Best Shoes for Nurses in 2025: Comfort, Support & Style on Long Shifts

Nursing is one of the few professions where your feet never truly get a break. With long shifts, constant walking, and barely a moment to sit, every step adds up. Choosing the right shoes isn't just a matter of comfort. It is a form of self-preservation.

Many nurses face chronic foot pain, lower back issues, and joint fatigue, often caused or worsened by poor footwear. A well-designed pair can do more than keep you going through the shift. It can protect your posture, absorb impact, and support your arches in ways that genuinely affect your daily well-being.

Today’s work shoes are no longer limited to plain, bulky designs. There are now options that combine performance features like slip resistance and arch stability with breathable materials and a clean, professional look. Brands have begun listening to the needs of healthcare workers, resulting in shoes that finally understand the pace and physical demands of clinical life.

What follows is a curated list of top-performing nursing shoes chosen for their comfort, durability, and ability to meet real-world demands. Whether you're on your feet in a high-pressure trauma unit or navigating the halls of a quiet care facility, there’s a shoe out there built for your exact kind of shift.

Best Overall Nursing Shoe

HOKA ONE ONE Bondi SR

If there’s one shoe that nurses consistently praise across departments, it's the Bondi SR. Designed specifically for healthcare professionals and service workers, this model blends max-cushion comfort with hospital-appropriate function in a way very few competitors manage to match.

What sets this shoe apart isn’t just the softness underfoot. It is the way that softness is paired with real-world performance. The thick EVA midsole reduces joint fatigue while walking on unforgiving surfaces like tile and concrete. And the slip-resistant outsole keeps you grounded, even when conditions on the floor are less than ideal.

• 🧽 Slip Resistance: Tested and certified for wet and oily conditions
• 🦶 Support Level: High-cushion EVA midsole for all-day wear
• 🌧️ Water-Resistant Upper: Full-grain leather that’s easy to wipe clean
• 👣 Outsole: Non-marking, durable rubber with strong traction

Whether you're walking 20,000 steps in a trauma unit or handling constant rounds in a med-surg floor, the Bondi SR is built to last. It provides support that doesn’t give up mid-shift and comfort that holds steady hour after hour. If you’re looking for a shoe that delivers across categories: comfort, function, and safety. This one sets the standard.

Best Slip-On Nursing Shoe

Dansko Professional Clog

Imagine a nurse named Claire. She starts her 12-hour shift before sunrise, rarely sits, and navigates emergency rooms filled with unpredictable messes and moments. She doesn’t have time to tie laces or worry about foot fatigue. What she needs is simple: a shoe she can trust to slide on quickly, hold up through constant movement, and keep her supported no matter what the day throws her way.

The Dansko Professional Clog has been that kind of reliable companion for thousands of nurses like Claire. Its legendary design provides a firm, contoured footbed that promotes natural arch support and posture alignment. The rocker bottom encourages a smooth stride, especially helpful on those marathon shifts where steps seem endless. And thanks to its closed-back, reinforced upper, it meets most hospital dress code policies without sacrificing personality or polish.

Whether you're walking the halls of a maternity unit or prepping med trays on a surgical floor, the Dansko clog offers a no-fuss solution that keeps your focus where it belongs. It’s not just easy to wear. It’s built for the unpredictable pace of real nursing work.

Best Lightweight Nursing Shoe

Nike Air Zoom Pulse

Not every nursing environment allows for pause. In trauma bays, pediatric ICUs, and emergency corridors, every step counts. For nurses moving quickly and often, shoe weight becomes a crucial factor. The Nike Air Zoom Pulse was designed with that relentless pace in mind, offering athletic-level responsiveness with the structure needed for clinical settings.

Originally developed in partnership with hospital workers, this shoe blends the cushioning of a running sneaker with the durability of a medical-grade work shoe. The slip-on design includes elastic heel support for a snug fit, and the Zoom Air cushioning in the forefoot absorbs impact where nurses feel it most: beneath the ball of the foot.

In settings where time is tight and movement is constant, the Air Zoom Pulse adapts to the tempo. It doesn’t weigh you down and never gets in the way. From fast hallway transitions to double shifts, this is a shoe that rises to meet the pace of real-world nursing.

Best Waterproof Nursing Shoe

Crocs On-the-Clock Work Slip-On

It’s 6:43 AM, and the floor is already chaotic. A coffee cup tips over at the nurse station. Seconds later, a spill in Room 208 sends a tray of medication containers tumbling. It’s a typical morning for Maria, a pediatric nurse who spends more time cleaning up after crises than she does standing still. Her one constant? A pair of waterproof shoes that never make her think twice about what ends up underfoot.

The Crocs On-the-Clock Work Slip-On was built for moments like these. Unlike traditional Crocs with ventilation holes, this model features a fully enclosed design, making it ideal for wet environments. The molded Croslite™ foam material repels fluids and can be easily sanitized in seconds. For healthcare workers who spend their day walking through unpredictable messes, this shoe offers both protection and peace of mind.

While it may not win awards for fashion, the On-the-Clock Slip-On checks every box for nurses who prioritize hygiene, safety, and functionality. For busy floors and unpredictable conditions, it’s a reliable choice that handles whatever shift life throws at you.

Best Nursing Shoe for Flat Feet

Brooks Ghost Max

Flat feet can be a silent productivity killer in healthcare. The absence of a natural arch causes the foot to roll inward, putting excess strain on the knees, hips, and lower back. Over time, this misalignment leads to joint pain, fatigue, and even chronic injury. For nurses with flat arches, wearing the wrong shoes isn't just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous.

The Brooks Ghost Max is designed to counter that instability. Its structured sole supports healthy foot positioning while still delivering the comfort of a cushioned sneaker. Unlike many athletic-style shoes, the Ghost Max includes a wide base and built-in guidance technology to encourage neutral stride mechanics. It's a great match for nurses who walk long hospital corridors and need correction without stiffness.

Beyond function, this shoe also respects the pace and demands of nursing life. It’s breathable enough for long shifts, stable enough to prevent ankle rolling, and stylish enough to wear outside of work. While not marketed exclusively as a nursing shoe, its biomechanical structure makes it one of the most reliable options for professionals with low arches or flat feet.

If your day ends with aching arches or sore heels, this might be the shift your body’s been asking for starting from the ground up.

Best Nursing Shoe for Wide Feet

New Balance 847v4

Finding the right shoe is frustrating enough, but if you have wide feet, the challenge can turn into a daily struggle. Narrow toe boxes, tight insteps, and stiff uppers aren’t just uncomfortable. They can lead to blisters, pinched nerves, and long-term foot pain. Nurses who deal with swelling, bunions, or naturally wide foot anatomy need shoes built with space and structure in mind.

The New Balance 847v4 is one of the few sneakers that doesn’t treat wide sizing as an afterthought. Offered in multiple width options up to extra-wide, it’s built on a platform that accommodates fullness in the forefoot without sacrificing security at the heel. The result is a shoe that hugs gently, flexes naturally, and supports long hours on your feet without compression or pressure points.

Ideal for nurses who struggle to find comfortable shoes that don’t squeeze or overcorrect, the 847v4 feels more like a custom fit than a compromise. It delivers exactly what wide-footed professionals need: structure without tightness, motion control without rigidity, and all-day comfort without swelling or irritation.

Best Stylish Nursing Shoe

FIGS | New Balance 327

Who says nursing shoes can’t look sharp? In a world where professional wear is evolving, nurses deserve footwear that delivers both style and function. Enter the FIGS | New Balance 327, a bold collaboration between healthcare apparel leader FIGS and performance sneaker giant New Balance. The result is a shoe that works as hard as it looks good.

Unlike traditional nursing clogs or plain sneakers, this shoe adds personality to your uniform. Whether you’re grabbing coffee before rounds or heading out after a long shift, you won’t feel like you’re wearing “work shoes.” Yet, you still get the performance you need to handle a busy floor or patient care on your feet for 10+ hours.

For nurses who want to feel confident not only in how they perform but in how they show up, this pick bridges the gap between fashion and function. No compromises, just better energy from the ground up.

Best Nursing Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis

OOFOS OOcloog Clog

Before switching shoes, Sarah a surgical nurse used to start every morning with a painful stretch. Her heels felt stiff. Each step on the hospital floor was a small reminder of the inflammation building under her arches. Like many with plantar fasciitis, the pain wasn’t just physical. It slowly drained her energy and affected her focus on the job.

After switching to the OOFOS OOcloog Clog, her mornings began differently. The OOfoam™ recovery technology built into this clog absorbs 37% more impact than standard EVA, which means less pressure on the heel with each step. The footbed is contoured to cradle the arch and redistribute stress, relieving tension in exactly the places that matter for those managing plantar fasciitis.

The OOcloog isn’t a conventional work shoe in appearance, but its clinical benefits far outweigh its casual design. It’s approved by podiatrists, machine washable, and perfect for after-shift recovery or full-shift wear in more relaxed work environments. If heel pain is holding you back, this shoe is engineered to move you forward.

If you want to see more shoes for plantar fasciitis, you can read our best shoes for plantar fasciitis article.

Best Eco-Friendly Nursing Shoe

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2

The growing shift toward sustainability in healthcare doesn't stop at reusable scrubs or zero-waste cafeterias. Nurses who care deeply about their patients often care just as much about their impact on the planet. That mindset now extends to what’s worn on their feet. The Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 is a performance-driven shoe that aligns comfort with conscious living.

Made with naturally derived materials, every part of this sneaker is purposefully sourced and engineered for both movement and responsibility. It's breathable, lightweight, and certified carbon neutral. Unlike traditional sneakers that use petroleum-based foams and synthetic uppers, the Tree Dasher 2 is crafted using eucalyptus tree fiber, sugarcane-based SweetFoam™, and a bio-based rubber outsole.

The Tree Dasher 2 may not be designed specifically for healthcare, but its comfort profile, bounce-back response, and breathable liner make it a great fit for environmentally conscious nurses who spend long hours on their feet. It’s also machine washable and vegan-friendly, ticking nearly every box for professionals who want their values reflected in every detail, even their shoes.

Best Budget Nursing Shoe

Skechers Work Squad SR

Not every high-performance nursing shoe comes with a high price tag. The Skechers Work Squad SR is a strong reminder that affordability doesn’t have to mean compromise. Designed for long shifts on slick hospital floors, this model offers all the essentials; support, safety, and durability without draining your paycheck.

What makes it stand out is the way it balances comfort features with cost efficiency. It includes a memory foam insole that molds to the foot, a slip-resistant outsole certified for workplace use, and a smooth synthetic upper that’s easy to clean after a busy day. Despite the price, it holds up surprisingly well under daily use and doesn’t skimp on foot support.

For new nurses, students, or anyone working extra hours and watching their budget, the Work Squad SR delivers where it counts. It may not have premium materials or high-end style, but it earns its place through performance, practicality, and price. You get exactly what you need: nothing flashy, just dependable comfort at a cost that respects your wallet.

Nursing Shoe Comparison Table

Key Factors When Choosing Nursing Shoes

🦶 Fit and Foot Shape

The most comfortable nursing shoe starts with the right fit. Your foot shape matters. Whether you have wide feet, high arches, flat soles, or bunions, the structure of the shoe should match your anatomy. A proper fit reduces strain, improves posture, and prevents fatigue from setting in mid-shift.

🧼 Material and Cleanability

Clinical environments are unpredictable, and your shoes need to be ready for spills, fluids, and rapid disinfection. Look for materials like full-grain leather, coated mesh, or synthetic blends that are easy to wipe clean and resistant to stains. Breathability is also a plus for temperature control during long hours.

🦺 Slip Resistance and Traction

Hospital floors can get slippery. Whether you’re working in a surgical unit or patient care wing, grip is essential. Certified slip-resistant outsoles help you stay stable even when speed and urgency are involved. Rubber or patterned tread designs usually offer the most reliable traction.

🔄 Cushioning and Arch Support

Support isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Choose shoes with memory foam, EVA midsoles, or orthotic-compatible footbeds. Arch support helps distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on the heels and forefoot, especially during back-to-back shifts.

🕐 Durability Over Time

Not all nursing shoes age the same. Consider how often you’ll wear them, what type of flooring you walk on, and how you maintain them. A quality shoe should last at least 6–12 months of daily wear without losing structural integrity.

Choosing the right nursing shoe isn’t just about one feature. It’s about finding the balance between comfort, safety, support, and practicality. Knowing what matters to your feet is the first step toward better shifts and healthier movement at work.

How to Maintain and Clean Nursing Shoes

Nursing shoes work just as hard as you do, which means they collect more than just wear. From hallway dust to biofluids and disinfectant spills, your shoes face daily exposure to grime. Proper care isn’t just about looking neat. It protects the integrity of your footwear and your health.

🧼 Cleaning by Material Type

• Leather: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Use leather conditioner once a month to prevent cracking.
• Mesh/Fabric: Spot clean with diluted detergent. For deeper cleaning, use a soft brush and let air dry fully.
• Rubber or Synthetic: Rinse under warm water and scrub gently with a sponge. These can often be disinfected with wipes or diluted bleach solutions.
• Machine Washable Shoes: Use cold cycle with mild detergent. Always air dry, heat can break down the midsole cushioning.

⏰ Maintenance Schedule

• Daily: Wipe off visible debris and moisture before storing.
• Weekly: Sanitize insoles and spray interiors with antibacterial mist or baking soda solution.
• Monthly: Inspect soles for wear and tear. Rotate if possible with a backup pair to extend lifespan.

Consistent upkeep not only prolongs the life of your shoes, it also prevents odors, supports foot hygiene, and maintains cushioning and fit. A clean shoe doesn’t just feel better, it protects you and everyone around you from unnecessary exposure to germs and wear-related injury.

FAQs About Nursing Footwear

Finding the Right Fit for You

There is no single perfect shoe for every nurse. What works for someone in emergency care may not work for a home health nurse or pediatric tech. Choosing the right nursing shoe means thinking about your workday, your body, and what comfort means to you.

Step 1: Know Your Work Environment

Are you constantly walking, or do you stand in place for long hours? Do you work in a fast-paced trauma unit or a steady outpatient clinic? Some floors are slick, others are dry but hard. All of this affects what kind of grip, flexibility, and weight you need from a shoe.

Step 2: Listen to Your Feet

Pay attention to how your feet feel at the end of the shift. Do you feel pressure in the heel, soreness in the arch, or tingling near your toes? These signs help identify what support your feet lack. You might need more cushioning, a wider fit, or better arch support.

Step 3: Match Shoe Features to Your Needs

If your feet swell, go for breathable fabric and a roomy toe box. If you sweat a lot, choose moisture-wicking materials. If you walk long distances, pick shoes with shock absorption and heel protection. These small decisions make a big difference over time.

The right shoe should feel like an extension of your movement. It should let you focus on your patients, not your pain. Comfort is personal. Choose what lets you move freely, stay supported, and finish every shift strong.