The Best Shoes for Nurses in 2023: A Comprehensive Review

As healthcare professionals, your job demands a lot of physical activity, such as running up and down or standing for extended periods. And spending an entire day on your feet in nursing shoes that lack support can cause joint pain, arch pain and uncomfortable foot-related issues like heel pain, blisters or plantar fasciitis.

According to Orthopedic expert, Dr Mauricio Garcia, "Wearing ill-fitting nursing shoes can lead to a range of issues such as pain in the hips, knees, and back. Investing in a sturdy, supportive pair of comfortable shoes that correctly align your body is essential."

He also says, "Prolonged periods of standing in ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes can exacerbate foot problems over time. It's particularly crucial for individuals in professions that require them to be on their feet for extended periods."

However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which nursing shoes are the right ones to keep you comfortable.

That's where we come in - we've compiled an easy-to-use comparison table of the best shoes for nurses to help you.

But before we jump into that, let's discuss what features you should look for in the best shoes for nurses.

What Features Should Good Shoes for Nurses Have?

There are six significant features each nursing shoe should have:

Arch support & cushioning for heel pain

Having proper arch support and adequate cushioning in your shoes can help prevent foot and heel pain, reduce the risk of injuries, ease pressure on your feet and help ease plantar fasciitis pain. This is especially important for healthcare professionals with flat feet or high arches who require proper support.

Slip-resistant outsoles

Nurses work in an environment where slippery surfaces can simply show up anytime, be it spilt body fluids or wet surfaces after cleaning. Therefore, it is necessary to wear shoes with slip-resistant outsoles to keep you steady on your feet.

Lightweight shoes for nurses

Nurses clock several miles a day around the hospital. A study that monitored 146 nurses found that they averaged 8,000 to 10,000 steps per shift, which equals 4-5 miles. Because of this, you want to avoid wearing heavy shoes during the day and opt for a lightweight option.

Wide Toe Box

The more time you spend on your feet, the more your toes spread. This is a natural occurrence, as your feet tend to swell throughout the day. That's why a sneaker with a wider toe box or the stretchability to accommodate swelling is much better. 

For example, nurse shoes like the Dansko Professional Clogs may have good support, but the toe box is relatively narrow and can cause blisters. In contrast, Hyper Arch Motion has a roomier toe box allowing toes to breathe and sit comfortably.

Breathability  

If you spend long hours on your feet, your feet will most likely get sweaty. This can cause discomfort, blisters and even bacteria to form. That's why nursing sneakers should be made of breathable materials that allow air to circulate.

Easy to clean or liquid-resistant 

Nursing work can be messy, so shoes that are easy to clean (machine washable) or liquid resistant can save you time and hassle.

"This kind of goes against the breathability issue, but in an environment where fluids like blood spill everywhere, you'll find that a shoe that is resistant to liquids is essential for nurses", states Dr Mauricio Garcia.

In addition to these essential features, it is also crucial to consider the individual wearing the shoes and their preferences.

What nursing shoes do medical professionals prefer?

A survey carried out in 2018 asked nurses what type of shoes they wore to work. The results were quite intriguing. Of the 1,277 responses gathered, consisting of 1,194 female and 83 male respondents, 47% of female and 64% of male nurses reported wearing running shoes while at work.

	Female Nurses	Male Nurses
Running Shoes	47%	64%
Nursing Clogs	23%	14%
Crocs	4%	4%
Mules	3%	0%

So, this implies that healthcare professionals are not necessarily in search of nursing clogs or shoes designed solely for healthcare purposes. The right shoes, like good quality sneakers, running shoes or tennis shoes, could serve the purpose just as efficiently. For this reason, we are comparing sneaker and running shoe brands to Hyper Arch Motion.

Good Shoes for Nurses at a Glance

Comfortable Shoes for Nurses Expanded

Hyper Arch Motion

 

Looking at the best shoes for nurses comparison table, Hyper Arch Motion ticks 8 out of 9 boxes, making them the top choice.

PROS

• Arch Motion™ Design
• ReMemory Foam Insole 
• HyperGrip Non-Slip Outsole 
• Breathable, Stretch Knit Upper
• Machine Washable 
• Lightweight
• Elastic Pull Tab, Easy Slip-on
• Roomy toe box, fit for wide feet

CONS

• Not liquid resistant 

AND that's not all - you can get these fantastic orthopedic nursing shoes at an unbeatable discount of 60% OFF. Just follow this shopping link to make your purchase.

Nike Pegasus 39

These sneakers offer great support and cushioning with a breathable mesh upper and a responsive sole. However, the arch and heel support could be better and it is not the best shoes for nurses.

PROS

• Non-slip, Rubber Outsole with flex grooves 
• Lightweight
• Air Zoom Unit for cushioning 
• React Foam Midsole 
• Engineered Mesh Upper

CONS

• Lacks adequate arch support 
• No Memory Foam Insole 
• Less breathable 
• Not machine washable 
• Traditional lacing system
• Not fit for wide feet 
• Not liquid resistant 

Brooks Ghost 15

The Brooks Ghost 15 is a good choice for nurses who need a lot of support. The cushioning is designed to provide a comfortable fit and the sole has excellent traction for slip-resistant safety. However, this shoe is heavier than you think, so it can cause extra foot fatigue.

PROS

• Soft, responsive midsole supports arches
• Airy mesh upper
• Different widths available
• Slip-resistant (even when wet)
• Supportive heel counter

CONS

• No Memory Foam Insole 
• Not machine washable 
• Laces, no slip on and go
• Heavy 
• Not liquid resistant 

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX

These sneakers provide excellent arch support for long shifts. However, the outsole does not have the best grip and the upper is not breathable, which can lead to sweaty feet.

PROS

• Neutral Arch Support 
• Memory foam-like cushioning
• Fits most feet
• Comes in wide sizes

CONS

• Slippery on wet terrains 
• Quite heavy 
• Not as breathable 
• Not liquid resistant 
• Not machine washable 
• Laces, no easy slip on 

Skechers Arch Fit

These sneakers are designed for comfort and support. The sole provides good traction and cushioning. However, it has no breathability and can cause feet to sweat.

PROS

• Arch support for flat feet
• Great traction
• Quite lightweight 
• Machine Washable 
• Excellent fit for most foot sizes

CONS

• No Memory Foam Insole 
• Not as breathable, warm for summer
• Not liquid resistant 
• Laces need a double knot to stay put

Reebok Walk Ultra 7 DMX MAX

These shoes offer a lot of support. The sole provides excellent shock absorption and the upper is breathable and lightweight. But it is not that accommodating to wider feet.

PROS

• DMX cushioning 
• MemoryTech foam 
• Slip-resistant rubber outsole for grip
• Breathable 

CONS

• Not liquid resistant 
• Not machine washable 
• Shoe Laces, no easy slip on 
• Feels heavy 
• Snug fit, not fit for wide feet 

Hoka Bondi L

Hoka is known for its ultra-cushioned soles; however, the necessary features of a good shoe for nurses are absent. 

PROS

• Arch support for flat feet 
• Good cushioning & padding 

CONS

• No Memory Foam Insole
• Average grip, not really slip-resistant
• Quite warm
• Not liquid resistant, suede stains easily
• Not machine washable 
• Feels heavy 
• Laces, no easy slip on 

Adidas Ultraboost

These sneakers are designed for runners but are also good nurse shoes. The sole provides excellent cushioning and support, while the upper is breathable. However, the toe box is narrow, which can cause issues if you work long shifts.

PROS

• Dreamy cushioning
• Good grip on wet & dry terrains 
• Breathable upper 
• Very lightweight 
• Machine washable, just remove the laces 

CONS

• No Memory Foam Insole 
• Not liquid-resistant 
• Laces, no easy slip on 
• Not for wider feet
• Tight toe-box

Asics Gel Nimbus 25

 

The Asics Gel-Nimbus has a good cushioning system with excellent shock absorption, but the upper is not as breathable as you'd like.

PROS

• Good cushioning & arch support
• Good traction 
• Fit for wide feet 

CONS

• No Memory Foam Insole 
• Hot, not breathable 
• Not liquid-resistant 
• Not machine washable 
• Could be lighter
• Laces, no easy slip on 

In conclusion, a nurse's job requires a lot of physical activity, particularly standing and walking. And if you're wearing inappropriate footwear, it can lead to foot pain and discomfort.

It's essential that you invest in nurse shoes that provide adequate support and reduce the risk of injuries or discomfort. The ideal nursing shoe should have proper arch support and cushioning, slip-resistant soles, a wider toe box and a breathable upper.

And Hyper Arch Motion stands out as the #1 option with features such as the Arch Motion™ design, ReMemory Foam insole, HyperGrip non-slip outsole, stretch knit upper and roomy toe box.

So if you're ready to boost your walking and standing comfort, get a pair of Hyper Arch Motion Sneakers now. It's one of the best shoes for nurses out there, AND your feet and body will thank you!

PLUS, they are 60% OFF! Yes, you read that right - 60% OFF!! You won't find a better deal anywhere else. So click on the link below so you don’t miss out on unbelievable savings!

GET HYPER ARCH MOTION FOR 60% OFF

P.S. We have a Perfect Sneaker Guarantee. We’re so confident that you’ll love your Hyper Arch Motion sneakers, that we’re offering a 45-Day Wearer Trial. If you’re not 100% happy with your new sneakers, you can return them for a full refund. Or if you receive your pair and it’s the wrong size, you can return your pair for free!