The 10 Best Shoes for Nurses
This wiki has been updated 16 times since it was first published in May of 2018. It's hard for nurses to have a pleasant bedside manner when all they want to do is sit down and rub their tired, aching feet. If you are a hardworking health professional, the shoes on this list can help keep your dogs from barking, so you can make it through a long shift without snapping at patients or limping so much that people start asking if you need to see a doctor. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. K-Swiss X Lite
2. Crocs Yukon
3. Cherokee Robin
Editor's Notes
June 13, 2020:
When it comes to nursing shoes, a few things take center stage. Comfort and support are, of course, top priorities. After all, these admirable healthcare professionals spend 12 hours a day on their feet. Durability is also important, as is slip-resistance. After much searching, we have found a variety of options for men and women that generally fit all of these needs.
For the women, we have included the K-Swiss X Lite, Cherokee Robin, Skechers Sport Loving Life, Alegria Classic, Skechers Sure Track Trickel, and Nurse Mates Harmony. The K-Swiss X Lite and Skechers Sport Loving Life both boast an athletic structure that makes them good for after work cardio, while still having smart features for on-the-job use. For example, the X Lite are extremely well padded and provide good arch support, while the Skechers Sport Loving Life are simple to don quickly and have soft memory foam insoles.
If you prefer something a bit more classic to what nurses often wear, you may like the Cherokee Robin or Nurse Mates Harmony, instead. Both feature a basic slip-on design and durable leather exteriors. We like that the Cherokee Robin add a touch of style, with their cute decorative detailing on the front, without going overboard, while the Nurse Mates Harmony are well suited to anyone who tends to pronate or supinate while standing. Clogs are also often a top choice for nurses, as they are known for their exceptional comfort, and the Alegria Classic are no different. While they are available in some plain options, we think many will enjoy the wide range of unique patterns and designs they come in, which can certainly dress up any pair of scrubs.
For the men, we have included the Crocs Yukon, Merrell Jungle Moc Pro Grip, New Balance 626 V2, and Keen Utility PTC Slip-On II. The Crocs Yukon take the traditional design of these shoes, but add a bit more durability and, dare we say, style, with their leather uppers. They are a good choice for anybody who has a wide foot and needs a little extra room in the toe box. Alternatively, the Merrell Jungle Moc Pro Grip is a very plain option with very little detailing. What they do offer though, is a high level of traction, good arch support, and a lining designed to wick moisture away from the skin.
The Keen Utility PTC Slip-On II are also rather basic looking, but they more than make up for the lack of style with their shock-absorbing memory foam and cork cushioning and protective toe cap. If you prefer something a bit more sporty, the New Balance 626 V2 will be right up your alley.
Special Honors
Dansko Professional Clogs While you can find the Dansko Professional Clogs in a lot of places, if you want them personalized, you need to go right to the source. They are available in men's and women's options, and, when ordering, you can customize them with letters, numbers, symbols, and icons. Plus, many nurses swear by them for their comfort, durability, and support. dansko.com
4. Merrell Jungle Moc Pro Grip
5. Skechers Sport Loving Life
6. New Balance 626 V2
7. Keen Utility PTC Slip-On II
8. Alegria Classic
9. Skechers Sure Track Trickel
10. Nurse Mates Harmony
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.