Ever seen a nurse or certified nursing assistant (CNA) sitting down? It’s probably one of the rarest sights in existence, so the best shoes for nurses and CNAs need to be as tough as they are. There are several professions that require one to be on their feet all day, but nursing is an especially demanding one.
Nurses and CNAs need to stand at bedsides, run along gurneys, walk quickly, and also avoid chemical spills as well as body fluids. This puts their feet under a high level of stress every single day, especially if they have to work long shifts.
If they have the wrong shoes, a plethora of foot problems is highly likely. This could result in painful and dangerous situations, even leading to shortened nursing careers.
Fortunately, there are several shoes that are now designed especially for nurses and similar professions. If you’re one of those striving nurses looking for that perfect pair of work shoes, you have a lot of good choices.
Let’s see what the best shoes for nurses offer and how you can make the best decision.
How To Get The Most Comfortable Shoes For Nurses And CNAs
The best shoes for nurses need to be comfortable, of high quality, and not too expensive. About a third of all nurses in the United States experience feet and back pain due to inappropriate shoes. If you don’t want to risk becoming part of that statistic, you should consider the following factors while deciding on the right pair:
Price
The best shoes for nurses don’t have to cost a staggering price. There are some high-end brands, especially if you’re going with pure leather options. Still, the ideal price range for nursing shoes needs to be reasonable.
This is mainly because it’s ideal to invest in two pairs instead of one. Even the best cushioning goes flat after about six hours, so you might need to swap out one pair for another.
Comfortable weight
The best shoes for nurses are lightweight and comfortable; so much so that you may not even feel them on your feet. As a nurse, you’ll have to wear shoes every day for several hours at a time, which means that their own weight might get excruciating after a while.
This is why you shouldn’t go for clunky, heavy, or bulky options. These could slow you down right in the middle of the day, leading to lowered productivity and performance.
Proper support
Arch support is highly important if you want the absolute best shoes for nurses. You’ll be working in unexpectedly tough situations, so you should make sure your shoes support your ankle and foot arch while going easy on your back.
There are several factors that contribute to a shoe’s support. These include the design, material, height of the heel, and the general shape.
Non-Slip
When you’re working as a nurse, there are several slippery fluids that you might slip on. Since you don’t want to risk any injury, you should prepare for these slipping hazards by choosing the nurse shoes that provide slip resistance throughout your workday.
The right construction and design
There are several designs and styles to suit your personal tastes and requirements when selecting the best shoes for nurses. This is why you have options like crocs, athletic shoes, tennis shoes, and clogs. There might also be cushioning and little pads to keep your feet comfy and stable.
While the appearance of such shoes might not be too attractive, it’s always best to go for health and comfort above all in such cases.
How We Found Out About The Best Shoes For Nurses And CNAs
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Since choosing the very best shoes for nurses means treating your feet the way they deserve to be pampered, we’ve selected brands that have raving reviews about them, both on Amazon and in more detailed reviews online. The Amazon ratings for the shoes we describe below are no less than 4.0 out of 5 stars.
We’ve also made sure to select the top options from well-known brands that are renowned for their comfortable and durable offerings. There’s a wide variety of styles and colors available as well, so you don’t have to look around much to get the best pair for your needs.
Overall Pricing For Women’s And Men’s Shoes For Nurses
The pricing for the best shoes for nurses, whether they're for women or men, vary according to their make, brand, material, and other factors. However, you’ll be able to find some very inexpensive options as well as high-end choices with the prices to match. Overall, the expected price range for these shoes could be anywhere from $$ to $$$.
Nursing Shoes For Women
Statistically speaking, most nurses are women. And they need hardworking shoes to go with their hard workday. Some of these shoes got style and others, not so much. But they're all comfortable, and that's what matters the most.
Klogs Footwear Women's Naples Nursing Clog
Image source: Amazon
This Klogs footwear might be a bit pricey, but it’s one of those brands that stick with you. Many nurses have bought a pair again and again due to their super comfort and non-slip synthetic sole. The upper of these shoes are made of genuine leather, which provides both comfort and durability.
We also have a platform heel measuring about an inch in height, which should be good enough for the busiest nurse. Compared with several other options, they’re actually soft enough for all-day wearing right after unpackaging.
However, the fitting for these clogs could be hit-and-miss, so you should make sure that the company allows exchanges.
These clogs have an Amazon rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars. The price range is admittedly a bit steep ranging from $115 to $185, but you’re getting pure leather material after all.
Skechers Women's Work Relaxed Fit Sure Track
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Skechers is a brand we all know of, especially with regards to athletic footwear. The best shoes for nurses need to be nothing less than athletic, but the company has gone a step further and made this model especially for professional women. They’ll give you that coveted style as well as a durable experience, so we’ll say they’re worth the investment.
The slip-resistant sole, heel overlays, and leather protection will keep your feet and the rest of your body perfectly safe. You can work on the slipperiest hospital or clinic floor without any worries. According to some customer reviews, these Skechers are good for the long run and stay pristine even after several hours of rough usage. They might require some breaking in, but that won’t take long.
The Amazon rating for Sketchers is 4.1 out of 5 stars, while the price is quite reasonable as it ranges between $47 and $105.
Timberland PRO Women's Renova Professional Slip-On Clog
Image source: Amazon
These shoes come from the Timberland Renova Series and are made with a special focus on what healthcare workers require. Their support will treat your fatigued feet well even at the end of a long day. The outers are of full-grain leather, while the upper linings are of microsuede for the ultimate comfort experience.
We especially love the rocker outsole, which will allow you to spin, pivot, and turn awkward corners without putting unusual pressure on your poor feet. Its Safegrip technology performs in an excellent manner, as does the Tri-Bed density. Again, there’s a short break-in phase which might not be comfortable at first.
With the amazing technology in these shoes, it’s not surprising that they have an Amazon rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. However, you’ll have to pay for them at a price ranging from $95 to $150.
Alegria Women's Keli Professional
Image source: Amazon
With these premium leather shoes, Alegria offers professional women a supremely comfortable experience. It’s not just the leather; the toe box is also quite wide, so you don’t have to worry about your feet expanding from overuse. That’s something nurses have to consider when looking for the best shoe options.
The padded back collar is great for preventing chafing and blisters, while the detachable footbed provides an easy cleaning option. We also love the leather lining, which gives both cushioning and prevents dampness from seeping in. On the downside, the 1.5-inch heel might be a bit of an inconvenience for some.
These non-squeak shoes come with an Amazon rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. We have quite a wide price range for these shoes as it starts from $33 and goes up to $190.
Dansko Women's Professional Clog
Image source: Amazon
This professional option from Dansko is a coveted item for nurses who have to stand, walk, and run all day long. They’re perfect for easing pressure on the feet, so this can be the pair for your aching joints. They’re also contoured in the middle, just like your feet are. As anyone even remotely concerned with footwear would know, a flat shoe is your foot’s enemy.
Dansko also makes sure to give you shock absorption, just like we see in sporty footwear. The best part is its anti-microbial lining, which can work wonders in preventing foot odor. Still, you should keep in mind that these are made of leather and handcrafted, so there might be issues in terms of sizing.
These APMA-approved clogs have an Amazon rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. The price range is between $125 and $200, so you might have to save up a bit. Plus, if you care for your nurse shoes properly, you’re surely going to use them for a longer period of time.
Nurse Mates: Angel Lites Shoes
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These Nurse Mates Shoes are slip-resistant, comfortable, and have the potential to minimize that tiredness in your feet after a long shift. They're also made especially for wide feet, so you should keep this point in mind before ordering. The material is waterproof, which isn’t just great for protection but also provides an easy cleaning option.
If you’re in a hurry and don’t want any break-in period, these might be the shoes to go for. As an added bonus, their airy weight will make it feel like you’re just wearing a soft, protective pair of socks. However, some versions of these shoes might heat up after a few hours.
These safe and sensible shoes have an Amazon rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Even the price is relatively reasonable, ranging from $55 to $120.
Nursing Shoes For Men
Nursing is definitely a field for men as well, so there are some options for them in terms of the best shoes for nurses.
Calzuro Autoclavable Clog with upper ventilation
Image source: Amazon
This Calzuro offering is known for its great fit, safe traction, and sturdy arch support. There’s enough room inside for an additional liner so that you can invest in a gel insole for extra cooling. While plastic might seem like a strange option at first, this material is great for easy cleaning, disinfecting, and even machine washing.
The more expensive leather options only come in white and black for the most part, but these clogs actually give you a wide range of color choices. Of course, you’ll have to make sure your workplace allows your favorite color on your feet. There is a break-in period, but it a very short one.
With the upper ventilation as another delight, these clogs get an Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. The price range starts from $100 and goes up to $135, which isn’t too bad.
Merrell Jungle Moc Comp Toe Work Shoe
Image source: Amazon
The Merrell Jungle Moc is an excellent way to combine an outdoor shoe with a professional one for work. The uppers are water-resistant, so any spills, puddles, or outside dampness wouldn’t affect your feet. The cushioned underfoot and indoor grip will keep you sturdy and your feet safe from fatigue.
We especially love the extra cushioning on the heel of this shoe along with the antimicrobial agents. All in all, this is the perfect shoe for a rushed work environment as well as the occasional walk outside. Some users might have an issue with the noise created by the hard rubber outsole, but that speaks for its high-quality construction.
This durable leather shoe boasts an Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. The price ranging from $112 to $250 is highest as compared to the other brands, but you’re getting something excellent in return.
Merrell Men's Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe
Image source: Amazon
The Merrell Encore is a slip-on option, which should be great for nurses in a rush. These have removable insoles, a large toe box, and genuine leather upper. The lining is of mesh fabric which also has an antimicrobial agent on it.
These shoes have everything that provides sufficient support to anyone’s tired feet. The only downside is the lack of style or design. However, that’s a personal choice and doesn’t take away from the overall performance.
The Amazon rating of Merrell Men’s nurse shoes is 4.4 out of 5 stars, while the price range is between $85 and $130.
Crocs Men's and Women's Bistro Clog
Image source: Amazon
When it comes to super-comfy and practical shoes, Crocs isn’t a brand to ignore. These might not be the first choice for many because of their looks but are an excellent option for everyday comfort. Their metatarsal area is very thick, so you don’t have to worry about any liquid seeping in.
You should also keep in mind that these shoes tend to run big. You’ll have to size down while ordering, but not too much. Besides, you should consider the factor of swollen feet, and then make the final decision accordingly.
This unisex option has an Amazon rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. As far as the best shoes for nurses go, these are quite reasonable and are available within the price range of $20 and $130.
The Shoes For Nurses That Will Let You Be Unstoppable At Work
The best shoes for nurses might vary according to one’s individual needs, but we strongly believe that the Dansko Women's Professional Clog will do the trick every time you head to the hospital or clinic. There might be some trial-and-error for the size, but the comfort and durability are unbeatable with this brand.
For men, the Merrell Jungle Moc is one tough cookie that will keep you comfortable for hours at a stretch. It's not the quietest shoe, but unless you're working the midnight shift, that's not going to be a problem for a busy nurse.
Let us know which shoe gets you through a tough day of nursing and if you've used any of our recommendations!
Featured Image source: Amazon