To help answer these questions, and more, we put the top-rated nurse shoes to the test! And, by “top-rated” we actually mean TOP RATED BY NURSES!
To narrow down the best shoes for nurses as recommended by nurses, we then took all the responses from our community and selected the shoes with the most recommendations.
We decided to put the 10 highest recommended nursing shoes to the ultimate test - on the feet of actual nurses who work at busy hospitals around the county. Our group of nurse product testers was asked to select a pair of shoes and to wear them to work (yes, they got to keep the shoes!)
After the nurses wore the shoes to work a few times, they rated them, ranked them, and gave us their honest review of the shoes. Their truthful responses just might surprise you.
So, here it is! Our list of the best shoes for nurses, ranked on a scale of 1 to 5 - with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best.
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. Clove Shoes
Overall rating: 5
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.
Reviewer: Sherri BSN, RN, is a Medical/Surgical nurse with over 21 years of experience. She tested Clove’s Nightshift shoe for healthcare workers two times during her 13+ hour shifts before writing this review. Follow @everystepnurse on Instagram!
Clove Shoe Rating
Title
| Quality | 5 |
| Cost | 4 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Water Resistant | 5 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 5 |
| Non-Slip | 5 |
| Style/Fashion | 4 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 4 |
| Durability | 5 |
| Ability to Clean | 5 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
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?
- “Sports sneakers (Nike)”
- How long are you usually at work during a typical shift?
- “13+ hours”
- Is there anything else you think nurses should know about Cloves shoes?
- “I think nurses should that Cloves is a brand created to provide healthcare workers with a comfy shoe option to get them through their long grueling shifts. Cloves understands that working as a healthcare professional is not easy and often as we’re caring for others we neglect our own self care, including footwork that offers proper support. Cloves has helped prioritize our safety and comfort by creating this shoe!”
- Would you recommend them to a coworker?
- “Absolutely! A lot of my coworkers asked me about them.”
2. STAND+ Shoes (formerly Gales)
Overall Rating: 5
STAND+ are the first PPE shoes designed specifically for nurses, and they come in a variety of colors—white, black, blue, purple, and teal! Nurses appreciate STAND+ shoes' antimicrobial, fluid-resistant materials and easy-to-clean surfaces, which help maintain hygiene in healthcare settings and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Pros:
- "It’s snug, comfy, has no shoe laces, and are grab-and-go shoes"
Cons:
- "I wish it had more ankle support"
- Not sharpes-resistant
Reviewer: Alice Benjamin, MSN, BSN, RN, is a Critical Care nurse with over 20 years of experience. She tested Gales Shoes at work for three shifts. Follow @asknursealice on Instagram!
STAND+ Shoe Rating
Title
| Quality | 5 |
| Cost | 4 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Water Resistant | 5 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 3 |
| Non-Slip | 5 |
| Style/Fashion | 5 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 4 |
| Durability | 5 |
| Ability to Clean | 4 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
Q&A
- How many times did you wear them to work?
- "I’ve been wearing my STAND+ shoes for the past 4 weeks. I don’t have to remove them at all during the shift."
- Is there anything else you think nurses should know about STAND+ (formerly Gales) shoes?
- "No."
- Would you buy the test shoes again or recommend them to a coworker?
- "Yes."
3. Uni Shoes
Overall rating: 5
Nurses appreciate Uni's fluid-resistant technology and stylish appearance, which allows them to express their personality while maintaining professional standards. Founded by nurses, 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.
Pros:
- “They are super comfortable and stylish—everything I want in a shoe. PLUS they are fluid resistant which is great for when it randomly pours down here and I didn’t come to work prepared. Even better, Uni is a nurse-founded company!”
Cons:
- “The cost is a little high, which is an issue I’ve heard from friends who love the shoe but may not be able to afford the $150 price tag.”
Reviewer: Em Jamieson, RN, BSN, OCN, is an Oncology nurse with 6 years under her belt. She’s on her feet for 5-6 hours at work. Em tested Uni shoes for 3 shifts. Follow @thatspitfirenurse on Instagram!
>>Buy Uni Shoes For $159.99 and get $10 OFF with code: NURSEORG
Uni Shoe Rating
Title
| Quality | 5 |
| Cost | 3 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Water Resistant | 5 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 5 |
| Non-Slip | 5 |
| Style/Fashion | 5 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 5 |
| Durability | 5 |
| Ability to Clean | 5 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
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!”
4. Calzuro Shoes
Overall rating: 4.5
Calzuro shoes are well-known in the nursing community for their exceptional comfort and durability during long shifts. Nurses appreciate their water-resistant and easy-to-clean design, which is crucial in healthcare settings where spills and contamination are common.
Pros:
- "Lightweight, enough room in the toes area."
- "They are very very easy to clean and are comfortable!"
Cons:
- "The shoes may seem like they’ll slip off sometimes because at work I’m speed walking most of the time, in addition to standing."
Reviewer: Melanie Gomez, RN, is a pediatric critical care nurse with two years of experience in that specialty and has been working in nursing for a total of four years. Her role in critical care is intense and requires many hours on her feet. Follow Melanie on Instagram or TikTok!
Calzuro Shoe Rating
Title
| Quality | 5 |
| Cost | 4 |
| Comfort | 4 |
| Water Resistant | 5 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 5 |
| Non-Slip | 5 |
| Style/Fashion | 4 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 4 |
| Durability | 4 |
| Ability to Clean | 5 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
Q&A
- Do you have any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions that usually influence your shoe purchase?
- “I sprained my right ankle pretty bad a few years ago so that foot will ache every now and then, and I have tendinitis in both of my knees so I am very particular about what shoes I wear.”
- What shoes do you usually wear to work and why?
- “I normally wear sneakers to work because they are usually easy to style with scrubs.”
- How long are you usually at work during a typical shift?
- “12+ hours.”
- Is there anything else you think nurses should know about Calzuro shoes?
- “They are very very easy to clean and are comfortable!”
- Would you recommend them to a coworker?
- “Yes!”
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.
Reviewer: Sibyl Vinas Meza is a Labor and Delivery nurse with 5 years of experience. She tested Figs’s New Balance shoes at work. Follow @nurse.sibyl on Instagram and TikTok!
>>Shop Figs | New Balance 996 Unisex for $98
FIGS | New Balance Shoes Rating
Title
| Quality | 5 |
| Cost | 5 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Water Resistant | 3 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 3 |
| Non-Slip | 5 |
| Style/Fashion | 5 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 5 |
| Durability | 5 |
| Ability to Clean | 5 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
Q&A
- Do you have any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions that usually influence your shoe purchase?
- "Wide, flat feet with some plantar fasciitis pain.”
- What shoes do you usually wear to work and why?
- “I like to wear sneakers or a clog-style shoe. These seem to give me the least amount of pain.”
- How long are you usually at work during a typical shift?
- “Over 12 hours”
- Is there anything else you think nurses should know about FIGS | New Balance shoes?
- “These shoes are a conversation starter. Lots of compliments on them they do not blend in.”
- Would you recommend them to a coworker?
- “Yes
5. Asics Shoes
Overall rating: 4.9
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.
Pros:
- “They are comfortable on my feet even after several hours of standing.”
Cons:
- “They are lace-up. I hate having to re-tie my shoes often. They came with long laces.”
Reviewer: Alice Benjamin, MSN, BSN, RN is a Critical Care nurse with over 20 years of experience and she tested Asics Novablast tennis shoes at work for 3 shifts. Follow @asknursealice on Instagram!
Shop Asics Novablast running shoes on Amazon for $139.95
Asics Shoe Rating
Title
| Quality | 5 |
| Cost | 5 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Water Resistant | 4 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 5 |
| Non-Slip | 5 |
| Style/Fashion | 5 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 4 |
| Durability | 5 |
| Ability to Clean | 5 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
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?
- “I usually wear Nikes or some type of running shoe because they are comfy and don’t hurt when I am running all day.”
- How long are you usually at work during a typical shift?
- “Over 12 -hour shifts.”
- Is there anything else you think nurses should know about Asics shoes?
- “No”
- Would you recommend them to a coworker?
- “Yes”
7. Brooks Shoes
Overall rating: 4.2
Brooks running shoes have become a top choice for nurses due to their exceptional comfort and support during long shifts on hard hospital floors. Nurses particularly appreciate the Brooks Ghost and Adrenaline GTS series, which offers excellent cushioning, stability, and durability to withstand the demands of healthcare environments.
Pros:
- “My feet did not hurt after an intense movement."
- "The fit of the shoe was true to size and did not require a "break-in" period."
- I also ran several miles in the shoes to test comfort and durability and they proved to be great shoes.”
Cons:
- “From a consumer standpoint, they are pretty expensive. > $110.00”
- Not sharpes-resistant
- Not waterproof
Reviewer: Wali Khan, DNAP, CRNA, is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with 15 years of experience, and he tested Brooks Ghost 12 running shoes three times before writing this review. Follow @wali_khann on Instagram!
Shop Brooks Ghost 12 running shoes on Amazon starting at $139.00
Brooks Shoe Rating
Title
| Quality | 5 |
| Cost | 4 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Water Resistant | 3 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 3 |
| Non-Slip | 4 |
| Style/Fashion | 4 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 5 |
| Durability | 5 |
| Ability to Clean | 4 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
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?
- “Nike Free Runs - They have provided sufficient comfort for the duration of the shift and have proven to be durable”
- How long are you usually at work during a typical shift?
- “Over 12 hours”
- Is there anything else you think nurses should know about Brooks shoes?
- “Allocate these shoes for one specific thing and utilize them to their full capacity. These are shoes intended for running, working out, and cross-training. They do, however, provide long-term comfort and can be used in the hospital setting for standing for long hours.”
- Would you recommend them to a coworker?
- “Yes”
8. NIKE Vapormax
Overall rating: 3.7
Nurses appreciate the VaporMax's lightweight design and full-length Air unit, which provides responsive cushioning and helps reduce fatigue during long shifts on hard hospital floors. Additionally, the Flyknit upper offers breathability and a snug, sock-like fit that adapts to the foot's movements, making these shoes ideal for the dynamic nature of nursing work.
Pros:
- “Very light and comfortable.”
Cons:
- “I prefer shoes that are more fluid-resistant.”
- Not sharpes-resistant
Reviewer: Everett Moss II, DNP, CRNA, CCRN, NRP is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with 5 years experience and he tested NIKE Vapormax at work for one full shift before writing this review. Follow @the_paramurse on Instagram!
Shop NIKE Air Vapormax on Amazon starting at $184
NIKE Vapormax Shoe Rating
Title
| Quality | 5 |
| Cost | 3 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Water Resistant | 2 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 2 |
| Non-Slip | 4 |
| Style/Fashion | 5 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 4 |
| Durability | 4 |
| Ability to Clean | 3 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
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?
- “Running Sneakers”
- How long are you usually at work during a typical shift?
- “12 hours”
- Is there anything else you think nurses should know about NIKE shoes?
- “They are very comfortable and light”
- Would you recommend them to a coworker?
- "Yes"
9. 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.”
Reviewer: Mariam Yazdi, BSN, RN is a Critical Care Nurse with 7 years of experience and she tested HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 sneakers for one full shift before writing this review.
>>Shop HOKA ONE ONE shoes on Amazon starting at $139.95
HOKA ONE ONE Shoe Rating
Title
| Quality | 5 |
| Cost | 4 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Water Resistant | 4 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 4 |
| Non-Slip | 5 |
| Style/Fashion | 4 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 5 |
| Durability | 5 |
| Ability to Clean | 5 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
Q&A
- Do you have any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions that usually influence your shoe purchase?
- “Weak ankles”
- What shoes do you usually wear to work and why?
- “I rotate between sneakers and orthopedic (Dansko type) styles to give variety to my footwear. It allows my feet to experience different pressure points instead of the same pressure points for 40 hours a week.”
- How long are you usually at work during a typical shift?
- “12 hours”
- Is there anything else you think nurses should know about Hoka One shoes?
- “This shoe definitely shines when used for running on concrete. I tend to get tired of landing on the balls of my foot when I run, even though it is "healthier" for your knees due to decreased impact. This shoe solves that. This shoe is reminiscent of the Sketchers sneaker that has a big foot cradle, but the distribution of support on the foot is MUCH better than the Sketcher line. It does not give me back or knee pain or discomfort. If you don't mind wearing a bulkier shoe for the extra support, this shoe is it.”
- Would you recommend them to a coworker?
- “Yes”
10. Alegria Shoes
Overall rating: 4
Alegria shoes are popular among nurses for their exceptional comfort and stylish designs tailored to healthcare professionals. Alegria offers clogs and slip-ons with supportive footbeds and slip-resistant outsoles, providing stability during long shifts while allowing nurses to express their individuality with vibrant colors and patterns.
Pros:
- “I like the padding on the inside and that it gives leg and calf muscle support.”
Cons:
- “Because of the shoe size, I feel they don't fit true to size. They kept rubbing on the backs and sides of my ankles. I had to wear a bandage to prevent skin breakdown.
- "They are heavy."
- They are not non-slip
Reviewer: Portia Wofford, LPN is an Infection Prevention and Control, Long Term Care nurse with 10 years experience and she wore her Alegria Dixi Professional shoes to work for one shift. Follow @thewritenurse on Instagram!
Shop Alegria Dixi Professional shoes on Amazon for $69.99
Alegria Shoe Rating
Title
| Quality | 4 |
| Cost | 3 |
| Comfort | 3 |
| Water Resistant | 5 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 5 |
| Non-Slip | 2 |
| Style/Fashion | 4 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 5 |
| Durability | 5 |
| Ability to Clean | 5 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
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?
- “Sneakers. I look for sneakers with some sort of padding inside and that will match any color scrub I wear. I also look for something with great leg and back support.”
- How long are you usually at work during a typical shift?
- “8 hours”
- What do you like about Alegria shoes?
- “I like the padding on the inside and that it gives leg and calf muscle support.”
- Would you recommend them to a coworker?
- “Yes"
11. On Cloud Shoes
Overall rating: 3.3
On Cloud shoes are popular among nurses for their innovative cushioning technology that delivers exceptional comfort during long shifts. With a lightweight design and unique CloudTec sole, these shoes absorb impact and reduce strain, making them ideal for healthcare professionals who need both performance and style in their footwear.
Pros:
- “It was very light on my foot. My feet didn’t feel heavy when wearing them.”
Cons:
- “I do not have a wide foot but these shoes were very, very narrow. They felt tight throughout the shift and I had to continue to loosen them."
- They are not easy to clean. I would have to wash them in a washing machine to properly clean them if they got bodily fluids on them.”
Reviewer: Kathleen Gaines, MSN, RN is a NICU nurse and Nurse Educator with 5 years of experience, she tested On Cloud running shoes at work for 3 shifts before writing this review.
Shop On Cloud Running Shoes for $109
On Cloud Shoe Rating
Title
| Quality | 4 |
| Cost | 2 |
| Comfort | 2 |
| Water Resistant | 1 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 1 |
| Non-Slip | 5 |
| Style/Fashion | 5 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 3 |
| Durability | 3 |
| Ability to Clean | 2 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
Q&A
- Do you have any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions that usually influence your shoe purchase?
- “High arches, ankle issue from previous surgery, normally wear orthotics in shoes”
- What shoes do you usually wear to work and why?
- “Nike Sneakers. NurseMates Compression Socks. Custom made orthotics”
- How long are you usually at work during a typical shift?
- “12 hours”
- Is there anything else you think nurses should know about On Cloud shoes?
- “These are not sharp resistant. As an ICU nurse, I wouldn’t normally wear these for nursing. They seem more like running or workout shoes and not something for nursing. Furthermore, for the cost - they are a lot compared to other sneakers.”
- Would you recommend them to a coworker?
- “No”
12. Vessi Shoes
Overall rating: 3
Vessi shoes are made from innovative Dyma-tex material, which is waterproof. Nurses love their slip-on style, appearance, and lightweight design.
Pros:
- “I liked that I was able to just slip them on and not tie/untie them each time."
- "They are very pliable which is good for my wide feet."
- "I liked the appearance. I was able to wear them out after a shift and with normal street clothes without looking like I was wearing work shoes.”
Cons:
- “They absorb and hold liquid easily. Even though they are supposed to be waterproof.
- They are almost completely fabric so although this made them very comfortable, they are probably not a great choice for ER/Critical transport work as blood/secretions do seep through easily.”
Reviewer: Cameron Hershey, BSN, RN is a Flight Nurse/Critical Care Transport nurse with 5 years of experience and he tested Vessi waterproof sneakers for 5 shifts at the hospital and 2 shifts on the helicopter before writing this review. Follow @traumacam on Instagram!
Vessi Shoe Rating
Title
| Quality | 4 |
| Cost | 3 |
| Comfort | 4 |
| Water Resistant | 2 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 1 |
| Non-Slip | 3 |
| Style/Fashion | 3 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 2 |
| Durability | 3 |
| Ability to Clean | 3 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
Q&A
- Do you have any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions that usually influence your shoe purchase?
- “Flat feet”
- What shoes do you usually wear to work and why?
- “Normally, I wear Adidas NMD R1s while in the hospital or on the ambulance. I have multiple colors that I wear depending on my mood. If on the helicopter, I wear HAIX Airpower XR2 boots. I don't place inserts in my shoes.”
- How long are you usually at work during a typical shift?
- “12 hours”
- Is there anything else you think nurses should know about Vessi shoes?
- “I will definitely continue to wear these casually and they are really comfortable, but I would likely not wear them on a shift in the ER or field. For ICU work, I would wear them again.”
- Would you recommend them to a coworker?
- "Yes"
13. Danskos Clogs
Overall rating: 3
Dansko clogs are a favorite among nurses for their exceptional comfort and support during long shifts. These clogs accommodate custom orthotics and are recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting foot health. For nurses seeking durable, comfortable footwear, Dansko clogs are a reliable choice.
Pros:
- “I love Danskos because they seem to distribute the pressure evenly across my feet, and they very rarely feel sore while wearing them."
- "They are extremely durable and have lasted me for years in the past.”
Cons:
- “They are very "clunky" and loud to walk in. You almost have to consciously work on not dragging the back of your heel and making a lot of noise."
- "It is really difficult to walk quickly in them without feeling like you are going to trip and fall."
- "In my opinion, they are not the cutest shoe out there, but they are so common that I don't mind.”
Reviewer: Emily Bryant, BSN, RN is an Emergency Department travel nurse with 6 years of experience and she tested her Dansko Women Professional clogs for three shifts (36 hours) before writing this review.
Shop Dansko Professional clogs on Amazon for $134.95
Dansko Shoe Rating
Title
| Quality | 5 |
| Cost | 3 |
| Comfort | 4 |
| Water Resistant | 2 |
| Sharpes Resistant | 5 |
| Non-Slip | 4 |
| Style/Fashion | 4 |
| Foot/Ankle Support | 4 |
| Durability | 5 |
| Ability to Clean | 3 |
Scale: 5=Best, 1=Worst
Q&A
- Do you have any foot, ankle, or other medical conditions that usually influence your shoe purchase?
- “Neuroma, I need wide shoes”
- What shoes do you usually wear to work and why?
- “I have really enjoyed my Altra Lone Peak 4.5 Tennis Shoes and Dansko clogs. I rotate between the two based on what other activities I have done that week, or just how my feet are feeling. I have learned that wearing the same pair for multiple shifts in a row, no matter what the shoe, always makes my feet hurt by the end.”
- How long are you usually at work during a typical shift?
- “Over 12 hours”
- Is there anything else you think nurses should know about Danskos shoes?
- “I did not realize that these were made of a "suede" like material. They are harder to wipe down, and I don't want to ruin their look of them by using the wipes on the outside of them. They also take a while to break in, but they seem to get progressively more comfortable the more you wear them.”
- Would you recommend them to a coworker?
- “Yes”
Compression Socks Matter!
Adding a good pair of compression socks while working is a game-changer for foot health and overall comfort, no matter what shoe you wear! Compression socks help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent fatigue, making them essential for comfort and health.
Sockwell makes amazingly comfortable and high-quality compression socks. Check them out here!
Why High-Quality Shoes Matter to Nurses
Nurses have quite a few things to consider when it comes to purchasing the best nursing shoes. It’s important to question if the shoes are,
- Slip-resistant, non-slip, and water-resistant to repel all sorts of liquids
- Breathable with a good amount of cushioning
- A roomy enough toe box to allow for feet to expand during the day
- Sharps resistant to protect vulnerable feet from needles and other sharp objects
- Durable enough to last with a strong insole, midsole, and outsole - especially if they come with a high price tag
- Provide lots of support, comfort, and shock absorption for standing, running, walking, and sprinting for all those long shifts!
- Easy enough to clean, and even better, if they are stain-resistant
On top of that, each nurse has their own unique needs when it comes to foot, ankle, and even back health like,
- Plantar fasciitis
- Wide feet and footbeds
- Arch support
- Heel pain
- Flat feet
- Foot pain
- Back pain
When it comes down to it, purchasing a new pair of nurse shoes is a pretty big decision and could be quite an investment. There are so many questions when it comes to buying new high-quality shoes for work,
- Is that expensive pair of shoes really worth it, for a work shoe?
- Should nurses wear classic clogs to easily slip on or a nice pair of tennis shoes (sneakers)?
- Or should nurses go with Crocs, for their affordability and ease of cleaning?
- What are the most comfortable shoes with the perfect fit?
- Which shoes are best for standing for 12, or more, hours a day?
Do you know of an awesome, comfortable, and durable shoe for nurses that we should add to this list? Let us know on Instagram @nurse_org
