Many nurses work very long shifts, at times more than twelve hours. You are continually on your feet, moving around assisting coworkers and patients. And since you spend a lot of time on your feet, it is vital you get yourself a reliable pair of supportive and comfortable nursing shoes. A dependable pair of nursing footwear will help prevent painful back, legs, and heels during and after work. This guide will take a look at some of the best shoes for nurses on feet all day, taking into account their overall build, materials used in their construction, how comfortable and supportive they are to wear.
This splendid sneaker from Skechers is a fantastic choice if you require a breathable footwear that allows for great circulation. Aside from that, the Skechers Sport Women’s Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion sneaker is comes with exceptional cushioning and it is a slip-on footwear. Its main selling points are padding, flexibility, comfort, and value for money.
Key Features
Slip-on sneaker
Breathable mesh design
Memory foam insole
Rubber sole
Flex groove outsole
Made of 100-percent faux leather plus mesh fabric
The Skechers’ memory foam shoe is made using faux leather plus breathable mesh fabric. This feature will give your outfit a trendy touch whilst ensuring your feet remains dry and cool all through the day. The footwear has a flexible slip-on construction that offers excellent feet and ankle support. It also comes with bungee-style laces that offer a high level of flexibility.
The inside of the footwear is fitted with a soft fabric lining that helps wick away sweat to keep you dry and comfortable. Skechers Sport Women’s Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneaker is also an excellent shock-absorbing footwear – thanks to the memory foam insole plus memory foam heel fitted on the sneaker.
The footwear has a lightweight yet durable rubber outsole with flex groove traction thread that helps with stability as well as reduces foot fatigue. If you are searching for the best shoes for nurses on feet all day that is breathable, lightweight and provides excellent cushioning this impressive sneakers from Skechers should be top on your list.
As with practically everything in the Ultraboost series from Adidas, the Ultraboost 20 is super comfortable and a beloved option among nurses. The shoe’s soft and nice upper delivers a sock-like fit as well as targetted support wherever you require it the most. Besides, if looks rank high on your list of priorities, you will not be disappointed by the appearance of the Adidas Ultraboost 20. Several reviewers rank it among the best-looking running shoes available in the market today.
Key Features
Superb energy return system
Rubber sole
Tailored Fiber Placement locked-in fit
Stretchweb outsole plus continental rubber
100 percent textile upper
If you found the Ultraboost 19 irresistible, you will adore the Ultraboost 20 for similar reasons. The later edition has an impressive appearance and differs only slightly from its predecessor, majorly through the midsole. The midsole region is covered with a substance that changes color with light. The upper was also slightly overhauled to make it a little plusher.
The upper of the 20th edition also features what Adidas calls Tailored Fiber Placement (or simply TFP). This feature helps ensure you enjoy a locked-in fit. One satisfied customer said of the shoe: “This sneaker fits flawlessly – true to size. I love the style and appearance and they are exceedingly comfortable.”
Like the Ultraboost 19, the outsole of the 20th edition features a continental stretchweb outsole that furnishes extraordinary traction on wet/slippery surfaces. The outsole is also very durable so it is superb for nurses and other professionals who work mostly on their feet.
The Ultraboost 20 is unquestionably one of the best shoes for nurses on feet all day. The sneaker was engineered to supply exceptional performance and comfort to the user. And to cap it all, the shoe looks stunning.
This shoe is a good fit for nurses and other healthcare professionals who need the best footwear for standing all day. The footwear provides stability and comfort and places emphasis on midfoot support, which is an excellent protection against overpronation-related injuries. The Gel Challenger 12 from ASICS is also equipped with the innovative gel cushioning system, which helps absorb shock from walking, running as well as alterations in physical position.
Key Features
Solyte Midsole Material that provides impressive cushioning plus bounce back
Made of fabric and synthetic leather
Gel technology cushioning for comfort and high performance
Trusstic System Technology to help prevent the feet from twisting during walking
Ortholite Sockliner for preventing odor and improved cushioning
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes has impressive features that make it one of the best tennis shoes for nurses. The shoes come with ortholite sockliner that helps control sweat and moisture during heavy usage thereby keeping your feet cool and fresh all through the day. It also has Solyte midsole material, which means it is lighter compared to similar brands in the market.
The tennis shoe is also equipped with Trusstic system technology, which helps to effectively take care of shock absorption during walking, running plus other impact activities. The shoe’s fore and rearfoot area is equipped with ASICS’ signature Gel Technology to alleviate shock as well as protect your joints.
The Gel-Challenger 12 also comes with an ortholite sockliner that is beneficial for keeping the feet dry and cool all day long. And, the good part is that you can remove the sockliner and have it replaced with a medical orthotic if need be. The footwear’s upper area also features a personal heel fit design within the collar. With this feature, you are assured of a perfect fit around your heel. With these features, the Gel-Challenger 12 from ASICS ranks among the best shoes for nurses with flat feet. The shoes are available in a range of colors including white, orange and blue.
Pros
Comes with ortholite sockliner that helps with moisture control
This shoe from New Balance was not originally designed as a nursing footwear, nevertheless it comes with all the features that a good nursing shoe should have. Aside from having a gorgeous design, the New Balance Women’s WX608v4 Comfort Pack Training Shoe combines performance and comfort to ensure enhanced traction and better durability. New Balance is a highly reputed U.S. sports footwear brand and investing in a footwear from this brand is definitely an investment in performance, durability, and quality.
Key Features
Available in a range of colors
Has one hundred percent tough and durable leather uppers
Rubber sole for enhanced traction and grip
Dual density collar plus IMEVA midsole for better cushioning
Lace-up design
The New Balance Women’s WX608v4 Comfort Pack Training Shoe comes in a wide range of colors thus you will definitely find a pair that will suit your style sense and personality. The footwear has a conventional lace-up design, which ensures you enjoy a superb and secure fit.
The footwear is fitted with thick soles for enhanced support to the feet, and they are just as sturdy and comfortable as they appear. You will love the shoe’s rubber sole which provides enhanced grip and better durability, whilst the shoe’s injection-molded EVA midsole helps create a comfy, secure footbed.
The Women’s WX608v4 training shoe comes with a one hundred percent leather upper that is both flexible and smooth. What this means is that you have a footwear that is both trendy and perfect for all-day wear. It comes with a dual-density collar, which offers better support and enhanced cushioning.
If what you need is the best tennis shoes for nurses that will give you all the support and cushioning you require, then be sure to give this shoe from New Balance a try. It is offered at a reasonable price and will help prevent leg, foot and lower back injuries.
Pros
Reasonably priced
Impressive breathability
Dual-density collar that offers enhanced protection
Top quality leather build
Perfect for individuals with wide feet
Cons
Some users say the shoe needs long breaking in time
This outstanding footwear from Dansko comes with the right features that will give you the stability, comfort, and support you require to work without discomfort or pain all day long. This classy women’s clog goes with both casual and formal nursing outfit, and you will definitely be happy with it wherever you go. In addition, the shoe is available in a wide variety of colors, which means you should be able to find one that best suits your taste.
Key Features
Fabric and or leather uppers
Polyurethane sole for excellent grip on various surfaces
Spacious reinforced toebox for extra protection
Padded instep collar for better fit and comfort
The women’s professional clog from Dansko comes with a high-quality leather upper, which is a lot better compared to other brands with cheap synthetic uppers. This is because the leather upper is not only highly breathable but also makes the footwear last longer as well as more resistant to wear and tear.
The footwear features a firm thermoplastic toebox, which offers better fit, stability, and protection. The shoe’s heel counter is made of thermoplastic urethane, which provides better comfort and excellent heel stability.
Another key feature of the women’s professional clog is its highly breathable foam footbed. This feature helps ensure your foot never gets hot or sweaty as you move around from ward to ward within the hospital. The breathable foam footbed achieves this by keeping the footwear at a cool temperature whilst absorbing all sweat from the foot.
One other feature many users love about this Dansko clog is its availability in a wide range of color options. They are available in conventional brown or blue leather, and you will also find them in a stunning tiger lily as well as blue groove patterns. Thus, no matter what complexion you have, you will find a color that will suit you.
The Dansko Women’s Professional Clog has a rubber outsole for enhanced cushioning and motion control. The footwear is a bit pricey compared to similar brands in the market, but that is expected from a footwear that offers matchless comfort and performance.
The Debra Slip-on from Alegria is a clog style footwear and that is why it is an extremely popular option among nurses. Slip-on footwear is fantastic for nurses for the reason that they do not have to bother about stopping to tie up laces during shifts. The Alegria Women’s Debra slip-on is also comfortable to walk and run in and provides enough cushioning for standing all day. The shoe is specially designed for female nurses who need comfortable clogs to safely walk around the hospital environment.
Key Features
Slip-resistant synthetic sole
Vibrant leather uppers plus a spacious toebox
Stain-resistant and simple to clean
Memory foam footbed for added comfort
Removable supportive insole
The Alegria Women’s Debra Slip-On comes with a synthetic sole, which helps maintain a solid grip on all types of surfaces and helps prevent slips and falls. The heel measures approximately `.5 inches with an estimated one-inch platform.
These shoes come in European sizes, which means that most consumers from various parts of the world would be able to find a good fit. The shoes upper is made from durable leather that is stain-resistant and simple to clean. The Debra Slip-on from Alegria has a customized construction with handmade soles that are crafted to withstand any kind of weather and terrain.
In addition, each pair of the Debra slip-on comes with contrast stitching, which helps to make the shoes look more trendy and appealing. This slip-on footwear has stretchy sides thus they are flexible and easily adjusts to the width of the feet. This is why the shoe is simpler to wear or take off compared to similar brands in the market.
To ensure your feet is comfortable all day long, the footwear’s footbed is fitted with extra cushioning, and the shoes are lightweight ensuring you are not held down as you walk around your work area.
Pros
Available in several design and color choices
Slip-on style clog
Comfortable, lightweight and safe to wear
The leather upper is stain resistant
Cons
Some users have complained that the shoes are a little stiff when used for the first time
The Gel Kayano is arguably the best-selling shoe within the ASICS running shoe lineup. This is due to the support, comfort, and style the sneaker provides for a broad variety of runners. Nurses and other professionals who do a great deal of walking and standing adore the shoe due to its soft cushioning and luxurious underfoot feeling. The Kayano is a bit heavier compared to some similar running shoes in the market and it comes at a relatively higher cost compared to several models. Nevertheless, the price is worth every penny.
Key Features
Synthetic and mesh upper
FlyteFoam Midsole Technology
Forefoot & Rearfoot Gel Technology Cushioning
Dynamic DuoMax Support
FlyteFoam Propel Technology
Space Trusstic System
The 27th iteration of the Gel Kayano features some vital alterations to produce a cozier, more vibrant, more stable running shoe. ASICS utilized its signature AHAR compound in constructing the outsole. AHAR stands for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. AHAR is a highly durable compound that delivers notable traction on any type of surface. One customer observed, “After logging more than 100 miles in the shoe, I noticed only a negligible degree of wear on the sneaker”.
The 26th edition of the Gel Kayano delivered outstanding shock absorption mainly due to the extra Gel cushioning added within the regions of the midsole. This level of Gel cushioning remains the same in the Kayano 27 but the forefoot region received a little more of this cushioning material to make your steps bouncier and cozier.
The shoe’s upper also received some minor but visible alterations. The mesh upper of the previous edition has been redesigned to make it more breathable and stylish. A user said of the upper, “the mesh allowed my feet to move effortlessly whilst still preserving structure. There were no overheating issues, as my feet remained cool while wearing the shoe for extended periods.
Overall, the Kayano 27 from ASICS is one of the best shoes for nurses on feet all day. If you are a nurse searching for a reliable stability shoe that provides lasting comfort and support, the Kayano 27 running shoes may be your best bet.
Dansko is famous for creating quality footwear that helps nurses avoid lower extremity problems like back, knee, and foot problems. The Men’s Wynn comes with superior quality and construction that Danskos are known for. The well-cushioned insole, smooth leather exterior, and non-slip outsole all work together to keep your feet safe and comfortable even during the toughest circumstances. The slip-on design combines with the 100 percent authentic leather upper to make the footwear a great option for the male nurse searching for a trendy and comfortable clog to wear during an extended shift.
Key Features
100 percent leather upper
Synthetic sole
Detachable, triple-density EVA molded footbed
Riveted shank design offers extra support, control, and stability
Slip-resistant outsoles
If you are seeking quality, nursing footwear with a relaxed-cool design, then the Dansko Men’s Wynn comes highly recommended. The footwear’s full-grain leather upper not only delivers a rich appearance but also allows for a snug and cozy fit. The footwear is super simple to clean and maintain as all you need to remove dirt on the leather upper is a clean damp cloth.
The interior lining is supple and will mold to your foot’s particular shape and thus deliver a customized fit. For additional all-day coziness, the clog is fitted with dual goring insets along with a cozily padded collar. Besides, there is ample arch support for individuals that require it. Much of the arch support comes from the contoured footbed that molds to your foot’s particular shape as you stand and walk.
The footbed is detachable and can thus accommodate orthotic insoles. While the footbed is detachable, you may discover you would rather not pull it out. As stated earlier, the footbed of the Dankso men’s Wynn provides outstanding arch support, heel alignment, and stability.
The closed-toe construction will not only make your feet warm and cozy but will also shield them from spills as well as falling objects. Several reviewers have also lauded the clog’s non-slip rubber outsole for its ability to keep them safe even when walking or running on wet/slippery surfaces.
The Dansko Men’s Wynn is one of the best clogs for nurses not merely because of the fantastic features it provides, but the fact that it comes with a certain distinctive attractiveness in the style and construction. Dansko created this clog to provide support for your entire foot, from your heel to your toes.
Some customers complain that the price is on the high side but many agree that the quality of the footwear is top-notch.
Pros
Genuine leather upper highly durable and easy to clean
Useful Tips for Nurses Who are on their Feet all Day
Anyone who occasionally has to be on their feet all day knows how taxing it can be on the legs and the lower back. Imagine having to do this regularly because your job depends on it. This is what it is like for the average nurse. Aside from a lot of standing and walking, the constant change of pace adds another element to the challenging nature of this career field.
Choosing the right type of footwear is a vital step toward getting through the workday. Many shoe brands will claim to be suitable for this purpose, but as a buyer, you should never take this for granted. Nursing shoes usually have a range of features that can help to minimize or prevent pain and help to avoid some common foot conditions. Wearing the wrong pair of shoes can lead to problems; worsening any foot or back problems, you already have to be managing. Follow these tips to help you get the right shoes and to make your nursing shifts easier.
Hospital floors often become slippery, and the pace of the work may prevent a quick clean-up. This means that you have to continue doing your job in potentially unsafe conditions. Rubber soles do not guarantee that your shoes will be non-slip. Pay attention to the size and design of the treads if you want proper traction even on wet surfaces.
Your toes must be comfortable
The toes play an essential role in balance and your gait. They must be able to flex and stretch your feet as naturally as if you are walking barefoot. Choose shoes that have a wide toe box to keep your toes from pinching. This enables natural movement and helps to prevent discomfort even when you have to work for long hours.
Get the arch support you need
Some people have low arches, while others struggle with problems caused by high arches. Select shoes based on your specific arch type. If you don’t have enough support for high arches, you can end up with foot problems like plantar fasciitis. This could affect your job performance, and any existing foot problems could worsen due to ankle and foot instability. Get as much information as you can about the shoes you want to buy. Compare brands based stability, type of material used and even on price. If the arch support does not suit your specific needs, you could be creating problems for your feet.
Consider the material
Sometimes, the choice of nursing shoes comes down to mesh and leather. If your goal is durability, leather is usually the best option, but it might not be ideal for the average nurse. The longer you wear a pair of shoes, the more your feet are likely to sweat. Naturally, breathable mesh is usually more suitable in these instances. The downside to mesh shoes is that they can get dirty quickly as dirt will get stuck inside the small spaces. They also take more time to clean, while leather shoes can usually be wiped off quickly. Leather shoes are also generally slightly heavier than mess types.
If you will spend most of the day on your feet, it makes sense that heavy shoes will become uncomfortable. A few nurses’ duties call for them to seated at desks for most of the workday, and they can probably get by with some of the heavier shoe options. However, for most nurses, lighter shoes assist them to carrying out their job functions. Discomfort caused by a heavy pair of shoes can also impact the nurse’s mood and attitude towards patients.
Make sure the shoes are stable
If you work for long hours, the shoes should continue to hold up even when your legs begin to feel tired. Stability is an especially important factor in preventing injury and foot pain. Everyone has some amount of rolling in the ankles as they walk. If you spend more time on your feet, this rolling takes a greater toll on your ankles. A stable shoe compensates for this movement and helps to keep the feet steady. This becomes even more important when you have to work for long hours with few breaks.
Keep cushioning and comfort in mind
Since the feet have to bear the body’s weight, they can become painful and swollen by the end of a long shift. Adequate cushioning can reduce some of the stress on the feet. A soft interior helps to prevent blisters and gives the wearer a bit of bounce while they are moving around. A padded tongue and collar might also be worth considering, although these might be more of a personal preference. They can help to make the shoes feel sung and keep them from slipping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which shoes are the best options for nurses who are on their feet all day?
The best nurses’ shoes meet the criteria for comfort, traction, and durability. Some of the top choices are Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe, konhill Women’s Casual Walking Shoes Breathable Mesh Work Slip-on Sneakers, K-SWISS Men’s ST329 Comfort Memory Foam Training Shoe, and Crocs Specialist II Clog.
Do nurses really spend all day on their feet?
The average nurse generally works a 12-hour shift. A recent study found that during this period, a nurse could walk for as much as five miles. Typically, day shift nurses do more walking than night shift nurses do. Factors that influence how much time they spend on their feet include the size of the facility, the nurse’s specific duties, the nurse to patient ratio, and the number of private and semi-private rooms.
How can a nurse deal with the pain caused by standing all day?
Nurses have many remedies available for dealing with foot pain. Some of these are regular stretching, icing the feet, exercising regularly, getting foot massages, and inserting arch supports in their shoes.
How much time do nurses spend on their feet?
Between going from patient to patient, getting lab results dealing with emergencies, a nurse can easily spend a one to three-hour stretch walking or standing before taking a break.
Can compression socks help nurses who have to be on their feet all day?
Standing all day can affect the circulation and create soreness in the muscles. At the end of the day, some nurses have swollen feet. Standing all day causes blood to pool in the lower part of the body as circulation slows. Compression socks apply pressure to the lower part of the legs, encouraging the blood to flow upwards. This reduces swelling and discomfort and helps to keeps nurses energized during long shifts.
Conclusion
The design of nursing shoes might not be an important factor for some nurses, but this depends on what you want from your shoes. A pair of shoes might be durable, stable, and provide plenty of support, but the look may be too flashy for this profession. Most nurses prefer a minimalist style that blends well with their scrubs. Some design features of nursing shoes contribute to functionality and comfort. A wide base, for example, increases stability and helps with balance.
The prices of nursing shoes vary greatly. The cost of a pair of shoes must always be looked at in terms of the benefits. It makes sense to pay a bit more for shoes that will provide essential support for the arches. The design, material, build, and brand name all influence the price of shoes. Your spending decision should be based on your needs and whether the shoes will meet them. Some companies offer warranties and refunds on their products, and this should help the selection process as well.
25 thoughts on “Best Shoes For Nurses On Feet All Day – From Sneakers to Clogs”