Buzz
If medical shows were more realistic, nurses would have a lot more spotlight. From vital checks to patient care, nurses are the backbone of the hospital. They’re constantly on their feet, from daily rounds to emergency procedures, and they know how important it is to have a reliable, comfortable shoe for all-day wear.
Jacquelyn Coles Bielich, a registered nurse and clinical specialist at Medtronic, emphasizes the importance of comfort in choosing nursing shoes. She shares, 'You’re going to be wearing these shoes for long hours, whether it’s an eight-hour shift, a full 12, or even 16-hour days.'
A good nursing shoe isn’t just designed for standing; it needs to be supportive and comfortable for walking and even running during emergencies. These shoes must also provide stability and comfort for bending down to help patients or reach for items in low storage areas.
Standing for extended periods can take a toll on the body, causing misalignments. 'Your lower back might sway, your knees could bend, and you may shift weight from one leg to another to alleviate those pressure points,' says Coles Bielich.
Coles Bielich recommends testing shoes by moving around in them before committing. It’s important to try walking, bending, and standing to ensure they provide the support you need throughout the day.
Whether you’re a nurse or simply looking for a reliable, supportive pair of shoes, Coles Bielich and other healthcare professionals have shared their go-to favorites for work.
1. Dansko Professional clogs
2. Nike Air Max 270
3. Adidas Ultraboost shoes
4. Brooks Ghost sneakers
"[These] are the most comfortable waking shoe they are very comfortable for all occasions." —nurse Victoria Comeau
Promising review: "Not a runner, but a nurse. Always the best shoe for me." —CherylS
Get them from Zappos for $139.95 (available in women's sizes 5–12 and 39 colors; men's sizes 7—15 and 32 colors).
5. On Cloud sneakers
"[These] are also fantastic. Especially after having a baby, I truly just care about comfort." —Comeau
Promising review: "This is my second pair I bought as workout shoes! My first pair is for work. I’m a nurse, and work 12+ hours on my feet, and this is brand is the most comfortable work shoes I own! I love how comfortable and light it is! Worth every penny!!" —Tin
Get them from Zappos for $139.95 (available in women's sizes 5–11 and 18 colors; men's sizes 7–14 and 19 colors).
6. Hoka Bondi
7. ASICS running shoes
8. Veja sneakers
"The shoes that I love for work are Veja sneakers. I wear them when I go up for outreach/wound care. They [contain] ethically [sourced] materials [and are] responsibly made. Very comfortable and have lasted now for about 4 years." —Jen Field, a nurse in a drug and alcohol detox facility
Promising review: "Love these sneaks! Runs true to size. Very comfortable and stylish. Old school look." —Chantay1341
Get them from Nordstrom for $160+ (available in women's sizes 5–11 and six colors; men's sizes 8–12 and two colors).
9. Crocs
10. Clove Classics
"Cloves are known as the 'nursing shoe' because they are waterproof, easy to clean, and so on. I wear them, and they’re fairly comfortable. The waterproof feature is one of the reasons I like them. No pee or blood gets on my socks!" —nurse Katherine Glick
Promising review: "I work the night shift for 12 hours, and these, along with my compression socks, are fantastic." —Debran D.
Get them from Clove for $139+ (available in sizes 5–12.5 and 22 colors).
11. Clarks Un.Loop slip-on shoes
