Imagine you start your shift as a nurse. You can tell it’s going to be a hectic day, and you’re not sure if your feet will last. Unfortunately, you don’t think your shoes are the best shoes for nurses.
Your shoes may be okay for a while, but by the end of a shift, your feet are sweating and in pain. That’s no way to live or work as a nurse.
So what are the best shoes for nurses?
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WHAT DO THEY DO?
As a nurse, you’re on your feet a lot. So you need shoes that won’t make you want to sit down just to relieve your feet. The best shoes for nurses are comfortable enough so that you don’t even think about your feet.
Regardless of your profession, your shoes protect your feet. Good nurse’s shoes should also help keep you from slipping.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Like other types of shoes, the best shoes for nurses cover your feet. But while you might be able to wear a fancy pair of heels or loafers at an office, that usually doesn’t fly when you’re a nurse.
Nurses’ shoes are practical for the job. You can walk and stand in them during a long shift. The best shoes for nurses will keep your feet clean and comfortable.
WHAT MAKES GOOD SHOES FOR NURSES?
We’ve already mentioned that good shoes for nurses should be comfortable. After all, they’re what’s supporting you throughout the workday.
But there are probably some comfortable shoes that just aren’t suitable for nursing. The best shoes for nurses should be closed-toe and support your feet and arches as well.
You should also look for shoes with a wide-toe box. Your shoes need to have enough room for your feet to spread out a little throughout the day.
Another essential part of good nurses’ shoes is that they’re non-slip.
Hospital floors can be slippery, and you don’t want to fall.
The next consideration is the shoe’s material. Mesh and leather are both common choices for nurses’ shoes. Many nurses choose sneakers because the mesh on them is breathable.
However, leather is still relatively breathable, and it’s easy to clean off any bodily fluids that spill onto your shoes. You can also get a pair of each and switch between the two pairs on different days.
Lastly, you need to accompany your shoes with good socks. The best socks for nurses wick away moisture and are breathable. You can also get compression socks to help with circulation.
CAN YOU WEAR REGULAR TENNIS SHOES?
You can wear tennis shoes as a nurse, but they may not be the best choice. Yes, you probably already own a good pair of tennis shoes. However, they’re not always well-designed for the work of a nurse.
The mesh on them can be difficult to clean. Also, some tennis shoes are meant for working out rather than standing and walking all day. Tennis shoes can be suitable if you don’t have any other options, but don’t waste too much time before shopping for a better pair of shoes.
WHERE CAN YOU BUY THE BEST SHOES FOR NURSES?
You can find good nursing shoes wherever you shop for shoes. Some shoes have a section for work shoes, and that can be a good place to start. You might also be able to look in shoe sections of some department stores, but the selection will probably be pretty small.
If you know what size and style of shoe you want, you can also shop online. Amazon carries quite a few shoes for nurses. You can return certain shoes if they don’t fit.
ON YOUR FEET
As a nurse, the work you do is important. You can change or even save someone’s life in the course of a shift. But you probably already knew that.
However, you can only work so well without the best shoes for nurses. If your feet hurt, you will dread every second until you can sit down. But you don’t always have a chance to sit down, so you need to avoid pain if possible.
We set out to find the best shoes for nurses. In our search, we started with expert reviews. Once we found some options, we looked at the size range and features of the different shoes. We also checked customer ratings to see how well the shoes actually work.
DISCLAIMER
We aren’t doctors, and this isn’t medical advice. If you try a pair of shoes and experience pain, stop wearing them. Be sure to consult a doctor if you develop severe pain or issues.
And don’t be afraid to consult a doctor or foot specialist for help in choosing the best shoes for you.
THE BEST SHOES FOR NURSES
There are tons of work shoes on the market, but not all of them are great for nurses. Here are some of the best shoes for nurses that we found.
There’s something for everyone, so hopefully, you can find a pair that works for you.
SKETCHERS WORK WOMEN’S SURE TRACK
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The Sketchers Work Women’s Sure Track shoes are leather with a synthetic sole. These shoes have a one-inch heel, and the foot cushion is memory foam.
This pair of shoes has protective leather toe and heel overlays, and the shoe lining can wick away moisture. The shoes also have a roomier fit than other shoes, so your feet have some room to stretch out.
They also have a shock-absorbing midsole. The midsole is removable, so you can switch it out with another insert if you want.
You can choose from black or white, and the shoes come in sizes 5 through
10, including half sizes. On Amazon, Prime members can try out the shoes through Prime Wardrobe and return them if they don’t work.
The average customer rating is 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
DANSKO WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL MULE
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The Women’s Professional Mule from Dansko is another excellent choice for nursing shoes. These shoes are leather with a polyurethane sole.
They have a 2-inch heel, and the platform is about 0.75 inches. The clogs have a roomy toe box to give your feet room to stretch out.
Their outsole offers shock absorption. It also has a rocker bottom that can protect your feet, legs, and back.
These shoes have a padded instep collar that you can clean with a damp cloth or sponge. The clog style allows your feet to move up and down as you walk, just like an open-back clog.
They come in a variety of colors, including black, grey, and blue. The sizes range from 4.5 to 12, and that includes half sizes. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can try these shoes through Prime Wardrobe.
Amazon customers give the shoes an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
KLOGS WOMEN’S NAPLES NURSING CLOG
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If you want shoes that are just for nurses, consider the Women’s Naples Nursing Clog from the brand Klogs. They have a synthetic sole and a leather top.
These shoes have a two-inch heel and a one-inch platform. The outsole is polyurethane and anti-slip. There’s also a removable insole that cushions and supports your feet.
Both the insole and outsole are durable and will last for a long time. They’re perfect for working on your feet all day.
You can choose from tons of colors like black, blue, and white. The shoes come in sizes 5 through 14, with some half sizes available.
These shoes have an average customer rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
TIMBERLAND PRO WOMEN’S RENOVA CLOG
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The Timberland PRO Women’s Renova Clogs are 100 percent leather with a synthetic sole. They have a small platform of 0.25 inches.
These slip-on clogs have a Scotchgard protector to resist stains. The combination of a roomy toe box and a rocker sole make these shoes comfortable for long work shifts.
Slip-resistant outsoles keep you on your feet even on slippery floors, and they’re also shock-absorbing. The shoes also have anti-microbial technology to reduce bacteria and odors.
These shoes are lightweight but supportive and comfortable. Sizes range from 5.5 to 10, including all half sizes in that range. This particular clog comes in white, but you might be able to find them in other colors, too.
Amazon customers give the shoes an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
NURSE MATES WOMEN’S ANGEL LITES
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If you want a pair of shoes that you can tie, consider the Women’s Angel Lites from Nurse Mates. These rubber shoes are slip-resistant and comfortable for even the longest nursing shift.
The upper part of the shoe is tumbled leather which is durable and comfortable. It has a stain-resistant finish, and the pillowtop foot cushions are soft. The heel on these shoes is roughly one inch.
These shoes wick away moisture and are easy to clean. The shoes also have great arch support. Their laces allow you to tighten the shoes to your feet.
The shoes come in white, and you can choose from sizes 5 through 11, plus some half sizes. On Amazon, the average customer rating is 4.3 out of 5 stars.
MERRELL MEN’S ENCORE GUST SLIP-ON
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We couldn’t forget about male nurses! The Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On shoes are a great choice for male nurses who need a good pair of shoes.
These shoes are 100 percent full-grain leather, and they have a special sole from Merrell. They have a 2-inch heel and a 0.25-inch platform.
The sole is supportive, and the shoes have a padded collar. These shoes have an air cushion in the heel that helps absorb shock. A molded foot frame helps with compression, stability, and comfort.
The slip-on shoes come in black and brown. Sizes range from 7.5 to 15, with some half sizes. The average customer rating on Amazon is 4.4 out of 5 stars.
MERRELL MEN’S ENCORE BYPASS SLIP-ON
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Another great nursing shoe for men, the Encore Bypass Slip-On from Merrell, shares some similarities with the Encore Gust Slip-On.
These shoes combine leather and mesh, and they have the same sole as the
Encore Gust. However, the mesh can help your feet breathe even during a long shift.
The clogs have a mesh upper with a leather lining. The heel has a shock-absorbing air cushion, and the outsole has a good grip.
Your color options include black, light brown, and medium brown. The shoes come in sizes 7 through 15 with a few half sizes. Amazon customers give the shoes an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Compared to the Encore Gust Slip-On, these are a bit less expensive but still good quality.
CROCS BISTRO CLOG
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Yes, Crocs makes work shoes. The Bistro Clog is a suitable shoe for men and women. These shoes are 100 percent Croslite, and they have synthetic soles.
The clogs have a 0.25-inch platform, and they have slip-resistant treads on the bottom. These shoes are lightweight yet supportive, so you can wear them during long shifts.
The material of the shoes is easy to clean, and it’s also waterproof. Like other Crocs, these shoes have a strap that you can move between the front and back.
The shoes come in black, white, and a few other colors. For women, the size range is 6 through 17, and for men, it’s 4 through 15. Unfortunately, there are no half sizes.
On Amazon, the average customer rating is 4.3 out of 5 stars.
WALK A MILE
If you’re a nurse, you know how hard your body works to keep you working. So you have to be picky about the shoes you wear to work.
The best shoes for nurses should be comfortable, roomy, and easy to clean.
We think the best shoes for nurses are the Nurse Mates Women’s Angel Lites. They’re durable, comfortable, and stain-resistant.
For men, we recommend the Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On. They’re slip-resistant and comfortable yet breathable.
However, you have to choose the shoes that are best for you. Look for shoes that are comfortable for your feet so that you can focus on caring for patients instead of your feet.
Do you have a favorite pair of shoes for nurses that didn’t make our list? Tell us about them in the comments below!