Everyone could use a reliable pair of comfortable shoes. However, perhaps nobody needs them more than medical professionals who are hard at work and on the move for 12 hours or more at a time.
Nurses are a prominent example. Standing or walking for long periods of time puts an extraordinary amount of stress on their feet, which are enclosed in closed-toe shoes due to their work environment. But that's not the only risk to nurses and other workers on their feet all day, according to Dr. Krishna Tikiwala, DPM, a podiatrist at Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists.
"Unsupportive shoes can lead to joint pain and foot deformities," she explains. Dr. Bonnie Chien, an orthopedic surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, echoes this.
Based on the foot shape and associated issues related to the foot, some shoes may be more suitable and comfortable than others.
Dr. Meghan Kelly, Assistant Professor, Foot & Ankle Surgery, Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine
"Prolonged standing and weight bearing can predispose [one] to certain conditions, such as calluses, plantar fasciitis, leg edema (swelling) and pain in the ball of the foot or heel," Chien says.
That's why the foot and ankle experts we spoke to, many of whom work with nurses themselves, look for particular things when it comes to finding the right shoes for nurses: these include cushioned support, grip, fit and ventilation.
Using those key features, Shop TODAY asked nurses in addition to foot doctors for the pairs they recommend for getting through long shifts on your feet. From athletic sneakers to practical clogs, these are the 22 best shoes for nurses and what to look for when shopping. Use the links below to jump by category.
Best nurse shoes | What to look for | FAQs | Meet our experts
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Best shoes for nurses, according to nurses and healthcare workers
On Cloud 5 Sneakers
Size range: 5 - 11 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
The last few times we talked about shoes for nurses on our Instagram, nurses and other workers who are on their feet all day kept asking where the On Cloud shoes were on the list. One who's been a nurse for decades even said, "After 31 years of nursing, I will never wear any other." Many others said they swear by On Clouds, which they see in hospitals everywhere, so we would have been remiss not to include them in this story.
One nurse summarized what their biggest selling point is: "So. Much. Cushion!" Indeed, the shoe is cushioned by the brand's patented CloudTec cushioning in Zero-Gravity foam, which both helps keep your feet comfortable and supported while standing — and at the same time allows you to push off your stance quickly should an emergency arise.
They're also efficiently designed: The shoe is lightweight and incorporates breathable, antimicrobial mesh. A pair also includes both a set of classic laces and a speed-locking lace system, should you need to suit up on the go.
Even better? "[I'm] on my feet for more than 12 hours a day; they are the most comfortable, plus they look great with scrubs," added another nurse.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Some users say these run small and to half-size up, others say these may not be the best for those with very high arches
Hoka One One Arahi 6
Size range: 5 - 12, regular and wide | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
Hoka One One Bondi SR
Size range: 5 - 11, regular and wide | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
Dr. Meghan Kelly, assistant professor of foot and ankle surgery at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, pointed to Hoka sneakers as one example of a shoe that provides plenty of support, largely thanks to its special molded footbed.
"Nurses are on their feet most of the day, so the Hoka sneaker provides great support for nurses with bad backs or plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation in your feet," she says. And nurses agree; one raved, "As a nurse for 41 years, I LOVE Hoka Ones!"
Both of the pairs of Hokas above have updated features that make them suitable for nurses and other healthcare workers constantly on their feet, like their light weight and super-grippy rubber outsole. While some reviewers say the Arahis are best for clinic settings because they tend to be narrower than the Bondis, the former still have stability technology that helps support your feet for hours at a time.
The Bondis are great for hospital settings and longer shifts: They have a water-resistant leather construction and slip-resistant tread, for instance. Tikiwala also recommends the Bondis, specifically, to her patients with plantar fasciitis, due to their ample width, the heel's memory foam that helps with ankle stability and good shock absorption.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Some healthcare and food service workers say these could use more heel support and aren't the best for slippery floors
Figs | New Balance 5740 Unisex Shoes
Size range: 5.5 - 14.5 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes (unisex, but watch sizing)
It's no surprise that a company dedicated to making functional, comfortable and stylish scrubs for healthcare workers would work with a popular walking sneaker company to make a shoe tailor-made for nurses. Case in point: These unisex shoes boast an antimicrobial insole and inside lining, a lightweight mesh underlay, a water-repellent upper and laces, and a grippy rubber outsole.
One reviewer put it this way: "It's feels like a Hoka shoe minus the arch."
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Some say they tend to run a little big and heavier than similar styles
Oofos OOclog Clogs
Size range: 6 - 13 | Available in half sizes? No | Available in men's sizes? Yes
These low-maintenance shoes are popular among nurses and healthcare workers, and not only because they're easy to slip into and comfortable to wear: They also have the company's so-called Oofoam foam technology, which it claims absorbs up to 37% more shock than traditional clogs. One nurse on Instagram raved, "So soft! I work in the OR and stand all day; with the Oofos, my feet never hurt!"
Tikiwala agrees, explaining, "These are perfect for workers who have plantar fasciitis pain and back pain [because of] their nice shock-absorbing memory."
Another user included an additional perk to these clogs: "Oofos clogs are my savior! Have Ledderhose’s disease plus calcified Achilles tendinitis, which needs surgery, and COULD NOT work 12-hour shifts without them. Plus I just throw them in the wash once a week." Yes, they're machine-washable!
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Some say there isn't much depth in the heel, so your heel might slide off if wearing socks
Kizik Roamer Hands-Free Sneaker
Size range: 6 - 13 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
Kizik's sneakers are another brand we've been hearing buzzed about by healthcare workers in our socials, mainly for their convenience and support.
One reported, "I prefer them over my [On Clouds] and my Nikes; got a new pair and walked three days all over NYC and my feet were not screaming at me. ... I was in NYC for doctor appointments at Columbia and the staff thought they were awesome."
But what really makes the pair special is their so-called Unified technology, an award-winning shoe-entry heel system that lets you put the shoes on and off, hands free (and no bending down!): After you slide your foot in, the heel springs back up. The pair's other perks include a breathable knit upper with four-way stretch, as well as a responsive foam outsole and a rebound insole so you can spring into action when needed.
Another reviewer raved, "I scrubbed in orthopedic surgery, and I wish I had these then. Now, I’m a celebrity dog nanny and have to take shoes off before [entering] households, and it’s made my life amazing. I buy them for all my pregnant friends."
SOMETHING TO NOTE: They're designed roomy, so if you're in between sizes, the brand advises sizing a half size down
Dansko Kane Clog
Size range: 4.5 - 13 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
Dansko Professional Clog
Size range: 4.5 - 13 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
If you want comfort without sacrificing style, Dansko offers plenty of eye-catching colors to choose from. That goes for both their professional clog and the more casual Kane backless mule.
The Pro clog boasts the silhouette one expects from a supportive clog, plus a protective heel counter and stain-resistant exterior. The Kane mule is good for both work and recreational wear: It's got a breathable upper, a lightweight EVA insole that's removable and ample arch support.
Tikiwala recommends Danskos for those working in a medical environment: not only for their anatomical footbed, which helps with stability and comfort, but also for their antimicrobial lining. Plus, the brand has a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association.
"Danskos come in lots of fun patterns, and since we wear scrubs, it’s one place to express your personality," says Debbie Jok, a nurse in Novi, Michigan. But not just that; they're practical too: "I work in the OR, so all the blood and fluid just wipes off," notes one nurse; another adds that along with support hosiery, their Danskos have proven "stylish and supportive" over three decades of "standing, running and lifting patients."
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Some say that the ankle tends to roll more in Dansko clogs
Dansko Paisley Sneakers
Size range: 5.5 - 12 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
Audra Whitton, a nurse based in Chicago, recommends Dansko's sneakers if you're a fan of the popular brand but want something other than clogs. The outer material is waterproof, while the durable sole is slip-resistant to ensure safety.
Another nurse based in the U.S., who bought a pair from Amazon, shared this review: "This is my second purchase of these shoes. I wear them to work. I’m a nurse. They do not hurt my feet, they have good support and the waterproof and non-skid sole is very useful. Body fluids are easy to clean off. I also use them for my walks in the woods; they are great there as well."
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Some users report that these wear out more quickly than other Dansko models
Vionic Fortune Sneaker
Size range: 5 - 12 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
We previously recommended Vionic's Classic Walker, highlighting its removable cushioned insole and padding, which adds stability on walks or runs.
This newer model features Vionic's "lightest outsole yet," the brand says. The stylish chunky walking shoe is made from a breathable, lightweight and slightly see-through mesh upper, and the EVA lining is removable so you can customize support (bonus: The insert is designed by podiatrists, according to the brand).
SOMETHING TO NOTE: The toe box runs slightly wide, some report slight heel slippage
New Balance 411 Walking Shoes
Size range: 5-12, narrow to wide | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
With a plush cushion and sturdy outsole, these walking shoes from New Balance are a top-rated option that prioritize comfort. The brand's shoes are also another example Kelly brought up when it comes to ample arch support.
"I had the cute-heeled nursing clogs, but at the end of my clinical rotation my feet were killing me, so I ordered a few pairs of all-white sneakers on Amazon, and these were the most comfortable out of them all," one verified reviewer said.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Some say they run a little tight and that the laces could be sturdier
Calzuro Classic Autoclavable Clog Without Holes
Size range: 5.5 - 12.5 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
Calzuro was another brand whose name was echoed by nurses and healthcare workers alike on social media, especially when it comes to foot support for long shifts. Associate social media editor Dani Musacchio says her nurse friend had only "good things" to say about her pair. Upon looking more into the brand, we could see why it was on a lot of people's lists.
First and foremost, as you can tell from the name, these clogs are "autoclavable": That means they're tested to be washable in an autoclave, a machine commonly used in hospital settings to sterilize medical devices. (And yes, they're safe for commercial dishwashers and washing machines, as well as bleach.)
Secondly, their features are specifically designed with healthcare and culinary workers in mind. The insole is antimicrobial and removable, and it has bumps that gently massage your feet to encourage blood circulation. Furthermore, the heel is low enough to minimize fatigue, the grained sole is slip-resistant and stabilizing (and has been tested as such by paramedics and other medical staff), and unlike similar clogs, these offer full upper protection while having side ventilation holes that let your feet breathe.
The cherry on top? There are 18 fun colors to choose from.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Not ideal for those with wide feet
Asics Gel-Challenger 13
Size range: 5 - 12 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
“I use Asics. A lot of nurses I know wear tennis shoes for the support," says Katy Morgan, a nurse in Belvidere, North Carolina. Another worker on Instagram raved: "Team ASICS for this nurse! My plantar fasciitis is basically gone."
And the specs support the praises: The Asics Gel-Challenger 13 — which is also available in men's sizes — has a foam footbed, as well as two additional layers of foam under the heel that help to provide comfort and support. The mesh outer allows the foot to breathe, but also helps keep the foot sturdy and protected.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Several reviewers say these run a little narrow, so size accordingly.
Brooks Ghost 15 Running Shoe
Size range: 5 - 13, medium to extra-wide | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
Brooks Revel 6 Performance Running Shoe
Size range: 5 - 12 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
Brooks is known for its performance-level running shoes, like the most recent Ghost and Revel models, and that means they're designed with a runner's comfort and safety in mind. Both models feature a supportive cushioned footbed that's renowned in the industry (the Ghost 15s were awarded one of Runner's World's best shoes of 2023), particularly for its stellar shock absorption.
The Ghost sneakers are a runner favorite for a reason: Their cushioning is made to support you whether you're walking, jogging on city streets, or running trails and roads. The 15 version has been updated with the brand's newer DNA LOFT cushioning, with a foam that's even lighter and feels more plush, rather than dense.
The Revel 6, recently updated from the 5 model, are also designed for runners, but they're made to be a good transition from sportswear to streetwear — perfect if you're clocking out and still have errands to run after your shift. But they still boast everything our experts say to look for in a nursing shoe, including a breathable knit upper that's been made sleeker in this new model, a soft textile insole and inner lining, and a responsive and springy outsole. Plus, the brand recently added 2 mm of lightweight cushioning in the heel.
You'll be able to express your style while wearing scrubs too: Both shoes have dozens of colors to choose from.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Revel 6 is only available in medium width; Revel 5 is about $10 - $20 cheaper, but has less cushioning than the newer model
Clove Women's Classic
Size range: 5 - 12.5 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
Clove, a popular healthcare sneaker brand, is probably one of the first results to show up in your online search for a good nurse shoe. In addition to the brand's mission, this classic pair's design shows why. Also available in men's sizes, the chic shoes are designed with a lightweight microfiber fabric that acts like real leather, meaning that they'll stretch and conform to your foot shape over time. Plus, they're fluid-resistant, which makes them easy to clean. What's more, plenty of reviewers say they get compliments for their style and available colors.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: The brand says that if you typically wear wide-width shoes to size up.
Alegria Debra Professional
Size range: 5 - 14, regular and wide | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
Joanna Cannata, a nurse from Knoxville, Tennessee, recommends Alegria shoes for comfort. These close-heeled clogs are made for all-day wear, since the combination latex-and-cork footbed is intended to conform to the foot.
The footbed can also be removed to insert custom orthotics, while the outsole is designed to help prevent slips, and also guides the foot's heel-to-toe motion.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Some reviewers say they run a tad big
Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoes
Size range: 5 - 11 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
The original version of these sneakers from Adidas have amassed over 56,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon. Cloadfoam Pure 2.0, just like its predecessor, is lightweight, but the Cloudfoam midsole provides enough support for a springy feel. Whether you're heading out for a walk around the neighborhood or a quick errand run, they'll provide both comfort and function.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Some users say they run a little narrow
Skechers D'Lites Slip-On Mule Sneakers
Size range: 5 - 11, medium and wide | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? No
Perhaps the "d'lite" in its name refers to the fact that this shoe is both sneaker and mule, or perhaps it's that they're both stylish and easy to wear. Whichever it is, nurses on their feet for long stretches will find plenty to like in these unique kicks.
For starters, its insole is made of memory foam, which more than one reviewer claimed felt "like walking on clouds." The shoe is also backless, minimizing the chances of raw heels.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Not as much arch support as other D'Lite shoes; could use more ventilation
Gales Women's Frontline Nurse Shoes
Size range: 5 - 17 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
These simple shoes made for nurses come in a variety of cute colors, but that's not all they have going for them. Made by Gales, a company whose products are designed by healthcare professionals who work in "fast-paced environments," these shoes' outsoles are made of so-called XL Extralight compound material, which the brand says are soft but durable, as well as ultra-lightweight.
Their removable Ortholite insoles are also no slouch: They add 7 mm of extra cushioning and are antimicrobial and machine-washable. Add to that the non-slip, grippy tread and air holes for extra breathability, and you've got a solid shoe to last you that 12-hour-plus shift.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: Some users say they could use more ventilation, may run a little narrow
Nike Women's Air Max 97
Size range: 5 - 12 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
These highly-rated sneakers (designed with Japanese bullet trains in mind!) are perfect for all-day wear — they're made of a mesh and leather upper and a springy yet absorbent foam support that will keep you light on your feet for those long hauls. Plus, a men's version is available. A bonus? They come in over a dozen different colors.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: They have a break-in period, so they may feel uncomfortable at first
MBT Huracan 3000
Size range: 5.5 - 12 | Available in half sizes? Yes | Available in men's sizes? Yes
At just over $200, these aren't cheap, but every penny may end up being worth it for those who have midfoot arthritis. Plus, they're usually available on discount on the brand's site and other retailers.
"The 'rocker bottom' soles take pressure off the joints in the middle of our foot as we walk as it makes the shoe do some of the work as well," Kelly explains.
The "rocker bottom," or curved sole, of this particular pair of running shoes boasts so-called SensorTechnology, which cushions impact on the heel, as well as "a strong Pivot Axis" that causes a "roll" from the back to the front of the foot, according to Michael Russina, the country director of MBT USA, Inc.
"[This] provides a rolling movement that disburses weight with less movement in the foot, which relieves pressure in the heel and toes. ... The forefoot then allows the shoe to roll forward with a toe-off rather than the typical bending of the toes when walking," he explains.
SOMETHING TO NOTE: The company says these run true to size, but some reviewers say they run a bit snug
What to look for when buying shoes for nurses
Support
Constant standing and loading weight on their feet make nurses susceptible to various foot health issues, so Chien advises to go for comfortable shoes that have a thick-enough supportive sole. It's also important to have good arch support for stabilizing the foot and ankle, Tikiwala adds. Kelly, who's assistant professor of foot and ankle surgery at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, says that one way she tests for adequate support is by trying to bend a shoe in half. "A good supportive shoe will not easily crease in the middle," she explains.
Breathability
Nurses' feet are also often confined in closed-toe shoes for hours at a time. Ventilation is important "so that sweat (and odor) do not accumulate, and fungal/bacterial infections are prevented," Chien explains. For the medical setting, she recommends a sneaker with a mesh upper.
Shoe shape and fit
The biggest thing to keep in mind, Kelly says, is that shopping for nursing shoes isn't a "one size fits all" approach. "Based on the foot shape and associated issues related to the foot, some shoes may be more suitable and comfortable than others," she adds. Tikiwala echoes: "The biggest issue is that people are wearing one or two sizes smaller than their actual size, which can then lead to painful deformities." Make sure to avoid shoes with a narrow toe box so your toes don't rub against the tops or sides, Chien adds. A good rule of thumb is to measure up to the largest toe of your larger foot. Make sure, too, that there is "about half an inch, which is usually the width of a finger, between the tip of the longest toe and the end of the shoe," says Chien.
Non-slip sole
A grippy sole helps with stability and balance — helpful for nurses who have to walk or run around multiple times a day in an environment where they're likely to be exposed to various types of fluids and liquids.
Questions about nursing shoes, answered by experts
How often should nurses replace their shoes?
There's no hard-and-fast rule for when nurses and other medical professionals should replace their shoes, our experts say.
Kelly compared checking whether your shoes need replacing to checking the tread on your car tire: That may mean having to replace your shoes every few months, according to Chien, or even up to every year, says Kelly.
"I recommend checking the bottom soles of the shoes about every four to six months and if there is a sizable part with wear and tear, consider replacing the shoes. Of course, the time frame depends on the activity level on your feet," Chien adds.
Kelly also recommends compression socks for nurses and other people who work on their feet all day.
[Check] the bottom soles of the shoes about every four to six months and if there is a sizable part with wear and tear, consider replacing the shoes. Of course, the time frame depends on the activity level on your feet.
Dr. Bonnie Chien, Orthopedic Surgeon, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
"Ones that are either designed for healthcare workers or athletes tend to be less intense than medical-grade ones, but can help with the overall fatigue that the feet can feel at the end of a long shift," she explains. Chien agrees, saying they help prevent excessive friction.
Plus, Kelly adds, "They tend come in fun patterns, because life is too short for boring socks!" Who can argue with that?
What shoes should nurses wear if they have plantar fasciitis or are diabetic?
Go for a shoe with soft, cushioned insoles with good arch support, both Chien and Kelly say.
Kelly adds that, for people prone to the condition, the stiff orthotic of a given shoe may mean they should either look for a pair with more flexible arch support or add an insert with that feature.
"My favorite over-the-counter orthotics come from company such as Spenco, Superfeet or [Powerstep's] Pinnacle Max," she says.
Chien does caution, however, that even among those with plantar fasciitis, the type of arch support depends on the overall alignment of your heel and foot.
"If someone has flat arches, arch support helps, while if someone already has high arches, then less arch support would be better," she explains.
For nurses who have diabetes and tend to have poor sensation in their feet, Chien recommends a wider toe box, because those don't cause friction and pressure against the feet or toes. Furthermore, both Kelly and Chien also suggest going for shoes that are properly fitted and cushioned to prevent the occurrence of ulcers.
"Some patients with diabetes have neuropathy (abnormal and/or diminished peripheral sensation), and so it is very important to find well-fitting shoes," Chien adds. Those with a more severe deformity or a history of ulcers may also want to consider a custom molded shoe with inserts, the surgeon explains.
Meet our experts
Dr. Bonnie Chien, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She specializes in operative and non-operative procedures addressing foot, ankle toe and heel conditions.
Dr. Meghan Kelly, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor of foot and ankle surgery at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, specializing in foot and ankle disorders. She also serves on the health policy and humanitarian committees of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
Dr. Krishna Tikiwala, DPM, is a podiatrist at Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She completed her three-year foot and ankle surgery residency at Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio.
Daniel Boan
contributed
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