Updated April 5, 2024
As a nurse, you are expected to be on your feet all the time, sometimes for twelve hours shifts. Pick the wrong shoes and your shifts will feel excruciatingly long. That’s not the best strategy when you need to be on top of your game for the patients you treat. It’s far better to be selective about your nursing footwear.
Comfortable insoles and stylish shoes abound at most retail outlets. If you’re unsure of which brands to buy, the following list should help. These are the most popular shoes worn by nurses in today’s hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.
What to look for in the best nursing shoes
What does the best shoe for nurses look and feel like? Other than a stylish exterior, you want shoes that breathe and naturally expand throughout the day. These are the types of nursing shoes that are recommended by podiatrists, whose very job it is to care for people’s feet.
You also want a shoe that is durable and that can hold up to the harshest wear. Keep in mind that you also want shoes that aren’t too heavy because that can also make your shift seem unending.
The last attribute to look for in a nursing shoe is anti-slip capabilities. Nursing can expose you to quite a few floor messes which are just accidents waiting to happen. The right shoes will ensure you stay on your feet and look great doing it.
Top shoes for nurses
These shoes for nurses give you uncompromising support and have the seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Slip these shoes on and you’ll have plenty of room for all your toes and a comfortable platform that won’t hurt a few hours into your shift. No matter how high your arch or how narrow your feet, you’ll find these clogs to be a comfortable fit for your hard working feet. You can find these clogs for around $140, though you might be able to snag some for less when you buy directly from Dansko.
Another clog that is high on the list is the Professional Oil Textured Clog. This nursing shoe is around $135 for a men's pair and comes with a durable leather frame. If you always find your feet hurting after a long nursing shift, these may be the shoes for you. They offer high grade arch support, which will hug your feet and keep them free of pain.
For a sportier look, you can’t go wrong with the Nike Tanjun Sneaker. Cool and comfortable, these shoes are made with an ultra-thick sole that will support your feet for hours on end. They come in a range of different colors and are resistant to scuffing. Get these nursing shoes in the style you prefer for $70. One of the best things about them is that they’re available in many sizes.
Another sneaker on the list is the Brooks Ghost 15 Shoe, which is made to withstand the rigors of a marathon. In fact, any of the Brooks Ghost shoes can be an excellent choice.
The insides of these shoes feel like a pillow for your feet, making them as soft and supportive as you need for someone living the nursing life. For both men’s and women’s shoes, these tend to be about $140, but it’s possible to find them on sale throughout the year.
If traction is important to you, look for a pair of Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel Slip-Resistant Shoes. Skechers is known for making stylish shoes but their shoes are also made for comfort. Once you don these shoes, you won’t slip and slide, no matter what’s been spilled on the floor. The shoes are water-resistant and come with memory foam insoles for all-day comfort. You can even get wider versions. You can find these shoes at major shoe outlets for around $100.
For easy wear shoes, try the Nurse Mates Dove Shoe. These slip-on shoes were designed with nurses in mind. The soles are lightweight and made of rubber to keep you from shimmying on slippery hospital floors. These shoes also have steel shanks on the sides to provide added stability.
They’re comfortable and stylish, as well as stain-resistant. They’re available in white, which is great for medical students, or in black. You can pick up these shoes that are perfect for nurses for $94.50.
Another slip-on to try is the Vionic Demetra Croc Slip-On. The snakeskin print looks fancy when worn with your nursing scrubs. The shoes are also as comfortable as can be, even if you have flat feet. They’re slip-resistant and come in medium widths, and they cost $129.50.
Nursing shoes should be stylish and comfortable
You never want to wear shabby shoes when working as a nurse, but you also don’t want your feet to be calloused and in pain either. Fortunately, you now have several brands to shop for that put emphasis on looks, comfort, and things like slip-resistance.
Working as a nurse, you need to be able to direct your attention to your patients and all the tasks you have on your plate at any given time. You shouldn’t have to focus on your shoes. Wear any of the shoes above and you’ll be able to focus on your work while knowing that your feet are well-cared for while you always look your best.
Are you happy with your nursing job? Would you like to partner with a staffing agency that can find you a nursing position near you, or anywhere in the country? Partner with Prolink to start hunting for nursing jobs, and we’ll help you find fast placement with plenty of support. Click below to get started.
