Nurses often work long hours, and they're always on their feet. Having sore, tired feet can make it tough for a nurse to get through their workday, and can even affect their work performance. That is why it is important to find the best shoes for nurses. In this article, we review our top ten choices, to help you find the best shoes for you.
Product FAQ
1. Why Are The Best Shoes For Nurses Important?
2. What Are Some Qualities Of The Best Shoes For Nurses?
3. What Is Arch Support And Why Do I Need It?
4. Are Nurse Shoes Always Unfashionable?
How We Reviewed
The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy, and Warranty. We looked at many of the shoes preferred by nurses, and chose our ten favorites in a variety of styles.
Overall Price Range
The best shoes for nurses range in price from about $40 to about $125. The higher-priced shoes sometimes use higher quality materials, and may be designed to be more durable and long-lasting than other shoes. However, all of the shoes on our list have received high rankings from nurses and other professionals who work on their feet.
What We Reviewed
Dansko Women’s Professional Mule
Features
Dansko is a brand of shoes that is often chosen by doctors, nurses, and other professionals who have to stay on their feet a lot. They are especially considered the best shoes for nurses with wider feet. They provide great arch support. The sturdy body and wide heel work together to provide support and stability. While these shoes have less padding than some of the other shoes on our list, they have "rocker bottoms" that are designed to absorb shock and prevent fatigue. The shoes are made of patent leather, which resists moisture and scuff marks. With proper care, these shoes can last a year or more.
Price $$$
PROS
CONS
Sanita Women’s Professional Patent Clog
Features
These may be the best shoes for nurses who like bright colors. They come in colors like red, fuschia, blue, and even some fun patterns such as Grass and Damask. In addition to their colors, they are recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association because of their great arch support. They have a reinforced instep with extra padding, The protective heel cap and stabilizing insert provide stability. The leather-lined footbeds wick away moisture, keeping feet comfortable and cool, They have rocker bottoms for shock absorption, and skid-resistant outsoles to keep nurses on their feet.
Price $$$
PROS
CONS
Calzuro Autoclavable Clog With Upper Ventilation
Features
What makes these shoes one of the best shoes for nurses is the fact that they can be sanitized in an autoclave machine. An autoclave is often used to sterilize laboratory materials and equipment in hospitals. They can also be cleaned with bleach, or put in the washing machine. They also have design features that are perfect for nurses. Their 1.5 heel is the exact height to minimize foot fatigue. The small bumps on the footbeds are called massaging beads, and they stimulate blood circulation. The holes on the tops and sides of the shoes provide ventilation, keeping feet from getting hot and sweaty. They have open backs to make them easy to slip on and off, but for those who prefer their shoes to have a back, a heel strap accessory can be added. They have slip-resistant soles. They come in a variety of colors, including green, blue, orange, red, maroon, yellow, teal, metallic gray, purple, hot pink, black, or white.
Price $$
PROS
CONS
Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Kimberly Slip Resistant Work Shoe
Features
These leather shoes have padded collars and tongues that protect the feet from blisters and add comfort. The D-ring laces can be adjusted to the perfect fit. They have a moisture-wicking lining that keeps feet dry and cool, and a microbe shield to absorb any odors. The soles are filled with anti-compression memory foam and massaging gel. They are slip-resistant, with a lockstep outsole for stability.
Price $
PROS
CONS
Crocs Classic Clog
Features
These shoes are in the running as the best shoes for nurses because they are lightweight and comfortable. The fronts of these shoes are wide and have plenty of room for toes to spread out. The synthetic material the Crocs are made of gets softer with body heat, and forms around the shape of the wearer's foot. They have holes on the tops for ventilation, keeping feet cool and comfortable. Plus, the soles will not mark up the floor. They come in over 40 colors.
Price $
PROS
CONS
Skechers For Work Women’s Sure Track Slip Resistant Shoe
Features
These shoes are durable, slip-resistant, and have heel overlays and protective leather for sturdiness. The soles are not only slip-resistant, but are resistant to chemicals and oil, keeping your feet safe from any spills. They have memory foam insoles and shock absorbent midsoles for maximum comfort. The stretchy top panel and heel pull-on loop make them easy to take on and off in a hurry.
Price $
PROS
CONS
Brooks Women’s Ghost 11
Features
These shoes are actually designed as running shoes, but all of the features that runners love also make them one of the best shoes for nurses. Reviewers describe them as being soft, light, and bouncy. The foam midsoles work as shock absorbers and disperse the impact of the step efficiently. The soles, which have enough traction to keep runners from slipping on difficult surfaces like gravel or wet pavement, will also prevent nurses from slipping on hospital floors. The flexible, breathable mesh allows feet to move freely, and there is plenty of room for toes to stretch out. They have a fun, athletic look, and come in a variety of colors.
Price $$
PROS
CONS
Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat
Features
This is one of the best shoes for nurses who like to wear unique and fun looking shoes without sacrificing comfort. They come in over 75 patterns, with names like Rainbow Connection, Gypsy Rose, Hippie Chick Dottie, and Good Luck. They have nice looking details such as a button strap. More importantly, they have plenty of features that will keep nurses comfortable, such as a wide toe area and rocker bottoms. The cork footbed forms around the foot and acts as a shock absorber. However, for people who prefer a different type of insole, the footbeds can be removed and replaced with something different. They have great arch support as well.
Price $$
PROS
CONS
KLOGS Footwear Women’s Naples Nursing Clogs
Features
Here is a pair of shoes designed specifically with nurses in mind. They have great arch support, making them one of the best shoes for nurses who work long hours. They have a lightweight, microfiber footbed that is made of antimicrobial material for health and odor control. The two-inch heel and one-inch platform provide stability and balance, while preventing fatigue. The soles are slip-resistant, have good traction, and do not mark up floors. The insoles are cushioned and supportive, but for people who prefer special insoles, they can be removed and replaced with the wearer's choice. Plus, they come in 45 patterns!
Price $
PROS
CONS
Birkenstock Unisex Professional Boston
Features
These shoes come in black or white, and have a clean and professional look. They have excellent arch support. The midsole has a foam cushion and the cork footbed molds to the shape of the wearer's foot, for added comfort and support. A strap on the top can be adjusted for the best fit. They also have a stabilizing heel cup and a raised toe bar. The rubber sole provides an extra secure grip that will keep nurses from slipping, even on wet floors.
Price $$$
PROS
CONS
The Verdict
Nurses work hard, and they need all the support they can get. If wearing the best shoes for nurses can help keep them comfortable and stop them from becoming fatigued before the end of their shift, then they are definitely worth looking into.
The best shoes for you will depend on your needs and your workplace. Some nurses love to wear shoes that are colorful and fun, as well as comfortable. For those nurses, our favorites include the Sanita Women's Professional Patent Clogs, the Calzuro Autoclavable Clogs, Classic Crocs, Alegria Women's Paloma Flats, or Klogs Women's Naples Nursing Clogs. These shoes all have great features such as arch support and rocker bottoms, but they also allow nurses to express their personalities.
Some workplaces have more strict dress codes and want nurses to wear plain black or white shoes. Dansko Women's Professional Mules, or Birkenstock Unisex Professional Bostons, might be their best choices. These shoes are professional looking, but still stylish,
For nurses who have to worry about protecting their feet from hazardous materials, the Skechers For Work Women's Sure Track Slip Resistant shoes are a good bet. They are especially rugged and sturdy, with heel overlays, protective leather, and soles that are resistant to chemicals and oil. They are even safe against electrical hazards.
Many nurses are on a strict budget. If you're looking for the best shoes for nurses for the lowest price, the ones you should look for are Dr. Scholl's Women's Kimberly Slip Resistant Work Shoes or Skechers for Work Women's Sure Track Slip Resistant Shoe. While they can definitely be described as "sensible" shoes rather than fashionable, they provide all of the arch support and slip resistance of more expensive shoes.
Whatever shoes you choose, be sure to make comfort and safety your highest priority!