When shopping for a shoe, Laura Kelly, RN, a Virginia-based nurse, recommends “getting a shoe that is a half size bigger than you normally wear, because during a long 12 hour shift walking, our feet can swell.” Plus, it should be easily cleanable and comfortable.
We researched dozens of shoes and evaluated them based on their reviews, materials, sizes available, arch support, prices, and designs. Each of the products chosen in this article were determined to be the best of these factors.
Here are the best shoes for nurses on the market today.
Price at time of publication: $175
Price at time of publication: $36
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Price at time of publication: $52
Price at time of publication: $139
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Price at time of publication: $150
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These shoes for nurses are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great shoes for nurses, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These shoes for nurses are just average.
3.4 and below: We don’t recommend shoes for nurses with this rating; you won’t find any on our list.
Type of Shoe
There are a number of different shoe styles available that could work well for a long shift at work. It is just about finding what style works best for you. “I look for style and comfort, and neutral colors that will go with many outfits,” says Alyssa Schiffer, a pediatric ICU nurse in Colorado. “Where I work we can wear whatever scrubs and top we want so having good neutral colors helps with that.” For some, they might find that a shoe similar to a tennis shoe gives them the most support and comfort throughout the workday. “An example of a shoe that I often recommend is the rocker sole design of the Hoka One One shoe. It is lightweight and very well cushioned which is optimal for many types of patients who are on their feet for many hours,” Dr. Koshimune says. But the shoe style is not meant for everyone, she adds.
Shoes that are similar to clogs are also popular options for nurses because they are easy to slip on and off, durable, and can be comfortable when standing on one’s feet for long periods of time. “But the problem is they can be heavy and do not always work well in people with high insteps or people with ankle instability,” Dr. Koshimune says. For Schiffer, she prefers tennis shoes over clogs when working. “I have worn tennis shoes all my nursing career,” she says. “I have also seen many healthcare providers trip and roll their ankles in those clogs, which turned me off to them.”
Job Role
Depending on the nurse, they might be exposed to a range of bodily fluids while working an average shift. “If you are working in a field like labor and delivery, or the OR (operating room) where there are lots of bodily fluids during your shift, maybe crocs aren’t the shoe for you,” Schiffer says. “But always choose comfort over style, because those long 12-hour days catch up to you.” Shoes created with material that is easy to clean should be a top priority for nurses who find themselves interacting with bodily fluids. This will help prevent unwanted stains from lingering on the surface of the shoe. Also, several shoes that are made for nurses are fluid resistant, meaning the material is difficult for liquid to penetrate.
Why Trust Verywell Health?
As an internationally recognized health writer and product guru, Leah Groth understands that nobody wants to waste their time or money on products that fail to rear results. Over the years, she has interviewed the world’s top health experts and reviewed hundreds of items, to help readers like you discover the most effective health gadgets, goops, and aids that will help you look and feel your very best.
Additional reporting by Danielle Zoellner
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
