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As a nurse, you never know what your day may entail—anything from running alongside a gurney to standing for hours in the ER or operating room. That’s why the best shoes for nurses are a must. After all, being on your feet all day puts your lower extremities under a lot of stress. So if you’re consistently wearing unsupportive shoes, you could develop achy arches, exacerbate plantar fasciitis, joint pain, and other uncomfortable foot-related issues. “Nursing footwear is very individual,” explains Leah Weiss, R.N., a registered nurse in NYC.
Meet the Experts: Howard Friedman, D.P.M., a Suffern, New York-based podiatrist; Karen Langone, D.P.M. a podiatrist based in Southampton, New York; Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in Kansas City, MO; Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist with the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Texas.
Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in Kansas City, MO, emphasizes the importance of finding the right shoes for you. “Not wearing the right shoes can cause many issues aside from foot discomfort, including pain in the hips, knees, and back, so it’s important to have a good stable pair of shoes that put your body in the correct equilibrium,” Sayed explains. “The longer you are on your feet with bad or uncomfortable shoes, the worse those problems can become. This is especially important for people who have jobs that force them to be on their feet all day.”
It’s important to choose shoes with good non-slip grip for dashing between patients, as well as extra cushioning that supports those on their feet for hours. Katie Levitt, N.P., a nurse practitioner in NYC, says she switches between Danskos and Hokas. “They are both great,” she says. Check out more shoes for those that stand all day, below.
Ahead, we asked nurses, healthcare workers, and podiatrists for their comfiest, most supportive footwear recommendations.
A favorite of Levitt, these are some of the most cushioned shoes available anywhere. Hoka’s Bondi sneakers are especially great for people who don’t want a pair of shoes that they’ll only wear to work, since these durable kicks are also designed for running, walking, or just heading to the grocery store after a shift. Plus, the supremely soft but supportive EVA midsoles mean they’re a good fit for anyone with plantar fasciitis.
“These are the best shoes on the market,” wrote one reviewer who is a nurse and has dealt with plantar fasciitis for years. “There is no other shoe on the market with this much cushion and stability and durability. I highly recommend these shoes, the Bondi in particular, if you are on your feet all day,” she added.
“This is a great shoe for those on their feet long hours, especially those on hard surfaces,” says Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist with the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Texas. “This particular model of Hoka shoes is a neutral shoe with plush cushioning. This is perfect for someone with higher arches that needs shock absorption.”
Prevention’s senior commerce editor recently put this sneaker to the test, confirming that it’s incredibly supportive. It’s even one of our picks for the best Hoka shoes for walking.
You just can’t beat a classic like these tried-and-true kicks from New Balance. With a super-cushioned base, comfy foam near the ankle, and a flexible outsole, these sneakers are designed to keep you on your feet (and feeling good) all day long. And on top of all that, their leather uppers are stain-resistant, meaning they’ll look crisp long after you’ve broken them in.
“I have worn nothing but New Balance for close to 25 years,” one reviewer, a nurse who works 12-hour days, wrote. “If you have a job where you are constantly on your feet, this is the shoe for you. I wear compression socks as well. They are true to size, and after working long hours my feet don’t hurt.”
“I live and die by my Dansko clogs—they provide incredible back support and I can stand in them for hours,” Weiss says. Levitt also recommends these clogs—and so do podiatrists. I’ve often recommended Dansko clogs or similar clogs to nurses because they are very supportive,” says Howard Friedman, D.P.M., a Suffern, New York-based podiatrist. This classic leather pair has a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association and is also recommended by Sayed and Sharkey. It features a roomy toe box, a comfy platform, and an antimicrobial lining to ward off odor after all-day wear.
“These are the only shoes I will wear to work,” one Amazon reviewer raved. “I have pairs that I’ve had for five years and still wear. At the end of a long day with patients my feet don’t hurt at all, not like they would when I would wear tennis shoes that were just as expensive,” they added.
“This was my personal favorite for long hours of standing in the OR during residency,” says Sharkey. “Can take a little while to get used to the firm sole, but overall these are still my top recommendation for those who will be standing mostly in one place for long periods of time.”
Weiss says these surprised her—in a good way. “Crocs surprised me how comfortable they were. I wore them during my pregnancy; but you’re more at risk with spills or if a sharp were to fall since there are holes in them,” she says. This version made specifically for those who stand for long hours is a favorite of Sayed’s, too. These shoes have an enclosed and reinforced heel and toe to help protect your feet, while offering arch support for comfort and slip-resistant treads for safety.
“I have experience working with plenty of different shoes in two different restaurants. I know the feeling of pain in your feet whenever you get off a long, 12-hour shift,” one reviewer said. “These crocs are the best shoes for working in a restaurant. They have a soft, comfortable feeling when easily slipping on without having to hassle with any shoe laces. The outside of the crocs have a hard, water-resistant touch. After a long day of work, I don’t have to worrying about my feet cramping anymore”
With three different width options, Naturalizer’s super-comfy shoes are designed for people who need to be on their feet all day. This pair features a contoured, dual-dense footbed that provides plenty of support to the arches and heels. Plus, it has cooling lining to keep your feet dry.
“These shoes are fantastic! I work in a clinic standing all day but wear business casual,” a reviewer explained. “I need to be able to squat and kneel often during the day. I also have relatively flat feet, and the shoes are very well-cushioned and supportive. They are also very on-trend at the moment.”
When you’re dealing with all of the responsibilities of being a nurse, you want a shoe that can withstand the rigors of a marathon, says Karen Langone, D.P.M. a podiatrist based in Southampton, New York. Brooks is known for its quality running shoes, and its Ghost sneakers are no exception. They’re described in terms typically reserved for luxury cars: plush, with a smooth ride. Tons of supportive cushioning and a secure fit ensure you’ll stay comfy throughout your shift.
This model in particular is editor-approved (check out a full Brooks Ghost 15 review from a shopping editor who’s an avid runner). Podiatrists love it, too. “This is another great shoe for those with a high arched/neutral foot,” says Sharkey. “Great balance between support and shock absorption.”
Nurses are raving about them in the review section as well. “Greatest and most comfortable shoe for 12-hour shift nursing. They never hurt my feet and I will definitely purchase another pair,” wrote one shopper.
These Skechers sneakers garner high praise from service workers for their comfort and durability during long workdays. They’re also lightweight with unique air-cooled memory foam comfort insoles and non-slip flexible traction outsoles, which keep your feet glued to the floor through spills. And they come with a shock-absorbing midsole, meaning your feet will feel like they’re practically floating all day long.
“Working as a nurse in the health care field, comfort is extremely important to me,” wrote one reviewer. “This particular shoe by Sketchers provides great support and comfort.”
This lightweight slip-on sneaker will keep you moving quickly and safely on slick hospital floors, while the fly woven outside allows your feet the chance to breathe during long shifts. These slip-ons also feature an air-cushion sole design which makes them comfortable and adjustable to your feet.
“I finally found a sneaker I can wear all day at work,” wrote a satisfied Amazon customer. “I’ve had three back-to-back 10-hour shifts on my feet and they do not hurt. It’s like walking on air. When I take my shoes off after work I do not have to ice or rub them. I will buy more to keep as backup.”
Sayed recommends this collaboration between Figs and New Balance. While his original pick, the 327 model, is currently low in stock, this option ticks all the boxes. The retro-inspired, stylish sneakers offer durability, support, and comfort.
The outside of the shoe is crafted from a lightweight, waterproof suede to guard against spills and keep your feet comfortable, while the interior lining and insole are antimicrobial for odor protection. Additionally, these shoes have a studded rubber outsole to aid with traction and protect against slipping.
Most notably, the shoes come from healthcare apparel brand Figs, which is known for its comfortable, functional, and stylish scrubs. Paired with New Balance’s sneaker know-how, the collaboration is a win for people with physically demanding jobs.
One reviewer called them “the most comfortable shoes ever,” noting that they felt good throughout a 12-hour shift. “Very fashionable, comfortable, and supportive!”
These comfortable and easy-to-wear clogs feature special Oofoam recovery technology that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam, according to the brand. The patented footbed also cradles your arches, which will reduce stress on the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. Note: The clogs only come in whole sizes, and Oofos recommends sizing down if you’re between sizes.
“I’m an ICU nurse, and I’m on my feet for most of my 13-hour shifts,” said one reviewer. “I developed plantar fasciitis in my right foot, and the pain was so terrible, I began limping out of work each day. These are miracle shoes! Wore them a whole shift, and while I still had a bit of heel pain, I wasn’t limping. Started wearing them all the time, and now the plantar fasciitis is gone! I’ve been singing their praises to my fellow nurses and soon my whole unit will be in them.”
Sharkey says the shoes have more support than traditional clogs in terms of arch support. “Their foam cushioning is some of the best on the market for shock absorption,” she adds.
These sneakers are fit for a marathon (just ask our senior commerce editor who wore these to run the London marathon). That’s just one reason they made our listed of the best cushioned running shoes and why they make a great pair of sneakers for people who stand for long periods of time, including nurses. They offer neutral support and the most cushion found in the Asics Gel-Nimbus series to date. Despite the hefty cushioning, the shoes remain lightweight at just 9.2 ounces.
“NICU nurse here to say I am officially an Asics girly,” an Amazon reviewer wrote. “I tried Hokas and On Clouds but hated both. I mainly bought these for the all-pink color, but when I tried them on I fell in love. I’m picky with my shoes, and these bad boys are where it’s at for long shifts.”
These popular slip-on shoes come in 20 color combinations and are made of 44% recycled materials. They are super lightweight with a molded heel for comfort and a fit that stays put.
Reviewers love how easy they are to slide on and off with the speed lacing system (though, you can swap them out for traditional laces). “I love these shoes,” said a shopper who wears them to their nursing job every day. “They are roomy and my feet never hurt. Would be perfect for running errands or an everyday sneaker as well. I love that I can slip them on.”
✔️ Consider the type of shoe. “You now see all kinds of medical professionals on hospital floors wearing running shoes that are designed to stand up to a lot of stress and strain,” says Langone. Clogs are also a good choice, according to Friedman. They tend to have a wide toe box, which helps accommodate feet as they naturally expand throughout the day. This is why you often see surgeons and other health professionals wearing them in the operating room, Freidman says.
✔️ Look for shoes that are durable but lightweight. If you’re a nurse, you’re probably clocking several miles a day around the hospital, which means you want shoes that are light enough that they’ll be easy to get around with (and won’t tire your feet out), while still being durable enough to withstand the frequent wear and tear that will come with standing and working all day.
✔️ Make sure it has a slip-resistant sole. You never know what messes will come your way while you’re on a shift, so shoes with a slip-resistant sole are key. Grippy soles will help ensure stability and balance, ensuring your safety while you’re hustling from one patient to another across the hospital.
Many shoes offer support and comfort for those standing for hours. As noted, it’s important to select shoes that have good non-slip grip for running between patients, as well as extra cushioning that supports those who stand for long periods of time. Dansko is a favorite brand among experts and reviewers and even has a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Hokas are also a great option, as are the rest of the shoes on this list.
Since nurses spend a lot of time on their feet, shoes can quickly take a beating with each scuff, scrape, and bump—which is why it’s important to replace them regularly to ensure your feet are getting the support they need. “Much like runners who get regular use out of their shoes, [nurses’ shoes] should be replaced every 500 miles,” says Sharkey. “This generally equates to every six months.”
According to Sharkey, other telltale signs that your shoes may need replacing include if the tread is worn thin on the bottom or if there’s wrinkling of the material on the side of the shoe in the midsole region. That’s a sign that the shoe has lost support and cushioning, she says.
To help keep pain at bay, Freidman suggests picking up at least two pairs of supportive sneakers or clogs. (Or one of each!) A shoe’s cushioning becomes completely compressed after six hours or so and no longer offers support, Friedman cautions. So having two great pairs allows you to change halfway through your shift.
If you have plantar fasciitis or frequently experience heel pain, you may want to specifically look for shoes that will help relieve that tension and pain in your heels. For the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, nurses will generally want to look for a shoe “that has stability throughout the mid-foot with flexibility at the ball of the foot,” says Sharkey.
You’ll want to consider the arch of your feet, too. “Those with higher arches are going to want to look for a cushioned neutral shoe,” Sharkey adds. “Those with a flatter foot architecture want to look for motion control or stability shoes.” For this category, Sharkey recommends brands like Hoka, Asics, New Balance, and Brooks.
We consulted real nurses and healthcare workers like Leah Weiss, a registered nurse in NYC; Katie Levitt, nurse practitioner in NYC. We also received recommendations from podiatrists like Howard Friedman, D.P.M., Karen Langone, D.P.M., Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S., and Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., to find the best shoes for people on their feet all day. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to find the only shoes that nurses should wear for all-day support. Lastly, we took editor testing and experience with an array of shoe brands and styles into consideration as well.
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.
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