The Best Nurse Shoes
Nurses are on their feet for hours at a time, caring for their community and putting others' needs before their own. In order to efficiently care for others, it's important to make sure you're taking care of yourself first. Something as simple as wearing the right pair of shoes can completely change the tone of your day. Finding the right sneakers can be tricky as there are so many options to choose from. We've got your back (and your feet) with this roundup of our favorite shoes for nurses. Before starting our research, we considered what factors are most important when finding the perfect nursing shoes. Comfort and durability are at the top of that list for ensuring a safe, pain-free day of work. In the comfort department, we loved Asics' Gel Venture shoes, which boast gel sole support and a flexible fit. However, the best in durability has to go to Hey Dude's shoes thanks to their machine-washable construction. Thanks to this, you can keep them looking great for years. To learn more about which nurse shoes we love, read on below.
Asics Women’s Gel-Venture Running Shoes
Stepping on the competition
Made with gel-cushioning technology and flexible mesh lining, these running shoes by Asics are hard to beat. The arched soles provide ample support without discomfort or tightness, while the mesh allows for constant air circulation to keep your feet dry all day. This sleek look comes at a very affordable cost, so you can feel good without breaking the bank. Plus, the wipeable surface of these sneakers allows for an easy clean at the end of each shift to keep your shoes fresh.
Pros:
- Cleaning these shoes is very easy — they can be cleaned by doing a once-over with a disinfectant wipe.
- For people with sensitive feet or overpronation, these shoes give great support.
Cons:
- The color of these shoes tends to be darker in person than displayed online.
Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Running Shoes
Light as a feather
Go from work to the gym to date night when you’re wearing these running shoes from Adidas. The sleek, stylish design looks adorable with leggings and a hoodie, so they’re great to wear while running errands. They’ll also do a great job at keeping you comfortable and active while you’re on the job. The extra-padded soles provide the support you need to take care of your patients, and the flexible mesh design provides all-day breathability.
Pros:
- You don’t need to unlace these sneakers to put them on because they slip on very easily.
- The sleek design is a snug fit that is comfortable even without socks.
Cons:
- These sneakers can wear down somewhat quickly when worn daily.
Hey Dude Women’s Wendy Shoes
Stylish support
Comfortable and convenient, these loafers by Hey Dude are a treat to your feet. Since they’re lightweight, flexible, and easy to slip on, you’ll barely feel these sneakers even after a whole day’s worth of walking. When the day is done, simply toss these bad boys in the washing machine on a delicate setting with cold water and allow them to air dry for a fresh, brand-new look.
Pros:
- These fit true to size, even for wide feet.
- The simple design makes them easy to wear not just with your work attire, but also with your regular outfits outside of work.
Cons:
- Half-sizes aren’t available, so it’s recommended to go the size down if you’re between two sizes.
Slow Man Air-Cushion Women’s Slip-on Shoes
Saving lives and money
You won’t even notice you’re wearing shoes when you’re sporting these slip-on shoes from Slow Man. This sock-like design allows for comfortable, all-day wear thanks to its breathable material and flexible fit. Being on your feet all day can be exhausting, but these sneakers support you for hours and hours thanks to the ample cushioning and arched soles. The high-rise platform style will help keep you feeling upright and energized from the start to the end of your shift.
Pros:
- For wearers with bunion problems, these are arch-supported and prevent discomfort when walking.
- The height is taller than most sneakers which makes them great when walking in mud or rain to keep your feet dry.
Cons:
- These slip-on shoes fit best on narrow feet.
Sticky Pro Women’s Nonslip Nursing Shoes
For those of you who are in the thick of it on the daily, running from one hospital wing to another, we highly recommend these non-slip nursing shoes from Sticky Pro. These slide-on clogs will hug your feet comfortably. And with the help of the arched sole and raised back, they’ll hold your feet in place throughout your entire shift. You can feel safe knowing that the non-slip design protects you from injury when you’re tending to patients or rushing to the next task.
Pros:
- Thanks to their lightweight design, they offer the flexibility to run comfortably during emergencies.
- These grip the floor without sliding — even if it’s wet. For those who may need to bathe patients, this can be a huge plus.
Cons:
- The included inserts are not very supportive, so it may be wise to also purchase a nice pair of arch-support inserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there requirements for nursing shoes?
You should wear whatever shoes provide the most comfort while supporting your feet during long shifts. With that in mind, nursing shoes should be close-toed, comfortable enough to stand on for hours at a time, and made of a wipeable or washable material.
What features are best for nursing shoes?
Being a nurse is physically demanding, so it’s important to find a comfortable pair of shoes to support you while you’re on your feet for hours on end. Some features we recommend looking for when buying your new pair of sneakers or clogs are breathable material and sole support. Choosing a shoe that is mesh-lined is a great choice for people whose feet run warm, as this can help keep you cool from morning to night. As for support, our favorite choice is memory-foam lined soles or air-cushion technology. This ensures a supported arch throughout the day for ultimate foot and back comfort.
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