Real Nurses Swear These Shoes Get Them Through Long Shifts (2024)

A favorite of Katie Levitt, N.P., a nurse practitioner in NYC, these are some of the most cushioned shoes available. Hoka’s Bondi 8s are especially great for people who don’t want a pair of shoes that they’ll only wear to work since these durable kicks are also designed for running, walking, or just heading to the grocery store after a shift. Plus, the supremely soft but supportive EVA midsoles mean they’re a good fit for anyone with plantar fasciitis.

“This is a great shoe for those on their feet long hours, especially those on hard surfaces,” says Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist with the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Texas. “This particular model of Hoka shoes is a neutral shoe with plush cushioning. This is perfect for someone with higher arches that needs shock absorption.”

We even put this sneaker to the test, confirming that it’s incredibly supportive. It’s even one of our picks for the best Hoka shoes for walking.

Brooks is known for its quality running shoes, and its Ghost sneakers are no exception. They’re described in terms typically reserved for luxury cars: plush, with a smooth ride. Tons of supportive cushioning and a secure fit ensures you’ll stay comfy throughout your shift.

This model, in particular, is editor-approved (check out a full Brooks Ghost 15 review from a shopping editor who’s an avid runner). Podiatrists love it, too. “This is another great shoe for those with a high arched/neutral foot,” says Sharkey. “Great balance between support and shock absorption.”

“I live and die by my Dansko clogs—they provide incredible back support and I can stand in them for hours,” Weiss says. Levitt also recommends these clogs—and so do podiatrists. This classic leather pair has a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association and is also recommended by Sayed and Sharkey. It features a roomy toe box, a comfy platform, and an antimicrobial lining to ward off odor after all-day wear.

“This was my personal favorite for long hours of standing in the OR during residency,” says Sharkey. “Can take a little while to get used to the firm sole, but overall these are still my top recommendation for those who will be standing mostly in one place for long periods of time.”

With three different width options, Naturalizer’s super-comfy shoes are designed for people who need to be on their feet all day. This pair features a contoured, dual-dense footbed that provides plenty of support to the arches and heels. Plus, it has cooling lining to keep your feet dry.

“These shoes are fantastic! I work in a clinic standing all day but wear business casual,” a reviewer explained. “I need to be able to squat and kneel often during the day. I also have relatively flat feet, and the shoes are very well-cushioned and supportive. They are also very on-trend at the moment.”

These kicks are super lightweight with unique air-cooled memory foam comfort insoles and non-slip flexible traction outsoles, which help you avoid slipping while running across the emergency room. And they come with a shock-absorbing midsole, meaning your feet will feel cushioned and comfortable all day.

“Working as a nurse in the health care field, comfort is extremely important to me,” wrote one reviewer. “This particular shoe by Sketchers provides great support and comfort.”

Sharkey recommended the Arahi 7 for overpronation, a.k.a. flat feet, in a recent roundup of best Hoka shoes for nurses. It’s designed with the brand’s J-Frame technology, which consists of a firm, J-shaped foam that’s meant to support flatter feet. This shoe also boasts the APMA Seal of Acceptance, so you know it’s good.

“These are some awesome shoes! I workout in them but I also wear them all day long and they are so comfortable and responsive. I can't wait to get my next pair,” wrote one satisfied Hoka shopper.

✔️ Consider the type of shoe. Sneakers are great but so are clogs, as they tend to have a wide toe box, which helps accommodate feet as they naturally expand throughout the day.

✔️ Look for shoes that are durable but lightweight. If you’re a nurse, you’re probably logging several miles a day around the hospital, which means you want shoes that are light enough to exert less energy with each stride, while still being durable enough to withstand the frequent wear and tear that will come with standing and working all day.

✔️ Aim for a slip-resistant sole. You never know what messes will come your way while you’re on a shift, so shoes with a slip-resistant sole are key. Grippy soles will help ensure stability and balance, ensuring your safety while you’re hustling from one patient to another across the hospital.

Since nurses spend a lot of time on their feet, shoes can quickly show wear (with each scuff, scrape, and bump)—which is why it’s important to replace them regularly to ensure your feet are getting the support they need. “Much like runners who get regular use out of their shoes, [nurses’ shoes] should be replaced every 500 miles,” says Sharkey. “This generally equates to every six months.”

According to Sharkey, other telltale signs that your shoes may need swapping include worn-thin treads and/or wrinkling of the material on the side of the shoe in the midsole region. That’s a sign that the shoe has lost support and cushioning, she says.

If you have plantar fasciitis or frequently experience heel pain, you may want to specifically look for shoes that will help relieve that tension and pain in your heels. For the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, nurses will generally want to look for a shoe “that has stability throughout the mid-foot with flexibility at the ball of the foot,” says Sharkey.

Also consider your arches, too. “Those with higher arches are going to want to look for a cushioned neutral shoe,” Sharkey adds. “Those with a flatter foot architecture want to look for motion control or stability shoes.” For this category, Sharkey recommends brands like Hoka, Asics, New Balance, and Brooks.

Additional reporting by Sanah Faroke and Shannen Zitz