9 Best Shoes for Nurses of 2025, Tested by RNs
Real nurses tried these shoes to see if they're comfortable enough for 12-hour shifts.
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One 12+ hour shift as a nurse can feel like a workout what with all the walking (and sometimes running) between patients' rooms. While getting your steps in is great for overall health, the shoes you wear can make or break a shift. That's why it's crucial nurses wear supportive, comfortable footwear that's durable and protective, especially if you work in operating rooms, the emergency department, or the ICU.
To find the best shoes for nurses, the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab recruited 22 healthcare professionals to test shoes so we can find the most comfortable and supportive styles for all-day wear. RNs, occupational therapists, physicians, and nurse practitioners gave extensive feedback after wearing these sneakers and clogs during their everyday work routines. Testers wore these shoes in all types of healthcare environments from doctors’ offices to ER's, and schools. Ahead, discover the best shoes for nurses and healthcare workers, including women's, men's, and unisex fits.
Best Deal
Pros
- Easy-to-clean, water-resistant leather
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Thick cushioning for superb comfort
Cons
- Not the most breathable
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Nurses in need of a shoe that will stay in great condition and support feet for the longest of shifts
WHY WE LOVE IT: Specifically designed for nurses, the Hoka Bondi SR, is a reiteration of the brand's iconic Bondi style (a collection that we love!). Featuring a slip-resistant rubber outsole and water-resistant leather on the exterior, nurses can get through messy, chaotic shifts and easily clean their shoes at the end of the day.
And while the exterior on the Bondi SR shoe is easier to clean, some of our testers found it to be a bit less breathable than the Bondi 8 style. So, it may not be the best for outdoor walks on a hot day, but it'll do just fine in a cold hospital setting.
In testing for the best walking shoes, Hoka proved to be a "game changer" according to our experts, especially if you're already dealing with some sort of foot and/or ankle injury or used to covering long distances. The thick shoe offers lots of cushioning and support, more so than a regular sneaker, with many testers who said the shoes gave them a spring in their step and supported their feet on long shifts. One RN said, "Hokas feel like I’m walking on a cloud."
RELATED: The Best HOKA Shoes
| Sizes | W: 5–11 M: 7–15 |
| Widths | Regular and wide |
| Colors | W: 5 M: 5 |
Pros
- Over 35 color options
- Nurses found them comfortable
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Minimal cushioning
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Nurses looking for a high-quality shoe under $100
WHY WE LOVE IT: On Amazon, this best-selling sneaker from Skechers reigns supreme among the most popular shoes for nurses. Multiple nurses told us that Skechers makes their favorite work shoes, and that they appreciated the brand's affordable price point.
Made from easy-to-clean microfiber, this sneaker features a 1-inch wedge and comes in over 30 colors, including neutrals and bold shades. While this pick has some cushioning, it's minimal compared to other featured styles.
One online reviewer on Amazon wrote, "I wear these to work [as a] critical care nurse of 35 years." She even added that she has "no foot pain when I get off after 12 hours!" Another reviewer said, "They’re comfortable, flattering, and my feet don’t hurt after being in them after shifts." She even reported that "they also don’t squeak on hospital floors!"
| Sizes | W: 5–12 M: 7–14 |
| Widths | Regular, wide, x-wide |
| Colors | W: 31 M: 17 |
Pros
- Shoe's rocker heel design takes pressure off legs and back
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Stylish and available in tons of colors
Cons
- Heavy
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Nurses in need of an easy-to-clean shoe
WHY WE LOVE IT: Before you dismiss this shoe thinking it won't be as supportive and comfortable as a sneaker, let us explain to you why this is one of the best—and most popular—shoes among nurses nowadays. Dansko clogs are durable and easy to wipe clean, with a rocker heel that's designed to take pressure off the legs and back. In our survey, nurses especially appreciated their durability with multiple nurses who said that they've owned the same pair for years.
Our testers appreciated that they have a slip-on design for easy on and off. "I am on my feet for seven+ hours a day and these are the only shoes that don't make my legs tired and sore. They are so comfortable and easy to slip on and off at the end of the day," one tester said. While most testers highlighted their supportive fit, some noted their feet felt a bit sore after wearing them for hours, likely due to their heavier weight.
These clogs are also available in over 50 different colors and patterns to showcase your personality at work and match your favorite pair of scrubs.
| Sizes | W: 5.5–13 M: 9.5–15 |
| Widths | Regular, narrow, wide |
| Colors | W: 59 M: 7 |
Pros
- Lightweight cushioning foam
- Popular brand among surveyed nurses
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Some testers found the tongue of the shoe to be too stiff
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Healthcare professionals looking for a high-quality yet lightweight shoe under $100
WHY WE LOVE IT: New Balance's fresh foam technology is lightweight yet cushioning, characteristics that impresses many of our nurse testers. Overall, testers appreciated the shoe's support, cushioning, and roomy toe box. "My feet felt less tired and it definitely gives a spring to the step," one person said. Another shared, "I feel like they kept my foot very stable and prevented me from rolling to the outsides of my feet."
When we surveyed nurses and other healthcare professionals for their favorite work shoes, New Balance was the most popular brand. Loving the shoes' chic appearance and lightweight design, multiple nurses said they've worn the brand for years. One survey respondent said her New Balance shoes are "overall a comfortable shoe for 12-hour shifts." One drawback that some testers brought up was that the tongue of the shoe feels too stiff.
And while these sneakers aren't cheap by any means, similar sneakers of the same quality, durability, and cushioning can run closer to $200, but this pair costs less than $100.
| Sizes | W: 5–12 M: 7–18 |
| Widths | Regular and wide |
| Colors | W: 23 M: 5 |
Pros
- Budget-friendly clog
- Strong rubber treads prevent slipping
- Easy to clean, according to testers
- Unisex sizing
Cons
- Only one color option
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: RNs, CRNAs, PAs, and surgeons that work in the OR
WHY WE LOVE IT: Made with waterproof material that's easy to clean and sturdy rubber treads to prevent slipping, these clogs are an excellent budget-friendly alternative to the Dansko Professional Clogs. Their plain appearance—although not very stylish and only available in black—makes them a great gender neutral option that's appropriate for a variety of hospital environments.
In our survey, one opthalmic surgeon reported that these slip-on Crocs have been her go-to shoes for the operating room. "They're easy to put on and take off while being easy to clean," she said.
| Sizes | W: 4–19 M: 2–17 |
| Widths | Regular |
| Colors | 1 |
Pros
- Adjustable, no-tie laces
- Range of color and pattern options
- Slip resistant, according to testing completed by the brand
Cons
- Wide fit is only available in limited colors
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Nurses who prefer slip-on sneakers
WHY WE LOVE IT: Clove sneakers are another pair of shoes that are designed specifically for nurses. The slip-on design with adjustable, no-tie laces ensure that these shoes stay put and offer a proper fit without having to tie them closed. "I loved this shoe. I love that I didn't have to tie my shoelaces and they are very comfortable," reported one registered nurse after testing. Another tester said, "They are supportive and substantial but still lightweight and breathable."
This style is available in a range of stylish shades and patterns, including cheetah, floral, and neon colors. Made with synthetic leather, these shoes are easy to wipe clean and are stain-resistant too. We appreciate that all Clove shoes have been certified as slip-resistant, according to ASTM F3445 standards per the brand's site. Note that the wide sizes are only available in limited colors.
| Sizes | W: 5–12.5 M: 7–13 |
| Widths | Regular and wide |
| Colors | W: 11 M: 16 |
Pros
- Excellent range of widths
- High heel drop helps alleviate plantar fasciitis foot strain
- Breathable mesh upper
Cons
- Stiffer shoe
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Nurses who suffer from plantar fasciitis
WHY WE LOVE IT: Supportive shoes with excellent arch support can help alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis. This pair from Brooks has a high heel drop at 12 mm to minimize strain on your Achilles tendon. The breathable mesh upper is also great for anyone with wide feet as they are available in both wide and extra-wide sizing. Because this shoe is designed to be extremely supportive, it's stiffer than other running shoes.
Testers were impressed with the cushioning, traction, and arch support. "They have great traction, which is especially helpful for me when I guard patients for balance training," said one physical therapist who tested this style.
One registered nurse said, "I really loved these shoes," and highlighted the pair's impressive comfort. She also said, "In my old shoes, my feet and knees would ache by the end of my 12-hour shift. I haven’t felt that since wearing these shoes."
| Sizes | W: 5–13 M: 7–15 |
| Widths | Regular, narrow, wide, X-wide |
| Colors | W: 35 M: 32 |
Pros
- Thick cushioning
- Mimics your natural foot shape to prevent crowding
- Quiet, according to testers
Cons
- Chunky appearance
- Only one width available
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Healthcare professionals who have bunions
WHY WE LOVE IT: Altra shoes are designed to mimic your natural foot shape, so they're ideal for someone with bunions because they help prevent crowding and foot pain. One registered nurse who tested this pair during her long shifts said, "I really like the natural toe box shape which helps a lot to let my foot relax and push off my toe." She also added, "I like the support and cushion they have without too much give."
The ample cushioning helps keep your joints protected, crucial for long shifts, but it does make the shoe look a bit chunky, according to testers. "They are extremely comfortable and cushion my feet," said a registered nurse who tested this pair. "I do not have pain with them at the end of 12 hours, which can happen with other shoes I wear." Another nurse added, "They are relatively quiet which is beneficial during night shift."
| Sizes | W: 5.5–12 M: 7–15 |
| Widths | Regular |
| Colors | W: 5 M: 6 |
Pros
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable cushioning
Cons
- Not very breathable, according to testers
- Only one width available
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Nurses looking for an entirely waterproof shoe with zero fabric
WHY WE LOVE IT: A waterproof shoe is a must if you work in a laboratory or messy environment. These shoes from Gales are entirely waterproof, but fit like a slip-on sneaker for added comfort. The smooth top features no fabric, so they are easy to wipe clean.
You can also machine wash this pair for a deep clean after removing the insoles. One physician assistant who appreciated that her arches felt fully supported after hours of wear said, "The cushion is very comfortable." She did note that the waterproof material isn't very breathable and her feet felt a bit sweaty after wearing.
| Sizes | W: 5–17 M: 3–15 |
| Widths | Regular |
| Colors | W: 7 M: 7 |
How we test the best shoes for nurses
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of footwear experts who have tested all types of footwear. In our most recent test, we evaluated over 50 different styles of walking shoes and sneakers with more than 250 consumer testers.
To find the best shoes for nurses, we recruited 22 different healthcare professionals, including RNs, nurse practitioners, physicians, occupational therapists, and medical students to give feedback on how the shoes performed during their everyday work routines. Whether heading into a doctor’s office or an operating room, nurses tested these shoes during multiple shifts before giving their feedback.
Our experts in the Textiles Lab also put sneakers, walking shoes, running shoes, and all footwear through rigorous testing procedures. This even includes cutting sneakers in half (pictured) to analyze the efficacy and longevity of the shoe's materials.
We also consulted medical professional Kristina Quirolgico, M.D., a physiatrist at Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics to answer questions about how to shop for supportive footwear.
What to look for when shopping for shoes for nurses
What's the most common mistake people make when purchasing footwear? "[Going] by brand and how the shoe/sneaker looks—not necessarily by what would be best to provide support for their feet," Dr. Quirolgico says. For nurses who are on their feet all day, it's even more important to consider these factors when shoe shopping.
✔️ Fit: Making sure a shoe isn't too snug or too loose is essential. "Extra space in the toe area and heel can result in slipping, whereas pinching in the heel area or toe can result in rubbing and blisters,” Alexander Sawatzke, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot problems said in a Nebraska Medicine article.
✔️ Toe box: A wide toe box allows toes to move more freely and prevents pain for those who already suffer from bunions or hammertoe. Dr. Sawatzke noted it reduces intense pressure and more evenly distributes weight onto the foot. Dr. Quirolgico seconded this, saying that it's very rare for someone to need a small toe box. Only someone with a narrow forefront should look for a shoe with a small toe box.
✔️ High-traction outsole: Not only is a nonslip sole essential to preventing wipeouts on slick floors, but Dr. Quirolgico specifically advises, "for those that have arthritis in the feet, I also recommend looking for shoes or sneakers that have a stiff sole (doesn't bend in half easily) or a meta-rocker to offload pressure on the joints." Shoes with a thicker sole and rounded heel, often referred to as meta-rockers, are often best for those with foot ailments. The Hoka Bond SR sneakers are meta-rocker shoes. "Meta-rocker shoes/sneakers also are helpful for those that have forefoot pain," Dr. Quirolgico explains.
✔️Arch support: "In general, it's important to wear shoes or sneakers with good arch support and enough of a cushioned sole, especially for the long hours of standing and walking that nurses have to do," says Dr. Quirolgico. Whether you have flat feet or high arches, proper arch support is crucial to prevent foot pain. The shoes should feel instantly supportive when you try them on with no gaping between the shoe and your arch. If you notice any arch strain, they're likely not the right shoes for you.
✔️ Material: Ask yourself: Is this shoe easy to clean? Messes are a part of working in the medical field, and having a good shoe that can be easily cleaned of vomit, water, or other bodily fluids is essential. Waterproof shoes can feel a bit stuffy, so we recommend only choosing a waterproof style if your shoes regularly get dirty on the job.
How important is it to wear the right footwear if you are a medical professional?
It's extremely important if your profession, like nursing, requires you to be on your feet standing and moving most of the day. Without a proper pair of shoes, your feet and ankles aren't the only areas of the body that suffer. "One of the common things I see is pronation of the foot , which could eventually cause pain up the kinetic chain to affect the knee, outer hips, and eventually back from the chronic strain," Dr. Quirolgico says. "Everything is connected."
What are the best shoes for being on your feet all day?
According to Dr. Quirolgico, shoes that have good arch support and foam cushioning are the best shoes for nurses who are standing all day. This means that your weight will be evenly distributed all throughout your foot so you're not unnecessarily straining one specific area, ligament, or muscle.
They even help prevent knee-, hip-, and back-related pain or ailments by giving the entire body this extra support during long shifts at work. Not everyone has the same foot arch, so it's important to have a podiatrist or shoe expert help you determine which shoes have the best arch for your specific feet.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been testing footwear for decades. We combined our expertise with real nurses testing each pair of shoes to ensure that they’re suitable for a healthcare environment while feeling comfy after hours of wear.
Emma Seymour is the associate director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute and she conducted the recent test of shoes for nurses. She has a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University. She has tested all types of footwear for Good Housekeeping, including walking shoes, running shoes, travel shoes, and more. She updated this story to include recent testing data.
This story was most recently updated by Isabella Cavallo. She is the assistant commerce editor at the GH Institute. Cavallo has extensive experience reviewing footwear and sneakers, including the best slip-on shoes for women and the best cross-training sneakers.
Annie O'Sullivan, assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, wrote this article originally. For this story, she spoke with Kristina Quirolgico, M.D., a physiatrist at Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics with a special interest in sports medicine and specializing in foot and ankle injuries. She also spent hours doing in-depth research and uncovering insights from reviews and online shoppers.
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