Welcome to our roundup of the 10 best shoes for nurses, where we dive into the world of footwear that’s just as hardworking as we are! As nurses, we know that a typical shift is anything but typical – it’s a marathon of sprints, long hours on our feet, and the occasional unexpected dash down the hallway. That’s why finding the perfect pair of shoes is not just a matter of comfort, but a key step in ensuring we can give our best to our patients while taking care of our own well-being.
Here's the lineup!
Most Comfortable: Nike Motiva
Best For Problem Knees: HOKA Bondi 8
Most Lightweight: On Running Cloudflyer
Best Clog: Dansko Women's XP 2.0
Most Innovative: Clove Classic
Most Waterproof: FIGS I New Balance 327
Best Arch Support: ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
Best Value: Alegria Keli Professional
Most Versatile: New Balance 574 Core
Most Nurse-Centric Design: Bala Twelves
In our quest to find the best footwear for nurses, we've considered various factors like comfort, support, and durability. We’ve scoured the market, talked to fellow nurses, and even tested a few pairs ourselves to bring you this list of top nursing shoes that promise to keep up with the demands of our hectic profession.
In this article, we’re not just looking at the usual suspects, but also exploring some hidden gems in the world of nursing shoes. Each pair we’ve selected comes with its unique set of features, from arch support that feels like a hug for your feet, to slip-resistant soles perfect for those unpredictable moments.
We understand that a nurse’s shoe needs to be a superhero - versatile, reliable, and always ready for action. So, let’s lace up (or slip on!) and discover the shoes that will help us stride through our shifts with a bit more ease and a lot more comfort. Let the journey to happy feet begin!
Most Comfortable: Nike Motiva
When it comes to good sneakers for nurses, comfort is key.The Nike Motiva is particularly designed for low-intensity movements like walking, common in our long nursing shifts. It features a high cushion level with plush materials and a cloud-like sole, ensuring comfort during extended wear. The Motiva's supportive design includes an exaggerated rocker and a wider forefoot, beneficial for the varied paces of nursing work. If you are familiar with HOKA shoes, the Motiva’s mimic the shape and ‘rocking’ motion which has been proven to lessen knee strain.
Best Qualities:
- High Cushioning: Offers plush comfort, crucial for long hours on the job.
- Supportive and Lightweight: Despite its lightweight nature, it provides ample support.
- Versatile Design: Suitable for long walks, adapting to different work demands.
Drawbacks:
- Adaptation Period: The exaggerated rocker might require some getting used to.
Overall, the Nike Motiva stands out as a top choice for nurses, offering a blend of comfort and support suited to the rigors of healthcare environments.
Best For Problem Knees: HOKA Bondi 8
The HOKA Bondi 8 is a top choice for nurses due to its exceptional cushioning and lightweight design, which help reduce fatigue during long shifts. Recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), this shoe ensures both comfort and foot health. Its memory foam collar prevents chafing, while Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) sole overlays maintain shape and comfort over time.
The Bondi 8 is not only a top performer, but also comes in a sleek white version, perfect for nurses who prefer white shoes for a classic, professional look. The Bondi 8 is not just a shoe, but a reliable partner for nurses in their demanding work environment, from nursing school and beyond! Check out our in-depth review of HOKA’s shoes here!
Best Qualities:
- Plush Cushioning: Offers unparalleled comfort, critical for nurses spending long hours on their feet.
- Meta-Rocker Technology: Provides a smooth, rolling motion that reduces foot and knee strain.
- Breathable and Lightweight: Enhances comfort and reduces fatigue, making it ideal for busy shifts.
Drawbacks:
- Bulky Appearance: Some may find the design less aesthetically pleasing, and the bulkiness can be a concern for those who prefer a sleeker look.
The HOKA Bondi 8, with its focus on comfort and support, addresses the specific needs of nurses, making it an excellent choice in the healthcare sector.
Most Lightweight: On Running Cloudflyer
The On Running Cloudflyer in women’s and men’s is a standout choice for nurses, especially for its amazing stability and cushioning, which are essential for long hours of standing and walking. The shoe's light weight ensures comfort during long shifts without causing additional fatigue. Its breathable fabric keeps the feet cool and comfortable, a feature we all love. The rubber outsole provides great durability and the wider toe box in the Cloudflyer allows for more natural foot movement, which is beneficial for nurses who are constantly on the move.
Best Qualities:
- Stability and Cushioning: Provides a comfortable, stable base for long hours of wear.
- Lightweight Design: Reduces fatigue during long nursing shifts.
- Breathable Fabric: Ensures comfort and airflow, keeping feet cool.
Drawbacks:
- Limited Arch Support: May not provide sufficient arch support for some nurses, especially those with specific foot conditions.
The On Running Cloudflyer, with its combination of lightweight design, stability, and cushioning, meets the specific needs of nurses, making it an excellent footwear choice in the healthcare sector
Best Clog: Dansko Women's XP 2.0
We couldn’t do a roundup of nursing shoes without including the clog staple: Dansko. The Dansko Women's XP 2.0 is a perfect choice for nurses, combining ergonomic design and comfort. These clogs feature a padded instep collar and a spacious toe box, ensuring comfort even during the longest shifts. The midsole provides stability and shock absorption, reducing fatigue. Its rocker base design aids in reducing foot strain, and the shoe's overall structure supports healthy foot movement.
The XP 2.0 also accommodates custom orthotics, making them suitable for a wide range of foot shapes and sizes. The acknowledgement by the APMA underscores their commitment to foot health.
Best Qualities:
- Ergonomic Design: Supports natural foot movement and reduces strain.
- Customizable Fit: Accommodates custom orthotics for personalized comfort.
- APMA Recognition: Certified for promoting good foot health.
Drawbacks:
- Cost and Fit Issues: Can be pricey and may not suit those with narrow feet due to its wide toe box.
Dansko Women's XP 2.0 clogs stand out as a top choice for nurses, offering a blend of comfort, support, and durability, essential for the demanding work environment of healthcare professionals.
Most Innovative: Clove Classic
Clove’s brand mission is clear: to support healthcare workers by providing them with footwear that meets the specific demands of their profession. Clove shoes are not just about style; they are about functionality, comfort, and adaptability to the rigorous healthcare environment. The Clove Classic is an award-winning shoe specifically designed for nurses and healthcare professionals.
It’s celebrated for its easy-to-clean surface, making it ideal for the often messy and unpredictable hospital environment. The water-resistant and fluid-resistant features of the shoe are essential for nurses who frequently encounter spills and splashes. The comfort of the Clove Classic is also noteworthy; they are designed for long wear, with a “marathon-like” quality that ensures comfort during extended shifts. The high-performance sole inserts are odor-resistant and washable, contributing to the overall hygiene and practicality of the shoe. Check our in-depth review of Clove shoes here!
Best Qualities:
- Water and Fluid Resistance: Essential for the nursing environment, offering protection and comfort.
- Easy-to-Clean Surface: Simplifies maintenance and ensures hygiene.
- Comfortable Design: Provides long-lasting comfort and support during extended shifts.
Drawbacks:
- Aesthetics and Comfort: While functional, they may not be the most stylish or comfortable compared to other specialized shoes.
Clove Classic stands out as a top choice for nurses, striking a balance between practicality and comfort.
Most Waterproof: FIGS I New Balance 327
The FIGS | New Balance 327 is designed with the unique challenges of nursing in mind. A collaboration between the best-selling FIGS scrub brand and the popular running shoe brand, it features an antimicrobial insole and interior lining for anti-odor protection. The waterproof suede design ensures that the shoes can withstand the spills and fluids common in medical settings, while the studded rubber traction outsole provides excellent grip and stability. These shoes are also easy to clean, a necessary feature for maintaining hygiene in healthcare environments.
Best Qualities:
- Waterproof and Easy to Clean: Ideal for the often messy hospital environment.
- Antimicrobial and Anti-Odor: Ensures hygiene and comfort during long shifts.
- Durable Traction Outsole: Offers stability and grip on various surfaces.
Drawbacks:
- Limited Reviews: As a relatively new entrant in the market, there may be limited user feedback available for comprehensive assessment.
The FIGS | New Balance 327, with its focus on practicality, hygiene, and comfort, presents an ideal option for nurses looking for reliable and easy-to-maintain footwear.
Best Arch Support: ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
The Asics Gel-Kayano 30 marks a significant evolution in the Gel-Kayano series, offering a maximal stack height for stability and comfort. This shoe is designed with a focus on guiding the foot rather than just providing medial support. It features a wide platform for inherent stability, and the sidewalls and internal geometry ensure a centered and comfortable ride.
The new upper design is plush yet structured, and the midsole softens slightly for additional comfort. The shoe's design is geared towards providing a stable yet comfortable experience for nurses who spend long hours on their feet, making it an excellent choice for daily wear in demanding healthcare settings.
Best Qualities:
- Enhanced Stability: Offers medial and lateral stability, ideal for long shifts.
- Comfortable Design: Plush upper and soft midsole contribute to overall comfort.
- Durable and Grippy Outsole: The outsole provides good traction on various surfaces, including slick hospital floors.
Drawbacks:
- Heavier and Bulkier Design: May not be suitable for those who prefer lighter, more streamlined shoes.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 30, with its innovative design focusing on stability and comfort, is an excellent choice for nurses looking for reliable footwear to support them through long and demanding shifts.
Best Value: Alegria Keli Professional
The Alegria Keli Professional is specifically designed with the needs of nurses in mind. It offers excellent arch support for those who are constantly on their feet. The slip-resistant feature is particularly beneficial in the fast-paced and often slippery hospital environment. Its lightweight structure and cushioned support ensure comfort during long shifts. The shoe's stain-resistant leather upper and its easy-to-clean nature make it practical for any medical profession. Additionally, the padded collar and latex memory foam-cushioned insole provide all-day comfort, while the roomy toe box ensures a comfortable fit.
Best Qualities:
- Excellent Arch Support: Ideal for nurses who require additional foot support.
- Comfort and Support: Cushioned footbed and padded elements for all-day comfort.
- Slip-Resistant and Durable: Ensures safety and longevity in a hospital setting.
Drawbacks:
- Inconsistent Sizing and Durability Concerns: Some users report sizing issues and less durability, which might affect the long-term usage of the shoes.
The Alegria Keli Professional, with its combination of comfort, support, and practical design, stands out as a valuable option for nurses seeking reliable and stylish footwear for their demanding work environment.
Most Versatile: New Balance 574 Core
In the world of footwear, The New Balance 574 Core is a unique blend of simplicity and versatility that has unexpectedly risen to iconic status. Unlike shoes designed with cutting-edge technology or premium materials as their cornerstone, the 574 Core was created with a different vision in mind. It's a shoe built to reliably perform a variety of tasks well, and this unpretentious versatility is exactly what propelled it into the ranks of the greatest.
Best Qualities:
- Hybrid Road/Trail Design: Crafted on a wider last compared to the narrow racing silhouettes of previous generations, the 574 Core offers a unique mix of ruggedness and comfort. This makes it ideal for healthcare professionals who need a shoe that can keep up with the varied demands of their day.
- Uncomplicated and Durable: The shoe's design focuses on being uncomplicated, rugged, and durable, qualities that are essential for nurses who are constantly on the move and require reliable footwear.
- Global Closet Staple: The 574 Core's broad appeal and global adoption as a closet staple reflect its ability to meet diverse needs, from professional settings to casual wear.
Drawbacks:
- No Frills: While the 574 Core excels in versatility and comfort, it may not offer the specialized support needed for some healthcare professionals, particularly those requiring enhanced arch support or advanced foot stabilization.
The New Balance 574 Core is an excellent option for nurses, balancing the need for comfort, versatility, and practicality.
Most Nurse-Centric Design: BALA Twelves
The BALA Twelves are designed with the demanding nature of nursing in mind, especially for those lengthy 12-hour shifts. These shoes are a blend of the comfort of clogs and the functionality of running shoes, making them an ideal choice for nurses. They are co-developed by nurses, ensuring that each feature caters specifically to the needs of healthcare professionals.
The design begins with the female foot morphology, ensuring a fit that addresses common foot issues like plantar fasciitis, wide feet, and flat feet. The shoes offer optimal comfort and support with features like the HRS Cushioning System, which distributes weight evenly, and the “Arch M-Brace” sock liner that supports the arch while allowing flexibility.
Best Qualities:
- Support and Comfort: The HRS Cushioning System and “Arch M-Brace” provide comfort and support, which is vital for nurses who spend long periods on their feet.
- Unique Safety Features: BALA Twelves come with ShiftShield for fluid resistance, KnitFit for a snug fit, and Code Grip for silent traction on hospital floors, ensuring safety in various healthcare environments.
- Nurse-Centric Design: Developed with direct input from nurses, these shoes address the specific demands and foot characteristics of nursing professionals.
Drawbacks:
- Ease of Wear: A few users have mentioned that the shoes are not the easiest to slip on and can cause some discomfort at the back of the heels.
For those seeking a shoe co-developed by nurses for nurses, BALA Twelves offer a unique blend of practicality and innovation, making them a worthy option for healthcare workers.
Step Into Adventure - Comfortably!
As we lace up this review of the top 10 shoes for nurses in 2024, remember, choosing the best footwear for nurses is a step towards a more comfortable and efficient work life. It’s about finding that perfect balance of comfort, support, and style that can endure the longest of shifts. And while you're making strides in comfort, why not step forward in your career as well?
Find your perfect shoe match and step forward in your career with Trusted Health. Sign up today for personalized job opportunities and resources tailored for nurses. Your comfort on and off the floor starts here!
