The 10 Best Sneakers, Slip-Ons, and Clogs for Nurses in 2024 | SELF

Nov 06, 2024

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Towards the end of a 12-hour shift, there’s a lot on your mind. Between patients, paperwork, and what you’re having for dinner (or breakfast) later, the last thing you need to worry about when you’re on the clock is your feet. Enter the best shoes for nurses: These casual, comfortable pairs have great traction and arch support, so you can make your rounds without heel pain or cramped toes slowing you down.

To create our list of the ultimate hospital-friendly kicks, we spoke with several registered nurses and board-certified podiatrists. We also pulled from past SELF Sneaker Awards and read hundreds of reviews from nurses and other shoppers. The result: Your guide to the most supportive, functional, and stylish shoes for long shifts. (Psst: If you’re not a nurse, but you stumbled across this list because you also spend long hours on your feet, you’re in luck—these pairs will work for you too.)

Below, experts share their best advice for finding your perfect pair.

Arch support

Look for shoes with solid arch support, especially if you have flat feet, board-certified podiatrist Michelle Castiello, DPM, tells SELF. Wearing flimsy kicks won’t just feel uncomfortable in the moment—it can also lead to sprains, strains, and other injuries in the future, she adds.

Comfort

According to podiatric foot and ankle surgeon Suzanne Fuchs, DPM, finding comfortable shoes comes down to three key features: lots of cushioning (this is extra important for people with high arches, Dr. Castiello adds, because it helps absorb shock while you walk), a snug fit, and a lightweight design that won’t tire your feet and legs out.

To truly put new shoes to the test, our experts recommend trying them on at the end of the day, when your feet are more tired and a little swollen. “The shoe should feel like your foot is getting a cuddle,” Jeremy Ousey, a podiatrist at the Keep on Your Feet clinic in the United Kingdom, tells SELF. “If your foot doesn't feel like it's in paradise, that probably isn't the shoe for you.”

Breathability

Sweaty feet can lead to annoying blisters—so finding breathable shoes is key for making it through long shifts pain-free. Look for shoes made with mesh or knit uppers, moisture-wicking insoles or sockliners, and antimicrobial fabrics to keep your feet dry.

Traction

Working in a healthcare setting means you’re often walking on slick or slippery surfaces, so wearing slip-resistant shoes with good traction is essential. Look for rubber outsoles, preferably with a deeper tread on the bottom, that will help you stay stable.

Durability

Your shoes take a beating, so make sure the pair you’re considering can hold up to long hours and regular cleanings. Some sneaks are even machine-washable for easy maintenance (just be sure to double-check the manufacturer’s care instructions before adding a pair to your cart).

On

On

Zappos

Amazon

Comfortable, practical, and durable, the On Cloud 5 Waterproof is our favorite shoe for healthcare workers who stand all day. The nurses we spoke with note that the brand’s original On Cloud 5 is a go-to in hospitals—but this new and improved version has a waterproof membrane, so spills will slide right off.

On’s signature pods in the sole provide a little extra spring in your step, while the bungee-like laces make it easy to slip these kicks on and off. (And if you prefer regular laces, you’ll be happy to hear that a pair comes included with your purchase, so you can swap them in at any time.) Despite their robust features, these sneakers only weigh 8 ounces, helping to prevent foot fatigue over long shifts. Plus, the antimicrobial mesh upper is thin and breathable, to keep sweaty feet cool all day long.

“I’m an ER nurse and on my feet for long 12- to 16 hour-shifts; the shoes are amazing. Took one shift to break in, and I love that they’re waterproof,” one Zappos reviewer wrote. When it comes to a sleek, stylish sneak that can meet the demands of busy hospital rounds, the On Cloud 5 Waterproof seriously stands out.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Material: Polyester, foam, rubber | Weight: 8 oz.

Hoka

Hoka

Zappos

REI

A 2023 Sneaker Award winner, Hoka’s popular Bondi 8 continues to deliver at hospitals and beyond. According to the three nurses we spoke with, Hoka is a favorite among healthcare workers because the brand’s shoes are made with uber-plush cushioning.“I wear the Hoka Bondi 8s in wide because I have Flintstone feet, and it’s the most comfortable for me,” Avegale G., a registered nurse in California, tells SELF. “I’ve been wearing them for three years now.”

While I’m not a nurse, I did spend weeks testing these sneakers—including during several 10+ hour days at Disneyland—and found that the springy midsole kept my feet feeling fresh. They’ve even earned the approval of board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Sanjina Sanghvi, DPM, who previously told SELF that the ultra-thick cushioning inside makes “the Hoka Bondi 8 perfect for long walks and long periods of standing. They really eliminate stress and fatigue on your lower leg and foot.”

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Material: Mesh, recycled polyester, rubber | Weight: 8.9 oz.

Clove

Clove

Clove Classic slip-ons, which were made with healthcare professionals in mind, have a comfy, ultra-durable design that stretches and adjusts to your feet over time. These minimalist sneakers also have odor-fighting insoles; high-traction, squeak-free outsoles; and a fluid-resistant upper that’s easy to wipe clean at the end of a long week.

Elastic, no-tie laces makes slipping the Clove Classic on and off a breeze. Meanwhile, sturdy arch support and a heel pad in the back help keep your feet from getting fatigued well into a double-digit shift. “I absolutely love these shoes,” one Clove reviewer wrote. “They are comfortable and the best part of all is that they are BREATHABLE!!!”

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 12.5 | Material: Microfiber | Weight: 10 oz.

Asics

Asics

Zappos

Nurses with flat feet should spring for Asics’s Gel-Nimbus 25, according to Dr. Fuchs. It has plenty of foam and gel cushioning in the midsole to “absorb shock and reduce strain on the feet during long periods of standing,” she says. You can also slip your own custom orthotics inside this shoe—another feature Dr. Fuchs appreciates. But at the end of the day it all comes down to how it feels to walk in them for hours on end: Lots of Asics reviewers say the well-padded soles are “like walking on a cloud.” Choose from over 15 neutral or punchy shades to add a pop of color to your scrubs.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Material: Knit upper, foam, rubber | Weight: 8.9 oz.

Ryka

Amazon

DSW

Dr. Fuchs explains that nurses with high arches “require shoes with significant arch support to avoid excessive pressure on the heel and forefoot.” Our top pick that fits this bill is the 2024 Sneaker Award-winning Ryka’s Devotion X Max, which feels “like stepping on a giant marshmallow,” as one SELF editor put it. “I often have issues with achy arches due to a lack of support,” she added, “but these sneakers were clearly made for the high-arched crew!”

Outside, the shoe’s mesh upper is treated with a stain-resistant coating (the brand claims you can remove any dirt, mud, blood, or coffee stains by running some cold water over the shoe—no scrubbing required). Inside, thick foam padding and a supportive heel cup absorb shock to keep your feet healthy and happy. But we’re not the Devotion X Max’s only fans: With a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), it has also earned the praise of a panel of podiatrists for its foot-friendly design.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Material: Mesh, rubber, EVA foam | Weight: 8.6 oz.

Kuru

Kuru

Plantar fasciitis often comes with nasty heel pain that can put a real damper on your rounds. Kuru’s Flex Via is made with patented technology in the heel cups, which moves with each step to keep your heels in place and reduces pressure on the plantar fascia (the ligament-like structure that runs underneath your foot). . “A firm heel counter helps stabilize the foot and prevents excessive movement, which can aggravate plantar fasciitis,” Dr. Fuchs says.

Dual-density arch support provides bouncy cushioning for long days on your feet, while minimal seams are used in the one-piece fabric upper to prevent uncomfortable friction that can cause hot spots and other irritation. “I have been struggling with heel pain and I’m on my feet 12 hours per shift,” one Kuru reviewer wrote. “I’ve been to orthopedists and tried multiple shoes and inserts…I stumbled across [Kuru] and I have never been happier.”

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Material: Mesh, rubber | Weight: 9.6 oz.

Dansko

Dansko

DSW

Zappos

This Dansko pair was, hands-down, the clog that all the nurses we spoke to recommended over and over again. “They’re super supportive for being on your feet all day and come in cute styles,” Shannon Chavez, a physician’s assistant in California, tells SELF. Christine Sapinoso, a registered nurse in California, agrees: “Dansko Professionals give you that full arch support with less achy feet at the end of the day.”

The clogs’ contoured footbed, roomy toe box, and exceptional shock absorption are loved by nurses for all-day comfort. For petite wearers, these Danskos add about two inches of height. The rocker bottom sole boasts slip-resistant treads and helps propel you forward, reducing pressure on your lower back, legs, and feet. And with over 90 colors and patterns to choose from, there’s an option for every scrub set or taste.

Product specs

Sizes: US 4.5/5 to 12.5/13 | Material: Leather, foam, polyurethane leather | Weight: 15 oz.

Clove

Clove

Another hospital-ready pair from Clove, the Solo boasts lots of thoughtful features, including a fluid-resistant vegan leather upper, a wide elastic band that keeps the shoes secure on your feet, and an extra grippy outsole that’s certified slip-resistant by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). “They provide exceptional comfort and support, which is crucial during long clinical rotations,” one Clove reviewer who works in healthcare wrote. Another shared that after wearing these for six months, their “feet never hurt anymore after working 12-hour shifts.”

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 12.5 | Material: Vegan leather | Weight: N/A

Crocs

Crocs

Zappos

Amazon

Our experts confirmed that tons of nurses rock Crocs, for a good reason.. Ousey says these iconic clogs “can be a really fantastic option for a lot of my patients, as they provide good biomechanical support, shock absorption, and have sturdy waterproof and sharps-proof(ish) qualities.”

Textured treads on Crocs’ soles also make them slip-resistant, which is essential when walking on slick floors. Plus, their wide foot bed gives tired, swollen toes plenty of space to comfortably spread out (although this may make them too roomy for those with narrow feet). They’re also super easy to clean and dry quickly, so you can wipe them off quickly between patients. “I wore them when I worked as a nurse,” one Crocs shopper said in a review on the brand’s site. “They were my favorite shoes because they were so comfortable. After retiring, I continue to wear them.”

Product specs

Sizes: US 6 to 12 | Material: Croslite, EVA foam | Weight: 11 to 16 oz.

New Balance

Amazon

Zappos

Dick's

New Balance

Multiple nurses praised New Balance sneakers, especially for wide feet: “New Balance gives you that light, cushiony feel, great arch support, and accommodates wide feet like mine,” Sapinoso says. Dr. Fuchs agrees, adding that the 990v6 “offer great support and cushioning, and they come in various widths for a better fit.”

New Balance’s signature FuelCell foam midsole feels springy and responsive underfoot, while the breathable mesh upper allows air to circulate as you walk. FYI: The brand notes that this model runs large, so you may want to order a half-size down from your usual. “I’ve been wearing these shoes for a good 10+ years,” raved one New Balance reviewer. “I am on my feet all day at work, and the 990s always come through.”

Product specs

Sizes: US 5.5 to 12 | Material: Suede, mesh, rubber | Weight: 13.2 oz.

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