12 Best Nursing Shoes in 2021

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K-Swiss ST329 CMF

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Dansko Professional Clog

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Nike Tanjun Sneaker

Nurses are doing a hell of a job! Almost half of their lives are spent on Shifts. Therefore, they do not deserve to put in any kind of discomfort more than they already have in their profession. One such way to relieve them is by providing shoes that are comfortable for their feet. This is the reason why many brands have decided to invest in the nursing shoe business.

Well, many of them have done quite well for themselves; however, a few are exceptional. Nursing shoes from brands that have proven superior over the years have been put together in this guide. Therefore, in this review of the 12 best nursing shoes, there is a lot to know. These footwears are available as men’s, women’s, and unisex.

By the time you are done checking out the best shoes for nurses on their feet all day, there is a buying guide section to lead you on the right path. This section would ensure that you make the perfect selection without an unreasonable doubt. In general, the whole point of the review is to improve the healthy living of nurses across the world by providing the best shoes to them.

The 12 Best Nursing Shoes Reviewed

1

K-Swiss Men’s ST329 CMF Training Shoe: Best Men’s Shoe

One of the best nursing shoes for men with a stylish appearance is K-Swiss Men’s Training Shoe. It has a superb quality, judging from its breathable upper material – Leather. This shoe is a perfect fit for every male nurse who wants to look good and work efficiently for longer hours. It is available in a wide range of colors, but White/Silver being the most preferred. This pair of shoes is filled with a lot of potentials; no wonder it is highly praised amidst other male shoes.

K-Swiss Men’s Training shoe has fantastic features. The memory foam footbed enhances comfort, so that male nurse can work without getting tired. The Raggaurd and Aosta rubber outsole provide stability and Support, unlike any ever seen. Alongside this, this sole offers a shock absorption quality; therefore, you can race across the ward without slipping off. Also, the shoe is kept secure and safe with the help of its lace-up closure. It is indeed a right shoe that provides arch Support who deserve it.

Key Features:

  • Molded EVA Midsole
  • Draggaurd and Aosta Rubber Sole
  • Memory Foam Sock Liner
  • Textile Collar Lining
  • 100% Leather Upper Material

Specification:

  • Brand name: K-Swiss
  • White/Silver Color
  • Men’s Shoe
Pros
  • Breathability is perfect
  • Allows you to run without any hope of falling
  • Excellent Traction across surfaces
  • Suitable choice for male nurses who want to look smart
  • Available in fancy, pleasant colors
Cons
  • Gets dirty easily; hence, it needs extra maintenance

2

Dansko Women’s Professional Clog: Best Women’s Shoe

In most cases, you might have seen female nurses put on this shoe before. Clogs are one of the most famous types of nursing shoes produced. Without a doubt, Dansko Women’s Professional Clog is one of the best shoes for nursing women. It is smart, strong, and perfect to wear across the ward. With this shoe, you have the assurance that you won’t fall off. Also, it is an APMA-approved shoe for nurses; therefore, you don’t have to worry about its performance.

Dansko Women’s Professional Clog is an exceptional shoe to wear. The features are appealing. For instance, the PU Outsole helps to maintain stability and proper movability. The Padded Instep Collar provides comfort and Support to whoever is making use of it. Not only that, it also acts as a shock absorber to prevent falls. Also, this pair of shoes has a wide heel strike and a reinforced toe box with enough rooms for the foot – a good choice for wide feet.

Key Features:

  • Padded Instep Collar
  • Leather or Fabric Upper
  • Polyurethane Sole
  • Wide heel strike
  • Roomy Reinforced Toe box

Specification:

  • Brand name: Dansko
  • Black Color
  • Women’s Shoe
Pros
  • One of the best shoes for nursing women
  • Suitable for female nurses with wide foot
  • Provides an ultimate arch support
  • Good Traction and Durability
  • Strong and sturdy in appearance
  • APMA-approved pair of shoes for nurses
Cons
  • Takes time to break-in

3

Nike Tanjun Sneaker: Best Smart Nursing Shoe

Nike is a remarkable company and has been known for perfect athletic shoes. What is surprising is the fact that they have shoes for nurses. With the Nike Tanjun Sneaker, which is a running shoe, it is a perfect choice for nurses who want speed. In the nursing community, agility and speed is an important quality to possess because lives are at risk at the further delay. Therefore, this shoe makes a great choice at ensuring you run across wards fast enough.

Nike Tanjun Sneaker is a smart nursing shoe. It is versatile, i.e., can be worn even outside a hospital. This pair of shoes has a light padded collar and tongue that provides optimum comfort needed by the foot through the entire day. The Injected Phylon Outsole and Midsole delivers stability and Support for female nurses. Also, it is made of a fabric mesh upper. There is a fabric lining on the inside, all for proper ventilation.

Key Features:

  • Injected Phylon Outsole and Midsole
  • Padded Collar and Tongue
  • Fabric Lining
  • Lace-up Closure
  • Fabric Mesh Upper
  • Round toe silhouette
  • Textile Insole

Specification:

  • Brand name: Nike
  • Women’s Shoe
  • Black/White Color
Pros
  • One of the smartest nurse shoes on the market
  • Shoe produced by Nike is a good choice
  • Good flexibility and breathability
  • Light cushioning needed for movement
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Not as durable as expected

4

Alegria Women’s Debra Slip-On: Best Comfortable Shoe

Still, on a list of great types of shoes for nurses, a slip-on always wins. The comfort derived from a slip-on like Alegria Women’s Debra is amazing. It feels like it is what the foot needs at that moment. This shoe is beautifully designed, and its performance is extraordinary. This pair of shoes has several features. Altogether, these features put a mark on the price.

Alegria Women’s Debra Slip-On is a fantastic shoe that combines clogs and slip-on style. It has a slip-resistant rubber outsole that enhances stability and Support. This means you can run or walk along any surface without sliding off. The upper layer is hand-stitched; therefore, the mesh ensures breathability. Also, this layer is stain-resistant, so you could save yourself the trouble of washing always. More importantly, this shoe provides accessibility with the help of the Double Elastic Gore Panes. This shoe is an excellent choice for female nurses who need something more comfortable.

Key Features:

  • Slip-Resistant Rubber sole
  • Stain-Resistant Upper
  • Hand-stitched Design
  • Non-marking outsole
  • Double Elastic Gores

Specification:

  • Brand name: Alegria
  • Black Emboss Rose Color
  • Women’s Shoe
Pros
  • The comfort from the shoe is first to all
  • Nicely designed with features and embroidery
  • Offers positive resistance in various aspects
  • Solid Traction and Easy accessibility
  • Provides arch Support
  • Good value for money
Cons
  • Not athletic in design

5

KEEN Utility Men’s PTC Slip-On Work Shoe: Best Accessible Shoe

Keen Utility Men’s Slip-On is an exclusive plus, concerning best nursing shoes for men. It gives you all the protection you deserve while you run/walk across the ward. It doesn’t matter if you are working above 12-hour Shift, this shoe will keep you comfortable. This pair of men’s shoes are stylish in appearance, and that would make it definitely worth the money. It has a variety of features that helps to improve its performance in different ways.

For instance, KEEN Utility Men’s Slip-On is easily accessible has the name describes it to be. It has a Cush PU Memory Foam that provides bedding and comfort. The upper material is good enough to enhance durability and protection. Also, the outsoles are sturdy; therefore, they do not slip off easily, even on oil. Overall, the security of the feet, and the shoe in general, is solely dependent on the Medial Side Gore.

Key Features:

  • Soft Toe Build
  • Oil-and-Slip resistant non-marking outsoles
  • PTC Dress Oxford
  • Cush PU Memory Foam
  • 100% Leather Material
  • Medial Side Gore
  • Shaft is low-top from Arch

Specification:

  • Men’s Shoe
  • Brand name: KEEN Utility
  • Black Color
Pros
  • Protective in function
  • More accessible and free
  • Breathable and flexible
  • Shoe with tough sole
  • Provides good arch support
Cons
  • Sometimes, there is trouble with the insole

6

Crocs Women’s Mercy Work Clog: Best Professional Nursing Shoe

At a point in time, you may have come across a croc. Without a doubt, you can agree that it is free and flexible. The breathability is beyond what can be described because of its holes and a streamlined body. However, it is the same with Crocs Women’s Mercy Work Clog, only with a few additions for top-notch performance. This pair of shoes is worth it because there is no chance that you are falling off due to its slip-resistant sole.

Crocs Women’s Mercy Work Clog provides most of what nursing shoes do not. This is why it is APMA-approved in a professional workspace. For instance, the insides of the soles are comfortable and pleasant. The nubs give a massage to the foot when placed across the footbed. Also, heel-hugging backstrap provides a different level of arch support. In general, it is the best professional but free running shoes to wear.

Key Features:

  • 100% Crosslite
  • 1-inch heel
  • Slip-resistant Synthetic Sole
  • Heel-hugging Backstrap
  • Massaging Nubs Footbed

Specification:

  • Black Color
  • Brand name: Crocs
  • Women’s Shoe
Pros
  • Super comfortable to put on
  • Gives the foot all the necessary comfort, including a massage
  • Durable and sturdy in design
  • One of the best choices every female nurse could make
  • Versatile, i.e., it can be worn for hiking, boating, gardening, etc.
Cons
  • Not roomy enough

7

Skechers Sport Memory Foam Sneaker: Best Versatile Shoe

Skechers will always be one of the best companies that have invested so much in the production of shoes for different uses. One of their top-selling shoes is the Skechers Sport Memory Foam Sneaker, which was designed for female nurses. This is a supportive pair of shoes that also gives a professional feel. It is often used by nurses who use the theatre a lot. Therefore, you could expect a lot more in performance.

Skechers Sport Memory Foam Sneaker is worth the money based on its slip-on and lace-up style. You can remove the shoe anytime you want to without struggles. The hardware is polished and robust to handle the impact. It has an excellent air-cushioned heel; hence, breathability is guaranteed at the maximum. The padded collar and tongue are responsible for extra comfort. Also, an EVA Midsole is the perfect shock absorber this outstanding pair of shoes need – luckily, it is present.

Key Features:

  • Flexible Rubber Sole
  • Leather and Synthetic Upper Material
  • Lightweight body
  • EVA Midsole
  • Memory Foam Insole
  • Air Cushioned Heel
  • Slip-On and Lace-up style
  • Stretch-Front Panel

Specification:

  • Brand name: Skechers
  • Fan Black/White
  • Women’s Shoe
Pros
  • Keeps the feet ventilated all day
  • Easy to access
  • Provides Support around the arch and underfoot
  • Can be worn almost anywhere
  • Strong sole
Cons
  • Durability is not all that perfect

8

Skechers Men’s Performance Gowalk 5: Best Technology

You need good shoe, if you are going to be walking around the ward as a male nurse. Skechers is a good choice of brand for nursing shoes. Skechers Men’s Performance Gowalk5 is one of many products by the brand. This shoe is intensive based on quality, and its appearance is good enough. It is worth the money, if you consider the many things it could do, especially if you would be doing extra Shifts.

Skechers Men’s Performance Gowalk 5 may not be the best companion, but it would keep you stable all day and night long. It has a responsive ultra-go cushioning to make sure you are comfortable all day. There are improved technologies built into this pair of shoes for excellence. Air-Cooled Goga Mat Technology enhances breathability, while High-Rebound Comfort Pillar Technology provides Support. There are two sizes of this terrific shoe to choose from – Medium and Extra Wide.

Key Features:

  • Responsive Ultra-GO Cushioning
  • Air Cooled Goga Mat Technology
  • Slip-Resistant Rubber Sole
  • Fabric Material
  • Memory Foam Insole
  • Dual-Density Outsole
  • High-Rebound Comfort Pillar Technology

Specification:

  • Brand name: Skechers
  • Men’s Shoe
  • Navy Color
Pros
  • Available in 2 main sizes
  • Comfortable to walk or run with
  • Classy and stylish in appearance
  • Properly ventilated and stable (shock absorption)
Cons
  • Little Arch Support
  • Sizing issues

9

Skechers Sport Slip-On Sneaker: Best Classic Style

Ever feel the need to stay safe in the ward? Skechers Sports Slip-On Sneaker is all you need. This shoe is made for convenience. It is a classic style shoe with a good number of features to ensure its maximum use. It is professional enough, based on its recommendations by Podiatrists. Regardless of how many hours you will be standing, attending to patients, this pair of footwear has got you covered.

Skechers Sport Slip-On Sneaker is an excellent choice if you consider the things it has to offer. For instance, the smooth leather and synthetic upper material enhance durability and breathability. The rubber sole, on the other hand, makes sure it is stable and supported. The beautiful look is all thanks to the stretch front panel and stitching. Additionally, the shoe is lightweight, which means your movement is not restricted in whatsoever way.

Key Features:

  • 100% Smooth Leather and Synthetic Material
  • Rubber Sole
  • Stretch Front Panel
  • Slip-On Style
  • Padded Collar and Tongue
  • Air-Cushioned Heel
  • EVA Midsole

Specification:

  • Brand name: Skechers
  • Women’s Shoe
  • Black/White Color
Pros
  • Permits free movement across different places
  • 100% Comfort and Support
  • Easy to slip-on and off
  • Often a classic choice for senior nurses
  • Shock absorbing attributes
  • Lightweight and durable body
Cons
  • A little difficult to maintain

10

Reebok Women’s Work N Cushion: Best Supportive Shoe

For casual and formal purposes, Reebok has always been there to give the ultimate shoe. Here, Reebok Women’s Work N Cushion is an excellent choice of footwear for female nurses. Generally, their shoes are worth the money, and this is just one of the best shots you have got. This pair of shoes is the most supportive you can find in this review because of its outstanding qualities. It could also be used as a walking shoe based on its structure.

Reebok Women’s Work N Cushion has lots of features. The unique feature is its beveled heel. This heel provides Support more than anything else. The rubber sole, on the other hand, ensures the foot is kept stable always. Fortunately, there is a toe bumper that has protective functions against hitting the toes. This Reebok shoe is suitable for nurses who spend more time in E.R. or Intensive Care Unit.

Key Features:

  • Beveled Heel
  • Padded Collar
  • Protective Toe Bumper
  • Rubber Sole
  • Textile and Synthetic Material
  • Lace-up Style

Specification:

  • Brand name: Reebok
  • Women’s Shoe
  • Black Color
Pros
  • Offers supportive and protective functions
  • Good comfort and durability
  • Lightweight and efficient
  • One of the top high-performance shoes
Cons
  • Might be a little uncomfortable

11

BirkenStock Professional Unisex Profi Birki Slip-Resistant Work Shoe: Best Alternative for Men and Women

In case your preference is into unisex shoes, BirkenStock Professional work shoe is a good choice. While this pair of shoes can work for both genders, it is also useful. There are a lot of things about it that earned it this spot on the list. However, several of its features are custom-made, i.e., Alpro-Foam. This doesn’t mean the shoe would perform any less; it merely means good craftsmanship has been put in place for heavy use.

BirkenStock Professional Shoe has a slip-resistant Alpro-foam sole that makes sure stability is kept at 100%. Also, there is an Alpro-foam footbed for absolute comfort and cushioning. The upper material, i.e., Cork Leather, is strong enough; hence, it is durable and appealing. In general, it is a great choice of shoe for both men and women nurses.

Key Features:

  • Alpro-Foam Footbed
  • Alpro-Foam Sole
  • Cork, Leather Material
  • Slip-On Design

Specification:

  • Brand name: BirkenStock
  • Unisex Shoe
  • Black Color
Pros
  • Perfect shoe for both genders
  • Custom-made shoe with excellent durability
  • Stability and Support are top-notch
Cons
  • A little squeaky

12

Cherokee Men’s Jackson Work Shoe: Best Snug Fit Nurse Shoe

On the best shoes for male nurses, Cherokee Men’s Jackson is a great way to end things. Its loafer style is one of the reasons why it is preferred. This pair of shoes is comfortable, supportive, and protective. Also, if you are looking for a darker shoe to put on as a male nurse, this may be a fantastic choice.

Cherokee Men’s Jackson Work Shoe has a breathable lining for ventilation. It has a rubber sole that prevents you from slipping off. Also, the insole provides maximum cushioning for the underfoot. Additionally, access into the shoe is aided by the twin elastic gored panels. In essence, it is a shoe that gives a sense of style when you walk around in a clinic.

Key Features:

  • 100% Premium Leather Upper Material
  • Slip-Resistant Rubber sole
  • Breathable Lining
  • Loafer style
  • Twin elastic Gored Panels
  • Cushioned Insole

Specification:

  • Brand name: Cherokee
  • Black Color
  • Men’s Shoe
Pros
  • Excellent Traction
  • Great comfort and Support
  • The snug fit is thrilling
  • Extraordinary Performance
  • Cool choice for wide foot male nurses
  • Classic Style
Cons
  • Durability is not as expected

Buying Guide Questions

As all of the shoes suitable for nurses have been described above, you may have difficulty choosing what’s best for you. It happens a lot when you have several options. It almost seems like as you choose one, there is another waiting with similar features. However, there are little differences that matter a lot. This is why you must treat this question and answer section as though your money depends on it.

Also, ensure you look forward to the factors and features. They would help you to discover what you never did in the shoe review.

What are the most comfortable shoes for Nurses?

Generally, a nurse’s shoe must be comfortable and convenient. They are going to be doing a lot of standing and walking. So, to do that effortlessly, they need a comfy shoe to wear. It could exist in various forms, i.e., slide, slip-on, sneakers, etc. The footwear must be breathable and easy to access.

All of these are qualities that make a good shoe for nurses, even if you suffer from bunions. If whatever you have is less than that, then it is not a suitable choice for you. The shoes already reviewed above are up to standard; therefore, they would perform excellently well and maintain comfort.

What shoes should Nurses wear if they suffer from heel pain?

Nurses are human, so they are prone to heel pain as well as other foot injuries. If this ever happens, then they would need a shoe to wear. This shoe would alleviate the pain and help them work effectively at the same time. Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions are familiar heel pain nurses face, and there are shoes for treatment.

From the list above, Dansko Women’s Professional Clog is one of the best shoes for nurses with Plantar Fasciitis as well as other heel pains. This means it is an excellent choice to go for if that situation ever happens.

What shoes are Podiatrists recommending for Nurses?

Before a shoe is considered suitable for anything, it must have been tested and proven effective. However, further approval by an agency would go a long way. In this case, for medi-grade shoes, American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) approves of shoes that are suitable for treating heel pain and injuries. Also, they recommend shoes for nurses.

According to Podiatrists, Clogs and athletic shoes that are durable with wide toe box and slip-resistance are suitable for use. Moreover, it has to be lightweight so that that movement can be as seamless as possible. Don’t worry, all of the shoes above are good recommendations.

Should Nurses wear Clogs as Shoes?

Without a doubt, nurses prefer clogs more than any kind of shoe. It is the most famous piece of footwear. The reason why it is often used is all dependent on the fact that it is comfortable and provides Support for vital parts of the body. For instance, it supports the knee, foot, and ankle. It also alleviates back pain; hence, nurses can spend more hours in Shifts without getting tired.

So, Yes, Nurses could wear clogs as shoes, as long as it is the right size. Clogs, generally, are available in different sizes and colors. You can choose whatever style you want, but ensure it is from a reputable brand.

What are the most important features to look at for Nursing shoes?”

Since choosing shoes has a lot to do with comfort and lifestyle, you must look at some features. These features are sometimes distinctive because they may exist in other kinds of shoes or not. Below are vital features and qualities to look at for nursing shoes.

Upper Material

The quality of the material used in making the shoe is essential. This is because it is responsible for how durable and practical it would be. This feature is the first thing you come across and decide whether you want it or not. Therefore, look closely at the upper material before choosing a shoe to purchase.

Non-slip Sole

Secondly, the sole is the next feature you should check out. Soles are different in so many ways, i.e., every brand to its own. Even though they could be made from the same material (rubber), the quality differs. The sole has to be non-slip to avoid professional hazards since it is in health care.

Style

Everyone has a style that suits them. For someone, it could be sneakers, and for another, it could be Clogs, similar to if you were a Chef and were looking for something slip-resistant and very cushy! You should be able to know what suits you best. This is because you don’t want to spend money, only to get what is not suitable for you.

Comfort and Breathability

The two qualities, i.e., comfort and breathability, are dependent on the kind of features available in the shoe. However, the shoe may promise that based on looks, but you can only know when you identify the real features responsible, i.e., insole/footbed and mesh or ventilation system. Thus, you should check them out.

Weight

Finally, a nursing shoe should be as lightweight as possible. Heavyweight shoes are hard to pull around, but with a lightweight shoe, there is so much to accomplish. So, if you are shopping on the market, ensure the lightweight body is in correspondence with your foot.

Conclusion

Our nurses deserve the best of everything. They work around the clock to make sure everyone is healthy, safe, and comfortable. Therefore, they deserve to be given a lot more. This is why nursing shoes are particular about being comfortable and free. There is so much these shoes have to offer, and the right choice must be selected.

As a nurse, it is your responsibility to look professional at all times. Thus, don’t miss out looking classy and professional with the best shoes for nurses. Above is a review of the 12 best nursing shoes, and further below, a buying guide section. There is a good probability that you will find what is a suitable option for you.

Ensure that the shoe you are picking is the perfect size and style for you. All of these aforementioned factors are to make sure you get something worth your money.