12 Best Shoes For Nurses, Who Stands All Day Long

Some professionals around us work for long hours standing on their feet and literally, they don’t get a chance to take a short rest. Nurses in the hospital are mostly known to this situation like standing and running one ward to another while caring for patients and dealing with it throughout their whole career. This may put stress on their lower feet and joints. That’s why professionals like nurses need to wear supportive shoes; otherwise, the stress might lead to back pain, heel pain, and supination pain.

Being a nurse if you stand for a long day wearing unsupportive shoes consistently then it’s going to make you uncomfortable creating several foot issues as well. Keeping this in mind brands mentioned below came up with solutions to creating comfortable and supportive shoes for you. As you need lightweight, comfortable, proper supportive shoes to wear, here we are going to let you know the facts before buying supportive shoes and some brands you can trust are also going to be mentioned as well.

Top 12 Best Shoes for Nurses, Who Stands All Day Long in 2023

Product NamePicturePrice
1. Dansko Women’s Professional Clog Dansko Women's Professional Clog Shoe For Nurse Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
2. NIKE Women’s Tanjun Running Shoes NIKE Women's Tanjun Running Shoes For Nurses Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
3. Naturalizer Women’s Marianne Sneaker Naturalizer Women's Marianne Sneaker Shoes For Nurses Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
4. Brooks Women’s Ghost 12 Running Shoe Brooks Women's Ghost 12 Running Shoes For Nurses Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
5. Skechers Work Sure Track – Trickel Skechers Work Sure Track Shoes For Nurses Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
6. Nurse Mates Women’s Dove Oxford Shoes Nurse Mates Women's Dove Oxford Shoes For Nurses Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
7. Fila Women’s Memory Work shift Slip Resistant Nurses Work Shoes Fila Women's Memory Work shift Slip Resistant Work Shoes For Nurses Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
8. Birkenstock Unisex Boston Soft Footbed Leather Clog Birkenstock Unisex Boston Soft Footbed Leather Clog Shoes For Nurses Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
9. Vionic Women’s Avery Pro Slip-On Vionic Women's Avery Pro Slip-On - Nurses Shoes Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
10. Alegria Women’s Debra Slip-On Alegria Women's Debra Slip-On - Nurses Shoes Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
11. Crocs Classic Clog|Comfortable Slip on Casual Water Shoe Crocs Classic Clog, Comfortable Slip on Casual Water Shoes For Nurses Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
12. Nurse Mates Women’s Velocity Medical Professional Shoe Nurses Mates Women's Velocity Medical Professional Shoe Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon

What Kind of Shoes Do Nurses Wear?

People from different professions need different types of shoes since they have specific issues with their feet. Shoe experts concentrate on these issues then design and manufacture accordingly. Since nurses spend a lot of time on their feet while serving patients, they face strain on their feet, heels, calves, and even their hips. That is why they wear specific shoes such as clogs, slip-on shoes, and tennis shoes that provide support to alleviate pain from their lower feet.

Clogs

Nurses community prefers clogs for the combination of incredible support and comfort. As they work for twelve hours frequently, nursing clogs provide comfort for the whole day. Not only are clogged roomy and comfortable, but they also work as arch and heel support. Clogs have close back and closed toes to make it stable and fit. Since nurses work on the run frequently, wearing clogs is helpful because they are slip-resistant with proper traction.

Slip-on shoes

A nurse always has to work in a hurry too and fro around the hospital. Because of the medical and hygienic issues s/he has to change wears to enter into different rooms in the hospital. But nurses get less time to change shoes or other wears. That is why slip-on shoes play an important role here. These shoes are so easy to put on and off that a nurse with the full hand can wear them without any support.

Tennis shoes

Tennis shoes are very popular among the nurses as they work on the run. These athletic shoes are lightweight so that the stress on the feet gets reduced. The superior support and shock absorption technology for lower feet is available in these specially made shoes. While running you may have the risk of falling and the soles of tennis shoes prevent unpredictable accidents providing good traction. Another reason behind the popularity amongst nurses is tennis shoes are flexible and found available in different styles everywhere around.

Why Finding the Right Pair of Nurses Shoes is so Important?

The study shows that a nurse has to stand on his/her feet for more than 70% of her working time and in 12 hours shift s/he has to walk around 4-5 miles. Working this long without wearing supportive shoes leads to several problems like plantar fasciitis, joint pain, back pain, supination, and of course fatigue. These could also reduce the quality of patient care.

This is why experts strongly suggest wearing superior supportive and comfortable shoes. Otherwise unsupportive or regular shoes lead to worsening the pain and strain.

Nurses need to be comforted with their feet which can be provided by the shoes only. The right pair of nursing shoes lead to this benefit without any doubt.

  • The supportive nursing shoes fix the supination and balance the alignment of the feet.
  • The insoles of nursing shoes reduce stress and provide proper cushioning to make feel comfortable.
  • The arch support reduces the heel pain removing the plantar fascia strain.
  • Keep safe from the joint, hip, and back pain; prevents spinal issues.

Top 12 Best Shoes for Nurses, Who Stands All Day Long

1. Dansko Women’s Professional Clog

Dansko Professional is the flagship clog, its iconic silhouette is a roomy reinforced toe box. It features an anatomically contoured PU midsole, an inner frame for stability and support, a padded instep collar, and a protective heel counter that allows the heel to move up and down freely while providing lateral stability. The anti-fatigue rocker bottom assists with forwarding motion while walking to add hours of comfortable support throughout your day.

Dansko Women's Professional Clog Shoe For Nurse
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They have good arch support. You don’t’ have to wear thick socks to make these stay on your feet. You can walk normally, without a limp and without pain. They are designed to give you plenty of support and you will love the specially molded footbed. Those are best for nurses and other working women.

Dansko is for extreme support and extreme comfort, if you do 12 hours shift than you will be comfortable with the protective heel counter.

PROS
  • Polyurethane sole
  • Inner frame for stability
  • Having padded instep collar
  • Having a protective heel counter
  • Assists with forwarding motion
  • Leather
CONS
  • Less durable; they are no longer wearable
  • The material is so stiff
  • Pricey

2. NIKE Women’s Tanjun Running Shoes

You can elevate your workout style with this classic Nike workout sneaker. NIKE is especially for those working hard to achieve their goals. The lightweight responsiveness that makes this shoe a favorite for daily training miles or racing longer distances. The flexible sole is designed to quickly transition from landing to take-off. They are ideal for road running, cross-training, standing a long time, and many more.

NIKE Women's Tanjun Running Shoes For Nurses
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These shoes are for who a perfect need blend of support, cushion, flexibility, and reliability. They provide just the right amount of stability and support. Those are great for overpronation while providing high energizing cushioning. They provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability.

These shoes are very true to size. The simple color scheme and design makes them able to match with a variety of different outfits perfectly. Due to the new cushioning system, you will get incredible comfort. The upper is super lightweight, as in you can feel the wind on your toes through the little holes in the material.

PROS
  • Super lightweight
  • Comfortable with good arches and support
  • Easy to clean
  • Great looking and functional
  • Lace-up closure for a secure fit.
  • Fabric lining for a good in-shoe feel
CONS
  • More expensive
  • Very little room in the front of the shoe (toe area)

3. Naturalizer Women’s Marianne Sneaker

An easygoing slip-on sneaker is built for serious comfort with Naturalizer’s signature N5 Contour technology that includes a contoured footbed with arch and heel support, dual-density cushioning, flexibility that lets the shoe move naturally with your foot and a quick-drying, breathable lining that keeps your foot feeling cool and dry.

Naturalizer Women's Marianne Sneaker Shoes For Nurses
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Naturalizer’s Marianne sneakers take a traditional slip-on design and give your look a lift with a subtle platform and perforated details. The added layer of foam provides you comfort and support. The outer mesh provides to breathe properly. It features a cooling lining to keep snickers cool.

If you have foot issues like heel pain, plantar fasciitis, those stylish snickers will manage your pain. The leather is good quality, the sole is really comfortable, and the colors are rich. The memory foam footbed ensures you can walk in these all day without getting sore feet.

PROS
  • Leather
  • Synthetic sole
  • Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
  • Ultimate flexibility
  • Lightweight
  • Modern sport style
CONS
  • These shoes are too small with both insoles
  • The leather is a dirt magnet

4. Brooks Women’s Ghost 12 Running Shoe

This shoe is for the Neutral runners looking for a lightweight shoe and a smooth ride without sacrificing cushioning. Whether you’re a Ghost loyalist or are lacing one up for the first time, you’ll find plenty to like. The neutral support type provides high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross-training, the gym, or wherever you might want to take them.

Brooks Women's Ghost 12 Running Shoes For Nurses
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BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability. No matter how your foot lands, the Segmented Crash Pad and an integrated system of shock absorbers will cushion every step and stride for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.

The newly engineered mesh and 3D Fit Print practically disappear on your foot with strategically placed stretch and structure. Soft absorbs shock well and plenty of toe room.

PROS
  • Rubber sole
  • BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Having right softness underfoot
  • Newly engineered mesh and 3D Fit Print
  • Excellent arch support
CONS
  • Less durable
  • Less comfortable

5. Skechers Work Sure Track – Trickel

Trickle provides you great arch support and high energizing cushioning. The brand’s styles include the latest innovative athletic, casual and fashion sneakers as well as sandals and boots. There are many collections featuring Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam insoles for added comfort.

Skechers Work Sure Track Shoes For Nurses
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You will feel that you are in control of your day and ready to conquer any task that comes your way in practical comfort. The Low-cut design with SKECHERS Relaxed Fit® has a generous silhouette that accommodates your feet for a custom fit.

Skechers offers a range of slip-resistant work footwear for men and women, as well as cool, fun, playful, and lighted styles that boys and girls love. Invariably ahead of the fashion curve, Skechers has made its sport, casual, and dress casual shoes essential to every closet. Those are comfortable with Memory foam cushioned removable footbed.

PROS
  • Shock-absorbing midsole
  • Easy on and off.
  • Slip-Resistant; safe feeling
  • Rubber sole
  • Leather upper with stylish contrast inlays
  • Additional comfort and ankle support
CONS
  • Size size
  • The bottom of shoes is very and weirdly narrow

6. Nurse Mates Women’s Dove Oxford Shoes

Nurse Mates Women’s Dove Oxford is the name of quality, tradition, and sophisticated style. You will swing with the sweet stitching, synthetic leather upper for soft support and stitched overlays for a classic style, and premier-quality liner that covers your feet in comfort. Stylish sneakers with a padded tongue and collar and memory tech footbed provide support.

Nurse Mates Women's Dove Oxford Shoes For Nurses
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Boxed toe for toe stands, super lightweight and flexible just like socks, breathable and smooth fabric provide great freedom and comfortable feeling. Let you enjoy your travel on holiday. The high-quality rubber material is non-slip and wear-resistant. Classic air cushion design makes these shoes are perfect work shoes for those who need to stand or walk for a long time.

These shoes more comfortable and breathable and suitable for any daily used, such as a long time standing work, walking, casual, floor shoes, plantar fasciitis, nursing, fishing, gardening, dress, shopping, and travel.

PROS
  • 100% Leather
  • Synthetic sole
  • Slip Resistant
  • Absolutely comfortable and breathable
  • Non-slip and wear-resistant
  • Classic air cushion
CONS
  • Less durability; can be damaged early

7. Fila Women’s Memory Work shift Slip Resistant Nurses Work Shoes

Feel comfortable without sacrificing performance and protection in your workday with the Fila Memory Workshift slip resistant safety shoe. Where premium meets utility, the Memory Workshift is constructed from durable leather and synthetic overlays to give you a dependable work shoe that meets your occupational needs. Fila Memory Workshift shoe features a rubber slip-resistant outsole to provide traction against slick or wet surfaces. Though designed to help prevent slips, you should always exercise caution on slick surfaces.

Fila Women's Memory Work shift Slip Resistant Work Shoes For Nurses
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The memory foam sockliner and midsole work in unison to provide additional comfort with every step of your day. Face your daily challenges with ease and support with built-in perforations for breathability and a variable lace-up front closure. Those shoes are designed to fulfill work in every industry. From healthcare to restaurant, to construction and industrial, Fila is there with a shoe that defies expectations to deliver another level of performance and quality design.

PROS
  • A solid rubber outsole provides slip resistance
  • Durable leather and synthetic materials
  • Lightweight memory foam
  • Optimal comfort
  • Meet everyday occupational needs
CONS
  • The memory foam inserts are not removable
  • Difficult to break the stiffness

8. Birkenstock Unisex Boston Soft Footbed Leather Clog

Birkenstock is known for comfort, and this Boston clog is totally waterproof. This is featuring the brand’s signature footbed design which provides unbeatable stability and optimal arch support, this shoe is great for casual hikes, strolls in the park, and relaxing on a lazy day.

This is the real deal. Cork, leather, a buckle, or two: these are the simple ideas that have made feet happy for over two hundred years, and that’s the original Birkenstock. These shoes are very popular brand which was made in Germany since 1774. No smoke, no mirrors, and no gizmos are needed.

Birkenstock Unisex Boston Soft Footbed Leather Clog Shoes For Nurses
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You walk, the shoe molds to your foot. The shape of the Original Birkenstock Footbed enables body weight to be distributed evenly over the whole foot, providing it with optimal support. The soft bed feels like a dream, these shoes are also water-resistant.

PROS
  • 100% Leather or fabric
  • Synthetic sole
  • Cushioned signature footbed
  • Adjustable strap
  • Optimal support
CONS
  • A little stiff

9. Vionic Women’s Avery Pro Slip-On

Vio-Motion Support is concealed within every Vionic shoe, supporting every step from the ground up so you can confidently move in unmatched comfort. Full biomechanical contact hugs your foot’s natural curves, providing essential support in all of our casual, dress, and active shoes and slippers.

Vionic Women's Avery Pro Slip-On - Nurses Shoes
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These shoes have podiatrist-designed technology built to keep you on your feet. Focus on what really matters at the workplace with the Avery slip-on, designed to keep you moving in comfort all day, every day. You can trust on the shoes, those are Made with the same Vio-Motion technology you trust, with the added security of no slipping and sliding.

They are very stylish and comfortable. They can be pulled on and off easily. The Upper with breathable lightweight materials keeps you all time cozy, flexible, and comfortable. The cushioned sole are durable and gives the user enough arch support.

PROS
  • Rubber sole
  • Podiatrist-designed technology
  • Lightweight weather-resistant leather upper
  • Slip-resistant and wipeable
  • Essential support
CONS
  • Size issue
  • Too narrow

10. Alegria Women’s Debra Slip-On

Those are comfortable and breathable women’s walking shoes. Air Cushion Sole Design keeps you comfortable the entire day. You can wear these walking shoes with shorts, with capris, cropped jeans, skinny jeans, a jean skirt, and a sundress, they looked adorable with everything.

Alegria Women's Debra Slip-On - Nurses Shoes
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The slip-on silhouette offers versatile style characterized by a clean-lined, modern upper with additional lace-up support. The durable knit upper with good stretch allows the foot to secure fit, breathable and smooth fabric provide great freedom and comfortable.

The High-quality rubber material is non-slip and wear-resistant, provides great traction and grip. That fit for a long time standing work, walking, and running. Cushioning Memory Foam Insole mold to your feet and make you feel like walking on soft pillows. The perfect combination of structure and comfort. These shoes can help you with your plantar fasciitis pain and other heel and knee pain.

PROS
  • Latex, Leather
  • Rubber sole
  • Hand-stitched
  • Double elastic gore for easy in-and-out
  • Leather upper and lining
  • Stain-resistant upper
  • Suede leather insole
CONS
  • Doesn’t last longer

11. Crocs Classic Clog|Comfortable Slip on Casual Water Shoe

Crocs’ Classic clog has a ventilated upper and a traction outsole to make it a top wet-dry performer. The signature Croslite foam was designed to keep your feet happy from day tonight. Let your style speak for itself with Jibbitz charms that are uniquely you. The Next-generation LiteRide material offers comfort and support. When the sun comes out so do our soft and comfy sandals.

Crocs Classic Clog, Comfortable Slip on Casual Water Shoes For Nurses
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Those are perfect for the beach, fun, and travel can think of a zillion other places you’ll want to wear it. These Crocs are so cute, the design is just right including many colors but subdued enough that you don’t feel like you have clown feet.

Crocs are the most comfortable shoes possible for everyone. Another great feature with Crocs, in general, is that they weigh almost nothing. This is very helpful when packing for traveling.

PROS
  • Rubber sole
  • Cute design
  • Soft and comfy
  • Super lightweight
  • Pretty fashionable
  • Provide additional stability
CONS
  • Too wide

12. Nurse Mates Women’s Velocity Medical Professional Shoe

These professional shoes have durable knit upper with good stretch allows the foot to secure fit, breathable, and smooth fabric provide great freedom and comfortable. Super lightweight and flexible just like socks, the High-quality rubber material is non-slip and wear-resistant, provides great traction and grip. It is a perfect platform that can wear all day and match all pants, dresses, and tops.

Nurses Mates Women's Velocity Medical Professional Shoe
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Those are specially designed for a long time standing work, walking, casual, plantar fasciitis, or others. Air cushion sole is shockproof, maximum cushioning, prevent your feet hurt. They are so lightweight, even they are lighter than any other running shoes.

The insoles are very supportive of your arches. The upper and outsole are waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about wetting your feet anymore. The footbed is made with an absorbent material to keep your feet dry all day long.

PROS
  • Leather sole
  • Align corrective orthotic
  • Full-grain leather or printed polyurethane
  • Adjustable stretch laces
  • Stabilizing composite shank
  • Lightweight EVA bottom
CONS
  • Oddly narrow toe area
  • Little wider for narrow feet

Key Consideration Before Buying Shoes for Nurses

Being a nurse, you have to choose your shoes according to your requirements. But apart from that, some characteristics you should look for in a pair of shoes you are going to buy.

Materials

The quality of nursing shoe material is important because the upper should be breathable and you need to feel comfortable with it. As you are working in an area where you may come in contact with fluids of chemicals or medicines, the surface of the shoes should be non-absorbent and easy to clean. Faux leather suggested here.

The sole made of rubber is recommended because it is durable and provides required traction whenever needed. The bottom should give you grip control with its proper tread.

Design

The design is important to consider for a nicer appearance but comfort is related to it because the different designs will give you different stages of comfort. The wider toe box should give your toes proper room to accommodate. As you get less time to prepare or change, slip-on is a good option for you. They are designed to put on and take off easily and with no support. Slip-on nursing shoes are like wearing on the go.

Cushioning

Proper cushioning inside the nursing shoes is crucial because it plays the lead role behind the support mechanism of shoes. The right insole helps to reduce pain if you face plantar fasciitis strain or other foot issues like knee pain or joint pain. But first, you have to understand which insole is good to fix your foot problem; we recommend visiting a doctor. Another important feature of cushioning is shock absorbance which comes from the midsole.  So features like adequate cushioning and support make a good pair of shoes.

Arch support

So far we suggested you buy shoes that provide support and comfort to people like you who work for a long day. But another important fact you have to consider is the arch height of your feet. Your arch height could differ from others. There are high and low arch heights and in abnormal height case if you don’t wear shoes with proper arch support it could lead to discomfort, inflammation, strain, and finally pain.

So nursing shoe with proper arch support is a remedy for the abnormal height of the arch. It also fixes over pronation which is the abnormally inward roll of the feet while walking. You should buy the shoes according to your arch height or you can correct your footwear. But we strongly advise to buy according to the support your arch required.

Slip-resistant

The floors of hospitals or your workplace are usually slippery which increases the risk of an accident while you have to run in a hurry. So make sure the nursing shoes you are checking to buy have an outsole that ensures the slip resistance and doesn’t slide on the floor. The traction from the outsole made of rubber creates stability and save you from this rush.

Correct size

Remember that you are buying a pair of nursing shoes to get support from it, not to worsen the condition. So measuring your feet is the main priority we should say. The length and width are important to accommodate your feet inside shoes with comfort and fit. A too-tight shoe can increase the pain and lose one will not make any difference. Don’t let the shoes swallow your feet or stress on it.

Price

Usually, the price of nursing shoes varies according to designs and materials. It ranges from 40 USD up to 150 USD. The material creates a difference. Some brands use leather which is why they ask for higher prices. Nursing shoes made of leather material last longer and provides comfort. There are also cheap price ranges according to your requirements.

Frequently Ask Questions on Nurses Shoes

What are the Most Comfortable Shoes for Nurses?

Most of the day job routine of a nurse is full of rush with discomfort due to standing long hours without a relaxing break. Wearing a good pair of nursing shoes can reduce this stress. Nursing shoes should have features like adequate arch support, lightweight, and comfort. Those are important to reduce exertion. Those shoes are designed to take the pressure and help to maintain a correct posture. A nurse spends her long day with aching feet so they should have comfortable shoes with the foamy insole. Don’t forget to check the sizes.

What are the nursing shoes called?

Nurses usually work for long hours. So they need to find shoes with enough stability and comfort. There are a plethora of designs of nursing shoes in the marketplace. A pair of good pain-relieving shoes can solve your maximum heel and knee problems. We have already discussed some considerations; you need to focus on those facts before looking for new shoes.

Tennis shoes or Athletic shoes are the most common shoes nurse’s community prefers. They get the required support and comfort wearing tennis shoes. Clogs are another favorite shoes of nurses. You can follow our list, those are especially for nurses, and definitely, you will find the most comfortable shoes for standing all day.

Most common foot problems from wearing the wrong nurse’s shoes

If you are a nurse, you may experience tired feet and unbearable pain after reaching home. It occurs basically for wearing unsupportive shoes and when your shoes do not distribute the weight properly. The shoes create excessive pressure on your joint point and occur many knees and heel problems such as

It can trigger your pelvic position and your posture as well. If you continue to wear unsupportive shoes despite having those issues, you may face the worst situation in the future.

Final Recap

Probably one of the most common physical issues a nurse face is for wearing poor quality shoes. These wrong shoes can affect your performance and productivity. Experts suggest trying on different shoes until you find the right one. There are different kinds of shoes you will find in the marketplace but it is tough to get both support and comfort. But the list we mentioned above is well researched and should be the ultimate list for people like you who work on their feet for the rest of their job time.

We are confident that you will find a good pair of high-quality nursing shoes by checking our list. They all are popular brand names with a variety of styles. The above shoes are especially for nurses and other hard-working professionals.