In the same way we have certain shoe ranges for specific work environments, we also do have specific shoes for nurses. One thing that remains unchanged is that if you're a nurse, you'll be spending the entire working shift walking, moving and lifting. At this point, your regular sneakers and other different types of shoes should be the least choice that you pick when going to work.
Now if you don't have the right pair of shoes under your feet, you'll frequently suffer stress on your joints and muscles. Considering the number of hours that one is likely to be on their feet, comfort and support should be your first priority. We want to help you have the right shoes in your collection by reviewing the 10 best shoes for nurses in 2020.
10 Best Shoes for Nurses 2020
Dove Mates 229904 is one of the greatest slip-ons for nurses from Lites collection. It has a full grain leather upper whose construction consists of a stain-resistant finish. This is great for those shifts that often get messy, with no time to clean up because these shoes will always stay clean at all times.
It also means that they're relatively durable, being that the leather is safe from stains that could damage it. The cushioning used here combines two greatest features of shoes for nurses; comfort and support. Unlike the usual rubber soles, here you'll find unique EVA outsoles designed with rubber inserts. This elevates both wear and slip-resistance.
It's designed with heels measuring 1.5 inches and steel shanks. This combination provides you with good arch support which helps reduce fatigue, staying lightweight at the same time. Another plus here is the removable EVA inserts. Apart from the usual arch support and cushioning, it also gives you options of having the padding customized to what feels right under your feet.
This collection is also great for different types of feet because of its elastic opening and in the end you'll experience a perfect fit. Adding comfort to this slip-on is the padded collar that will keep your ankles from rubbing against the leather uppers.
This is yet another slip-on that you can count on and it's one of a kind, being that Timberland is commonly known only for boots. Those who love Timberland know how durable their brands are, and this one isn't different in any way. The uppers is designed with premium full-grain leather and a micro-suede lining on the inner side. This minimizes friction between the feet and leather, therefore it's even safer to wear them without socks.
It also has perfectly contoured insoles. This design provides the right amount of support distributed to the impact areas like the heels. The sole has a heel-to-toe design that helps reduce forefoot pressure. It also features Timberland's anti-fatigue technology that provides all the support and shock absorption nurses need when standing for extended hours.
When you have to move through different hospital corridors, you have to invest in shoes which are sturdy enough. This particular one is fitted with slip-resistant rubber soles which guarantee solid grips whether the surfaces are wet or dry. So if you're a nurse, this should be your number one partner to help you move swiftly and confidently. The best part with this brand is that it comes with a 30-Day guarantee that offers refunds incase the product doesn't meet your needs.
Skechers has been active in the footwear industry from 1992, and you can count on its brands for quality and trendy shoes. It's actually a true representation of the few stylish shoes for nurses that you'll find in 2020. The design also includes solid colors which won't get you in trouble in case you have work ethics to abide by.
Other than being a slip-on, the uppers feature series of bungee laces which expand during movements, and as they conform to your steps, they create more room for flexibility. For nurses, the shoes take it all because of the breathable uppers and maximum cushioning and with all that, the product still remains lightweight.
Skechers made a great step towards comfort by identifying materials that are flexible, cozy and offer ideal cushioning. The upper is designed with something unique; faux leather and mesh fabric. This combination makes the shoes breathable and at the same time durability is not compromised.
Underneath the faux leather and mesh uppers lies a soft fabric-lining which lets you have a comfortable working experience. It also has memory foam insoles and heels that cushions the feet, thereby minimizing shock absorption. The only caution here is that unlike the oiled leather which is usually stain resistant, mesh fabric doesn't guarantee you the same leverage.
Dansko is vastly known for iconic brands with revolutionary comfort. This clog lets you have a good-looking pair which is comfortable as well, and as we now, finding the two in a single brand isn't that easy. It's a slip-on with oiled leather uppers, a contoured leather innersole and a durable rubber outer sole. It has unmatched arch support, and with this, your feet will stay comfortable all-day.
Adding onto the comfort is the padded collar which also covers the feet from unnecessary rubbings, especially when frequent movements are involved. Having been made of leather, these shoes aren't considered the best when looking for breathable uppers. However, Dansko has compensated the same with a breathable foam insert that stabilizes conditions within the shoes.
Usually, it's running shoes which are known to have shock-resistant outsoles. Now with this professional clog, things are quite different. It's made with a rocker bottom which eliminates any chances of fatigue and also acts as a great shock absorber. This product is easy to clean and for light scuffs, you only need to rub them with your fingertips. For stubborn stains on the other hand, a damp piece of cloth is just enough.
This is a great bonus because many nurses often have minimal time to have the shoes thoroughly cleaned. Apart from regular cleaning, it's also important to maintain the leather's durability by frequently using an oiled leather restorer. In the event that you need to have it waterproofed, stick to quality conditioners like the Dansko Beeswax brand, so that you don't damage the leather.
This is another great lightweight sneaker by Skechers. It's branded as walking shoes, but the collection also come in handy for nurses because this means that it's designed with flexible and lightweight materials which reduce fatigue. When you compare the versatility to its price tag, you'll realize that the shoes are worth trying.
It has soft knit uppers that offer the foot a sock-like fit, and this is the right fit, comfort and breathability that nurses need to pull through long shifts. The innersole is constructed using Skechers Goga Max Technology, making them improved and effective high-rebound cushioning.
On the insole, there's an added layer of anti-bacterial fabric, and with this you won't have any foot or shoe odors to deal with. The cushioning used for the midsole is equally light and responsive, which is a great way of maximizing on comfort, without compromising on the weight of the shoes.
It features lightweight rubber outsoles designed with additional cushion pods. This provides you with high responsiveness when coordination different movements and also acts as a shock absorber with every step.
The materials that Keen Utility uses on its brands have been tested and found to exceed standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Therefore, this is a slip-on that will be worth your investment. This particular one has a design which is almost similar to that of crocs, only that it's a slip-on made of leather.
This could be the reason why most men love it, apart from the fact that it provides the right amounts of comfort and stability. It has a unique slip-on design that ensures that your foot is placed rightfully. It features leather uppers which are certified to meet the set Mark II non-slip standards.
Joined to that is the non-marking and oil resistant rubber outsoles. This translates to support on a number of surfaces as you go on with your duties comfortably. Just like the rest of the slip-ons that we have reviewed today, Keen Utility is also easy to clean, being that the leather used on its uppers has a stain-resistant finish.
Not everyone finds slip-ons comfortable and if you're looking for something different, here's a laced up design that you can go for. This is a Reebok monochromatic product with a synthetic upper. Its construction comprises of a padded collar and a toe bumper. All of these create the perfect comfort the feet need when exercising or while at work.
It's definitely one of those shoes that you can use for different activities because of the support and flexibility that comes with it. It features a protective toe bumper, and this is the only shoe for nurses with this feature. Reebok understands that no one is ever ready to save their feet from falling objects, prompting for the need to offer cover for such accidents.
It has synthetic uppers which bring more than just style and comfort to your weekly shifts. With it comes more flexibility that every nurse needs, especially when handling emergencies. Unlike the regular slip resistant soles, Reebok has invested in additional oil resistance for this collection. This gets your feet covered in case of any accidents or spillage when going on with your duties as a nurse.
Alegria Debra slip-on is a great option for nurses who want something that they can comfortably use at the work station and when running their own personal errands. Some of the things that stand out for me with these shoes are derived from how stylish and roomy they are. If you happen to have wider feet, most of the shoes that fit aren't usually classy and stylish, but with Alegria, you get served with the two.
It also features a removable foam cushioning, which is a great way to create space for other adjustments or replacements as you may require. It has everyone's needs at hand, and that's why the product is available in quite a number of unique shades, with something for everyone. Alegria brands are globally known as orthodontic shoes and this Debra takes the tradition a notch higher with its elastic goring.
This added feature is what makes it easy to put on and take off, especially after having long days, or if you have any health problems which limit how far you can bend. This brand is made of pure leather on its uppers and a rubber outsole, therefore this guarantees durability. The uppers are also designed with a stain resistant layer which covers both your feet and the shoes in case of spillage. And again, the same adds onto its durability.
The footbed reveals a layer of cushioning that easily conforms to the shape of your feet and that's why quite a number of people often find it comfortable. Still on soles, the outer one is designed with a sloping rocker bottom which is lightweight enough, so you won't feel any extra weight from underneath. In addition to that, it has a 1.5 inches heel which helps in coordinating movements, thereby reducing fatigue.
Crocks are today being accepted into many work stations, and if yours allows for one, then this Mercy Work Clog should be your number one pick. This is because not all brands available today are safer on the feet when used for extended hours. What I love about it is how affordable it is compared to other brands, having in mind that it still offers the right amount of comfort and foot safety like other shoe ranges do.
They're designed with extra room in them so that you don't have your toes strained during the entire shift. What makes it better is its heel-hugging back strap that keeps the feet from slipping in and out of the shoes, especially for those with slimmer feet. It also features a lock tread design that keeps you on your feet irrespective of floors or surfaces you're walking on. These crocs are designed with nubs which run along the shoe inserts.
This is what results to the massage-like feeling that you'll experience when walking. When you add this to the good arch support that the shoes provide, your feet will stay stable and comfortable for the longest time possible. Having been made with Croslite uppers and rubber soles, they're definitely easy to clean, so it saves you time and energy. They're also safer to use even when the temperatures are relatively high, all thanks to the odor-resistant technology.
As we have already seen, most sportswear fit perfectly into the category of shoes for nurses and so does this Champion Cross trainer. Champion understands how economical it is to have a pair of shoes that can serve you different purposes, and that's why they came up with this product range.
It comes in a sleek design that blends perfectly with work and exercise, considering that it's equally supportive and fairly cushioned. What makes it even great for nurses is the memory foam padding that enhances flexibility and breathability. The construction reveals breathable and durable materials that keep nurses comfortable and flexible.
It features soft lining on the inside, accessorized with a padded collar for comfort. The comfort extends to the memory foam cushioning and lightweight rubber outsole with a stretchy grooved design. You can't miss a pair that intrigues you here because this cross trainer comes in a number of color variations
What Makes the Best Shoes for Nurses?
Many usually complain that it's never that easy to identify the right type of shoes in an industry which is already overcrowded. However, this is fairly simple because all you have to do is know what to look for in order to make your decision precisely. So if you're a nurse, here are the key features to consider when looking for the right shoes:
Traction
If you have ever been to any healthcare facility, you might have noticed how slippery the floors can be. Unlike patients, it is nurses who have to make swift and random movements on the same floors, and with this, your shoes have to be sturdy enough to pull through. The relevance of rubber soles when it comes to better traction is unquestionable and they'll still keep you on your feet in case of spillage. Another advantage of rubber soles is that they are non-making, and this goes a great mile in always keeping the work environment tidy as it should be.
Design
Based on our list for the best shoes for nurses in 2020, it's evident that the main styles to consider are clogs, slip-ons and sneakers on the lower side. In addition to that, most of them are made with materials that are easy to clean and stain-resistant. This is a great deal for nurses because they have to stay neat at all times. So with this, only a quick fix is needed in case of spillage, which frequents their work environment.
Weight
While on duty, nurses need to move swiftly and at all times. Now this is where lightweight shoes outweigh the rest. Subjecting your feet to extra weight will have you feeling extremely fatigued, placing you at higher risks of injuries. When done repeatedly, you might also end up with lower back pains and muscle strains. This is also relevant, considering that some have to be at work for extended hours when compared to other practitioners. The quickest hack to figuring out lightweight shoes, especially when shopping online, is to check materials used for making the shoes.
Durability
Apart from the few stylish designs that we have, most shoes for nurses don't fit well outside the work environment. This means that you might need to makes specific investments for this range, and for this, it's only ideal that you invest in a pair of shoes that will journey with you for a long time. For this, you'll realize that synthetic materials aren't the best choices to go for, and that's why most brands in our list are made of leather uppers and durable mesh.
Breathability
There's always a battle between breathability and durability, in that leather which has unmatched durability isn't effective when it comes to breathability. Under this category, the mesh fabric is the ideal choice. One of the pros of this fabric is that it keeps the feet well aerated, and therefore it's unlikely that you'll develop foot or shoe odors.
However, I would also recommend those manufacturers who further invest in breathable foam insoles with anti-odor layers. At the same time, we have brands who want their users to have it all in a single pair of shoes, and that's why today we have shoes with highlights of the two materials.
Summary
As our reader, we now hope that you have all the greatest hacks that you need when it's time to buy the right shoes. These reviews of the 10 best shoes for nurses is just to guide you, and the best way to figure out the one that feels right is to sample a few pieces. If you're a female nurse, you can begin with Reebok Work N Cushion Walking Shoe as the male counterparts try the affordable Crocs Mercy Work Clog.
