Shoes are a girl’s best friend, but if you leave fashion aside, you’ll see that they are everyone’s best friend when they are comfortable. Regardless of your profession, you will feel the difference between comfy shoes and shoes that are only designed to look good!
Still, if you are on your feet all day long working as a nurse or a healthcare worker, you understand the need for special shoes that support your feet the right way.
If you take a look at the statistics, over 33% of nurses and healthcare staff in the US complain about feet and back pain. And, in most cases, the pain is attributed to (or aggravated by) shoes. Inappropriate footwear is not suited for jobs where you have to stand all day long. In these cases, you need shoes that provide cushion, support the arch, and absorb shocks.
Comfy shoes are not designed just to keep your feet snug; they are also good for your overall health. Even more, a good pair of shoes will help prevent fat pad atrophy, a condition where the pad of the foot gets thinner in time. The condition is almost always accompanied by pain.
The three features you have to consider when shopping for the best shoes for nurses and other people who stand most of the day are: arch support, lots of cushioning, and a shock-absorbing bed. These are doctor-recommended and most nurses swear by them.
Now, that you know the importance of comfy shoes, let’s see the ones specialists recommend and why.
Please note, all external links for the products below (geni.us links, etc.) link to the corresponding Amazon.com page for each product.
Shoes for Nurses Comparison Table
| Ranking | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoes for Nurses |  Dansko Women's Professional Mule Clogs |  Skechers Women's Sport w/ Memory Foam |  Reebok Women's Work 'N Cushion 2.0 |  Alegria Women's Paloma Flat |  Crocs Women's Mercy Work Clog |
| Award |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | |||||
| Style | Clog | Tennis Shoe | Tennis Shoe | Flat | Clog |
| Heel Height | 1.75" | 0.75" | 0.75" | 1.5" | 1" |
| Release Date | 4/7/2007 | 1/22/2013 | 3/17/2015 | 8/31/2009 | 10/27/2010 |
| More Details | Read full review > | Read full review > | Read full review > | Read full review > | Read full review > |
Best Overall Shoes for Nurses
Dansko Women's Professional Mule Clogs Review
Many nurses swear by the Dansko Clogs! And, besides being extremely comfy and recommended for a 12-hour shift on your feet, they are quite cute. The outer layer is leather with a faded shine and the stitches show the craftsmanship is quite impressive. The leather is extremely easy to clean so you can see a clear reason why most nurses choose these shoes for their daily activity.
The sole is synthetic and the outsole is made of polyurethane. There is also a rocker bottom included in the outsole designed to absorb shocks and reduce fatigue (just like athletic footwear does). The insole provides great arch support and you won’t feel your feet hot due to the footbed made out of Breathable PU Foam (this material offers temperature control).
As you can see, the heel is wide for increased stability and you’ll gain 2 extra inches in height. Still, the platform is 0.75 inches so you won’t feel like you’re walking on heels. It’s just a healthy distance between the rough surfaces you’re stepping on and your foot.
The reinforced toe box is great if you’re working in an environment where people might stumble upon your feet. It’s also a great way to make sure your toes are free to breathe even after 12 hours of continuous walking or standing.
We also like the padded instep collar which provides amazing arch support. And, if your feet are well-supported you won’t suffer from any back pains due to the extended time you spend standing, walking, or running.
On the downside, they are a bit heavy if you’re not used to a bit of extra weight on your feet. Still, this is a minor detail and you’ll get used to it quite quickly. Another problem you might encounter is the fact that the Dansko Clogs are handmade. This means that no two shoes will be the same. It also means that you’ll have to try several pairs before you find one that fits perfectly.
Thinking about the price, the clogs may be a bit expensive for their design, but they are worth every penny. They are designed to last so, once you find the right pair, there’s no need to buy any other shoes for work.
Pros
- Very good arch support
- Great at preventing or alleviating back pain due to extended standing
- Reinforced toe box for extra protection
- Handmade – high level of quality
- Extremely durable - these shoes will last a long time
Cons
- A bit heavier than expected
- Not as cushioned as other choices you’ll see on our list
- Inconsistency in sizes (because they are handmade)
Best Value Shoes for Nurses
Skechers Women's Sport w/ Memory Foam Review
These are tennis shoes created out of a combination of synthetic and textile materials. The sole is made of rubber so it’s both a great insulator and a flexible barrier between your feet and the harsh surfaces you’re walking on every day.
The Skechers are easy to put on and easy to get off due to the bungee laces that don’t need any tying. You just slip them on your feet and off you go! Even more, they come in four color combinations so you can wear them regardless of your job (you can even get them in complete white, which goes great for nurses).
The outer layer is a breathable mesh that allows your feet to breathe and stay dry even in the hottest days of the year. The toe box and sides are reinforced with a hard material that protects your feet from humidity and debris.
We loved the memory foam insole because the more you wear these shoes, the more they will become perfect for you. The memory foam will be molded into the shape of your feet and, in time, they’ll fit just right. However, you shouldn’t expect this result after the first hour – they need a bit of breaking in as the memory foam feels stiff at first.
There is also a memory foam internal heel support that is designed to keep your foot straight. The rubber outsole is flexible which gives you a bit of a walking boost and extremely light. They are so light that you’ll totally forget you’re wearing them in a few minutes after you put them on.
One cool thing about the Skechers is that you can use them in multiple situations. For instance, you can wear them at work, on your morning jog routing, when you go outdoors with friends or in any situation where comfy footwear is required.
Finally we can recommend these to people who have Plantar Fasciitis or Achilles Tendinitis as the support is great. Still, you should know they can get a bit flimsy in time and the slip-on feature loses its grip. However, the price is extremely affordable for such a comfy pair of shoes!
Pros
- Memory foam that gets molded after your feet’s shape
- Lightweight – it feels like clouds after being on your feet all day
- Easy to put on and get off
Cons
- There are only 4 color options available
#3 Best Overall Shoes for Nurses
Reebok Women's Work 'N Cushion 2.0 Review
Reebok, as a company, was created to fulfill athletes’ need for comfortable shoes while running long distance marathons. So, at the very base of their foundation, the Reebok Company has the comfort of our feet in mind.
So, if you’re a nurse or anyone else who needs to stay long-hour shifts on their feet running from place to place, these tennis shoes would do the trick. They only come in black and white version but it’s enough to fit them to any work environment. Also, they are available in wide sizes, which is great for people with wider feet.
The outsole is a slip-resistant rubber which works great in various hospital areas where is easy to slip with other types of shoes. The sole also offers great traction on oily surfaces so if you’re working in such an environment, you should consider the Reebok kicks.
The heel is 0.75-inches in height and features a beveled design which allows you to walk long distances without feeling any pain. Even more, the inner sole is memory foam that will get molded around your feet’s unique shape. Still, you should know, the memory foam requires some breaking in. So, don’t put them aside if they feel stiff the first time you’re wearing them.
The outer layer of the shoes is genuine leather and protects your feet from humidity while also allowing the skin to breathe.
These kicks are equipped with DMX Ride technology which means the sole is specially designed to absorb shocks and maximize comfort. Using this technology, the sole is capable of delivering great arch support but only for the average foot. If you have high arches there you may need some extra support.
One downside many users mentioned is their weight. Unlike the kicks we discussed above, the Reebok ones have some weight. Still, they are not too heavy and you’ll get used to them in no time.
Pros
- Memory foam for the inner sole to increase comfort
- The upper is made of genuine leather
- Durable shoes
Cons
- Only two color versions
- May take a while to break in
Top Pick for Styling Options Shoes for Nurses
Alegria Women's Paloma Flat Review
The Alegria Paloma Women’s shoes manage to create a wonderful combination between comfort and a good-looking design. After all, if you want comfort you shouldn’t just think about tennis shoes or clogs!
These shoes come in a wide range of colors and designs which allow women everywhere to choose the perfect model for them. You can even get several pairs to fit with different outfits!
The outer layer is genuine leather and the beautiful designs (in versions that support them) are extremely appealing. The out sole is flat, slip-resistant, and features the natural buoyancy of rubber. This way, your feet are protected from shocks and your joints won’t hurt. The out sole is also a rocker which reduces the pressure on the heel.
The inner sole is leather which allows the feet to breathe naturally. It is also cushioned for extra arch support and the removable footbed allows you to add some custom orthotics if you need them. The inner sole and the difference between heel (1.5-inches) and platform (1-inch) is 0.5-inches. This means that any woman can wear them.
The footbed is specially designed to fit the natural shape of the human foot for increased comfort during the day. All in all, if you want comfort and style, the Alegria Paloma Women’s shoes represent a perfect choice!
Pros
- A wide range of available versions
- Removable insoles
- Genuine leather outer layer and inner sole
- Flat rocker outer sole
Cons
- They may start to squeak after a while
- Velcro can wear out easily
Budget Pick Shoes for Nurses
Crocs Women's Mercy Work Clog Review
Crocs may not be the most beautiful shoes out there but they are definitely comfortable! They are lightweight and offer a lot of room which makes them the ideal choice for people with wide or swollen feet.
The classic back strap offers stability and they are available in a wide range of sizes and colors. The sole is synthetic and slip-resistant so you can wear them in any work environment that requires non-slip shoes. The outer layer is completely enclosed making them spill-proof and the material is easy to clean (you can see why nurses prefer them).
To increase comfort, the foot bed is equipped with tiny nubs that provide a gentle foot massage with every step you take.
The heel is 1-inch in height and the sole is a bit harder than with regular crocks. Even more, the arch support offered by the food bed is quite exemplary!
At the end of the day, if you want comfortable, non-spill shoes that are easy to clean, the Crocs will do a fantastic job!
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable and roomy
- Great price
Cons
- The design is not too appealing
- The inner sole is not as cushioned as other options we discussed
Our Suggestions
In the reviews above we tried to cover the most comfortable shoes you can find in the market but we also tried to consider the need for style and footwear fashion. Thus, there are several options for everyone starting with the extra comfortable Dansko and ending with the classic Crocs. Of course, for more style, we recommend the Alegria Paloma shoes which look amazing even after a 12-hours shift. And, if you want shoes that work on various activities, we recommend the kicks from Reebok or Skechers.
Best Shoes for Nurses: Reviewed
| Shoes for Nurses | Award | |
| 1 | Dansko Women's Professional Mule Clogs | Best Overall |
| 2 | Skechers Women's Sport w/ Memory Foam | Best Value |
| 3 | Crocs Women's Mercy Work Clog | Budget Pick |
