Best Hoka Shoes for Nurses in 2025: Top Picks for Comfort, Support, and Durability

Nurses spend long hours on their feet, often walking miles each shift. The right footwear can make a huge difference in comfort, posture, and long-term health. Hoka, known for its plush cushioning and foot-friendly designs, offers several models that meet the demands of healthcare workers. Whether you need a water-resistant shoe for spills, extra stability for flat feet, or a lightweight option for fast-paced environments, there’s a Hoka made for you. Below is a table of the best Hoka shoes for nurses in 2025, highlighting their top features and where to check the latest price.

Reviews for best Hoka shoes for nurses

Hoka One One brand shoes are well known and much loved by nursing staff and medical workers thanks to their ample cushioning, traction and versatility. Here are our reviews.

Hoka Bondi 9

Best for: Maximum Cushioning

The Bondi 9 is Hoka’s most cushioned road shoe and a standout choice for nurses who spend all day on hard hospital floors. The 2025 update includes a supercritical EVA midsole that delivers softer impact and more energy return than earlier versions. A widened base and 2mm taller stack height improve stability and comfort, reducing joint strain.

The engineered mesh upper is breathable and made with 55% recycled materials, making it a more sustainable option. Reflective elements enhance safety for night-shift nurses walking to and from their vehicles. While still substantial underfoot, the Bondi 9 is lighter than its predecessor.

Some may find it bulky or stiff at first, but many wearers report a significant reduction in foot, knee, and hip fatigue after a few days of break-in. This shoe excels in any unit where comfort over long hours is a top priority.

Specs

• Weight: 10.5 oz (Men’s)
• Stack height: 43mm heel
• Drop: 4mm

Pros

• Ultra-plush cushioning
• Improved energy return
• Breathable, recycled upper

Cons

• Less responsive for fast-paced movement
• May feel bulky for some

Men’s version | Women’s version

Hoka Clifton 10

Best for: Lightweight Comfort

The Clifton 10 is the go-to option for nurses who prefer a lighter, more agile shoe without sacrificing cushioning. It’s built on Hoka’s early-stage Meta-Rocker for smooth transitions and features a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet cool during 12-hour shifts.

This model strikes an ideal balance between cushion and weight. It’s light enough to keep up with fast-paced work while still absorbing the pounding of long days on tile or concrete. The updated upper reduces hot spots and improves lockdown across the midfoot.

It’s not ideal for wet or oily surfaces, so if you work in a hospital kitchen or wet-floor environment, another option like the Bondi SR is better. But for dry floors and lots of movement, the Clifton 10 is hard to beat.

Specs

• Weight: 8.7 oz (Men’s)
• Stack height: ~29mm heel
• Drop: 5mm

Pros

• Lightweight and breathable
• Great cushioning-to-weight ratio
• Smooth ride for fast walkers

Cons

• Less slip protection
• May lack support for flat feet

Men’s version | Women’s version

Hoka Arahi 8

Best for: Stability & Overpronation

The Arahi 8 is ideal for nurses who need more structured support without the stiffness typically found in stability shoes. The latest model features Hoka’s refined J-Frame technology, now adapted with an H-frame design that provides a smoother, more secure ride—particularly helpful for overpronators or those with flat feet.

Despite being a stability shoe, the Arahi 8 maintains a surprisingly lightweight profile. Its breathable engineered mesh upper offers comfort during hot shifts and keeps your feet cool under pressure. A slightly firmer midsole gives it more responsiveness than the Clifton or Bondi, while still reducing fatigue over long hours.

The Arahi 8 may not be as cushioned as the Bondi 9, but its enhanced support and better midfoot containment make it a top pick for those with collapsing arches or gait issues.

Specs

• Weight: ~9.3 oz (Men’s)
• Drop: 5mm
• J-Frame/H-Frame support

Pros

• Excellent stability for overpronators
• Lightweight for a stability shoe
• Breathable mesh upper

Cons

• Less cushioned than Bondi or Clifton
• Firmer ride may not suit all preferences

Men’s version | Women’s version

Hoka Solimar

Best for: Budget-Friendly Option

The Hoka Solimar offers great value for nurses who want Hoka’s comfort and support at a more affordable price. While not as cushioned as the Bondi line, the Solimar provides a balanced ride with moderate cushioning and a versatile, sleek design.

It’s especially appealing for nurses who want a lower-profile shoe that transitions well from work to everyday wear. The EVA midsole offers a comfortable underfoot feel, and the minimal upper construction keeps the shoe lightweight and breathable.

The Solimar lacks some of the advanced features of higher-end Hokas (like the Bondi’s plush sole or the Arahi’s support frame), but for lighter-duty shifts or backup use, it delivers excellent value and comfort.

Specs

• Weight: ~8.0 oz (Men’s)
• Drop: 6mm
• Streamlined upper design

Pros

• Affordable price point
• Lightweight and versatile
• Great for casual or less intense shifts

Cons

• Less cushioning and support
• Not suited for high-demand environments

Men’s version | Women’s version

Hoka Speedgoat 6

Best for: Versatility & Traction

Originally designed as a trail running shoe, the Speedgoat 6 is perfect for nurses who work in environments with varied terrain—such as large hospital campuses, long corridors, or areas that involve indoor/outdoor transitions.

The standout feature is the Vibram Megagrip outsole, which delivers unmatched traction even on slick or wet surfaces. This makes it ideal for healthcare professionals working in facilities with inconsistent floor conditions.

Despite its rugged sole, the Speedgoat 6 is surprisingly light and well-cushioned. The midsole has been tuned for better responsiveness, and the upper has been refined to reduce weight while increasing durability.

If you want a shoe that combines all-day comfort with serious grip, the Speedgoat 6 is a great pick—especially for travel nurses or those who spend time in multiple work environments.

Specs

• Weight: ~10.0 oz (Men’s)
• Drop: 4mm
• Vibram Megagrip outsole

Pros

• Outstanding traction
• Durable and cushioned
• Works well for indoor/outdoor transitions

Cons

• Overbuilt for standard clinical settings
• May feel too firm for some users

Men’s version | Women’s version

Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3

Best for: Post-Shift Recovery

The Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 is designed to give your feet a break after long hours on the job. While not built for hospital floor duty, it’s an essential recovery tool for nurses who need quick relief at home or during shift breaks.

This slide features a dual-layer construction with a soft top layer for immediate step-in comfort and a firmer base layer for support. Its oversized midsole and early-stage Meta-Rocker mimic the feel of Hoka’s running shoes, offering a smooth and cushioned experience for tired feet.

Ventilation channels in the footbed help reduce sweat and heat, while the slip-on style makes it easy to transition out of work shoes and into comfort. It’s a popular pick for anyone dealing with foot fatigue, plantar fasciitis, or just looking to pamper their feet after demanding shifts.

While it doesn’t offer the stability or grip needed for clinical work, it’s a near-perfect recovery option for downtime.

Specs

• Weight: ~6.5 oz
• Drop: 6mm
• Dual-layer EVA construction

Pros

• Immediate comfort after shifts
• Lightweight and easy to wear
• Meta-Rocker smooths out gait

Cons

• Not work-appropriate
• Open-toe design limits seasonal use

Men’s version | Women’s version

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