Best Shoes for Nurses

Nursing isn’t a walk in the park — it’s more like a marathon of compassion, resilience, and strength. To get through it successfully, you need great footwear. We’ve sifted through the options to bring you the ultimate guide to the best shoes for nurses, designed to deliver support and comfort in the midst of a demanding workplace.

We heard from 2,176 IntelyPro nursing professionals who rated some of the most popular shoe brands based on four categories — affordability, comfort, quality, and style — to determine the best shoes for nursing. Whether you’re buying a gift for a fellow nurse or need a new pair yourself, consult this roundup before your next purchase.

These are the eight brands of nursing shoes included in our 2023 poll:

• Birkenstock
• Clove
• Crocs
• Dansko
• Gales
• Hoka
• New Balance
• Nike

Best Shoes for Nurses Overall: Nike

While Nike nursing shoes may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about healthcare footwear, the brand has garnered the highest overall ratings among the nurses we polled. Some of the reasons IntelyPros love them so much are:

• Stylish designs: Nike is synonymous with style, offering a range of trendy and fashionable designs. Nurses appreciate the option to wear shoes that not only provide functionality but also allow them to express their personal tastes.
• Lightweight construction: Many Nike shoe models are crafted with lightweight materials, reducing the strain on nurses’ feet and legs during extended shifts.
• Affordability: The brand has managed to strike a balance between quality and price, providing shoes that not only look good but also fit well within the budget constraints of many healthcare professionals.

Best Nursing Shoes Runner-Up: New Balance

New Balance nursing shoes are also beloved by our IntelyPros, and the reason is simple — they’re incredibly comfortable and durable. Here’s what makes these shoes stand out:

• Comfortable design: New Balance uses advanced cushioning technology that ensures an exceedingly cushy experience for the wearer.
• Breathability: Nursing can be physically demanding, leading to sweaty feet. This brand often incorporates breathable materials and ventilation features in their designs, promoting airflow and helping to keep feet cool and dry.
• Arch support: Many New Balance shoes have excellent arch support that helps to distribute weight evenly, reducing fatigue and preventing discomfort.

In addition, New Balance has teamed up with the Figs — a favorite scrubs brand — to craft a one-of-a-kind nursing shoes collection that’s a game-changer on unit floors. Beyond their meticulous design for healthcare professionals, these shoes are absolute stunners.

Top 3 Shoe Styles for Nurses

In addition to different brands and features, there are a few types of shoes that healthcare pros can choose to wear at nursing jobs. Here they are, in order of preference:

Slip-ons or nursing shoes: Easy on, easy off — because there is no time for complicated laces during hectic shifts. Slip-ons provide quick and convenient footwear for nurses on the move, ensuring efficiency and comfort.

Crocs or clogs: These shoes are very comfortable. The easy-to-clean material is a bonus when things get messy.

Running shoes: Nursing can feel like a marathon at times. Running shoes or sneakers are the go-to for nurses who need that extra support and cushioning through the fast-paced world of healthcare.

Best Shoes for Nursing 2023: Poll Results by Category

Affordability

Quality footwear can be pricey, that’s just a fact. In the world of nursing, a pair of shoes can cost between $50 to $175, depending on the type, brand, and model you choose. (Tip: Certain retailers offer discounts for healthcare workers.) These brands offer well-priced options that help you stay active during long shifts.

1. Nike
2. New Balance
3. Crocs
4. Hoka
5. Dansko

IntelyPro Insight

“[Nurse shoes] need to be more affordable because we go through them so quickly working 13 hr shifts.”

Comfort

When life gives you long shifts, your shoes should be the safe haven where your feet can rest. IntelyPros were most vocal when it came to the importance of comfort, which lets you know just how critical this feature is to those on the job. These five brands were voted the best shoes for nurses on their feet all day:

1. New Balance
2. Nike
3. Hoka
4. Crocs
5. Clove

IntelyPro Insights

“Width and insole cushioning is important since we stand on the job more hours than most professions.”

“Nurses need shoes with really good heel support that allows our toes to be comfortable and spread our weight evenly to stand for such long hours.”

“We need shoes that provide support and bounce in the heel for comfort.”

“They have to be breathable and flexible with great insoles for good support.”

“We hate shoes that you have to break in.”

Quality

Nurses deserve shoes as resilient as their patience and as sturdy as their nerves. Investing in a good pair of shoes isn’t just a smart choice — it’s a sole-saving strategy. These are the top brands that our nurses say are built to last:

1. New Balance
2. Nike
3. Hoka
4. Birkenstock
5. Dansko

IntelyPro Insight

“Shoes burn out quick and need to be replaced two to three times a year.”

Stylishness

Who says medical attire can’t have a touch of glam? Your nursing shoes take you down the runway to success, so strut through those hospital halls with confidence and style with these recommended five brands:

1. Nike
2. New Balance
3. Hoka
4. Dansko
5. Crocs

IntelyPro Insight

“Nursing shoes have to look better. All ‘comfortable’ shoes are so ugly and sometimes overpriced.”

Additional Key Features of a Great Nursing Shoe

According to our survey, IntelyPros identified five additional features that shoes must have to win the hearts of nursing professionals:

Non-slip sole: Good traction ensures stability during quick movements and reduces the risk of falls.

Arch and heel support: This feature ensures proper foot alignment and reduces strain during long periods of standing, walking, and lifting.

Memory foam: Think of it as a hug for your feet. It provides cushioning and adapts to the unique contours of a nurse’s foot.

Waterproof material: This feature is your shield against unexpected spills at your workplace, keeping your feet dry and warm.

Overall comfort: Comfy shoes are essential, reducing fatigue, preventing foot pain, and keeping your focus and energy on your patients (instead of your aching feet).

Best Shoes for Nurses: Other Popular Brands

Explore other options to find the best shoes for nursing that combine style, functionality, and the necessary support for healthcare professionals.

Birkenstock

Birkenstocks have earned a reputation among healthcare professionals — and for good reason. This brand is recognized for creating some of the best shoes for nurses. Known for their ergonomic design, Birkenstock shoes provide comfort and support during long shifts. They’re durable and easy to clean, and the non-slip soles keep things steady in the hustle and bustle of healthcare.

Clove

Clove shoes offer a sweet combo of style and comfort. Designed with the demands of healthcare in mind, these kicks provide exceptional support during those long shifts. Clove shoes bring a fresh and trendy vibe to the nursing scene, giving healthcare professionals the shoe they need without compromising on style.

Crocs

When it comes to finding the best shoes, many nurses swear by Crocs for their lightweight design and exceptional support. With their signature cushioning and lightweight design, these shoes make those long shifts a lot more bearable. Crocs shoes are not just about practicality — they’ve got a range of colors and styles, injecting a bit of fun into the often serious world of nursing.

Some respondents pointed out that not all workplaces allow their nurses to wear Crocs, so keep that in mind when considering your next purchase.

Dansko

Dansko shoes boast great comfort with their contoured footbed and arch support, providing a cushioned haven for nurses on their feet all day. Known for their durability, Dansko nurse shoes are built to withstand the rigors of the healthcare environment. Beyond functionality, this brand offers a range of styles, allowing nurses to express their individuality.

Gales

Gales shoes have become a favorite among nurses, and it’s no surprise why. These shoes are all about comfort and flair, providing the perfect mix for healthcare professionals. With solid support and a design tailored to the demands of nursing, Gales shoes make those long shifts a whole lot easier.

Hoka

Hoka shoes feature innovative design focused on maximum comfort, without compromising on durability. This makes them a reliable shoe choice for the demanding healthcare environment. The lightweight construction and slip-resistant features ensure ease of movement and safety on the job.

Other Nurse Shoe Brands Loved by IntelyPros

These brands weren’t part of our poll, but received numerous write-in votes from IntelyPros.

Brooks

Brooks has solidified its position as a leading choice for healthcare professionals, offering some of the best shoes for nurses with their focus on comfort and performance. Brooks shoes are well-equipped to handle the demands of the healthcare environment. Plus, the stylish designs add a touch of style to the practicality.

Skechers

Skechers has become synonymous with comfort in the healthcare industry, offering some of the best shoes for nurses that prioritize support and style. Skechers footwear is also known for its relatively affordable price point — which is appealing to many nurses who may be working within budget constraints.

Reebok

Another solid choice for nurses is Reebok shoes, ticking all the boxes for what makes a great work shoe. Its focus on supportive design and lightweight options contributes to reduced strain on the feet, enhancing overall wearability. Versatile styles cater to individual preferences, making it easy for nurses to find a pair that suits both their tastes and the demands of their job.

Got New Shoes? It Might Be Time to Find a New Job, Too

If you are a nursing professional who, besides looking for the best shoes for nurses, is looking for a job too, you’ve come to the right place. Discover how IntelyCare can connect you with nursing jobs that are a great match for you.

Our Methodology

We polled our IntelyPros from November 3, 2023, through November 7, 2023, and 2,176 nurses and nursing professionals responded. We presented them with eight well-known brands and asked them to rate the brands of shoes that they wear or have worn in the past. The categories were affordability, comfort, quality, and stylishness.

IntelyPros could award a brand a rating of Poor, Fair, Good, Great, or Excellent in each category. The results were analyzed to determine how each brand performed in each category. IntelyPros were also given the opportunity to submit write-in votes for brands that weren’t included in our list, as well as comment on their most preferred brands and important features of a good nurse shoe.

Category winners: You will see rankings for each of the four categories as well as an overall winner. In the four categories, the rankings derive from the average rating for each brand. The overall ranking derives from each brand’s average for its four category ratings.