11 Best Nursing Shoes (Plus 6 Most Comfortable)

Explore the best nursing shoes of 2023. Prioritizing comfort, support, and style, ensuring every nurse can focus on excellent patient care. Resources

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As a nurse, finding the perfect pair of shoes is crucial for long shifts filled with constant movement. But with so many options available, it can sometimes be difficult to discern which ones are best for you.

To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the best nursing shoes available in 2023. These shoes prioritize your comfort, support, and overall well-being, allowing you to focus on what matters most—providing excellent patient care.

Best Nursing Shoes for Women

Gales Shoes

Gales Shoes are named after the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. They are designed with Smart PPE Footwear™ technology and offer affordability, safety, cleanability, comfort, and style.

As they are focused on healthcare professionals, Gales Shoes provide cushioning that lasts the entirety of a twelve-hour shift. They feature arch support, antimicrobial protection, waterproof yet breathable design, easy cleaning, slip resistance, eco-friendliness, style, and affordability.

Price: $89.95 to $119.95

New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer

The New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer is a classic trainer designed with the comfort of nurses in mind. It features super-soft cushioning and a durable rubber outsole for all-day support.

The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact, while the phantom liner reduces irritation, making these shoes perfect for long shifts. The suede and mesh upper provide a snug fit and breathable comfort.

Price: $75.00

Nike Air Pegasus Sneakers

As one of Nike's bestselling products, Nike Air Pegasus sneakers are a popular choice due to being reliable, durable, and comfortable. With Nike React technology and Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel, these sneakers provide a springy ride and energy return, making them ideal for both long and short runs during your shifts.

Price: $145.00 to $210.00

Clove Women's Classic Nursing Shoes

Designed specifically for healthcare professionals, these classic nursing shoes are easy to clean, fluid-resistant, and endlessly comfortable. They feature a Clarino™ microfiber fabric that mimics real leather, providing a snug and personalized fit over time. With their lightweight construction and supportive features, Clove shoes are perfect for nurses on their feet all day.

Price: $149.00

Oofos Women's Oocloog Clog

Oofos Women's Oocloog Clog stands out for its unique OOfoam™ technology, which absorbs 37% more impact than traditional foam footwear materials. These clogs have a patented footbed that cradles and supports arches, reducing energy exertion and providing superior comfort. If you're looking for a clog that promotes faster recovery and minimizes fatigue, Oofos is an excellent choice.

Price: $79.95 to 89.95

ASICS Gel-Resolution 8

The ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 tennis shoe is perfect for nurses who need stability and support during their long shifts. With FLEXION FIT® upper, DYNAWALL™ technology, and GEL® cushioning, these shoes offer form-fitting support, midfoot stability, and shock absorption. The AHAR® compound in the outsole provides excellent traction on various surfaces, ensuring you stay steady during your busy shifts.

Price: $140.00

Best Nursing Shoes for Men

Adidas Men's Ultraboost Running Shoes

The Adidas Ultraboost Series is an excellent choice for nurses. With their unique BOOST material, these shoes are super lightweight, providing seamless energy in every stride.

The soft BOOST cushioning, comfortable primeknit, and Adidas' LEP torsion system ensure utmost comfort, cushioning, and responsiveness. This allows for comfort for long periods, perfect for those 12-hour shifts.

Price: $250.00 to $300.00

ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoes

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 23 offers excellent comfort and long-run impact absorption. With improved stability and a more balanced stride, they're great for our busy nurses running around the ward. Designed with comfort and breathability in mind, they feature a softer engineered mesh design.

Price: $150.00

Brooks Ghost 13 Sneakers

The Brooks Ghost 13 sneakers are another excellent choice for nurses seeking maximum comfort. These shoes are engineered with advanced cushioning technology and provide exceptional support and shock absorption.

The BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning adapt to each step, ensuring a responsive and comfortable experience. With a breathable mesh upper and a durable rubber outsole, the Ghost 13 sneakers deliver both comfort and durability.

Price: $170.00

Allbirds Tree Dasher's Shoes

The Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 is an everyday running shoe with great responsive foam, an extra grip, and a better fit. Designed for everyday runs, walks, roads, and light workouts, these shoes feature a no-slip heel fit and a cushier crash pad for enhanced impact absorption, which is essential when trying to protect ourselves during our shifts as nurses. Allbirds' commitment to sustainable materials makes these shoes an eco-friendly choice.

Price: $135.00

Crocs Unisex On-the-Clock Work Clog

With a lightweight, flexible, and fully molded design, these shoes provide a secure fit and meet workplace standards. They are easy to clean with soap and water or a sanitation wipe and offer enhanced arch support. The slip-resistant outsole ensures excellent traction on various surfaces.

Price: $49.99

Most Comfortable Nursing Shoes

Hoka Bondi

Although the Hoka brand generally provides great shoes for healthcare professionals, the Bondi series has been considered a top pick for many nurses. These sneakers provide exceptional cushioning with a plush feel, offering optimal comfort throughout the day. The Bondi 7 model specifically features a memory foam collar, preventing chafing and tension in the Achilles tendon.

With the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, these shoes are known for their superior padding, lightweight construction, and sturdy rubber outsole for added stability.

Prices: $200.00 to $250.00

Dansko Professional Clogs:

The Dansko Professional Clogs are iconic nursing shoes known for their exceptional support and comfort. Featuring a roomy reinforced toe box and a contoured footbed, these clogs provide ample space for toe movement and arch support. The padded instep collar and leather lining enhance the overall comfort.

The anti-fatigue rocker bottom promotes forward foot motion, reducing fatigue during extended shifts. With the APMA Seal of Acceptance, healthcare professionals trust Dansko Professional Clogs.

Price: $135.00 to $145.00

Skechers D'Lites Memory Foam Sneakers

The Skechers D'Lites Memory Foam Sneakers combine style and comfort, making them a popular choice among nurses. These sneakers offer superior cushioning and support with an air-cooled memory foam insole. The chunky cushioned midsole and flexible traction outsole provide stability and shock absorption to help nurses during those long shifts.

Price: $100.00 to $145.00

YHOON Women's Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers Slip-on Work Shoes

Another economically friendly option, the Women's Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers provide a comfortable and breathable option for nurses. Made with lightweight air fly woven material, these shoes offer flexibility and excellent breathability.

The MD platform sole with air cushioning provides a comfortable buffer between your feet and the ground. Suitable for various occasions, including nursing, working, and outdoor activities, these shoes prioritize comfort without compromising style.

Price: $35.90

FIGS New Balance 327 Sneakers

The FIGS New Balance 327 Sneakers combine retro-inspired style with modern comfort. These sneakers are designed specifically for healthcare professionals and feature waterproof suede and a durable water-repellent finish.

The antimicrobial insole and interior lining protect against odor buildup, ensuring a fresh and hygienic environment. With a studded rubber traction outsole, these sneakers provide stability and grip during long shifts.

Price: $128.00

Fitflop Vitamin FF E01 Knit Sports Sneakers

The Fitflop Vitamin FF E01 Knit Sports Sneakers offer optimal support for exercise and casual running, making them suitable for nurses who remain active throughout the day. The stretchy, breathable knit upper provides extra support, while the Neodynamic™ midsole offers light, high-rebound cushioning and a springy central carbon plate for forward propulsion. These sneakers feature recycled and sustainable materials as part of Fitflop's environmentally friendly motto!

Price: $125.00

Finding the right shoes is an excellent investment for nurses as they're on their feet their entire careers. Whether you prefer sneakers, clogs, or slip-on shoes, one or more options provided will surely meet your needs.

Editorial Team / Admin

Julia Liou has 4 years experience as a RN and specializes in Postpartum/Public Health.

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Home Health Columnist / Guide

NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion. Has 47 years experience.

New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer was recommended by my podiatrist after planter fascitis.  Wearing 15+ years without issue. Best to rotate a pair weekly.

Kyla T

2 Posts

Hey Julia! My name is Kyla and I'm a pre nursing major. It's my first time using this website so this is the only way I could find to reach out to you. Would you mind if I interviewed you for my Medical Terminology class? 

Specializes in Hospice. Has 14 years experience.

Alegria is the brand that works best for me! Comfortable, easy to clean and well constructed. I have flat feet - no aching. 

Recommended by a friend who is a hospitality manager for a camp/ retreat center and is on her feet all day on hard surfaces.