Spending long hours in the emergency room, traveling between nursing stations, standing at the bedside, comforting and caring for patients - the job of a nurse is no joke. Along with physical exhaustion, your feet probably feel downright tired. In this business, comfort is above all else, and that's how it should be. As a nurse, you know that the difference between a successful day and a challenging day depends on the shoes you wear. "There are several reasons why nurses need to wear the right shoes," says Dr. Bruce Pinker of New YorkAdvanced foot care. "Since caregivers are usually standing or walking, or sometimes running, their shoes need to fit well and be comfortable." It repeats what you probably already know: tennis shoes are ideal, and in some cases clogs too. "Some nurses may be working with critical patients who are very sick," he addsfoot paincould prevent medical staff from performing their duties or responding quickly to patient needs. "The ability to move skillfully to respond to the patient's concerns is vitally important for the nurse, and this is aided by wearing appropriate footwear to encourage efficient walking," says Dr. Rosiji. Did you understand that? It is important to wear the right shoesstrengtheningfor the nurse in more ways than one. And like Dr. Pinker, she points out that if caregivers don't wear the right shoes, they can potentially slip and fall, putting themselves (and patients) at risk. Or caregivers could develop foot problems themselves. Dr. Pinker says, "Nurses who wear the wrong footwear can develop foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, as well as ingrown toenails, sores, and blisters." These can be very painful conditions that can prevent caregivers from walking and stand during patient care." That means you should avoid shoes that are loose, too tight, or too tight—according to Dr. Pinker, these types of shoes can cause caregivers to trip and fall or walk erratically, "which can interfere with their workflow." In order to better serve our patients (and therefore your feet), we present the best nursing shoes. Side note: if nursing shoes competed in the Olympics, New Balance would wina lots of.In fact, it is the shoe brand of choice for Dr. pinker. Our best tips Overall best: Jump to the review The best sneaker: Jump to the review The best orthopedics: Jump to the review The best loafers: Jump to the review The best clogs: Jump to the review Best support: Jump to the review The most stylish: Jump to the review Jump to the review Why we like it:It's one of the most popular New Balance shoe designs thanks to the superior support and variety of widths available. It's worth nothing:It's only available in a few colors, which might be a bummer if you want to show off your personality through the shoes. In the world of breastfeeding, New Balance consistently stands out as the best, most supportive shoe on the market. "New Balance sneakers are usually the best choice because they have excellent construction and a wide range of widths are available to ensure a proper fit," notes Dr. Pinker. The choice of widths definitely applies to the New Balance 608 V5 Women's Cross Trainers and it's good company with other positive features like a tough leather upper, a foam insert that provides plenty of cushioning, and a grippy outsole (hello, traction!). Even if the floor becomes dirty or slippery at work, there will be no slipping. Price at the time of publication:56 $ Sizes:5-12 |Wide:Narrow, medium and wide |Colors:4 Why we like it:These shoes combine supportIVintage style. It's worth nothing:They come in just a few shades. "New Balance is often the best choice of sneakers," says Dr. Pinker. "There are many different styles to choose from, suitable for different types of feet, eg. short, average and tall.” Known for their chic surgical gowns, FIG has teamed up with New Balance to create the perfect versatile nurse sneaker. Numbers | Inspired by 1970s designs, the New Balance 327 Unisex looks like the epitome of a classic, trendy sneaker. The sneaker is light, has an antimicrobial insole and inner lining to protect against odors, smartly absorbs liquid and has exceptional traction. In addition, it has the best support from New Balance. Price at the time of publication:128 dollars Sizes:4-14,5 |Wide:Medium to wide |Colors:2 Nurses rely on these $15 and $41 pads for 12-hour shifts, but which one is best for back pain and knee pain? Why we like it:It has the best cushioning you will ever find in a shoe. It's worth nothing:People say this is a "heavy" shoe - if you want to go light and fast, this probably isn't the shoe for you. The Hoka brand has exploded in recent years, with devotees wearing them from work to training and in between. The brand's most cushioned design, the Hoka Bondi 8 features a rear shock pad for a plush feel and an Ortholite insole, an insole material that provides superior cushioning. Its orthopedic properties are said to have a soothing effectPlantarfasziitisand knee pain, which is a huge advantage for caregivers who want pain-free shifts. Price at the time of publication:165 dollars Sizes:5-12 |Wide:Medium and wide |Colors:16 Nurses compare these Hoka shoes to "walking on clouds" even after standing all day Why we like it:It is a shoe like never before, specially designed to meet all the needs of healthcare workers. It's worth nothing:If you prefer an extra snug fit when wearing sneakers, you should opt for lace-up shoes - these shoes use elastic, adjustable laces instead. A relatively new brand on the market, Clove was created specifically for healthcare professionals and has already won awards - it was the winner in the fashion and beauty category at the Innovation by Design Awards 2020. Slip right into it - Clove Women's Classics forgo the traditional lace and instead have elastic laces that cannot be tied. Instead, you can customize them without binding. They're incredibly easy to clean (after all, it's understandable that breastfeeding can be a messy business), and they're also made from something called Clarino™, a microfiber fabric that feels like skin and stretches over time, meaning it automatically adjusts to your person. Adjust the shape of the foot. Reviewers love them for their comfort and are happy to come to themso muchcool colors. Price at the time of publication:139 dollars Sizes:5-12,5 |Wide:Medium |Colors:21 Why we like it:They are a proven favorite among healthcare professionals because they are easy to put on, incredibly comfortable and provide excellent support. It's worth nothing:If you're on the run in your nursing specialty, these aren't shoes you'll slip into quickly. "Healthcare providers often wear Dansko clogs because they're well-made and comfortable," says Dr. Rosiji. True, they have been popular among nurses for some time, and that makes sense. The Danish Kane Slip-On Mule Clog has comfortable materials (like injected EVA, a recycled material that's durable and lightweight) and good support to make those bruises feel a lot better. They have anti-fatigue midsoles and a rocking pad and offer excellent arch support. Did we mention they even have a padded collar to prevent blisters? Price at the time of publication:85 dollars Sizes:4,5-13 |Wide:Medium |Colors:23 Nurses say this pain-relieving cream solves "years" of foot and joint pain "in days". Why we like it:As a cult favorite for runners, you can be sure that these shoes will help you walk, stand and move efficiently in these shoes. It's worth nothing:you could feel itdoIt's electric because of its cushioning, which is a downside if you prefer a firmer, more stable feel. With maximum cushioning that can sometimes even feel springy, the Asics Gel Nimbus 24 offers neutral support, meaning it's suitable for a wide range of foot types. Support is provided by the metatarsal of the lower leg. These shoes are also designed for road running, which means shock absorption when hitting the pavement is among the best thanks to a combination of foam and gel technology. In other words? Your feet will be comfortable and you can move in them all day. Price at the time of publication:85 dollars Sizes:5-12,5 |Wide:Medium and wide |Colors:21 Why we like it:These shoes skillfully combine style and function with supportive insoles and a liquid-resistant upper. It's worth nothing:Your color choices are limited if you prefer bold and bright colors. This is another nurse-focused shoe company worth checking out. While BALA sneakers offer everything medical professionals want in a shoe—arch support, a high-grip sole, and even machine-washability—we also love their sleek, cool look. Along with modern and streamlined curves, the style surprises lie in their patterns - flip them over to see vibrant soles. And loops are also available in chic patterns. Price at the time of publication:150 $ Sizes:5-12 |Wide:Medium to wide |Colors:5 Nurses rely on these $140 and $26 sneakers to last all day, but which pair is the best? Why we like it:A cut that feels like you're pulling on a glove, with material that ensures your feet stay cool and comfortable throughout every shift. It's worth nothing:Because of their flexibility, they may not provide the excellent support you need if you struggle with certain foot problems such as plantar fasciitis. Here, New Balance rises to the top again, but this time due to the fact that they are generally surprisingly affordable shoes. like Dr. Pinker says, "New Balance has some relatively inexpensive mid-range sneakers that are well made and supportive." Translation? You get a lot for your money. A loving fan favorite in the grooming community, the New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize V1 Trainers are now available. These extremely lightweight shoes with breathable fabric are flexible, comfortable and also offer good support. Price at the time of publication:49 dollars Sizes:5-12 |Wide:Medium and wide |Colors:5 That thick sole and comfortable padding on the bottom of the shoe? It does much more than just make your feet feel comfortable. In fact, the padding serves to absorb shock and can help relieve pain in the knees, ankles and hips. To make your feet as painless as possible, Dr. Pinker's search for a shoe with a "cushioned midsole and shock-absorbing insole." Of course, that means you don't have to wear ballet flats! Your feet need soft protection that absorbs shock from hard hospital floors and the repetitive impact of walking. In addition, adequate cushioning prevents foot fatigue and keeps your legs full of energy even after a 12-hour shift. Runners, chefs, postal workers—as a nurse, you're in good company with others who are often on their feet. Supportive shoes keep your spine in proper alignment and take the strain off your spine (say goodbye to back pain at the end of the day!). Supportive shoes also give you more stability, prevent falls and slips, and make your feet feel much more comfortable. To do this, you should look for shoes with "adequate arch support," as Dr. Pinker says. People with flat feet/low arches need this support to redistribute pressure around the foot and improve biomechanics while standing or walking. For those with high arches, support is a must so that you can bridge the gap between the foot and the shoe while promoting better posture. Another way to prevent falls at work? Paying attention to the profile of your shoes and choosing anti-slip materials. Dr. Pinker says the anti-slip properties of the soles provide good traction, "which can prevent slipping when there's liquid or objects on the ground," he says. Pay attention to details like thick rubber soles with grip-enhancing patterns like lines or swirls. Frequently asked questions How often should you change your work shoes? Dr. Pinker says caregivers should generally replace their work shoes once a year, especially if they wear sneakers. His rule? Sneakers should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles. For runners, that means about four to six months of wear. As a nurse, you cover the same, if not more, mileage as a runner. Let that be your guide if you decide to replace your shoes. What are the best shoes for standing all day? "Sneakers with a soft midsole and insole are great for standing all day long," says Dr. Pink. This means that you should look for shoes that have adequate cushioning in the heel area and in the middle of the shoe. Should you wear pads? "Custom orthotics work best as insoles that provide the best support for caregivers," says Dr. pinker. "Over-the-counter pads are often just pads that don't last more than a few months with frequent wear." Shelby Deeringis a freelance health and lifestyle writer who has been a full-time freelance writer for almost a decade. After earning a master's degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she worked as a magazine editor for nearly seven years. Since then she has written on health topics ranging from spinal conditions to running tips and mental health issues, and has contributed to print media and websitesUSA Today, Prevention, Runner's World, Healthline, Good Housekeeping, HealthCentral,and more. As a longtime runner who often suffers from plantar fasciitis, she knows how important it is to wear the right shoes. Die Shape Sneaker Awards 2023Overall the best
New Balance women's cross trainer 608 V5
The best tennis shoes
New Balance 327
The most stylish
BALA Twelve Flow White
The best budget
New Balance Damen FuelCore Nergize V1 tenisice
What you should know about nursing shoes
damping
support
profile/non-slip
Why trust Shape?
FAQs
We asked a podiatrist to recommend shoes for nurses - and this brand stood out from the crowd? ›
Lace-up shoes are ideal because they can be adjusted the most. Pointy shoes can make your toes “claw” or cause bunions to form. This may lead to pain and affect overall walking biomechanics. Clenched toes can also cause rubbing, leading to corns and calluses.
What kind of shoes does a podiatrist recommend? ›Lace-up shoes are ideal because they can be adjusted the most. Pointy shoes can make your toes “claw” or cause bunions to form. This may lead to pain and affect overall walking biomechanics. Clenched toes can also cause rubbing, leading to corns and calluses.
What brands of shoes do nurses wear? ›- Hokas. Hoka One One has built a reputation for crafting high-quality footwear that provides exceptional cushioning and support, making them an excellent choice for nurses. ...
- Clogs. Clogs have long been a favorite among healthcare professionals, and it's easy to see why. ...
- Brooks. ...
- On Cloud. ...
- Asics. ...
- OOFOS. ...
- Skechers. ...
- Nike.
Podiatrists love Brooks walking shoes because they are high quality, long-lasting and perfect for various foot types. Whether you need support or extra room in your shoes, there's a Brooks shoe for everyone.
Why do podiatrists recommend Hoka? ›Are Hoka shoes good for your feet? They're not just great for workouts. Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a New York City-based podiatrist says that they provide comfort, support and shock absorption, which makes them a good choice for frequent walkers or anyone whose job requires them to stand for the majority of the day.
What shoes do podiatrists recommend neuropathy? ›Shoe | APMA seal | Available widths |
---|---|---|
Alegria TRAQ Qwik Smart Walking Shoe | yes | medium |
Apex Balance Shoe Hiker | no | medium, wide, extra wide |
Apex Trail Runner | no | medium, wide, extra wide |
Dr. Comfort William X | yes | medium, wide, extra wide |
But it actually describes a kind of shoe. And people are into them. Turns out, it's for good reason; According to trainers and even podiatrists, wearing zero-drop shoes is something everyone should be doing.
What is special about nurse shoes? ›Some of the reasons why clogs are considered good for nurses include: Comfort: Clogs have a thick sole that provides cushioning for the feet, which can help to reduce fatigue and discomfort for nurses who are on their feet for long periods of time.
Do nurses wear Skechers? ›Skechers shoes are a great option for nurses and healthcare workers because they provide the comfort and support you need along with affordability.
Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›Limited to no support in the heel increases instability of the rear foot. Again, providing a less than stable heel strike can cause damage and increase falls risk. Simple foam throughout the shoe offers no stability, particularly in the midsole, making the shoe unsupportive and unstable.
What brand is comparable to Brooks? ›
Both Brooks and HOKA running shoes are competitively and reasonably priced for the quality of the products. In general, HOKA running shoes tend to have a slightly higher price point than comparable Brooks models.
What do podiatrists say about Oofos? ›It's not a gimmick: In fact, every single Oofos style carries the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. "The toe box is accommodative and the sole is propulsive, which helps it improve the quality of your gait," shared NYC-based podiatrist Dr.
Why are Hokas hurting my feet? ›Resultantly, the researchers concluded that running in Hoka One One or other maximalist running shoes may increase the risk of injury due to the fact that running in them subjected the legs to higher and faster forces and altered foot and ankle motion.
Why do podiatrists recommend New Balance? ›One of the primary reasons podiatrists recommend New Balance shoes is their exceptional arch support. Proper arch support is vital for maintaining the natural alignment of the foot and preventing issues like overpronation (inward rolling of the foot) or supination (outward rolling of the foot).
Why do people love HOKA so much? ›The same shoe, in men's sizing
Thanks in large part to their especially cushioned, lightweight foam soles, Hokas are often praised as the most comfortable shoes ever, and even as a solution to runners' nagging pains and injuries.
These slip-on sneakers from Skechers are built with a lot of cushioning features ideal for anyone with neuropathy-related foot pain. The midsole is made with the brand's Ultra Go technology that gives your feet an extra spring in your step when on the move.
Are Skechers good for your feet? ›They can end up causing ligament, joint and muscle damage. Inadvertently bouncing one into instability and damage. On average I observe several pairs of Skechers tread into my clinic every day. The public love them, but on feet which are not ideal, in terms of an underlying biomechanical issue, they cause problems.
What is the new treatment for neuropathy in the feet? ›"Abbott's Proclaim XR spinal cord stimulation system provides patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy the opportunity to obtain a better quality of life while more seamlessly fitting into their current lifestyles."
Who shouldn t wear zero drop shoes? ›Unlike standard sneakers, zero-drop shoes are flat, with little to no cushioning. They may strengthen foot muscles and improve your balance and walking stride. But they might not be suitable for people with certain conditions, including Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or flat feet.
Why do podiatrists not like zero drop shoes? ›Walking with little to no support as with zero drop shoes on hard surfaces allows our foot to collapse which can lead to a tremendous amount of stress not only to the foot but to the rest of the body.
Why are Birkenstocks so good for your feet? ›
Our Contoured Footbed Encourages Foot Health
The Birkenstock footbed is made of resilient cork/latex and is shaped to create a healthy walking environment for your feet. Additionally, the cork/latex blend is pliable and reacts to natural body warmth.
The collection features podiatrist-approved styles, including the Skechers D'Lites, with new, stylish patterns. Shop the limited-edition collection while supplies last at Skechers.
Why do nurses wear Dansko clogs? ›They're All About the Comfort
So why are Dansko shoes so great? It starts with what they're made of. Every single pair of Dansko nursing shoes is produced with comfort-focused materials and supportive features to help reduce pressure points when you're working on your feet all day.
Why Do Nurses Wear White Shoes? Traditionally, wearing white shoes was a measure and testament to a nurse's cleanliness — the stains and spills don't lie! The tradition is kept to this day because of its history and to keep a consistent rule of uniformity.
What do most nurses wear? ›Scrub uniforms comprise a scrub shirt and pants that adequately cover and protect the nurse's skin. Nurses also wear disposable isolation/surgical gowns to protect clothing in surgical units or during certain operations. It provides an additional layer of protection from contamination and germs.
Are Crocs good shoes for nurses? ›Crocs are favored by nurses because they offer comfort, durability, and ease of cleaning. Their lightweight structure and excellent arch support make them a good choice for long shifts. Additionally, their slip-resistant soles add a layer of safety in often slippery healthcare environments.
Can nurses wear any type of shoes? ›Nurses have quite a few things to consider when it comes to purchasing the best nursing shoes. It's important to question if the shoes are, Slip-resistant, non-slip, and water-resistant to repel all sorts of liquids. Breathable with a good amount of cushioning.
Which Skechers are recommended by podiatrists? ›The Skechers Arch Fit has you covered. Designed with a podiatrist certified, cushioned arch support insole system to promote better foot guidance, and deliver unbeatable comfort throughout the day.
Why do doctors wear Skechers? ›Skechers
The brand's breathable and lightweight materials, combined with their flexible and slip-resistant outsoles, make them an excellent choice for physicians seeking a balance of comfort, support, and durability.
Although this condition is more commonly known to affect runners and overweight or pregnant individuals, the unstable design of the Skechers Shape-Ups has been known to have caused plantar fasciitis to a number of individuals.
What shoes are better than HOKA? ›
If you need extra support and stability to prevent overpronation, New Balance is typically better than HOKA. New Balance has many stability and motion control shoes for runners who need extra control for overpronation.
Which is better ASICS or Nike? ›ASICS reports a longer lifespan, at 450-500 miles. Therefore, though the durability is quite similar, it might be slightly higher with ASICS versus Nike running shoes. Keep in mind that where you fall in these ranges will depend largely on the training and body factors mentioned.
How do Brooks fit compared to New Balance? ›Brooks recommends sizing up a half size from your street shoe, while New Balance running shoes are said to fit true to size.
Are Birkenstocks podiatrist approved? ›Birkenstock sandals are podiatrist-approved and highly favored for their built-in arch support and cushioning.
What do podiatrists say about wearing Crocs? ›That said, Crocs lack arch support, so exercising, walking for an extended period of time, or working in them is not recommended by foot specialists. The plastic construction may also lead to sweaty, stinky feet and even blisters.
Are Crocs podiatrist approved? ›Crocs are certified by the U.S. Ergonomics Council and the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Do podiatrists recommend Hokas? ›Stay on your feet
To earn the Seal, each product is reviewed by a group of APMA podiatrists to ensure it promotes foot health. They have frequently awarded the Seal to selective styles of the innovative, cushioned footwear from HOKA.
Squeaky shoes are often caused by moisture or friction within parts of the shoe. The easiest way to stop squeaky shoes is to use baby/talcum powder: If possible, remove the inner sole of the shoe and loosen the laces.
Are Hokas bad for knees? ›HOKA shoes tend to offer a thick layer of EVA foam that attenuates the shock of landing, preventing the stress from rattling your joints and causing knee pain.
Are Brooks podiatrist approved? ›Shop our APMA approved shoes
Our commitment to a happy run (or walk or stand) is evident in our seven podiatrist recommended shoe styles. Each of these styles has earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance: This is a carousel. Use next and Previous buttons to navigate.
Does bigger feet mean better balance? ›
YOU HAVE A BETTER BALANCE
Walking affects our body. Our feet are responsible for maintaining balance and supporting body weight. This means that if you have bigger feet, you usually have better balance and stability.
Most New Balance shoes offer solid support for the heel, arch, and forefoot, Tyler Miranda, DPM, a New York-based podiatrist, says. And they also have a wide toe box, which is especially important for people with bunions and hammer toes who need extra space to avoid friction and pressure.
Is HOKA owned by Nike? ›Hoka, owned by Deckers (DECK), the company behind Ugg and Teva shoe brands, hit $892 million in sales in 2021, a 56% increase from the year prior.
Do celebrities wear HOKA? ›Hoka sneakers have become a favorite choice of Hollywood moms like Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, and Cameron Diaz. But plenty of other stars step out in the comfy kicks, too, like Brie Larson and Harry Styles, who recently hit the gym in an orange pair.
What does HOKA stand for? ›The brand's real name is Hoka One One.
Hoka One One is a phrase from the language of New Zealand's indigenous Maori that loosely translates as “to fly over the earth.” The founders say they used a New Zealand name out of admiration for that country's rich adventure racing heritage.
Among the many conditions that a podiatrist can treat are ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, flat feet, bunions, plantar warts, and heel pain. In addition, podiatrists conduct surgery, reset broken bones, prescribe medications, and order lab tests, X-rays, and imaging tests.
Are New Balance shoes good for your feet? ›New Balance shoes can help! New Balance is not only an athletic shoe company, they are a go-to shoe for many people with foot problems. They produce many of the recommended shoes for conditions such as plantar faciitis, PTTD (fallen arches), diabetes, arthritis, heel spurs, metatarsalgia, and Morton's Neuroma.
Why do podiatrists recommend Birkenstocks? ›The deep heel cup in Birkenstocks gives you some stability and can also help control pronation (which contributes to flat feet), Sayed says; whereas the average sandal or flip-flop offers little to no support and have flat footbeds.
Is Brooks a good brand of shoes? ›Brooks makes some of the best running shoes in the business, but there are plenty of excellent shoes from other brands. See the best running shoe brands 2023 for more great shoes.
Are Crocs good for your feet? ›That said, Crocs lack arch support, so exercising, walking for an extended period of time, or working in them is not recommended by foot specialists. The plastic construction may also lead to sweaty, stinky feet and even blisters.
What is the most common problem treated by podiatrist? ›
The most common foot problem that a podiatrist treats is heel pain. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of different conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Treatment for heel pain often includes things like stretching exercises, orthotic devices, or cortisone injections.
Is it better to have foot surgery by a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon? ›Although both specialists can treat foot and ankle conditions, it is best to get help from podiatrists for foot-related issues. Podiatrists have more specialized skills and training for foot and ankle health.
What are three common foot problems which may require assistance of a podiatrist? ›ingrown toenails (common condition when edges of nails grow into the skin surrounding the nail, which can be painful) gout (a type of arthritis that occurs due to excess uric acid) diabetes-related foot issues (including routine monitoring, management of foot infections, and Charcot foot)