10 Best Work Shoes for Nurses | 2023 Guide

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Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Azad Asf

Nurses must deal with a lot of issues in regards to their footwear and responsibilities. These are some of them:

  • Working on their feet moving from patient to patient, which puts tremendous pressure on their feet and knees
  • Being exposed to debris and other liquids which can lead to slips and falls and makes the process of maintaining their shoes sterile fairly difficult
  • Spending dozens, sometimes hundreds of dollars, on work shoes that don’t last half of what they should last

All these problems require nurses to select work shoes with a specific mix of features.

Through this article, I’m gonna give it a go and tell you what work shoes I think are best for nurses. I hope it helps you…

List Of The Best Work Shoes For Nurses

Given the issues a nurse student or worker has to deal with daily I’ve just mentioned, these are the work shoes I think will be best to solve most of them:

1. Dansko Women’s Xp 2.0 Clogs For Nurses


If you’ve ever had to work on hard floors running around the hospital without being able to take one short break, then you’ll love these Dansko clogs as they have features such as:

  • Removable, dual-density PU footbeds that cushioned my feet in every step when testing these boots
  • TPU arch stabilizers
  • Lightweight EVA midsoles which were great for absorbing shocks when walking on hard surfaces

Additionally, the boots are substantially easy to clean which is a big advantage for nurses that are used to dealing with dirt and various liquid spills.

In terms of protection, these Dansko clogs come with slip-resistant outsoles which give nurses the traction they need when they have to run around the hospital on slippery surfaces.

Pros

  • Leather Uppers
  • Padded Instep Collar For Extra Comfort When Walking
  • Roomy Toe Box To Allow Toes To Move Comfortably -Plenty Of Wiggle Room
  • Lightweight Eva Midsole Reduces Fatigue For Everyday Wear And Provides Stability And High Shock Absorption
  • Removable, Dual Density Pu Footbed Includes Dansko Natural Arch Technology – A Tpu Arch Stabilizer For Exceptional, All-Day Support And Memory Foam For Cushioning
  • Outsole That Is Slip-Resistant On Wet, Dry, And Oily-Wet Surfaces.
  • Padded Instep Collar
  • Rocker Bottom

Cons

  • These Clogs Can Run A Bit Wide

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 3,484 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.5 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

2. Dansko Men’s Xp 2.0 Clogs For Nurses

No nurse should have to go to work with shoes that don’t provide the features necessary to avoid pain when doing such an important job.

This is why I liked these Dansko XP 2.0 clogs, as they came with dual density PU footbeds and EVA midsoles which, in combination, cushioned my feet even after having walked at least 10 hours at the hospital without taking one break.

They also have padded instep collars and a roomy toe box which makes the process of putting them on and taking them off convenient and really comfortable, something that’s essential for most nurses.

The feeling of security you get when you know that no matter how much you have to run at the hospital you won’t slip and fall is another big pro for these Dansko clogs as they have slip-resistant outsoles that provide great traction on any surface, regardless of how slippery it is.

Pros

  • Slip Resistant Outsole
  • Dual Density Pu Footbed With Dansko Natural Arch Technology For Exceptional Support
  • Leather Uppers
  • Padded Instep Collar For Extra Comfort When Walking
  • Roomy Toe Box To Allow Toes To Move Comfortably -Plenty Of Wiggle Room
  • Lightweight Eva Midsole Reduces Fatigue For Everyday Wear And Provides Stability And High Shock Absorption
  • Patent Pending Stapled Construction For Durability

Cons

  • They Run Narrow. Make Sure To Get A Wide Size.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 310 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.4 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

3. Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Madison Work Shoes For Nurses

The comfort features with these Dr. Scholl’s work shoes start with their insoles that have 3 distinct zones of comfort which make the job of spending most of the workday on their feet at the hospital something more bearable.

To make them even more comfortable, these shoes have padded comfort collars and an easy slip-on design that makes the experience of using, putting on, and taking them off comfortable and easy.

And, if it wasn’t enough, these Dr. Scholl’s have outsoles that provide great traction when walking on slippery surfaces, something that is much appreciated by nurses that are used to walking on tricky areas.

Pros

  • Synthetic Sole
  • Be Free Energy Technology – Insole With 3 Distinct Zones, Designed For Maximum Comfort
  • Super Soft Lining At Collar
  • Rubber Sidewalls And Sole
  • Padded Comfort Collar
  • Easy Slip-On With Twin Gore Panels For Flexibility

Cons

  • The Breaking Periods Tends To Be A Bit Long

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 5,860 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.3 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

4. Crocs Classic Clog Unisex Comfortable Slip On Work Shoes For Nurses

Let’s picture this: a nurse running around from patient to patient having to change their footwear to keep a high standard of cleanliness at the hospital.

Do you think that nurses should have to deal with work shoes that are difficult to take off and put on?

No, right? Well, that’s exactly why I love these Classic Crocs, as they are famous for being extremely comfortable and easy to take on and off, thanks to their pivoting heel straps.

Additionally, they become life-saving for many nurses as they are very easy to clean. I mean you just need a bit of soap and water and, tada, they’re as good as new!

With their traction outsoles, these Classic crocs also provide a great way for nurses to continue to hold their high working pace without slipping and getting injured.

Pros

  • Traction Outsoles
  • Lightweight Iconic Crocs Comfort Ventilation Ports Add Breathability And Help Shed Water And Debris Quickly
  • Easy To Take On And Off, They Even Offer Pivoting Heel Straps For A More Secure Fit
  • Easy To Clean. Just Using Soap And Water And Allowing For A Quick Dry

Cons

  • They Can Run A Bit Large

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 93,821 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.8 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

5. Skechers Gratis – No-Limits Work Shoe For Nurses

Even though nurses seem invincible, they aren’t. In fact, they suffer a lot, especially when they have to be on their feet running around from room to room at the hospital without taking breaks.

Luckily, these Skechers Gratis work shoes appear as a great way for nurses to achieve the comfort they need as they come with air-cooled memory foam footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles which gave me great cushioning when testing them at the hospital.

On top of that, they have a lowered back design for easy fit which is perfect for nurses that need to change work shoes quickly and continue with their work.

These shoes did not lack protection either, as they came with flexible slip-resistant outsoles that were great for providing reliable traction on slippery surfaces which is a highly valuable attribute for nurses that are used to running around on floors that have debris and all types of liquids.

Pros

  • Soft Smooth Faux Leather Synthetic Upper
  • Lightly Textured Mesh Fabric Upper
  • Soft Satiny Stretch Fabric Bands At Front Panel For Easy Slip-On Fit
  • Padded Collar
  • Lowered Back Design For Easy Slip-On Fit
  • Air Cooled Memory Foam Cushioned Comfort Insole
  • Shock Absorbing Midsole
  • Flexible Rubber Traction Outsole

Cons

  • Can Be Wider Than Expected

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 2,789 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.5 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

6. Crocs Unisex-Adult Bistro Graphic Clog | Slip Resistant Work Shoes For Nurses

No nurse wants to deal with the pain that comes after spending 12 to 18 hours on their feet at the hospital, without taking many breaks. However, they have to do it, there is no way around it.

The good news is that sometimes you find work shoes, such as these Cros Bistro clogs, that have life-saving features for nurses, such as:

  • Contoured footbeds that provide great cushioning for the base of the feet
  • Roomy and enclosed toes, which not only protects the toe area from the usual spills that happen at the hospital but makes the experience of using the Crocs much more comfortable as there is space for the toes

Additionally, nurses get very happy when they realize how easy is to clean these Crocs. I mean, it only takes a bit of soapy water and a quick rinse to make these clogs look good as new!

I despise the feeling of fear of slipping and getting injured when running or walking around the hospital, as, given the nature of a nurse’s job, one could find liquids on the floor that could lead to slips.

This is why I love features such as these Crocs’ slip-resistant outsoles that made the experience of walking around the hospital at a fast pace much safer.

Pros

  • 100% Croslite
  • Fully Molded And Easy To Clean By Just Using Soap And Water And Allowing For A Quick Dry
  • Slip-Resistant Treads Come Together To Help You Serve Up The Best Non-Slip Shoes For Women And Men
  • Enclosed Toe Design And Thicker Metatarsal Area To Help Protect Your Feet From Spills
  • Contoured Footbeds Make These Work Shoes Really Comfortable

Cons

  • White Is Not True White, It’s More Of A Buttercream White

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 14,512 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.6 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

7. Skechers D’Lites – Biggest Fan Work Shoes For Nurses

Nurses are more than used to dealing with the pain of standing on hard surfaces at the hospital for insanely long hours.

Luckily, these Skechers D’Lites I tested came with air-cooled memory foam insoles and shock-absorbing midsoles that made dealing with this much easier as they gave the feet and heel support my feet so desperately needed.

Also, they had padded collars and tongue, which made the experience of using these shoes really great.

Finally, as it happens with many of the boots reviewed in this article (on purpose, of course), these Skechers work shoes came with rubber traction outsoles that made walking on slippery surfaces at the hospital much less nerve-wracking than with other, less safe work shoes.

Pros

  • Smooth Soft Trubuck Leather Upper
  • Mesh Fabric Overlays
  • Smooth Synthetic Edging Trim
  • Stitching Accents
  • Contrast Colored Mesh Fabric Panels For Cooling Effect
  • Lace-Up Front
  • Padded Collar And Tongue
  • Soft Fabric Shoe Lining
  • Air Cooled Memory Foam Cushioned Comfort Insole
  • Lightweight Shock Absorbing Supportive Midsole
  • Flexible Rubber Traction Outsole

Cons

  • These Shoes Tend To Run A Bit Small

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 22,334 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.5 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

8. Crocs Unisex On The Clock Work Shoe For Nurses

To be honest, I just loved these Crocs work shoes. I mean, I really loved them, especially given their comfort features such as:

  • Crosslite foam and cushioned footbeds which made the experience of standing 10 hours on hard hospital surfaces something less painful
  • Tapered fit in the back for a relaxed and secure fit

Moreover, I liked how easy they were to clean which is a nice addition for nurses that have to maintain high standards of hygiene because they work in hospitals in direct contact with patients.

Their enclosed toes, that protected me from the usual spills that happen at a hospital or clinic, and their slip-resistant outsoles that gave me the traction necessary to walk on slippery surfaces were also great attributes that are worth mentioning for nurses looking for the best work shoes for their jobs.

Pros

  • Fully Molded And Easy To Clean By Just Using Soap And Water And Allowing For A Quick Dry
  • Slip Resistant Outsoles
  • Enclosed Toe And Heel Meet Workplace Standards And Will Protect Your Feet From Spills
  • Tapered Fit In The Back For A Secure, Relaxed Fit
  • Croslite Foam And Deeply Cushioned Footbeds Offer Dual Crocs Comfort That Is Perfect For Those Long Shifts
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • These Shoes Run Big. Getting One Size Smaller Might Be A Good Idea.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 544 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.3 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

9. Fila Women’s Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe For Nurses

Running around at the hospital for really long shifts is something that nurses have to deal with most of their professional lives.

This is why I love finding shoes, such as these Fila work shoes, that have features such as memory foam sock liners and a variable lacing system that provides a customized fit which, in combination, offer a superior level of comfort.

A second big point for these Fila work shoes is that they have slip-resistant outsoles which, as you know, are essential for those nurses that work at a fast pace and have to traverse hospital or clinic surfaces where there might be debris and liquids.

Pros

  • Leather / Synthetic
  • Memory Foam Sockliner / Dls Foam.
  • Slip Resistant Outsoles
  • Variable Lacing System: Permit And Facilitate Adjustment Of Selected Zones By A User.
  • The Shoes Were Tested By The Applicable Industry Standards, Including Astm F2913-11.

Cons

  • Run A Bit Narrow. Make Sure To Get A Wide Size.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 3,717 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.4 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

10. Dansko Women’s Professional Clog For Nurses

The best way to guarantee a nurse that she is not going to pay their long work shifts with unbearable feet and back pain is with work shoes that offer great comfort features.

And this is exactly what these Dansko professional clogs have, as they have:

  • Padded instep collars for cushioning the feet and ankles on every step
  • A roomy toe box that protects the toes from spills and provides enough space for them to “dance around”
  • Wide heel strikes and a PU inner frame for providing great stability which becomes essential in some extreme movements nurses might have to do when dealing with a patient

Pros

  • Padded Instep Collar For Comfort When Walking
  • Roomy Reinforced Toe Box For Protection With Plenty Of “Wiggle Room” For Your Toes
  • Pu Outsole With Rocker Bottom To Propel Foot Forward And Provide Shock Absorption
  • Wide Heel Strike For Greater Stability
  • Leather sock lining For Long-Wearing Comfort
  • Pu Inner Frame To Reduce Torque And Provide Stability
  • Protective Tpu Heel Counter Allows The Heel To Move Up And Down Freely While Providing Lateral Stability

Cons

  • These Work Shoes For Nurses Run On The Narrow Size. Make Sure To Get A Wide Size If Necessary.

Customer Reviews and Scores

There are a bit more than 3,472 reviews on Amazon.com about this product at the time of writing and they have given it, on average, a 4.4 out of 5 rating, approximately. These reviews are positive overall.

Check price at Amazon.com

My Verdict: The Best Work Shoe For Female Nurses

Dansko Women’s Xp 2.0 Clogs For Nurses

Would you like to know why I chose these Dansko clogs as the best work shoes for female nurses? Click the button down below and find out why!

Review

 

My Verdict: The Best Work Shoe For Male Nurses

Dansko Men’s Xp 2.0 Clogs For Nurses

If you are curious why I chose these Dansko clogs as the best work shoes for male nurses, then by clicking the button down below you’ll be directed to a short review about how great I found these work shoes to be.

Review

 

Quick Comparison Table

Work Shoes
ComfortConvenienceDurability

1. Dansko Women's XP 2.0 Clogs for Nurses





5






5






5



2. Dansko Men's XP 2.0 Clogs for Nurses






5






5






5



3. Dr. Scholl's Women's Madison Work Shoes for Nurses





5






4.9






4.9



4. Crocs Classic Clog Unisex Comfortable Slip On Work Shoes for Nurses





5






5






4.9



5. Skechers Gratis - No-Limits Work Shoe for Nurses





4.9






4.9






4.9



6. Crocs Unisex-Adult Bistro Graphic Clog | Slip Resistant Work Shoes for Nurses





5






4.9






5



7. Skechers D'Lites - Biggest Fan Work Shoes for Nurses





4.9






5






5



8. Crocs Unisex On The Clock Work Shoe for Nurses





4.9






4.9






4.8



9. Fila Women's Memory Workshift Slip Resistant Work Shoe for Nurses





4.9






5






4.9



10. Dansko Women's Professional Clog for Nurses





5






4.9






4.9


How Did I Test The Best Work Shoes For Nurses

Best Work Shoes For Nurses How Did I Test The Best Work Shoes for Nurses

I performed careful tests to find the best work shoes for nurses. These are the most important ones:

Comfort Test

I made sure to test the work shoes by walking all day long on hard surfaces, which is what most nurses do as they move from patient to patient.

Those shoes that supported my feet and were really comfortable were selected for further testing.

Protection Test

Moreover, I tested each work shoe by walking on slippery surfaces to recreate the risks that nurses are subjected to on a day to day basis.

Those work shoes that gave me good traction to avoid slips, were selected to do the final test.

Durability Test

Durability is key to avoid the frustration of seeing your hard-earned money wasted on work shoes that break down after a few months of regular use.

This is why I made sure to stress test each work shoe for nurses to replicate the heavy use these workers put on their footwear.

As a result, I chose a selection of work shoes that kept their original conditions after months of heavy use.

Must-Have Features For The Best Shoes For Nurses

Best Work Shoes For Nurses Must Have Features for The Best Shoes for Nurses

There are specific features work shoes must have to help nurses do their job comfortably and energetically.

The following is a carefully curated list that gathers all those features so you don’t have to waste time and can use it to find your next work shoe on your own!

Comfort & Convenience Features

Cushioned Footbeds & Shock Absorbing Midsoles

Given that nurse students and nurses must spend most of their work shifts on their feet on heavy surfaces, walking or running from patient to patient, they will need work shoes with features that let them be comfortable to make sure that their minds are free for the task they have at hand.

This is why I recommend getting work shoes with cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles as it’s the best way to make sure that their feet are going to be both supported and shielded from the hard impacts.

Easy-To-Clean Materials

A huge annoyance for nurses and their work shoes is that, given the nature of their job, they have to traverse areas that frequently have some form of debris or liquids that can stain their footwear.

This is why I always say that getting work shoes with easy to clean materials is the best way to avoid the anger of having to spend hours cleaning shoes or having to bring 3 or 4 pairs of work shoes to work.

Protective Features

Slip Resistant Outsoles

No nurse wants to slip and fall when walking on slippery surfaces at the hospital, right?

Well, if you want to avoid that, getting work shoes with slip and oil resistant outsoles might be your best bet as they give you the peace of mind of knowing that you’ll be able to walk, or even run, from patient to patient without slipping and falling.

Durability Features

Great Materials & Construction Methods

Spending a lot of money on work shoes that don’t last more than 4 or 5 months is sadly a frequent frustration nurses have to deal with concerning their footwear.

However, if they made an effort to get shoes manufactured with great materials, following reliable construction methods they would quickly realize that this is a great way to have the guarantee that their shoes will last for at least a few years.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the frequently asked questions people ask when it comes to the best work shoes for nurses:

What Different Types Of Work Shoes For Nurses And Nurse Students Are Out There?

There are three categories of work shoes most nurses usually get to use at the hospital, these are:

Clogs

Ahh, the clogs!

One of the most comfortable types of work shoe a nurse can get.

Built with a closed front and a simple strap in the heel area, the clog stands apart as a shoe that protects nurses from spills and falling objects while offering unmatched support and a comfy fit.

Moreover, they have excellent cushioning and shock absorption which are essential for avoiding back and knee pain in the short and long term.

To make nurses’ lives even easier, they are easy take on and off and very easy to clean, which is perfect for nurses that need to have their work shoes always sterile. I mean, they can even get a second pair to make sure their work shoes are always hygienic.

Slip-Ons

Speed is crucial for nurses, as they have to deal with the most valuable assets in the world, human lives.

This is why slip-ons are a perfect solution as they are known for being extremely easy to take off and put on, which makes the job of changing shoes and always using sterile footwear really simple.

Lace-Up Shoes

Shoes that don’t have the necessary cushioning, support, and shock absorption are not a good choice of footwear for nurses and nurse students. Especially for those that work in the intensive areas of hospitals where they have to run from patient to patient.

For those cases, I think that lace-up shoes for nurses are a great alternative as they offer:

  • Great support and shock absorption for running around the hospital thanks to cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles
  • Protection from hazardous fluids or falling needles that are always present at the hospital in tense situations
  • Slip-resistant outsoles that give nurses the traction to walk on slippery surfaces without slipping and falling

What Are The Most Comfortable Shoes For Nurses?

If you want to achieve the greatest level of comfort when using a pair of work shoes you must get footwear with cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles.

The reasoning behind this recommendation is that both attributes will prevent the shock generated by walking all day on hard floors to affect your feet which, in turn, will keep you safe from any feet, knee, or back pain.

What Are The Top Shoes For Nurses With Heel Pain?

A great way to make sure that a nurse will no longer have to deal with heel pain is by getting a work shoe with arch support.

The focus on arch support is there because it will take the pressure off your feet and heels, alleviating the heel pain that a nurse could have developed after 10 or 12 hours working on their feet.

What Nurse Shoes Is Best For Wide Feet?

Wide feet is a very frequent condition a lot of nurses and nursing students suffer from.

The best way to solve this painful issue is getting work shoes for nurses that have a roomy and comfortable fit.

This is why I recommend getting clogs for nurses that suffer from wide feet as these work shoes are designed to be a bit roomier than other options, such as lace-up shoes or slip-ons.

Work Shoes For Nurses Are Better With Laces Or Without?

The answer to this question is mostly based on preference and necessity.

Some nurses do not need to run from patient to patient frequently, but they do need to be 12 hours on their feet walking on hard floors, which puts a lot of strain on their joints.

For these nurses, it is recommended to get comfortable shoes that are easy to take off and put on. Thus, slip-ons or clogs might be their best bet as to what shoes they should wear.

On the other hand, you have nurses that have to be all day running around at the hospital assisting patients that suffered physical traumas.

These nurses will need work shoes with more shock-absorbing features and arch and ankle support, which is why lace-up shoes should be their first choice of footwear.

How Do I Take Care Of The Shoes?

This is a big issue for nurses as they are constantly being exposed to debris and other liquids (hazardous or not) that could stain their shoes and attack their sterility.

This is one of the main reasons why getting work shoes that are easy to clean is a must-have feature.

Given that any of the work shoes for nurses recommended in this article are easy to clean, the process of cleaning them should be fairly simple:

  • Wash the shoes with soap and water
  • Remove all dirt with a damp cloth
  • Rinse the shoes with water
  • Let them dry for 30 minutes
  • Done!

Pro Tip: Use Compression Socks

Using compression socks is highly recommended to nurses as they are essential for helping your blood circulate through your feet, ankles, and knees which is vital for reducing pain and fatigue in those areas.

Author: Joe Strong

1 thought on “10 Best Work Shoes for Nurses | 2023 Guide”

  1. hi, Faith working in the medical field I have to work for long hours. For this reason, I always look for comfortable and durable shoes which fit my budget. your search helps me a lot. thanks

    Reply

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