Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, nurses and other healthcare professionals are working longer hours and more shifts. This career field is challenging enough, as the average nurse may find it difficult to take breaks. The right footwear is essential not only for their comfort, but also for their health and overall wellbeing. Spending long periods standing or walking can put stress on the feet, legs, and lower back. Choosing quality footwear can help to prevent foot conditions such as fallen arches and plantar fasciitis.
Running shoes are often considered ideal for the high-pressure setting of a hospital. Since they are built for running, they are usually capable of absorbing the shock that comes with the weight of the body suddenly being transferred to one foot. This makes them ideal for wearing for long periods. Another consideration is that some running shoe brands are made from high-quality materials. These shoes can take a beating without starting to fall apart quickly. Most importantly, many of these shoes are built with special features to ensure the comfort for the wearer. This list has some of the best running shoes for nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Best Running Shoes for Nurses for 2021
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 6 Running Shoe
The HOKA brand continues to make an impression among professionals in the healthcare system for its reliable products. It makes the best running shoes for work and various types of physical activities. The Women’s Bondi 6 Running Shoe hits all the right marks and gives a high level of comfort. The rockered geometry gives the wearer an easy transition with each step. The slightly lower heel easily absorbs the force of the foot placement, transferring the energy to the forefoot for the push-off. This supports the gait and gives plenty of bounce whether the wearer is running or walking. The wide base makes the shoe stable and is especially beneficial to nurses who have minor pronation issues. The shoe has seamless synthetic overlays for a refined look, and the comfortable, foam-padded insole can be removed if needed. This shoe is a proven performer and is designed to keep feet comfortable for long hours.
- The mesh material is breathable so the feet will stay cool during long shifts.
- The textile lining helps to prevent abrasions.
- The full-length EVA midsole does a good job of absorbing shock to lower stress on the joints.
- Rubber inserts in the tough sole enhance the traction.
- While this shoe generally holds up well to heavy use, some glued sections may start to lift after a while.
- In damp conditions they can feel soggy.
Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
These shoes have all the right features to be listed among the best work shoes for nurses. It comes in a range of widths, making it easier to find the perfect size. The cushioning was designed to adapt to the weight of the wearer. It also provides the kind of support a busy nurse needs to keep going. The Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar is a feature that is meant to provide arch support. Even nurses who have low arches will find it easier to move and adjust their stride when necessary in a pair of these shoes. The MC Pod construction at the forefoot and the specially designed outsole work together to add stability and enable natural movement. The design of the sole contains the pressure from the heel strike to reduce stress on joints. This flexible shoe is capable of gently guiding the feet for a natural range of motion. It is made of mostly manmade materials, but has a sturdy synthetic sole and full-grain leather upper. While some may prefer the Brooks Ghost Running Shoe for standing all day, the Women’s Addiction Walker is highly capable of meeting the challenges of nursing.
- The slip-resistant sole helps to keep nurses safe on the job.
- The style makes it suitable for different settings away from work.
- These shoes can help people who have overpronation issues.
- There is a lot of cushioning for comfort and shock absorption.
- There are occasional sizing issues and some people have to go up a size.
- They are relatively cool, but still not as breathable as other types of popular nurses shoes.
Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 23 Waveknit Running Shoe
Many of the best shoes for nurses are not as sleek and stylish as this offering from Mizuno. The brand’s proprietary WAVEKNIT gives it an attractive texture that makes it stand out among the competition. This special knit also significantly enhances the fit, and allows the shoe to flex naturally, matching the movement of the feet as you walk. This superior fit also keeps the shoes from slipping even after being worn for hours under stressful conditions. With a comfortable ride and a highly responsive feel, this shoe is a technological upgrade compared to many other running and walking shoes. It is well cushioned for hours of comfortable use. The modern styling is complemented by a host of useful features that promote stability and a natural gait. It absorbs a lot of the shock of walking but is still responsive to the wearer’s movements. The Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 23 Waveknit Running Shoe is lightweight but sturdy enough to suit the daily wear and tear of the average nurse’s workday. This model has a number of improvements over the previous version. It is built for mileage, so you can expect it to last for a long.
- It has a roomy toe box for wider feet.
- It molds well to the user’s feet minimizing the risk of abrasions or discomfort.
- The breathable material will help keep the feet cool.
- A little bit of breaking in might be needed before these shoes feel fully comfortable.
- It has a feeling of firmness underfoot which might be uncomfortable for some people.
New Balance Women’s 520 V5 Running Shoe
This shoe from New Balance has all the right features to make it one of the best nursing shoes for 12 hour shifts. The injection molded EVA insole will cradle the feet and keep them comfortable. The New Balance shoes hold up well as it supports your entire body. It is made from 100% synthetic materials, and has a sturdy rubber outsole. The high performance-insert increases responsiveness for smooth and energized movement. The mesh upper gives these shoes a modern and stylish look, but it also manages to come across as very athletic. The stitching lines are basic, so the attractive mesh upper remains the dominant part of the aesthetic. It was designed to be gentle on the feet, while being tough on the outside to hold up to rigorous use. Flex grooves in the outsole allows this shoe to move naturally with changes in the position of the foot for comfortable all day wear and a natural stride. A cushioned collar and tongue make them easy on the feet even when laced up tightly. They are lightweight, so they will not negatively affect your stride or pace. The fact that the design of the upper was data inspired should give users a lot of confidence in the reliability of this shoe.
- The stylish look makes it suitable for various settings.
- These shoes are true to size, so there are generally no problems in finding the right fit.
- You can put memory foam inserts inside for additional comfort.
- A break-in period might be needed before they reach the full level of comfort.
- Some users have found them to be slightly narrow.
Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 20 Running Shoe
This is a proven performer that lives up to the expectations that come with this brand. It has a mesh knit which molds to suit different foot shapes and ensures a relaxed and comfortable fit. It will move with the feet for a relaxed posture and stride. It has a practical, no-nonsense look that will instantly rank it among the best shoes for nurses. Sleek lines make this shoe stand out among many similar products. The stylish design makes it just as suited for a professional athlete as it is for a nurse. It has a tough outsole that holds up well under heavy use, and ensures lasting value. The soft cushioning is gentle on the feet while providing plenty of support. This keeps stress off the ankles and knees. The shape of the outsole reflects the standard required by many nurses today. The slightly rounded heel will absorb the shock of the heel strike, and the curve of the forefoot helps with every push off. The outsole makes these shoes very stable, and they assist in keeping your stride uniform. The rubber sole provides good traction on wet surfaces. They are lightweight, and generally run true to size.
- These shoes provide the wearer with good arch support for comfort and less pain.
- Reinforced stitching makes them tougher than many comparable products, and help in providing long term value.
- Much of the body of the shoe is mesh, so the shoes are breathable, and can be worn for longer periods. This also helps to keep the feet cool.
- It has a high collar which combines with the soft mesh for a superior fit.
- While most users do not have problems with the size of the toebox, people who have wide feet may find these shoes slightly narrow.
- They can go for as much as $300, so this option is a little pricey.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes
Despite the fact that this is a lightweight shoe, it is generally regarded as a workhorse. It has a sturdy outsole which will not wear down quickly. The overall look shows that quality material and top-notch workmanship was used. This shoe is just as attractive as other products from the brand. It is somewhat lighter than many other ASICS shoes. Users will attest to the comfortable and smooth strides this shoe provides. A combination of synthetic materials and fabric, the ASICS Women’s Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis shoes looks like a product many professional athletes would be happy to wear. From an aesthetic standpoint, it has a few flourishes that put it far ahead of other popular nursing shoes. The gel cushioning supports the feet evenly, and encourages natural movement regardless of your pace. The mesh upper gives the shoes flexibility for comfortable movement. The upper also enhances the fit. This shoe will remain snug even after being worn for hours. Despite the fact that it fits the feet so closely, there is no pinching, and the toes flex easily.
- The cushioning easily absorbs shock leading to less pain and fewer feet issues.
- It has arch support and encourages stable movement to reduce stress on the ankles.
- The sockliner helps to pull sweat away from the feet which increases comfort and minimizes foot odors.
- These shoes can accommodate custom orthotics.
- The level of arch support is not as good as some competing shoe brands.
- People who have wide feet may feel that these shoes run a bit too narrow.
Nursing is a tough career, and a variety of tools help in doing the work effectively. Shoes may seem like a minor concern, but comfort adds to the sense of wellbeing and mental fortitude. With so many different types of shoes on the market, choosing the right type is not always easy. A brand may score high marks in one area, but fail in others.
Many nurses develop foot and joint problems simply due to the rigors of the job. This must be taken into account when looking for the right shoes. A stable pair of shoes with good foot support, especially in the arches, can help in preventing conditions related to working for long hours. Shoes for nurses come in a variety of sizes, style, and prices. The brands listed above should make find the right pair much easier.
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