Best Nursing Shoes: Review and Buying Guide

No matter the profession you are in, wearing comfortable shoes is an essential aspect to be considered, especially for people who work long hours. In most cases, health workers and nurses have long shifts and spend much time moving around from patient to patient. It, therefore, requires them to wear comfortable shoes as sometimes they may experience stressful situations during their shift. Having extremely comfortable footwear is essential for their day to day activities, which will help them deliver optimally. It will provide you with protection that you need and avoid painful sore feet giving you ample time when offering quality services.

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Having a pair of comfortable nursing shoes helps you in supporting the arch in shock absorption and provides cushion. Good nursing shoes also come with the non-slip sole as you traverse areas and floors with debris on them, such as water and other liquids. Finding the best and durable nursing shoes can be challenging from a wide range in the market. With that said, worry less as the guidelines outlined below will help you in identifying the best quality footwear you can purchase, giving you stable, comfortable, and that protects your feet.

Top 10 Nursing Shoes Available on the Market

1.    Dansko Women’s Professional Tooled Clog

The Dansko women’s professional tooled clog is not only a comfortable, durable, and practical footwear but also a great look for nursing professionals to use. When looking for a comfortable working shoe, it is one of the best. They are leather-made, making them have a stylish look and are incredibly soft. They also have a synthetic sole that offers slip resistance and satisfying, which you need when working or on shift.

Dansko footwear has about 2” heel and platform of around 0.5”. It has features of padded instep collar with a polyurethane outsole, making it extremely comfortable. It also has a rock-bottom sole, which helps in shock absorption needed when walking around and working for long hours standing. This type of wear is available in different types and sizes of the foot that offers the required comfort and has a roomy fit.

These footwear are incredibly durable and are easy to clean, giving you a professional look always. Having a wide heel of the shoe helps in providing stability and an outsole with rocker bottom that reduces shock impact and provides comfort. It also has a reinforced toe box that mainly protects you from falling objects.

Pros

  • Leather stylish wear
  • Shock absorbing
  • Slip-resistant
  • Padded instep collar
  • The reinforced full toe box

Cons

  • Irregularity in size

2.    Skechers Sport Memory FoamSneaker

As the name suggests, the Skechers Sports Memory Foam Sneaker has in a long time being known for their comfortability and stylish footwear and also being sportswear. They are made from leather, synthetic, and cushioned mesh, making it more comfortable during working hours. Has rubber sole that is non-slip, offering excellent traction on all surfaces.

The Sketchers Memory Foam Sneakers are lace-up shoes that protect and support your foot, giving you comfort and stability best for RN’s fit. It also has a padded collar that offers support and insole foam making the shoe stand out in providing comfort and support. It’s the type of nursing shoes that are durable and breathable.

Among the best footwear for those who work in ER or ICU, Foam Sneaker is the recommended shoe type. Because they are light and the need for health workers to be quick on their feet for their constant movement between patients. The sneakers help one focus on their daily activities as they provide comfort and keep the foot protected all day. It also offers security on whatever surface you are working on as it has a slip-resistant rubber outsole. It has a lace-up design that ensures your feet are secure and comfortable always.

Pros

  • Non-slip rubber shoe
  • Lace-up closure
  • Padded collar
  • Memory Foam Insole

Cons

  • Leather may wear away

3.    Alegria Women’s Debra Professional Slip-On

Debra professional Slip-on shoes are comprehensively designed for health workers. It is mainly made for professionals who work for long hours standing. They have features of cork and latex on the shoe insole, making it soft, and the shoe conforms with your foot. They also have goring sides, which makes them fit better, making the shoe comfortable. 

They have an insole that is designed to fit perfectly, although they are removable, allowing you to opt for orthopedic ones if you want. The Alegria footwear is designed with a reinforced toe box that protects your feet. The toe box is roomy enough, which allows movement of the toes with memory foam which cushions your feet.

The leather made feature is stain resistant making it easy to clean. It has a non-slip lightweight rocker outsole, which prevents slipping as well as providing stability. These shoes are fantastic, stylish and available in different styles and sizes.

Pros

  • Slip-resistant outsole
  • Stylish, durable material
  • Removable insole
  • Toe box for protection

Cons

  • Sometimes sizes are too narrow

4.    Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat

The Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat Shoes are yet another comprehensive nursing wear that a health worker can consider investing in as it gives your feet comfort. It is highly designed to have a removable insole. The clog is structured in a way that will be able to prevent your feet from sweating and producing bad odors. It also provides excellent support on your feet from the support arch.

Alegria women’s Paloma flat has footbed with great comfort, which molds to the form of your foot. The outsole helps reduce pressure and gives roomy fit allowing breathing room for your feet. The footwear has an upper leather design that has high durability and is easy to clean and maintain.

It’s excellent footwear that offers arch support and has a removable insole which gives specific orthopedic insole that molds with your feet. The slip-resistance rubber sole gives you comfort when working around because you cannot slip or fall.

Pros

  • Provides comfort and support
  • High-quality material
  • Removable insole
  • Non-slip sole

Cons

  • Not suitable for persons suffering from nerve pains

5.    Reebok Women’s Work N Cushion

Reebok is a fashionable footwear that is known for quality shoes, durable and comfortable. These kinds of the shoe have a protective toe bumper which protects your feet from falling objects. It also has a padded collar that your arch needs for comfort and lace-up style. Have rubber and outsole that are non-slip and oil resistance; this makes them easy to clean.

It has a synthetic upper that is breathable, comfortable, and gives a stylish look. It’s durable footwear which is easy to maintain and clean. It has a supportive, flexible type which provides stability and is the perfect shoes when working on the wards and spending most of the time standing.

The Reebok has lace-up style closure that offers comfort and support during all-day activities. It has non-resistance qualities that prevent falling or spilling accidents while working. Being in a profession that requires you to spend long hours on your feet, it means that you need a shoe that offers comfort, support, and protects your feet.

Pros

  • Padded collar
  • Durable
  • Lace-up style
  • Protective toe bumper

Cons

  • Getting the best size may be a challenge

6.    KEEN Utility Men’s PTC Slip-On

KEEN Utility Men’s PTC is footwear that male nurses would be happy having it. When working for long hours, this kind of shoe provides you with protection, comfort, and stability. It has a leather upper slip resistance design that meets non-slip standards. It also contains rubber outsole and oil-resistance that keeps you secure when working, preventing slipping on whatever surface you work on.

It has leather made material that is stain resistance, which is easy to clean and maintain. The side gore provides comfort and has the best fit. The memory foam footbed gives you comfort all day and has TPU stability shank. It has compressed molded EVA midsole that supports and gives stability on your feet that you need.

KEEN Utility nursing shoes are designed with a slip-on style that secures your foot, giving you comfort and stability. They are the best male nursing shoes for their durability and stylish look.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Slip-resistance

Cons

  • Expensive

7.    Crocs Women’s Mercy Work Clog

These are another set of best nursing shoes, which are safe and comfortable for women who work for long shifts. They have a roomy design that you can wear all day and every day without challenges. Also, they have a lock tread that ensures safety when walking around. The heel-hugging back-strap ensures the foot is constant, and there are no chances of slipping.

Crocs Women’s Mercy Work has a nub on the footbed that provides massage-like and arch support for comfort and stability of your foot. These clogs are not only easy to clean but also a bad-odor resistance. They are among the best shoe for a professional RN as they are lightweight and comfy.

These kinds of shoes are precisely made for surgical RN who works in the theatre and have to change their shoes when going in and out of the theatre. The clogs are affordable, making it possible for one to multiple pairs. They are designed to offer comfort and have a massaging nub with roomy fit and slip-resistance outsole.

Pros

  • Slip-resistance
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Massaging nub on the footbed

Cons

  • Size runs too large

8.    KLOGS Footwear Women’s Naples Leather Closed-back Nursing Clog

These are yet another excellent choice of nursing shoe that offer comfort, cushioning, and slip-resistance outsoles. The KLOGS Women’s Naples Mule has insoles and outsoles which provide support, ease, and are durable. For all those professionals who work in the health care facility, they are the best as they are prone to a fall.

It has reinforced a wide toe box that helps in protecting you from falling objects. This kind of shoes is cozy that requires a minimal break-in period. It’s a stylish kind of nursing shoe with tooled leather design.

Pros

  • Non-slip resistance
  • Wide toe box
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Some designs don’t last for long

9.    SoftWalk Women’s Meredith Clog

These shoes are characterized by ultra-lightweight and a flexible sole that gives comfort when standing. Designed to give comfort for professionals working long hours. Soft Walk Women’s Meredith is designed with cushioning aided by having dual-density footbed, making it a great choice. It has an outstanding non-slip feature that makes you work comfortably without the worry of falling or slipping on the floor.

Pros

  • The roomy wide toe box
  • Lightweight shock absorber
  • Slip-resistance
  • Padded collar

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Lacks durability

10.      Nurse Mates women’s Dove

They are designed explicitly for RN professionals. Nurse Mate Women’s Dove is well designed with all features needed on your day to day activities. They have a durable outsole, offering EVA with rubber, which makes a non-slip sole, thus essential for nurse footwear. Also, it enhances the shoe offering a stylish look.

Comfort is assured when having this clog as they have a slip-on style. They have lightweight steel that offers stability and cushioning, making your feet bearable all day.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Non-slip feature
  • Easy to clean
  • Stain resistance
  • Removable contoured foot-bed

Cons

  • Expensive

Nursing Shoes Buying Guide

Choosing the best nursing shoe can be overwhelming. But worry not as this article got you covered and will guide you on important aspects to consider when buying.

Comfort

An essential factor to consider is comfort. Having a nursing shoe will arch support, and cushioning is an added point when purchasing. This will help improve with posture, which prevents lower back pain. You can also use compression socks that help in blood circulation and minimizing swelling, which results from standing for long working hours.

Weight

The weight of the shoe is paramount and should be strongly considered. For the nursing profession, lightweight shoes are highly recommended because of the mobility involved while working. Having heavyweight shoes gives undesirable and harmful effects on your feet.

Design

These kinds of footwear are available in different styles, structures, and designs. The most popular brands are clogs, crocks, and tennis shoes. You should consider getting a well-fitting shoe that suits your needs and will help in easy movement but are safe. The quality of the material should also be looked into. Leather material durable.

Stability

Another essential aspect to consider before purchasing nursing shoes is stability. Working for long hours will need you to purchase a shoe that gives support and firmness. This is important for both your health and comfort. Having the right cushioning system helps absorb effect while working all day long. For this reason, your other joints are prevented from fatigue.

Slip resistance

Most of the time, the hospital floor gets slippery, which makes it vital for you to consider rubber sole shoes. This will help prevent you from slipping off and falling while working. When purchasing nursing shoes, always consider the non-slip.

FAQs

Which is the best price for the best nursing shoes?

Having outlined in the guying guide above, it is important if you consider placing your interest above pricing. Therefore, just identify the best nursing shoe that fits your needs and is acceptable in your working area. If you get a shoe that fits perfectly but is a bit expensive, sometimes you should just settle on that than on some poor quality that is cheap.

In how long should a person change the shoes?

Some nursing shoes are made of high-quality and durable material. This makes them last for a long period of time. But it is important that after some time you change your shoe or get more pairs for interchanging.

How are nursing shoes cleaned for them to last longer?

The most important aspect to consider when cleaning your nursing shoe is the material and style. This determines their maintenance and cleaning procedures. After washing the shoes, you should not leave them in the drier but rather consider drying under sun or well-ventilated areas. Disinfectants can also be used to sanitize from dirt and germs. Another way you can increase the life expectancy for your footwear is by having a collection of shoes. Wearing them in shifts will help them last longer.

What factors should I look out for when purchasing my shoe?

As discussed in the article above, there are a lot of aspects that one can consider before making an order. Comfort, weight, stability, and material used are among the major factors to look out for.

The Bottom Line

Nursing shoes are essential footwear in your shoe rack. Therefore, you should get the best nursing shoes that will give you comfort and stability while working without pains. The article above has reviewed the best nursing shoes that you can choose from.