What's the BEST nursing shoes?

Nurses Uniform/Gear

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12 hour shifts! OMG!! All that walking, standing, and sometimes running! I've had Crocs, Regular tennis shoes, Merrell running shoes... the list goes on!!! But what is the BEST nursing shoes to have out there? I've heard nurses talk about "Dancecoes". They look so uncomfortable... Hmm... What are your thoughts?? Experiences??

I found that Dansko are most comfortable for me. I did make a mistake of buying them exactly to size and they hurt my foot. I bought them larger size and it is like heaven. I tried them in a store and then found online on sale for less.

Has anyone tried the Dansko Enya Clog? I think it looks better than the professional clog and not as heavy. I want to try it but am curious to see if others like it.

Everyone is mentioning "Dansko" but are you all talking about clogs. I see they have sneakers with laces too and a slip on type sneaker. Anyway use those? I'm about to start nursing school. I have an appt with a podiatrist soon because, like STEPHANIE30 I am a SAHM who already has foot pain. I'm hoping the podiatrist will help me find shoes. I just learned of Dansko today

It's so easy for everyone to suggest which one is the best nursing shoe, but at the end of the day, not every "good" footwear works for everybody. Remember, we have different foot sizes, needs, and style preferences.

I agree to the one who suggested to go visit a podiatrist. I tried it once and it worked for me. Don't listen to those who proclaim this XXX brand is the best because again, we have different needs. For example, I tried Skecher's Premium-Premix Slip-On Sneaker but I found the heel part too uncomfortable as I have a very high arch. I also bought Alegria debra slip-on before but it felt too stiff to wear.

So the key here is to choose what works for you. Ideally, female nurses should choose those with arch support and footbed that is anatomically shaped. Th outsole, on the other hand, should be slip-resistant and stain-resistant so it will be easy to clean.

For nurses out there who have special needs, here are some suggestions I found that you should take in mind when looking for the best nursing shoes:

Wide Feet: Look for Shoe styles with wide footbed. Clogs are best for this purpose but you can also see wide varieties of slip-ons. You can even see labels made especially for people with wide feet; these shoes commonly have a wide base but they are designed to look like a normal shoe so no one will notice its unusual width.

High Arches: People with high arches fix the problem by getting custom-fit shoes. Regular shoes may also work well but orthotic inserts or customized insoles should be used to support high arches and cushion pressure points. Slip-on shoes and rubber clogs are not recommended unless an orthotic insert will be used. Some people with high arches achieve comfort by using different shoe lacing techniques to adjust the pressure inside.

Flat Feet: You can find orthotic inserts made especially for flat feet in different footwear stores. Some shoe stores are also conducting personalized arch fitting aside from standard shoe fitting. This is great if you are always having a hard time finding the most comfortable nursing shoes for your flat feet.

Pregnant nurses: Shoes with soft footbed. Some shoes are made with memory foam insoles which are great for pregnancy. Go for flat shoes as much as possible and avoid heeled ones. Wearing shoes with soft and cushioned insoles is like wrapping your feet with soft cotton so they will not sore easily. It will be best to go for a size that is one inch bigger than your actual size as your feet tend to swell more at the end of the day.

Low Back Pain: Soft cushioned footbed and sturdy outsoles are the keys in finding the best shoes for nurses with low back pain.You should also avoid high-heeled shoes because they only add more discomfort in the lower back area. Sometimes, low back pain can also be caused by overpronation due to arch problems so it will be best to see a podiatrist if you suspect too high or too low arches.

Hope this helps!

1 Votes
Specializes in ER.

I love my Nike Free Trainers 5.0! They are so comfortable and really really support my feet.

I have found that wearing my flip flops a lot my feet have started to hurt and being in nursing school I know I'm going to need good shoes for clinical. I started volunteering and with all the running around need good shoes I have tried Nikes cross trainers and running shoes but no good. I bought some danskos they are very nice after you get used to them but they are very stiff. I recently bought some Klogs and they are great. I feel like they are comparable to danskos I know some would think so but they are not as stiff. The best thing for nursing is to find a nice pair of shoes your feet love because they are going to be your best friend at the end of 12 hours.

Danskos or Landau clogs (I need to try to find the link, super cozy and about 40$ a pair, not as snazzy as the Danskos though. :/

Landau FootweaRx Unisex Comfort Clog | allheart.com

My daughter wants a pair of these just "because". Thats a 9 year old, and thats how comfortable they are.

Specializes in Ambulatory Care.

Thank you to EVERYONE for amazing, helpful input! I have been working as a CNA in regular Asics gel sneakers, but am looking to get a more cushioning shoe for clinicals. I ordered a pair of black Alegrias based on some of the great reviews! Can't wait to try it out!

I am 245# and find that Dansko's work great. I got tired of $125 running shoes q 6 months. I just ordered two pair of Sanitas from clogoutlet.com thanks for the suggestion. I will post when I wear them around for awhile. I got one pair at reg price, and one pair of 2nds. My order is $160 so that's about like the running shoes I wore. They were great for 3 months then they start breaking down, and after 6 months I have knee pain. Everyone is different. I am on a med surg floor and cover a lot of ground. I am 6'2" and though I could drop 20# I like to feed too much. FYI.

Specializes in Emergency.

New balance cross trainers

I just got a new pair of danskos and weirdly that don't feel like they need to be broken in, after hearing so much about the break in period I'm worried I got the wrong size!

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