Top 10 Best Nursing Shoes For Women And Men In 2022
Nurses’ role in the workplace is extremely important. They are not just the doctor’s assistant. They are the patient’s advocate.
Their day is filled with so much work that causes stress not only mentally but also emotionally and physically.
During my shift, I attend to many patients and have to endure standing for a long period of time. I made my leg painful, including the upper thigh, feet, especially the heel part.
It also affects my back and the entire upper parts of my body. I noticed that I experienced the pain every time I wear a regular shoe. Whenever I wear the ideal shoe for nurses, the pain and discomfort are lessened to a greater extent.
To prevent heel pain and leg strain, nurses should wear the right shoes. There are many types of nursing shoes to choose from. To narrow down your choice, you should keep in mind the following:
- Arch support – Nurses walk over four miles in a typical 12-hour shift. The feet can get tired and inflamed if the shoe is not appropriate for nurses. The best shoes for nurses to wear has adequate arch support. It makes sure that the foot rests comfortably while you walk or run.
- Lightweight – A nursing shoe should be light so that the nurse will feel comfortable wearing it all day long. It also increases the speed and flexibility of the nurse.
- Great traction – The sole of the shoe should have great traction to prevent the nurse from slipping, especially when the nurse is working on slippery floors.
- Water-resistant – Nurses work with all types of fluid, especially body fluids. Nurses should make sure the shoe they wear can repel water. (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5)
What are the different styles of shoes for nurses?
- Slip on/slippers – It is used in the operation theater.
- Tennis shoes/sneakers – This is worn by the nurse who is in charge of the emergency room and intensive care unit. These are the areas in the hospital where nurses are always on the go. Hence, the nurse needs to wear shoes that are built for running and can protect the feet from all forms of fluids they might encounter in the hospital.
- Clogs – This type of nursing shoe is built for comfort. Its front part is closed so as to protect the feet from fluids. The back is left open. Clogs take off the pressure points in the feet.
- Crocs – This type of shoe for nurses has a closed vented air portal front and the heel is kept opened. It may or may not have a rear strap. The material is a single mold solid resin. It is somewhat the same as the clog but the only difference is the vented air portal front. (3, 4, 5, and 6)
Why is it important for nurses to wear the right shoes?
- To maintain correct posture.
- To prevent back-related problems.
- To prevent aching feet such as plantar fasciitis.
- To provide comfort and speed.
- To prevent an accident in the workplace such as fluid spillage and slipping, especially when working with a wet floor. (1, 2, and 6)
Our TOP & BEST choice for the best Nursing Shoes for Women
#1 – Timberland Pro Women’s Renova Professional Slip-on
Timberland is known for its high-quality and heavy-duty shoes. The Pro Women’s Renova Professional Slip-on is perfect for nurses on the go as well as other people who work in the healthcare industry.
Key features
- Provides all-day comfort, especially for people who stand, walk and run for a long period of time.
- It has a heel to toe outsole and anti-fatigue support.
- Microsuede upper linings and full grain leather uppers making the shoe not only stylish but extremely durable.
- It has a scotch guard feature that protects the shoe against stains.
- It has a temperature regulator which keeps the feet warm and dry. (6, 7, and 8)
#2 – Skechers for Work Women’s 76536 Sure Track Slip-Resistant Shoe
Skechers is a brand known for delivering stylish and high-performance shoes. Skechers for Work Women’s 76536 Sure Track Slip-Resistant Shoe is a must-have for every healthcare professional.
Key features
- It is made from smooth and solid leather which makes it comfortable to wear and extremely durable.
- It has a slip-resistant feature.
- Your feet are safe; thanks to its protective leather and heel overlays.
- Provides optimum comfort with its memory foam insole.
- FlexSole midsoles for highly supportive and shock absorbing features. You can spend long hours standing without foot fatigue and joint strain.
- It has a stretch top panel making your shoe safe from electrical hazards. (8, 9, and 10)
#3 – Nurse Mates – Women
It is a traditional white nursing shoe that caters to working women in the healthcare setting.
Key features
- It has a pillow top insole that provides arch support.
- The upper part is made from full grain leather providing protection to your feet. Not to mention, leather is extremely durable.
- It is comfortable to wear all day long because of its slip resistant outsole and a padded instep collar.
- The outsole is made from a lightweight polyurethane enabling you to walk and run comfortably all day long.
- Stain resistant (3, 5, and 7)
#4 – Dansko Women’s Professional Clog
This shoe is perfect for nurses who spend too much time on their feet. It is designed to ease joint strain and pressure.
Key features
- It reduces foot fatigue by providing the foot a natural stride.
- It provides arch support thereby reducing heel pain and foot strain.
- It has a contoured midsole that keeps the foot secure and comfortable all day long.
- It comes with a shock absorption feature.
- It is made from anti-microbial material making sure that your feet is odor-free over time.
- It promotes good foot health as per the American Podiatric Medical Association.
- It is made from slip-resistant material.
#5 – Alegria Women’s Keli Professional Slip Resistant Work Shoe
If you are looking for a shoe that you can wear comfortably all day long, then this is the perfect choice.
Key features
- It prevents chafing. Thanks to its toe box, padded instep, and back collar.
- The foot bed and leather lining are detachable.
- The polyurethane sole prevents you from slipping.
- It provides great traction and reduces stress and pressure on the feet.
- It is lightweight and does not squeak.
#6 – Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat
This shoe is made for comfort and style.
Key features
- It comes with a removable insole. You can replace the insole with something that suits your feet better.
- It is breathable keeping your feet fresh and odourless.
- It has integrated arch support providing your feet optimum support.
- It has a rocker outsole that promotes natural gait, proper posture, and prevents heel pain and central metatarsal pressure.
#7 – Dansko women’s Ingrid Oiled Leather Clog
This shoe is known for its versatility.
Key features
- It is lightweight and comfortable to wear.
- It follow the natural contour of the feet which prevents foot pain and fatigue, especially when standing for a long period of time.
- The footbed cushion is made from breathable polyurethane foam that helps regulate internal temperature. It also comes with antimicrobial treatment that helps prevent the build-up of odor.
Best Nursing Shoes for Men
#1 – KEEN Utility Men’s PTC Slip-on Work Shoe
This shoe is perfect for hard-working professionals, especially those who spend most of their time on their feet.
Key features
- It comes with breathable leather and lightly padded collar for comfort and durability.
- The upper part is made from leather making the shoe resistant to stain and water.
- It has an elastic touch design so that you can easily put on and off your shoes.
- It provides foot support during long hours of standing and walking. Thanks to its removable memory foam polyurethane insole and EVA midsole.
- It is slip-resistant. (8, 9, and 10)
#2 – Calzuro Autoclavable Clog with Upper Ventilation
Healthcare professionals including medical students should invest in a good pair of clogs such as the Calzuro Autoclavable Clog with Upper Ventilation.
Key features
- It provides arch support enabling you to stand for more than 10 hours without any foot and back pain.
- It provides great traction.
- The material is easy to clean.
- It provides upper ventilation leaving your feet dry, fresh, and odor-free.
#3 – Merrell Work Men’s Jungle Moc CT
This shoe can be used from work floor to the office. It is a comfortable, durable, and stylish nursing shoe for men.
Key features
- It is durable and water-resistant.
- It absorbs moisture keeping the feet dry and odor-free.
- It is lightweight and has a shock absorption feature.
- It provides great traction. Thanks to its dual-density sticky rubber outsole.
#4 – Dansko Wide Professional Clog
Comfort is the best adjective to describe this nursing shoe for men.
Key features
- It has a high toe box that provides adequate room for the feet and toe to move.
- It is comfortable to wear which helps fight foot fatigue.
- It has a shock-absorbent outsole.
#5 – Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-on Shoe
This shoe is designed for heavy-duty nursing duties.
Key features
- It has antimicrobial treatment that prevents the growth of bacteria.
- It has removable insoles that can accommodate custom orthotics.
- It cushions the heel thereby preventing heel pain.
- It provides arch support.
- It is comfortable and stylish.
- It has a spacious toe box.
#6 – Birki’s Super Birki Unisex
This nursing shoe is the king of comfort and durability, which is perfect for nurses and other healthcare professionals who are always on the go.
Key features
- It is highly durable which can truly last for the years to come.
- It provides good arch support.
- It keeps the foot in stable and natural position.
- It is easy to clean.
- It is lightweight making it easy to move around.
#7 – Crocs Unisex Bistro Clog
It is one of the most comfortable nursing clogs to wear. Comfort is the best word to describe this shoe.
Key features
- It provides a lot of flexibility and comfort.
- The material is thick which provides protection from spills.
- It is easy to clean.
Best Tennis Shoes for Nurses
#1 – New Balance 990
This shoe is a combination of pigskin and mesh material.
Key features
- It is a breathable shoe.
- It provides support and maximum durability.
- It comes with a dual density collar foam.
#2 – Brooks Dyad
Key features
- It is lightweight.
- It has a dual-pod construction offering plenty of foot support.
- It has a removable insole and a cushioned memory foam.
- It absorbs moisture and keeps your feet dry and odorless.
#3 – MBT Colorado
It is designed for comfort and durability.
Key features
- It is comfortable to wear.
- It has the ability to straighten the back and legs.
- It helps improve your posture and gait.
- It is made from suede leather.
- It has a removable insole.
- It has minimal seam and overlay, which helps prevent the formation of blisters.
#4 – Spira Walker
It has a Wave Spring Technology, which makes it different from the rest of tennis shoes for nurses.
Key features
- It is lightweight.
- It provides extra support through its Wave Spring technology.
- It reduces foot stress.
- It has a removable insole.
- It has antimicrobial footbed.
- It has a padded collar.
- It is slip-resistant.
#5 – Softwalk Vital
It is an oxford style sneaker known for its lightweight and comfortable features.
Key features
- It has a removable insole.
- It is slip resistant.
- It is stain resistant.
- It has a padded collar.
- It has antimicrobial footbed.
- It has a stabilizing nylon shank.
#6 – New Balance 1865
It is known for its maximum cushioning which makes you feel comfortable even when standing for a long period of time.
Key features
- It fits comfortably.
- It is lightweight.
- It provides great arch support.
- It has a shock absorption feature.
- It has a rapid rebound energy return feature.
#7 – K-Swiss Women’s Grancourt II Tennis Shoe
When it comes to high-quality tennis shoes for nurses, K-Swiss is one of the leading names.
Key features
- It has a comfortable rubber sole making it easy to wear.
- It features a shock spring technology.
- It is extremely durable.
- It is easy to clean.
- It comes with excellent ventilation keeping your feet free from sweat and odor. (3, 5, 7, and 8)
There are many shoes for nurses to choose from. The best shoe for nurses is the one that provides comfort, protection, durability, and breathability. The price is something that needs to be factored in.
However, more than the price, you need to consider the qualities mentioned above to make sure you get the best value for your money. (2, 6, and 10)
References
- https://bootbomb.com/a-guide-to-choosing-the-best-walking-shoes-for-yourself-at-an-affordable-price/best-nursing-shoes/
- https://www.health.com/style/best-shoes-for-nurses
- https://nicershoes.com/best-shoes-for-nurses-reviewed/
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/a19958499/best-shoes-for-nurses/
- https://runnerclick.com/best-shoes-nurses-wear/
- https://thenerdynurse.com/10-best-shoes-nurses/
- https://www.nursetheory.com/most-comfortable-nursing-shoes/
- https://nexttravelnursing.com/5-best-shoes-for-nurses/
- https://www.americanmobile.com/nursezone/nursing-news/10-best-shoes-for-nurses/
- https://shoeadviser.com/work-safety/best-shoes-for-nurses/
Published by Dr. Jackie Te RN, MD under Uncategorized.
Article was last reviewed on January 12th, 2022.
