The 12 Best Shoes for Nurses in 2023, According to Nurses and Podiatrists

Hoka Bondis are renowned for their next-level cushioning that works as well for running marathons as it does for running rounds. So much so, that they've been awarded a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

“This is one of the best shoes HOKA offers and this is a brand that I often wear for long days on my feet doing surgeries,” says Central Park SOLE board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, Dr. Brad Schaeffer, who is the star of TLC’s My Feet Are Killing Me. “They provide a great balance for heel strike to toe-off with good stability and really adequate cushioning.”

Schaeffer isn’t the only fan of Hoka Bondi sneakers, though. Louisville, Kentucky-based family nurse practitioner, Jessica R. Perez, APRN, FNP-BC, swears by them, too. “They’re super comfortable, come in cute colors, and are very durable, so they’re worth the investment,” she says.

Here we have an incredibly comfortable pair of lace-up sneakers that actually function as slip-ons. According to Perez, finding slip-on sneakers that don't stretch out is one of the best tricks for staying comfortable during long shifts.

While her long-time faves have been the Vans UltraRange Gore Shoe (which she's worn for years), these FitFlop Vitamin FF E01 sneakers fit the bill.

They're made with stretchy polyester uppers that hug your feet but move with them, all while never losing their compressive nature. As for the soles: They're cushy and propel you, so don't be surprised if you have a bounce in your step while wearing these comfy shoes.

Dansko Professional Clogs, which have the APMA seal of approval, have long been a favorite among nurses and podiatrists alike — and for good reason! “Their rocker bottom helps provide a good balance transfer between heel strike and toe-off, the forward motion while walking,” Schaeffer says. Because of this, they distribute the pressure of being on your feet all day, making for comfortable wear for hours on end.

“They have all the elements that one should look for in a proper fitting shoe, including a roomy and reinforced toe box (so your toes/feet don’t feel pinched or constricted), arch support, a padded instep, and a protective heel counter that allows the heel to move up and down freely while providing lateral stability,” Schaeffer adds.

Dominion Fertility nurse Ashley Vargas, LPN, who was a frontline worker in the INOVA ER during the pandemic, can attest. “These clogs provided a lot of support and comfort when I was on my feet for hours in the ER,” she says. “The heel support was something that I didn't know I needed until I started wearing these shoes and noticed how much better my feet felt.”

Another highlight? Their water-resistant patent leather design. “They’re so easy to clean — when COVID hit, I could easily wipe them down and disinfect them,” Vargas says.

For those that love the look and feel of sock-like knit sneakers, Schaeffer recommends the newly-released GDEFY MATeeM Athletic Shoes. “These active shoes are made with ‘Corrective Fit orthotics’ and are designed with great shock absorption, including cushioning and stability for comfort,” he says. “As I always refer to our feet as the body’s shock absorbers, this brand has a patented system that claims it absorbs the shock and converts it into renewed energy to keep you on your feet longer.”

Schaeffer is quick to point out that medical professionals love their Crocs. “Not only do they have cushioned footbeds that massage your feet, they’re also breathable, have great slip-resistant soles, are water resistant, and, importantly, they’re easy to clean,” he quips. While he particularly recommends the often-sold-out Women's Mercy Work Clog, the Crocs Bistro Clog is just as great (it has over 40,000 5-star reviews on Amazon). The only difference is that, where the Mercy Work Clog is fully enclosed, the Bistro Clog has air vents on the sides, which could potentially let spilled fluids in. On the plus side, though, they’re more breathable.

Stylish shoes for nurses exist. Case in point: The Bala Twelves, a fluid-resistant shoe made specifically for the healthcare industry. Designed with a compressive knit upper, supportive arch, dynamic cushioning, and a high-traction outsole, these sleek sneakers are a nurse’s dream. In fact, Perez is one of the shoe’s many fans. “They have a snug fit, they stay comfortable for full shifts, and they’re very easy to clean,” she assures us, noting that even the white pair holds up well.

Another pair of shoes designed specifically with nurses in mind? The New Balance x FIGS 327 Unisex Sneaker. These lightweight, retro-inspired shoes feature a waterproof suede upper, an antimicrobial, anti-odor insole, and high-traction rubber outsoles. Plus, just look at them. They're a style statement in and of themself. And when you purchase them, you'll even be shown which FIGS scrubs they'd look best with, so it might inspire you to update not only your nursing shoe wardrobe but your work clothes, too.

The product developers at Rykä spent 35 years perfecting a silhouette designed specifically with a woman's unique foot shape in mind. So it's no surprise that the Rykä Devotion Plus 2 Sneaker has earned such a loyal following. Over 10,000 Amazon shoppers have awarded the supportive mesh sneakers a 5-star review, applauding everything from the breathable design and slip-proof outsole to the superior cushioning that takes the pressure off their feet and joints as a whole.

Depending on the requirements of your nursing job, Vargas says the Sketchers Work Relaxed Fit: Ultra Flex SR are a good option. “They’re very comfortable during long wear, but the knit material doesn’t hold up to all hospital spills,” she admits. As such, she recommends them specifically for slower shifts or for nurses who don’t come in contact with excess fluids. That said, if they get dirty, you can wash them by hand and let them air dry, and they’ll maintain their comfortable shape.

Prefer waterproof shoes for your time on the job? The GALES Women's Frontline Work Shoes look like slip-on Vans or Keds, but are made of stain-proof synthetic rubber. To prevent them from getting sweaty, there are two air holes along the instep of each shoe. Additionally, they're lined with Ortholite insoles, so they cushion any and all impact the day brings.

While all Crocs are beloved for their cushy EVA footbeds that make for all-day comfort, Vargas recommends the Classic Glitter Clog most of all — so long as you're not in a high-fluid-impact role. "In the ER, we were highly encouraged not to wear open-heel shoes like Crocs, but in my new role, within a fertility private practice where it's more of a controlled atmosphere, they're my go-to. They're comfortable and sold in so many great colors, which makes it fun when most medical shoes are plain. Plus, in fertility, I like to bring a little bit more joy to my attire, and my patients love my sparkly pink Crocs — I literally don't go a day without someone complimenting them."

Clove is another footwear brand that caters specifically to healthcare professionals. The Clove Women's Classic sneakers are made of a fluid-resistant, leather-like microfiber fabric that's renowned for being easy to clean. So if you do come in contact with regular messes on the job, don't fret! These shoes will repel fluids and prevent stains, all while looking quite stylish in the process.