Nurses Tested These Shoes to Find the Most Comfortable Styles (2024)

Featured as our best walking shoe, the Brooks Ghost 15 uses a cushioning heel to absorb pressure and ease foot pain. Available in narrow, wide and extra-wide sizing, the shoe is designed with a larger heel that lessens the impact the shoe has hitting the ground when moving, helping to keep the rear foot and Achilles tendon ache-free. This supportive shoe has a durable outsole and comfortable cushioning for all-day standing.

Multiple nurses reported that this is their go-to pair of shoes. One registered nurse said she especially liked that they're "very supportive" and have "a medium soft cushion." Another RN said, "They are extremely comfortable," though she wished they were more breathable.

One tester said, "The shoe felt supportive while standing for long periods of time (like at a concert) as well as when walking around a city." Meanwhile a tester with chronic foot pain said she usually finds "no shoes comfortable to wear, but these are amazing."

• Size range: 5–13
• Width: Regular, narrow, wide and X-wide
• Colors: 30+

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 New Balance shoes for years. One survey respondent said her New Balance shoes are "overall a comfortable shoe for 12-hour shifts."

In our footwear testing, we appreciated how lightweight New Balance's fresh foam technology is while offering ample cushioning. Many high-quality sneakers can cost over $150 but this pair is currently $75 on Amazon. It's also available in regular and wide widths.

• Sizes: 5–12
• Width: Regular and wide
• Colors: 30

RELATED: Best New Balance Shoes for Every Lifestyle

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, however others thought the thickness made the shoe clunky. One RN said, "Hokas feel like I’m walking on a cloud."

We put the Hoka Bondi SR, a version of this shoe specifically designed for nurses, to the test, but most testers preferred the Hoka Bondi 8 as they're more breathable. The Bondi SR style is best suited for nurses who work in a messy environment as they're easier to wipe clean and have a higher traction outsole.

• Sizes: 5–11
• Width: Medium and wide
• Colors: 22

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These Dansko clogs are a very popular shoe among nurses because they are durable and easy to wipe clean. In our survey, nurses especially appreciated their durability with multiple nurses who said that they've owned the same pair for years. The shoe's rocker heel is designed to take pressure off the legs and back.

Testers appreciated that they have a slip-on design for easy on and off. One tester said she liked the clogs because they are "slip-on, easy to clean and comfortable." While testers highlighted their supportive fit, some noted their feet felt a bit sore after wearing them for hours, likely due to their heavier weight. This pick is available in over 90 (!!!) different colors and patterns to showcase your personality at work.

• Sizes: 5.5–13
• Width: Regular, narrow and wide
• Colors: 93

FIGS and New Balance teamed up to design a pair of shoes for nurses that are trendy enough to wear outside the hospital. According to the brand, these limited-edition kicks use lightweight, waterproof mesh material for breathability and strong rubber soles for traction and durability. One reviewer wrote, "I really love these shoes. My feet no longer hurt after 12-hour shifts."

With a cushioning and durable outsole, these shoes are a bit bulky. Nevertheless, customers can't stop raving about their comfort, how stylish they look and the strong ankle support they offer to prevent ankle rolling or foot and heel pain during long days on the job.

• Sizes: 5–12
• Width: Regular
• Colors: 2

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.

These budget-friendly clogs are made with sturdy rubber treads to prevent slipping, are easy to clean and have ventilation holes in the sides to prevent overheating. Their plain appearance, although not very stylish, makes them a great gender neutral option that's appropriate for a variety of hospital environments.

• Sizes: 4–19 for women, 2–17 for men
• Width: Regular
• Colors: 5

Clove shoes are designed specifically for nurses. This pair's 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," reported one registered nurse after testing. She added, " I love that I didn’t have to tie my shoelaces and they are very comfortable."

Unlike most sneakers, this pair 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. This pair is sold in wide sizing, but only in limited colors.

• Sizes: 5–12.5
• Width: Regular and wide
• Colors: 30

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, supportive shoes with excellent arch support can help alleviate symptoms. This pair from Brooks has a high heel drop at 12 mm to minimize strain on your Achilles tendon. This pair with a 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 featured in this style. "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: 5–13
• Width: Narrow, wide and X-wide
• Colors: 28

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: 5.5–12
• Width: Regular
• Colors: 6

A waterproof shoe is a must if you work in a messy or laboratory 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. The shoes feature moisture and microbe barrier protection based on ISO 17702.2003 and ISO 22196:2011 testing standards, according to the brand's site.

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: 5–17
• Width: Regular
• Colors: 8

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 35 colors, including neutrals and bold shades. While this pick has some cushioning, it's much more minimal compared to other featured styles.

It also has nearly 27,000 Amazon reviews, including reviews from nurses. One reviewer wrote, "I wear these to work, 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: 5–14
• Width: Regular and wide
• Colors: 38

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of footwear experts who have tested all types of footwear, including over 50 different styles of walking shoes and more than 30 different running shoes in the past. 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.

We also consulted medical professional Dr. Kristina Quirolgico, M.D., a physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City to answer your questions about how to shop for supportive footwear.

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 said. 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 advised, "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. "Meta-rocker shoes/sneakers also are helpful for those that have forefoot pain."
• Arch support: 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.

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.

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 senior textiles analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and she conducted the recent shoes for nurses test. 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.

Annie O'Sullivan is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping and she wrote this article originally. For this story, she spoke with Dr. Kristina Marie Quirolgico, M.D., a physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City 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.