The demand for nurses has always been high. But while a nursing career has many benefits, it also comes with few consequences.
Nursing is undeniably one of the most physically demanding jobs in the world. Nurses or Registered Nurses (RN) work long hours and spend most of their shifts on their feet.
Nursing slip-on shoes are usually stain-resistant and designed to provide comfort and support (Credit: Cunaplus / Shutterstock)
From assisting doctors in operating rooms and emergency rooms to running alongside a gurney and moving from one patient to another – all these activities, in addition to prolonged standing, can have a negative impact on a person’s lower extremities.
According to Mayo Clinic, occupations such as nursing, construction, and factory work can place significant demands on your back. In addition to paying attention to posture, lifting properly, listening to your body, and modifying repetitive tasks, wearing appropriate shoes can prevent back pain and injuries at work.
The Duchess of Cornwall meeting nurses during a visit to Birmingham Children’s Hospital on January 22, 2020 (Credit: WENN / Avalon)
Nurses should wear shoes that provide a relaxing fit, support, and comfort to prevent and reduce foot pain and discomfort. Moreover, their shoes must be lightweight yet durable and, more importantly, slip-resistant as they often work in fast-paced situations on wet hospital floors.
Whether you’ve long been in the nursing field or just starting your career as a nurse, you might find this article helpful.
There are a lot of quality shoes available on the market, but to make your search efficient, we’ve rounded up a list of the best nurse shoes below.
From clogs to slip-on shoes and sneakers, these shoes will get you through your day while keeping your feet comfortable.
6 Best Nurse Clogs
1. Dansko Professional Clogs, $139.95 – $184.95 on Amazon
Dansko is one of the top shoe brands when it comes to providing workers with all-day comfort. Their flagship “Professional” clogs, in particular, are popular among nurses for their comfort and durability.
These highly rated Dansko clogs have a roomy reinforced toe box for protection with plenty of “wiggle room” for your toes
They also have padded instep collars, contoured leather insoles with non-allergenic vegetable-tanned leather sock liners to keep feet dry, memory foam footbeds, protective polyethylene heel counters for lateral stability, and anatomically contoured polyurethane midsoles with PVC inner frame to reduce torque and pronation.
This slip-on clog is perfect for health care workers on their feet all day
These easy-to-clean, durable clogs also come with 2-inch wide heels for stability and polyurethane outsoles with anti-fatigue rocker bottoms to propel the foot forward and provide shock absorption and flexibility.
Podiatrist Dr. Howard Friedman recommends Dansko clogs to nurses. These clogs also carry the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. You can get these Dansko clogs in several colors and materials.
2. Alegria Keli Professional Clogs, $129.95 at Zappos
Alegria is known for crafting orthodontic shoes that are not only comfortable but also stylish. Made with healthcare professionals in mind, their Professional shoes are stain-resistant and have non-slip outsoles.
The Keli is a slip-on shoe with a slimmer silhouette on the lightweight and flexible career casual outsole
One of their most reviewed styles is the “Keli.” Like other clogs, these nurse shoes also offer a wide-toe box.
Additionally they feature double elastic side goring for easy on-and-off, and removable and replaceable footbeds made from a combination of cork, latex, and memory foam for an ergonomically designed fit.
This popular nursing shoe comes in colorful prints, fun colors, and tried and true favorites
These clogs don’t squeak, thanks to the structured slip-resistant polyurethane outsoles engineered to provide a natural rocker walking motion, reduce pressure, and absorb shock.
3. Crocs Mercy Work Clogs, $44.95 – $61.54 on Amazon
Crocs is one of the most popular shoe brands in the nursing field. Not only is Crocs a world leader in innovative casual footwear, but it is also one of the top footwear brands for workplaces.
While they have a wide range of options, the “Mercy” clogs are one of their best sellers. These shoes have over 5,000 reviews on Amazon.
These white slip-resistant nursing shoes will help you stay safe during your shift
Like other Crocs shoe styles, these clogs also use the label’s revolutionary Croslite material. Croslite is a closed-resin material that molds to the wearer’s feet. The material itself is shock-absorbing, can resist odor, and prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
This slip-resistant clog offers generous room all around the foot, a heel-hugging back-strap, and a closed heel
These lightweight nursing clogs also feature sturdy footbeds with tiny nubs for a massage-like feel, enhanced arch support, pivoting heel straps, and roomy toe boxes. They also have Crocs Lock tread slip-resistant outsoles with about 1.3-inch heels.
4. Klogs Naples Nursing Clogs, $139.95 – $144.95 at Zappos
Made for workers and professionals who are always on their feet, Klogs Footwear offers an array of shoe designs that are slip-resistant, oil-resistant, non-marking, and, of course, comfortable.
These popular slip-on shoes have rounded toe boxes for extra wiggle room, padded collars with dual goring, and about 1.75-inch heels
The brand’s “Naples” shoe style is designed specifically for nurses and healthcare practitioners. They have TRUComfort insoles with deep heel cups for excellent arch support and superior cushioning, removable antimicrobial latex-free footbeds to keep feet fresh and dry, and polyurethane platform midsoles for shock absorption.
They also feature slip-resistant TRUBase polyurethane outsoles with PURGrip treads that meet the ASTM F1677-96 standard, meaning they provide superior traction and stability in wet and oily environments.
These are available in a variety of upper materials, including smooth leather, patent leather, embossed leather, soft suede, and tooled leather.
Many consider Naples to be the ultimate shoe for nurses and healthcare practitioners
5. Timberland Pro Renova Clogs, $89.88 – $115 on Amazon
While Timberland is known for its outdoor boots, the footwear company also offers a selection of comfortable work shoes, such as the “Renova.”
These full-grain leather professional shoes feature an anatomically shaped toe box and anti-fatigue technology for all-day comfort and slip-resistant outsoles that provide traction in wet or dry conditions
Designed with healthcare workers in mind, these clogs feature Timberland Pro Anti-Fatigue technology with molded, inverted cones for all-day standing support, leg and back support, and superior shock absorption.
They also have molded polyurethane footbeds to cradle the feet and provide arch support, antimicrobial technology to control odor, and anatomically shaped oblique toe boxes for extra toe room.
These functional Timberland slip-on shoes protect your feet and are perfect if you spend a lot of time standing
In addition, they feature non-marking SafeGrip slip-resistant outsoles with heel-to-toe rocker soles that have anatomically rounded heels to reduce impact and forefoot pressure.
These are made from full-grain leather with 3M Scotchgard protector for excellent stain resistance.
6. SoftWalk Meredith Clogs, $59.95 – $119.95 on Amazon
SoftWalk footwear company offers shoes that give you all-day comfort without sacrificing style.
For those who are looking for a slick yet comfortable pair of work shoes, check out SoftWalk’s “Meredith” clogs. These clogs are ultra-lightweight and made from premium leather material.
Meredith’s removable footbed has great cushioning and arch support
They feature cushioned collars, removable soft, breathable antimicrobial footbeds with arch inserts, reinforced toe boxes, and lightweight shock-absorbing EVA midsoles.
The classic clog design is perfect for healthcare professionals who need total and complete comfort
They also have stabilizing nylon shank for added support, finished with lightweight and flexible EVA outsoles with molded slip-resistant rubber inserts.
5 Best Nurse Slip-On Shoes
1. Nurse Mates Dove Slip-On Shoes, $44.38 – $118.99 on Amazon
As its brand name suggests, Nurse Mates is a company that provides top-quality shoes, scrubs, and other accessories for healthcare workers.
Clearly, they are popular among nurses, and their all-time best-selling style is the “Dove” slip-on shoes.
The slip resistance-rated rubber outsoles are designed to help prevent slipping on floor surfaces
Featuring a lightweight construction, these slip-on shoes are made of tumbled leather with a stain-resistant finish that makes them easy to clean. They also have padded collars to prevent chafing, dual side goring for easy on-and-off, and about 1.5-inch heels with slip-resistant EVA rubber outsoles.
The soft footbeds are contoured for a perfect fit, while the tempered steel shanks provide arch support and lateral stability to lessen fatigue while walking.
Nurse Mates is one of the most popular brands that nurses know and trust
2. Skechers Ultra Flex-First Take Sneakers, $53.97 – $129 on Amazon
Skechers is another excellent option when it comes to comfortable shoes. Online reviewers have nothing but praises for the lifestyle and performance footwear company.
Skechers offers some of the best sneakers for nurses and healthcare workers
One of their top-rated styles is the “Ultra Flex-First Take” slip-on sneakers.
Made from soft woven Sketch-Knit upper, these slip-on shoes come with an air-cooled memory foam insole and highly flexible Ultra Flex comfort midsole. This style offers sock-like comfort, thanks to its Stretch-Fit design.
Stylish and comfortable, these breathable sneakers are perfect if you’re on your feet all day
3. Skechers Go Walk 4 Pursuit Shoes, $39.95 – $60 on Amazon
If you’re not too keen about leather slip-ons, Skechers’ “Go Walk 4 Pursuit” walking shoes would make a great alternative.
They feature quality seamless mesh fabric with a woven finish that can endure rough environments. Although they are made for walking, they are packed with the brand’s performance technologies that can help get your job done with ease and comfort.
The Skechers’ “Go Walk 4 Pursuit” walking shoes feature innovative and highly responsive 5GEN midsole cushioning
They also offer Quick-Fit Portal at the heel panels for easy entry, odor-resistant bamboo-lined footbeds with lightweight and responsive Ultra Go cushioning, Goga Max high rebound footbed, and Comfort Pillar Technology underfoot for ultimate comfort.
The round-toe slip-ons come complete with dual-density lightweight rubber outsoles with shock-absorbing Goga Pillars
4. Vionic Avery Pro Slip-On Shoes, $59.49 – $125.56 on Amazon
For something dressier, here’s the “Avery Pro” from orthopedic but chic footwear company, Vionic.
The Vionic Avery Pro Slip-On Shoes have removable footbeds and breathable linings to ensure your feet stay fresh all day long
These slip-ons are made from weather-resistant, lightweight smooth leather material with cushioned collars and flexible dual gore side panels.
The inside is packed with soft and breathable textile linings and removable canvas-covered Vio-Motion EVA footbeds for all-day comfort and support.
You can wear these all year round thanks to the weather-resistant material
They come complete with durable and slip-resistant rubber outsoles that passed the ASTM F1677 Mark II testing.
5. Hawkwell Comfort Slip-Resistant Nursing Shoes, $29.99 – $42.99 on Amazon
If you’re on a budget, you might want to try these nursing slip-ons by Hawkwell. Despite their very affordable price tag, these shoes come with technologies that can help you get through your entire shift.
These Hawkwell nursing shoes won’t hurt your pocket or your feet!
Made from soft synthetic tumbled leather with a stain-resistant finish, these shoes feature a neutral arch design with soft foam padded linings for comfort and support.
These waterproof shoes also have premium memory foam insoles for enhanced cushioning and about 1.5-inch heels with lightweight EVA outsoles for superior grip.
These shoes are not only waterproof but also stain-resistant, making them a winner in any hospital environment
4 Best Nurse Tennis Shoes/Sneakers
1. K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 Tennis Shoes, $109.95 on Amazon
Surprisingly, several nurses turn to K-Swiss for their work shoes. And the athletic tennis shoe brand’s “Hypercourt Express 2” is one of their favorites.
K-Swiss shoes originally took inspiration from leather ski boots to create a court shoe that supported the aggressive side-to-side movement of tennis
These tennis shoes are constructed with Seamfree technology, which is a heat-welded seamless construction method that bonds layers of thermoplastic urethane onto breathable tech mesh fabric, making them flexible.
The Hypercourt Express 2 maintains the comfortable fit that the past Hypercourts were so well-known for, and a modern style was introduced to keep your feet looking as fresh as they’ll feel
On the inside, they feature padded collars, lightweight Surgelite midsoles, and molded Ortholite x40 sock liners. At the bottom, you’ll find K-Swiss’ signature non-marking, Aosta 7.0 high-density rubber outsole with herringbone tread for durability.
2. Nike Tanjun Sneakers, $38.51 – $85.00 at Amazon
You’ll never go wrong with Nike “Tanjun” sneakers. Named after the Japanese word for simplicity, these sneakers are a classic with simple yet elegant construction.
The Nike Tanjun sneakers are made from at least 20% recycled content by weight
Made from breathable mesh fabric, these shoes feature lightly padded collars and tongues, rounded toes, textile insoles, fabric linings, and injected phylon midsoles and outsoles for lightweight cushioning.
The upper materials are designed to stretch and form to your foot for a personalized feel that breaks in quickly
3. Skechers Work Sure Track Trickel Shoes, $100 at Skechers
Online reviewers have been raving about the Skechers Work “Sure Track Trickel” shoes, with over 3,000 positive reviews on Amazon.
They feature a low-cut design with Skechers Relaxed Fit and padded tongues and collars for added protection. They also have ventilated fabric linings, removable memory foam cushioned footbeds, and FlexSole shock-absorbing lightweight midsoles.
These Skechers feature a smooth leather upper in a lace-up slip-resistant work design with a cushioned Skechers Memory Foam insole
These EH Safe-designed shoes come complete with slip-resistant nitrile rubber traction outsoles, tested with ASTM F1677-96 Mark II standard for safety.
4. New Balance 608v5 Shoes, $74.99 – $79.99 at New Balance
The New Balance 608v5 shoes boast super-soft cushioning
New Balance is one of the trusted brands when it comes to comfortable shoes, and nurses love the updated version of their “608” style.
These training shoes are made of mixed faux leather and breathable mesh materials with dual-density collars and padded mesh tongues.
Inside these shoes are breathable, odor-resistant textile Phantom linings, injection-molded EVA midsoles with polyurethane inserts for flexible cushioning, ABZORB midfoot cushioning for shock absorption, and an internal shank for added durability and support.
They also have non-marking slip-resistant rubber outsoles that are tested according to the ASTM F2913-11 standard for superior traction.
Choose between white with light blue or white with pink