Nurses are one of the true heroes in this world, giving endlessly and selflessly of themselves, though sometimes at great cost to their personal bodies, suffering from malities such as neuropathy, foot pain and deformities, back and neck pain, ingrown toenails, body fatigue, etc.
The usual offender? Shoes.
When on the hunt for the perfect shoe to provide long-term support, comfort and safety, there are several things to be on the lookout for when considering the best shoe.
- A wide toe box for breathability and wiggle room as your feet will naturally expand and heat up throughout your shift
- Slip-resistant or non-slip soles to prevent slips and falls
- A sturdy toe for preventing injury, in case, for example, a sharp tool were to accidentally fall during an operation.
- A lightweight and rocker bottom to prevent fatigue and allow for unrestricted and effortless movement while walking and / or running from one responsibility to the next.
It’s also great to look for shoes which can be easily cleaned and have removable inserts.
Thankfully, nurse shoes have come a long way in terms of style as well. Most shoes out there provide multiple colors and designs.
Before taking a look at 11 of the best women’s nurse shoes on Amazon, there is one final recommendation to consider. As the day on the job progresses, the bed of some shoes compress after only 6 hours, losing the quality of support you started the day with. Some experts suggest having a second pair on hand. Toting this second pair to your shift can go a long way in avoiding the pain and discomfort that comes with being on one’s feet all day (and night). As you read on, take note of a few different styles you’d like to browse.
1. The You’ll-Never-Go-Back Top Pick: Hoka One One Bondi 6
This shoe has a strong base of enthusiastically faithful followers and receives a long list of rave five-star reviews on Amazon, receiving a whopping 82% five-star approval rating. One reviewer writes: “I suffer from severe plantar fasciitis and these shoes are supportive in all aspects. They’re supportive but feel like you’re walking on marshmallows, or cotton candy, or clouds! Seriously, I spend at least 12 hours a day on my feet and with these shoes, I go home pain free. If you haven’t experienced Hoka, you’re missing out. They are pricey but worth every penny you spend to have healthy feet.”
Sizing considerations: True to size
Price: $159.89 – $270.63
4.6 our of 5
2. The Popular Close-Second: Dansko Professional Clog Mule
Most nurses have at least one pair of Dansko shoes. With over 10 thousand reviews on Amazon and a 70% five-star rating, these roomy and supportive shoes pass the test of popular opinion with flying colors. One floor nurse stated: “My feet are happy in these for my 12 hour shift plus my 30 minute walk home.”
If this isn’t quite the right Dansko clog for you, some nurses really love the Dansko Women’s XP Clog, which is considered to be a step above the Professional Clog Mule. This variation also allows for the removal of the leather-lined memory foam footbeds.
Helpful tip: Be sure to oil these shoes really well to avoid cracking. If taken care of well, these shoes have been known to last for many years.
Sizing considerations: These are handmade shoes with European sizing. The Dansko website provides sizing charts and tips for finding the best fit.
Price: $139.95
4.3 out of 5
10,516 customer reviews
3. For the Ethical or Allergian Conscious Purchaser:
CALZURO Autoclavable Clog with Upper Ventilation
Many high-quality shoes built to withstand the rigors of a nursing shift are constructed with leather, and for some, this poses an ethical or moral dilemma. But, no fret with these babies! In addition to being cruelty free, they are also anti-static, eco-friendly, latex free, and metal free. You can also toss these in the dishwasher after a particularly messy day on the job.
These shoes also come in a ventilation free version if more preferable.
Sizing considerations: True to size, unless if you plan to wear insoles or compression socks, then it is suggested to order a half size up.
Price: $44 – $103.99
4.4 out of 5 ratings
345 customer reviews
4. Recommended Second Pair:
Sticky Pro Shoes – Women’s Cute Nursing Shoes – Waterproof Slip-Resistant
Being of a reasonable price and high quality, consider having at least one pair of these shoes in your line-up. After switching out the insert that comes with the shoe for another as a few recommend, this shoe can tackle just about anything. One reviewer writes, “I love these shoes. As an ICU nurse, who works 12 hour shifts, I was really struggling to find comfortable shoes. These are roomy around the toes, totally non slip, and I love that they’re lightweight. The only thing I didn’t like was the insert the shoe came with. I replaced them with arch supporting inserts, and now they’re perfect. For the price of these shoes, it was worth it to spend a little extra on the arch supporting inserts. I also wear compression socks with them.”
Sizing considerations: True to size
Price: $42.90 – $54.90
4.1 out of 5
622 customer reviews
5. Alegria Women’s Keli Professional
Another crowd favorite among nurses is the Alegria Women’s Keli Professional shoe. An added bonus of these shoes is a design which accommodates for orthopedics; a helpful plus for those who need it. They also don’t squeak, even on wet surfaces! One medical professional wrote, “These are the only shoes I buy for work. I’m an ICU RN, work 12 hour shifts, lots of waking, almost always on my feet. These shoes helped alleviate lower back, leg, and feet pain. I have been buying this brand for about 6 years now and only need to buy a new pair after 3 years of use. I recommend these shoes to all of my medical friends. I love them. I’d love to buy a pair for my regular everyday use as well!!”
Sizing considerations: True to size, though some suggest to go up a half size.
Price: $59.00 – $237.51
4.2 out of 5
2,045 customer reviews
6. ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 6 Running-Shoes
Let’s talk Asics. Though this particular shoe is recommended here (praised for being great for Planter Fasciitis, by the way), there is a whole series of Women’s Gel Asics to swoon over. This particular Asics model has over eight thousand reviews while still garnering 4.5 out of 5 stars. That’s saying something. “I work 8-12 hr shifts and mostly on my feet all day. My feet take a beating and at the end of the day I am screaming with aching and tired feet… After I tried this Asics, I was so shocked at the difference in which my feet felt at the end of the day.”
Helpful tip: Like with most products on Amazon, order directly from the supplier. Several reviewers commented on their experience of receiving knock-offs when not purchased directly from the Asics supplier.
Sizing considerations: True to size
Price: $39.73 – $139.00
4.5 out of 5
8,212 customer reviews
7. Brooks Womens Ghost 11 Running Shoe
Like Asics, Brooks also has a line of Women’s Ghost shoes that many would consider almost dream-like. Comfortable, secure, balanced and supportive are just a few of the words that come to mind. As one reviewer sums up, “These shoes are so ridiculously comfortable! I’m on my feet 12+ hrs at the hospital and my feet do not hurt AT ALL at the end of my shift when I wear these.”
Sizing considerations: True to size
Price: $39.73 – $139.00
4.7 out of 5
4,031 customer reviews
8. CROC Women’s Neria Pro Ii Clog | Slip-Resistant Work and Nursing Shoe
Of course, Crocs have to make the list. Low-maintenance, affordable and outfitted with the comfort that Crocs are iconically known for, these shoes are also slip-resistant and stable for the busy nurse. One pleasantly surprised customer has this to say: “I can’t remember the last time after a 12 hour shift that my legs and knees didn’t hurt. They are so lightweight and comfortable. Definitely had a lot of under foot cushion.”
Sizing considerations: True to size. A few reported the top of the shoes being too tight. To remedy this it has been recommended to toss the shoes in the dryer for a few minutes, then while warm, wear them with thick socks around the house. Repeat until desired comfort is achieved.
Price: $39.73 – $139.00
4 out of 5
2,933 customer reviews
9. Nurse Mates Women’s Dove Oxford
This straight-forward shoe comes in two colors: white and black. They are simple, comfortable, sturdy and reliable, and nurses everywhere aren’t just saying they like them; instead, they love them. Here is what one of the many nurses had to say: “Absolutely comfortable. I use these as a Surgical Tech. Helps through 12hr standing through surgeries and are merciful on the back and feet! If bodily fluids fall, like blood, they wipe off easy. The leather prevents a possible falling tool to slice through the shoe, so they protect your feet in more ways than one!”
Sizing considerations: True to size
Price: $66.62 – $79.95
4.1 out of 5
10. Dansko Women’s Paisley Waterproof Outdoor Sneaker
Now, if you are a diehard Dansko fan who cannot imagine buying anything else, yet cannot stand to buy (let alone, look at) another clog, well, they’ve got you covered. Though they may not be able to withstand the beating of a long day in a hospital like it’s clog cousins, this sneaker is slip-resistant and waterproof and provides a much needed change from the Dansko clog-life. As one reviewer shared, there’s a lot to love: “They are an absolute miracle!! I can walk without limping, my feet aren’t screaming all day, my heels are no longer on fire, and I can stand for long periods of time without the excruciating pain I used to have. While I still have some slight pain in my heel, it’s tolerable now. What a relief!”
Sizing considerations: True to size
Price: $84.43 – $265.57
4.5 out of 5
11. Vionic Women’s, Avery Pro Slip-On
Developed by renowned Australian podiatrist Phillip Vasyli, Vionic was created with feet in mind. While oil repellent, and water and slip resistant, these safe kicks are also ultra stylish, making it to this list as the super cute honorable mention. Though not recommended for long vigorous hours (one of it’s only downfalls), they may be great for those on the hospital floor who can get away with a lighter shoe. We can’t help but gush like this customer: “Love these shoes! I bought these to pair with my ‘jogger pant’ scrubs for work and I love them! I get so many compliments from patients on how pretty they are. I have been wearing them for 3 weeks at my new job and haven’t had a painful day yet! I pair them with beige compression socks.”
Sizing considerations: True to size. Because this is a flatter shoe, the toe will likely need to be broken in a bit.
Price: $45.00 – $139.95
4.1 out of 5
