Being a nurse is tough, both emotionally and physically. If you’re a nurse who’s tired of spending hours on your feet and coming home with sore back, legs, and feet from walking on hard floors, you’re not alone. The shoes you wear can make a huge difference in how you feel during and after your shift.
To provide the best care for your patients, it’s important that you’re comfortable and pain-free. That’s why finding the right pair of shoes is key! This guide will walk you through the best options for comfort, support, and durability to help you power through those long twelve-hour shifts. Plus, we’ll share some of the top and most popular nursing shoes out there.
What You Need in a Nursing Shoe
When shopping for shoes as a nurse, consider these features of each shoe:
- Arch Support: Do you know what kind of arch you have? Proper arch support reduces foot strain and helps evenly distribute weight on your feet. Depending on your arch, you could be pronating or supinating when you walk, injuring your ankles, and adding excess strain to your knees. Determine your arch type and the difference between pronating and supinating using this resource.
- Cushioning: While everyone has different preferences on the softness of the sole of the shoes worn, proper cushioning can act as a shock absorber—adequate cushioning and shock absorption help to save your knees, hips, and other joints from impact. The level of cushioning of a shoe affects the overall comfort of the shoe and the person wearing it.
- Slip Resistance: Urine, blood, emesis, spills? These are all examples of things wetting the floor and making you prone to slipping. Your patient may not be the only fall risk in the room. Ensure your shoes have slip resistance so you stay on your feet, uninjured, and free from falls.
- Durability: Hourly rounding, running to a code, just sitting down and getting a new STAT med ordered, changing a patient but forgetting the wipes? The reasons for the thousands of steps nurses take in a shift are endless. While these shoes will be used and abused, it’s important that your shoes can withstand the demands of your job. Make sure that your shoes keep walking with you.
- Ease of Cleaning: Much like the various fluids that can make you slip, there are a variety of spills that can splash your shoes. Not to mention, there are germs everywhere. Indeed, you want to leave these germs at the hospital and do not want to track them in your car and home. Your shoes should be easy to clean to keep you healthy.
Top Shoes for Nurses
1. Brooks Adrenaline 23 GTS
Overview: Brooks Adrenaline GTS is a well-known and constantly improving shoe model. These shoes are for those looking for a supportive and slim sneaker that is reliable and durable. While the shoe’s design is for running, the shoe is versatile and excels in performance for walking. This shoe is perfect for those who suffer from overpronation and stability issues.
Features:
- Arch Support: The shoe features guide rail technology to prevent your foot from pronating.
- Cushioning: Brooks provides impact absorption to reduce the effect on joints.
- Durability: The Adrenaline 23 GTS lasts three hundred to five hundred miles. That means if you walk four miles a shift, these will last you about one hundred shifts.
- Slip Resistance: The outsole of this shoe has plenty of grooves to maintain traction.
Pros:
- Adrenaline’s advanced guide rail technology helps to correct step abnormalities.
- This shoe provides stability and support.
- The design is lightweight and breathable.
- This shoe sports a shock-absorbing heel.
Cons:
- It is not easy to clean as these shoes are standard sneaker material.
- These shoes are not for those who do not overpronate.
2. Brooks Ghost 15
Overview: Another running shoe constantly improving, the Brooks Ghost, is known for superb cushioning, versatility, and comfort. This shoe is an exceptional option for most types of feet without any significant alterations. The Ghost aims to provide comfort, impact cushioning, and appropriate fit.
Features:
- Arch Support: The Ghost 15s are more versatile than the Adrenaline GTS. This shoe supports a moderate arch support appropriate for most foot types.
- Cushioning: Brooks DNA Loft V2 cushioning provides a lightweight cushion for feet.
- Durability: Much like the Adrenaline GTS, the Ghost 15s are durable for about three hundred to five hundred miles.
- Slip Resistance: These shoes are fashioned with rubber soles with grooves to prevent slips and falls.
Pros:
- The Brooks Ghost 15s support mildly overpronated and mildly supinated individuals.
- The design is lightweight, breathable, and flexible.
- These shoes are suitable for most arch types and step irregularities.
Cons:
- There is less arch support for those with extreme arches.
- This shoe has thin cushioning on the forefoot.
3. Hoka Bondi 8
Overview: The Bondi 8’s are known for cushioning, shock absorption, and smooth transitions while walking in this shoe. This shoe is made for walking and has a thick sole to pad the body from impact with each step and stride.
Features:
- Arch Support: The Bondi 8 provides decent arch support with cushioning throughout.
- Cushioning: Thick cushioning throughout the shoe that aids in absorbing impact.
- Durability: Reported to last two hundred and fifty to five hundred miles.
- Slip Resistance: The structure of the Bondi 8 includes water-resistant leather for an enhanced slip-resistant outsole.
Pros:
- Hoka One One has enhanced cushioning and comfort.
- This shoe has exemplary shock absorption.
- Bondi 8s have improved slip resistance.
Cons:
- Hoka One One is a bulkier shoe that is heavier than most.
- These shoes are too cushioned and soft for some wearers.
- Bondi 8s do not have an easy-to-clean surface.
4. Asics Gel- Nimbus
Overview: The Asics Gel-Nimbus was built to meet nurses’ demands on their feet all day. The insole should make you feel like you are walking on a cloud, with a hard rubber outside increasing traction and durability and a soft knit body of the shoe ensuring that feet are well-ventilated.
Features:
- Arch Support: The arch support is not the best in these shoes.
- Cushioning: The Gel-Nimbus has a gel cushion that provides a soft insole for prolonged comfort.
- Durability: These shoes last between four hundred and five hundred miles.
- Slip Resistance: The AHAR rubber outsole provides slip-resistant qualities to this shoe.
Pros:
- This shoe can aid in alleviating shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and ankle strain related to a lack of pronation.
- The insole is gel-like and incredibly soft.
- The gel insole allows for increased shock absorption and cushioning for every step.
Cons:
- These shoes are for individuals with normal arches or under pronators, so they are not as comfortable for those requiring arch support or pronation correction.
- The heel of the shoe is quite bulky and at a higher elevation than most.
5. On’s Cloud 5
Overview: On’s “cloud” technology is fashioned to provide cushioning and comfort to wearers. The Cloud 5 is a waterproof casual shoe that absorbs and responds to every step while supporting and cushioning your foot.
Features:
- Arch Support: On’s Cloud 5 has removable insoles that provide arch support and are best suited for those with normal arches.
- Cushioning: Equipped with Cloudtec technology to cushion the impact of each step.
- Durability: Reports of the durability of the Cloud 5 vary greatly.
- Slip Resistance: It is not a certified slip-resistant shoe, but it is supposed to have a decent grip on most surfaces.
Pros:
- On’s shoes are breathable and lightweight.
- These shoes are waterproof and easy to clean.
Cons:
- The insoles are not very cushioned.
- The arch support in this shoe is for normal arches and does not accommodate high or low arches.
- These shoes stiffen in cold temperatures.
6. Cloves
Overview: These shoes were made with nurses and healthcare workers in mind, every step of the way. Designed to handle the unique challenges nurses face during a shift, they’re spill-proof, slip-resistant, and super lightweight—perfect for getting through those long, busy days.
Features:
- Arch Support: This shoe features moderate arch support.
- Cushioning: The SuperCush Comfort System is made with dual-density foam to form a pillow-like foam core for the shoe.
- Durability: These shoes can withstand spills, fluids, and daily wear and tear.
- Slip Resistance: These shoes are modeled to provide traction on various surfaces to reduce slips and falls.
Pros:
- The design is breathable and lightweight.
- The material is waterproof and easy to clean.
- These shoes are slim and modern.
Cons:
- The arch support is unsuitable for those with specific foot and arch problems.
- This shoe does not offer shock or impact absorption.
- The cushioning of this shoe can be too soft for some wearers.
7. Dansko Professional Clogs
Overview: Dansko Professional Clogs are a staple in the nursing community that have been around for years. These shoes are known for their comfort and support, which lasts through long shifts. Danskos are also notorious for their sturdy build and exceptional durability.
Features:
- Arch Support: This shoe has excellent arch support that reduces foot fatigue.
- Cushioning: Dansko Clogs sport a cushioned insole with shock absorption in the midsole.
- Durability: These shoes are arguably some of the most durable and sturdy nursing shoes.
- Slip Resistance: The rubber outsole provides adequate traction on slippery surfaces.
Pros:
- These shoes are comfortable and supportive.
- The material is easy to wipe clean.
- This shoe model is durable and long-lasting.
Cons:
- These shoes take time to break in and can be very uncomfortable during the “breaking in” period.
- The structure of Danskos is bulky and heavy.
8. Crocs
Overview: Crocs are all the rage in the nursing field. These shoes are notorious for being lightweight, breathable, and easy to slip on and off. Additionally, these shoes are waterproof and easy to clean, no matter what kind of fluid spills onto them. An added and fun benefit of this shoe is the ability to get cute, customizable charms to add personalized flair to your shoe.
Features:
- Arch Support: Crocs have contoured footbeds that provide arch support and reduce foot strain.
- Cushioning: Croslite foam is the foundation of this show, providing cushioning for your feet.
- Durability: These shoes are long-lasting and waterproof, so they can withstand daily use and any abuse you throw their way.
- Slip Resistance: This shoe has slip-resistant outsoles, ensuring adequate traction to prevent slips and falls in kitchens and healthcare settings.
Pros:
- These shoes are lightweight.
- Crocs are some of the most straightforward shoes to clean and are waterproof.
- Jibbitz are available to customize the shoe to represent your personal flair.
Cons:
- The arch support of these shoes is limited to those requiring only essential support.
- This shoe has holes, so while they may be waterproof, getting fluids directly on your socks or skin is possible.
Finding the Perfect Pair of Shoes
Like finding the perfect pair of scrubs that are the most comfortable and supportive, finding the right shoes requires trial and error before finding your ideal fit. Steps to find your perfect nursing shoes include:
- Know Your Foot: Before shoe shopping, know your foot and how you walk. Take the time to research and determine what type of arch you have.
- Try Before You Buy: Try on different shoes in the store and check the return policy if trialing new shoes at work.
- Consider Orthotic Inserts: If you are aware that you have specific foot alterations such as a high arch, flat foot, supination, or pronation, consider seeing a podiatrist or trialing orthotic inserts for added support.
- Appropriate Fit: When trying on shoes, do not focus on the shoe’s look but on the shoes’ feel and fit. Make sure that the shoe is the appropriate size in length and width.
Nursing is tough enough — don’t let uncomfortable shoes make it harder. Choose shoes that keep you safe, comfortable, and pain-free. They may not always be the trendiest, but you can still find them in lots of fun colors and patterns. While your shoes might only last 250 to 500 miles, your body has to last a lifetime, so make sure you feel your best throughout your nursing career!
