Nurses are on their feet a lot! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that. Nurses put on miles during the day, so finding the perfect shoe to accommodate these marathon shifts is key. With that said, here are the top 5 nursing shoes for your next shift. We’re here for you!
According to Dr. Howard Freidman, a New York-based Podiatrists. “to help keep pain at bay, pick up at least two pairs of supportive sneakers or clogs. (Or one of each!) A shoe cushioning becomes completely compressed after six hours or so”, Dr.Friedman cautions. “So having two great pairs allows you to change halfway through your shift.” Jen McCaffery and Sanah Faroke, Prevention. Now is the time to start searching for the top 5 best nursing shoes for you!
How to choose the right shoes?
There are some main things you need to look for when choosing the right nursing shoe. When all of these components mesh together, you will have the perfect shoe for your nursing shifts!
Arch Support and Cushion
The first thing you want to look for in a nursing shoe is great arch support and appropriate cushioning. Arch support supports your body weight when you are standing. There are a handful of consequences that come when you have bad arch support. your foot is prone to swelling and you may also experience leg and back pain. If you neglect this aspect of a shoe your body will definitely tell you. The arch support and cushioning will keep your feet comfortable and help with posture.
Width
Nurses should be on the lookout for a wide-toe box when looking for shoes. Even if you normally purchase normal shoes, wider shoes are a good option for shifts. As nurses spend time on their feet throughout the day, their toes naturally want to spread and sometimes swell. If you tend to gravitate towards narrower shoes, you may want to rethink that for shifts!
WaterProof
I bet every nurse thought about a time when they got bodily liquids on them after reading “waterproof”. It’s part of the job! Nurses need to find the right shoe material for easy clean-up! We recommend going for leather or waterproof materials. Any nurse will tell you that spills and accidents are bound to happen.
Non-Slip
Lastly, non-slip shoes are a must. Hospital floors can be slick and messy – you need as much grip on your shoes as possible!
Why do high-quality shoes matter for nurses?
Nurses are on their feet for 12+ hours a day, so finding a high-quality shoe that you can rely on is essential. This is an investment in your health and wellness! Finding the best shoe for you will prevent knee, back, and foot issues. Take your time finding the best shoe. Even more important is trying a variety of brands and styles to find the keeper!
The Most Popular Nurse Shoe Brands
Choosing the right pair of shoes can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands and styles to choose from. To make things a little bit easier for you we compared some of the most popular brands to help you decide which of these will be on your list of top 5 nursing shoes.
Dansko
This is a great brand for foot and arch support. Danskos have a protective heel, which gives your foot the necessary movement it needs. These shoes also do a fantastic job of preventing blisters.
New Balance
New Balance has been around for a while. Recently their shoes have blown up again in the fashion world. We are stoked about this and I’m sure many nurses are too. This classic sneaker is popular for streetwear because of its comfort and stability! Bonus for nurses – it’s made of leather!
Skechers
Skechers shoes provide comfort with their signature memory foam soles. You’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds. These shoes are also breathable and flexible. These shoes are quite adaptable to your foot. But, it’s important for you to try on a variety of styles before you make your decision.
Nurse Mates
These are the perfect shoes for comfort. They are also designed to be slip-resistant. These shoes are durable and very easy to clean. The beauty of these shoes is that they were designed for nurses like you.
Brooks
These shoes are unique. The company uses BioMoGo DNA technology to provide customized cushioning and support. No matter how many hours you are on your feet, you can count on these shoes to make your shift easier.
Merrell
Merrell shoes are known to withstand the toughest hikes and outdoor adventures. If they can handle tough terrains, you know these shoes can handle the hospital. You will find comfort, durability, and long-lasting footwear with this brand.
Reebok
Reebok is a classic shoe that you can’t go wrong with buying. Not only can you find great running shoes, but the perfect casual pair as well. Whatever suits your style, you’ll find it in a Reebok shoe. Classic designs with high-quality material.
Adidas
When it comes to athletic shoes, Adidas is another brand that needs no introduction. Like Nike, an Adidas shoe can be spotted a mile away. The iconic symbol screams longevity and trust. This brand offers great quality shoes that have withstood the test of time. Adidas is also devoted to providing sustainable products.
If you still feel a bit lost, we’ve got you covered! Here are the top 5 female and male nursing shoes. Try a few different brands to ensure you have found the best fit possible.
Top 5 Nursing Shoes for Females in 2022
1. Dansko Professional Clog
The Dansko Professional Clog is sure to make your feet happy. Dansko has a wide variety of colors, sizes, and widths to choose from. All these options will ensure that you find the best fit and style.
Review from a recent Dansko purchaser…
“Best shoes for nurses ever – I would very much the Dansko Professional shoes-they are the MOST comfortable shoes I have ever worn- I work in a hospital andpeople told me over and over again to buy some Danskos but I was unwilling tospend the $$…after 2 years of crappy shoes at a lower cost, I broke down andit’s the best decision I ever made. I would definitely buy them again. I would also highly recommend Zappos.com- I ordered my shoes online and received themwithin a 24 hour period. It was very fast. Great purchase.”
2. Hoka Bondi 7
This is one of the most cushioned shoes Hoka has produced! This shoe features a plush collar and memory foam magic. It was recognized by The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) as being beneficial to foot health! You can be assured that this shoe will support you through long nursing shifts or a trip to the grocery store.
A happy Hoka Bondi 7 owner writes…
“I’m a travel nurse currently on contract in Rome, GA. I wore these during a shift and it feels like you are walking on clouds. They feel really good. They look heavy but are actually pretty lightweight.”
3. Skechers Work Sure Track – Trickel
Comfort and traction all in one! These shoes have a removable memory foam pad, slip-resistant outsole, and pull tab for easy on and off. This sure sounds like the perfect shoe for comfort and stability. Let’s be honest, we all know you run into some messy situations – keep your footing with these Skechers!
Skechers owner writes…
“This shoe has so many positive things to say about, I hardly know where to start. First, let me say it is the most fantastic shoe I have ever worn.”
4. Nurse Mates Women’s Dove Oxford
Light-weight, stain resistance, and comfortable. Sounds like a match made in heaven for every nurse! A crowd favorite with the Dove Oxford shoe is that they are also easy on and easy off. There is a wide variety of sizes and widths to ensure your feet stay comfortable. Snag a pair to test on your next shift!
Nurse Mates owner writes…
“Absolutely comfortable. I use these as a Surgical Tech. Helpsthrough 12hr standing through surgeries and are merciful on the back and feet! If bodily fluids fall, like blood, they wipe off easy. The leather prevents a possible falling tool to slice through the shoe, so they protect your feet in more ways than one!”
5. New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
These babies came back into style this year! We couldn’t be happier for all you nurses. These classic sneakers are made of leather and have lightweight midsole cushioning. This shoe offers great support
Let’s hear from a New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer purchaser…
“I bought this shoe several times when I was still working in the hospital laboratory and standing all day. I highly recommend it for that purpose. Now that I have arthritis in my feet, these are the only shoes that successfully keep me pain-free.”
Top 5 Nursing Shoes for Males in 2022
1. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoe
These Brooks are light, airy, supportive and so comfortable! You will be flying down the hospital hallways with ease. These shoes not only support your feet but your knees as well. The new Guiderail Support System focuses on letting you move with ease. But, also keeps excessive movements in check. The perfect way to keep your knees supported during those marathon shifts.
Review from recent Brooks purchaser…
“This has been my ‘go to’ running shoe for over 10 years. I’ve been unfaithful a couple of times, but always gone back to them and have ran everything up to Marathons in them.”
2. Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe
You’ll find class and comfort with Merrell shoes. The Encore Gust shoes have an air cushion heel to absorb shock. Also, a mesh lining wick to keep moisture away. To top it all off they have a compression mold foot frame to keep you comfortable and stable.
Let’s hear from a happy Merrell shoe owner…
“This is the 4th pair of these shoes I have owned. Needless to say I find them to be one of the most comfortable shoes I have owned and they ware like iron. Some may find the price to be somewhat high for a casual shoe but trust me, they are worth every cent. I hope Merrell never quits making them.”
3. Dansko Men’s Wynn Slip-On Clog
As you can see these Dansko shoes are quite like the Merrell’s listed above. But, they appear to have greater support in the heel. The Dansko’s have a contoured footbed and are 100% leather which keeps them looking and feeling new.
Proud Dansko owner writes…
“This is my 2nd pair of Dansko. They are tough, durable, and great for keeping my feet comfy. My first pair lasted me 5 years of constantly being in the kitchen and behind the bar before replacing them since they no longer look proper for professional use. I still use my old pair for day to day outings, and I’ll most likely get another pair of Dankso in the future.”
4. Reebok Classic Harman Run Sneaker
These Reebok shoes are the perfect mix of style, durability, and comfort. This shoe has removable orthotic inserts and soft leather to give extra comfort to your feet. If a solid black shoe is not your style, no worries! There are plenty of colors to choose from.
Reebok owner writes…
“Love my old school kicks. Been wearing this same style for years so I know how they fit. Comfortable and very stylish with scrubs or at least I think so. The only flaw is they loose support after six months but who cares since they aren’t expensive.”
5. New Balance Men’s 624
This shoe made a comeback! This shoe is popular with Millenials who prefer to wear these with their jorts while cutting the lawn and barbecuing. These shoes are also phenomenal for healthcare workers! The New Balance 624 boasts memory firm yet cushioned memory foam in the heel and midsole. This shoe offers a leather upper which is great to easily clean off spills of all kinds. Grab yourself a pair of these for the hospital and for your Saturday afternoon barbecue!
New Balance purchaser writes…
“I have worn white New Balance shoes for years and loved them. In the mean time, I have tried others in the hope that they would stand up to abuse longer but I keep coming back to them. As a nurse I am tough on my shoes and white is hard to keep clean. My favorite pair I prefer is white, though so I get a new pair about every 9 months or so. I started saving my old pair and I am trying to use them when I do yard or other things that will get them dirty. I like the way they fit and the wide options.”
Finding the right pair of shoes can be a trial and error process. It’s important that you feel comfortable, love the style and it’s easy to clean because you’ll be wearing them often! If you are struggling to find the perfect pair, visit a local running shoe store. They can fit you into the top 5 best nursing shoes for your foot type. At the end of the day, you want a shoe with great support, breathability, a rubber outsole, and a padded tongue. Of course, a great style is vital too. Don’t be afraid to try a variety of styles and brands. You’re on your feet way too often to settle for anything less than the best!
Resources:
https://www.prevention.com/health/a19608765/best-shoes-for-nurses/
https://nursemoneytalk.com/blog/best-shoes-for-male-nurses