As a nurse, you’re constantly on your feet. You need footwear that will give you reliable support for long shifts and longer workweeks!
Some pairs on the market are specifically designed for nursing. They’re often flogged to nurses as part of a uniform. However, most of those can be cheaply made, unattractive, or not supportive.
Thankfully, you don’t have to settle in any of those categories! We’ve looked around online for the most comfortable nursing shoes which will be practical, fashionable, and professional.
After all, your job is to make other people feel comfortable. So you’ll want to make sure you feel comfortable and confident first!
We’ve put together nursing shoe reviews with our own recommendations that we think you will love! These models are popular among your fellow nurses, and span a wide range of looks, functions, and prices.
At the bottom of the page, you’ll find a list of things to think about while you consider the best footwear for nurses.
First, take a quick look at our current most popular recommendations:
The Best Shoes for Nurses Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Birkenstock Boston Professional |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. Brooks Addiction Walker |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. Birkenstock Super Birki Unisex Clog |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 4. Skechers Women's Loving Life Memory Foam |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 5. Dansko Women’s Professional Patent Clog |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 6. Crocs Women's Mercy Work Clog |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Birkenstock Boston Professional
These Birkenstocks aren’t your average clog! They’re a revamped model from the German shoemaker’s professional lineup with lots of features that medical professionals will love! They’re certified non-slip, they’re easy to clean and maintain, and they’re really stylish. We also love how much ventilation they get with the open-heel design.
These Boston’s, like their casual siblings, have a finished leather upper which is extremely high-quality. It’s supple and luxurious, despite being practical! We certainly appreciate that it doesn’t feel as stiff or cheap as most other professional footwear leather.
Like all leather clogs, they’ll soften up as you break them in, but you shouldn’t experience any chafing or discomfort out of the gate. Just know that they’ll get even cozier over time! And you can make personal adjustments with the buckle strap.
Birkenstock have updated the leather finish on these clogs from their previous professional options. It’s better at allowing the leather to breathe, but it still cleans easily and polishes up nicely. There are both black and white options to suit different uniforms, dress codes, and personal styles.
They’re equipped with the usual Birkenstock cork footbed. If you’re a fan of the company’s sandals, you’ll know what to expect. They break in gradually, and become more comfortable over time. They maintain strong arch support and a natural realignment of the foot using a heel cup and metatarsal ridge. And you can swap out the footbeds for other Birkenstock options should you want more cushion or a different arch height.
We love the cork footbed for standing all day and walking around a busy ward because it encourages good posture, which saves your back and joints. Since it also breaks in according to your specific foot shape, it’s a great combination of anatomical design and a personalized fit. Once you get through the break-in period, they’re really wonderful.
They’re slip-resistant, thanks to a specific insole that you won’t find on the non-professional Birkenstocks. It’s equipped with lots of smaller treads which help it maintain traction on wet or slick floors where other clogs can be a real safety hazard. We found them extremely reliable in the traction department!
They’re made in Germany, like all Birkenstock’s. That’s to say they live up to the company’s reputation for extremely well-made shoes from quality materials. There’s a reason we recommend so many Birk’s on this site! They’re as good as it gets in terms of quality.
In fact, the loyalty you’ll see from Birkenstock buyers is one of the most impressive aspects of these shoes. Buyers keep coming back for years, because they find these are the absolute best professional clogs out there, in feel and quality.
Plus, you get Birkenstock’s legendary insoles, which are some of our favorites for maintaining your foot health over long shifts where you’re constantly on the move.
They’re one of the most restorative choices you can get for problem feet, and they last for years.
Birkenstocks aren’t for everyone. Cork footbeds take some breaking in, and they aren’t ever as bouncy as a lot of American soles. So, if you’re someone who wants more bounce than structure, these might not be for you.
There aren’t too many color options. The Boston’s just come in black and white color schemes, which we realize is relatively plain. They’re not going to be for folks who want something bright and colorful. On the upside, they’re easy to fit into a dress code.
Some workplaces might not allow open-heeled clogs. Be sure to comply with your dress code!
Specs
- 100% Leather
- Synthetic sole
Pros
- Finished leather upper which is extremely high-quality
- Soften up as you break them in
- Cork footbed.
- We love the cork footbed for standing all day and walking around a busy ward
- They’re slip-resistant
Cons
- Take some breaking in
- Not a lot of color options
- Some workplaces might not allow open-heeled clogs.
2. Brooks Addiction Walker
These Brooks are designed for maximum comfort. Recommended by many doctors and physical therapists, they’re a great option for people with foot conditions/chronic discomfort.
Many buyers with joint problems in knees and ankles, as well as hips, found relief with the Addiction’s. If you have pronations or other serious ongoing problems in your long shifts, try these!
They’re our top choice for stability shoes, and we love the customizable insole, which is compatible with nearly any orthotics.
They provide incredibly supportive cushioning. These are often recommended by their podiatrists because of the sheer amount of support they offer, even in their cushioning material. The support comes from a thick sole with layers of rubber and foam under the foot. The built-in, structured insole is also removable for buyers who want to use orthotics.
There’s also plenty of cushion along with the structure. The Brooks have one of the thickest soles on the carpet, so there’s plenty for your feet to sink into. Lots of previous buyers wrote that their feet had never been more comfortable in a sneaker. That extra cushion really comes in handy for long hours and long distances on your feet.
They’re simple and low-maintenance. Reviewers said they fit true to size. The outsole is slip-resistant, and buyers said that the leather finish is easy to maintain. Previous buyers said they ended up with the black ones because they scuffed much less often. They also said using a magic eraser was a great way to keep white ones looking spic and spam.
They’re cheaper than Birkenstock’s or Dansko’s. These are perfect for someone who wants a simple, straightforward work shoe that’s comfortable without costing a fortune.
They’re not much to look at. Between the bulkiness of the sole and the lack of style options, some reviewers found them a bit too practical for their taste. These certainly aren’t the best choice for workplaces with formal dress codes, or nurses with a keen eye for style.
They fit snugly, so they won’t be very accommodating of heavy socks. If you wear heavy socks or use orthotic insoles, reviewers recommended ordering a half-size up.
Specs
- 100% Leather
- Synthetic sole
Pros
- Incredibly supportive cushioning
- Have one of the thickest soles on the carpet
- Simple and low-maintenance
- They’re cheaper than Birkenstock’s or Dansko’s
Cons
- Not much to look at
- Not very accommodating of heavy socks
Verdict
The Brooks is guaranteed to be comfortable. However, they’re also very utilitarian in appearance.
3. Birkenstock Super Birki Unisex Clog
These Birkenstocks are an excellent unisex choice for both male and female nurses. If you’re a fan of Birkenstock sandals or insoles, you know what to expect from these clogs.
They have an anatomical structure which will get you back to walking naturally. Reviewers say they reduce back and joint pain, and improve posture significantly. They’re slightly wider than usual American footwear. That’s a big benefit over long standing shifts, since the clogs can accommodate your foot’s natural swelling. They’re meant to fit slightly loose.
They come in two widths, so you can find your perfect fit! You can use a tape measure to get your millimeter measurements, or drop by the local shoe store to use a measuring device. Then, have a look at the Birk size chart to find your fit. They do wonders for your posture and gait. By properly supporting your arch and metatarsal dome, and bringing weight back onto the heels, these will help you stand up straighter and walk more naturally. The Birkenstock’s will get everything moving with proper alignment, which reduces pain and inflammation.
They mold to your foot. While synthetic, rubberized insoles hold their shape, and foams wear down, cork simply adapts to your own foot’s profile. That means you’ll get a personal fit, along with the strong arch and metatarsal support that’s already built into the footbed.
It might seem counter-intuitive for a firm sole to provide relief, but loyal Birkenstock wearers say that the design of these insoles are the absolute best for getting through a long day of standing. We couldn’t agree more. These are some of our favorite shoes for keeping yourself upright and alert all shift long.
You can also swap the standard footbeds out with one of Birkenstock’s other footbeds. They make a few different options for people with more specific needs, or folks who prefer a softer padding.
They’re the opposite of most footwear in that they get more comfortable the longer you wear them. The clog will become more flexible in the upper, and the cork will mold to the shape of your foot. The result is that these age incredibly well.
We’re big fans of Birkenstock here at Best Walking Feet, and we think these are some of the most ergonomic nursing shoes you can buy.
Knock-offs abound for Birkenstocks, so make sure you’re buying from an authorized reseller with a good reputation. Many buyers who posted negative reviews received knock-offs that were poorly made and much less comfortable than the real thing.
One other word of warning: as with Dankso, Birkenstock is a European company. You’ll want to be sure to get the correct size before you buy. You’ll often have to pay return shipping on these, so if you’re not seeing “free returns” listed, be extra sure to measure your feet up front, and check the sizing chart on the Birkenstock site.
In general, you’ll want to order one Euro size down (so, if your American size converts to 40, you should probably go for a 39 in these. If you have a tape measure handy, here’s an added benefit of buying Birkenstock: they’re sized on a millimeter scale, so you can see exactly where your feet fit on their sizing chart. Just measure the length of your foot in mm to find your exact Birk size.
You should also know that the Birkenstock approach to foot ergonomics is a bit different from many American companies. They’re aimed at providing structure, more than cushion. These footbeds are almost certainly better for you in the long run, but they can take some getting used to. And, if you’re attached to the more cushioned American-style shoes, you simply might not like them.
They don’t have quite as good ventilation as leather clogs, and some buyers complained that their toes got a bit sweaty. But then again… they’re Birkenstocks. If you’re not familiar with the German company, that means they will be incredibly supportive and promote good posture. And, as you wear them in, the cork footbed will mold to your own foot shape for a perfect fit. However, there’s a significant break-in period where you might find the stiff footbed fairly uncomfortable.
Specs
- Polyurethane
- Synthetic sole
Pros
- Slightly wider than usual
- Come in two widths
- Do wonders for your posture and gait
- Gives proper alignment
- Mold well to your foot
- Swappable footbeds
- Get more comfortable the longer you wear them
Cons
- Knock-offs abound
- Significant break-in period
- Not a lot of cushioning
- Not the most attractive shoes in the world
- Not very good ventilation
4. Skechers Women’s Loving Life Memory Foam
These Skechers are our favorite option for nurses on a budget. They’re simple, cushy, and very inexpensive.
Plus, they’re washable, which makes them a great choice for people who work in messier situations and need something they can clean regularly. They fit super comfortably, like a slipper or a sock! The mesh upper is breathable and flexible.
We also love how darn light these shoes are. They’re made entirely from foam and mesh fabrics, so they’re much lighter and less clunky than clogs or bigger shoes. The memory foam sole is adaptive and supportive. Memory foam isn’t something you’d traditionally find in footwear, but it’s been increasingly popular of late. That’s because unlike other soles, it’ll shape itself to your specific foot shape.
There’s also a flex-groove outsole underneath the memory foam, which provides traction and flexibility. Overall, reviewers were pretty unanimous that the memory foam was a massive relief over the course of the day. We found that even people who suffered from acute plantar fasciitis symptoms found relief with the Skechers.
They’re an excellent choice for people who don’t have specific foot issues or abnormalities, but rather need to cope with the sheer strain of standing and walking for long nursing shifts. Reviewers said they break in nicely. They’re very elasticated, which helps out for that first break-on period.
A couple reviewers warned about slip-resistance on wet floors. These definitely don’t have traction like the Timberlands or Merrells. Some reviews also found that these weren’t supportive enough for their needs, and that they needed something more structured. Since the memory foam insole doesn’t have any particular structure in the arch or heel, these are the best choice for people with no foot issues, who want something fairly neutral.
Specs
- 100% Faux leather and mesh fabric
- Rubber sole
Pros
- Super comfortable, like a slipper
- So light
- The memory foam sole is adaptive and supportive
- Flex-groove outsole
- Relief from acute plantar fasciitis
Cons
- Don’t have that much traction
- Look too casual
- Upper is very tight on first few wears
- Not very supportive
Verdict
For a lightweight, comfortable option with low replacement cost, check out the Skechers Loving Life. They’re washable, cozy, and you won’t have to worry about damaging their finish.
5. Dansko Women’s Professional Patent Clog
Dansko is one of the world’s most renowned brands of standing/work shoes, with a high reputation for quality. These are their most popular model. They have Dansko’s signature cork insole, and an elegant leather upper perfect for maintaining formal style.
Previous buyers say the unique sole design does wonders for joint problems and promotes proper back alignment. We love them for a classy nurse who wants a comfortable shoe that won’t cramp her style.
They’re professional, practical, and very fashionable. They are handmade with a leather upper, which comes in a wide range of finishes. There are plenty of options to choose from, with simple black leather, or elegant worked designs for more fashion-conscious nurses.
They’re designed for all-day comfort, thanks to Dansko’s signature clog style. Built-in arch support promotes good posture and reduces stress. The collar is lined for comfort, which prevents friction. The rocker bottom reduces fatigue and pressure on joints. They’re not a cushy shoe, but they have outstanding ergonomics, fit true to size, and stay firmly on your feet, unlike some lesser clogs.
The sturdy cork sole certainly might seem a bit counterintuitive. After all, cork is much harder than the foams usually found in insoles. However, the special European insole design has been loved for centuries because it encourages proper posture, and doesn’t allow the body to collapse in key stress points (arch, knees, hips, back). Having a shoe which provides real structure helps many nurses work long standing shifts without developing aches and pains.
They’re easy to clean. The patent leather finish wipes clean easily, and can handle the occasional alcohol wipe. However, you may have to touch up the finish regularly if you’re disinfecting these every day.
Popularity isn’t always an indicator of quality. In this case, though, the overwhelming support for Dansko’s among lifelong nurses speaks for itself. These are a tried and tested solution that’s been around for decades for a reason!
Dansko is a European brand, so the sizing is a bit different. Reviewers said they run small. You’ll have to order a size and a half up.
Some people don’t find them comfortable. That’s because they’re not particularly cushy. They work by providing a solid, supportive base for good posture, not by providing a pillowy footbed (like the Brooks Walkers, above). This is a matter of preference, so be prepared to test drive these before you decide whether to keep them.
Specs
- 100% Leather
- Polyurethrane sole
Pros
- Handmade with a leather upper
- Designed for all-day comfort
- Sturdy cork sole
- Easy to clean
- Tried and tested
Cons
- Sizing runs small
- Not cushy
6. Crocs Women’s Mercy Work Clog
We couldn’t put together a buying guide to the best nursing shoes without mentioning Crocs! Aside from Dansko’s, they’re the most popular brand in medical facilities.
The standard Crocs aren’t safe or sanitary for nursing, but these Mercy clogs have a fully-enclosed upper that’s up to snuff. We think they’re the best Crocs you can have as a nurse.
They’re very popular among nurses, which is always a good indicator of quality. Nurses don’t put up with anything crappy! These are some of the most ubiquitous shoes in wards and facilities. They fit roomy, so there’s room for your feet to swell naturally through the shift. At the same time, the collar design keeps them from slipping off.
They couldn’t be easier to sanitize. The Crocs material can be hosed down, soaped up–whatever you need to do. They’re the easiest things here to clean.
They’re equipped with slip-resistant treads, so you don’t have to worry about any safety issues. They’re surprisingly effective, too, when you consider the price. We really like the nubs in the footbed, which make for a massage all day long! Trust us–they’re not annoying as they sound. If you’ve ever tried those sandals with the hundreds of nubs instead of a solid insole, you’ve had a similar experience. These are less severe, but they do a good job keeping your circulation up and keeping knots out of your feet.
These offer much better arch support and stability than the recreational Crocs, which is what you want if you’re on your feet all day at work. They’re more anatomically-correct, and they don’t squish down quite as much through the footbeds.
The flipside is, they don’t breathe well. Like all Crocs, they’re made from a synthetic rubbery material, which is impervious to air or water. Since these don’t have the usual cutouts, they can get sweaty. That’s also true of the Birkenstock’s, though.
Crocs are an acquired taste. Some people love them, some people hate them. The look and general feel won’t be for everybody. If you’re looking for something classy, you should probably look at Dansko’s.
They’re not as supportive as Birkenstock’s. The footbeds are the same material as other Crocs. They’re supportive, but a lot squishier than Birk’s or Dansko’s. There are lots of knock-off’s out there, even on Amazon. Make sure to buy directly from Amazon or an authorized reseller.
Specs
- 100% Croslite
- Rubber sole
Pros
- Popular among nurses
- They fit roomy
- Easy to sanitize
- Slip-resistant treads
- Massaging nubs in the footbed
- Better arch support and stability than the recreational Crocs
Cons
- Don’t breathe well
- Not as supportive as Birks
- Lots of knock-off’s out there
Verdict
The Crocs are easily cleaned and sanitized, and are reasonably well-cushioned. However, they don’t come with many color options.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Most Comfortable Shoes For You
Comfort
A good pair of women’s nursing shoes should be comfortable enough to stand in all day. You’ll want a fair amount of cushion, and a well-designed sole, to reduce pressure on your feet and joints.
Lots of these shoes have rocker bottoms, which are a rounded shape designed to help you move more naturally from heel to toe, as you would in an athletic shoe.
Others will have foam cushioning, or strong arch support. Try to find the right balance between structure and cushioning. This will be different for everybody, since all feet are shaped differently.
In general, though, we encourage structure over cushioning. It might seem counterintuitive, but a firmer, more anatomical footbed will often result in healthier feet than something super pillowy.
You’ll also want to find shoes that will stay cool. Many models have odor-resistant, heat-wicking linings designed to help with this.
Shoes with mesh uppers will be the coolest option, but clogs and more open heel designs are also less prone to heat-retention and sweat buildup.
Practicality
In a nursing environment, you’ll no doubt come in contact with more than a few things that will require washing.
So you’ll want a shoe with a surface you can sanitize. Synthetic uppers can take heavier duty cleaners, and are simple to wipe down.
Many leather models will also be easy to clean and maintain, as long as they have a relatively heavy finish, and you make sure to keep the leather oiled and conditioned.
If you’re working in a particularly dirty environment, you might want to stay away from fabric or patterned and tooled leather.
Fabrics pick up dirt and stains almost instantly, and fancy leatherwork isn’t something that’s practical for a medical facility.
It’s also important to find non-slip soles. You’ll want a decent amount of traction, especially in case of a spill. Natural rubber outsoles do much better on hospital floors than synthetic materials.
Style
You want your nursing shoes to be practical, but it’s important to be able to bring a bit of your own personal style to the workplace.
Of course, you’ll want to coordinate your shoes with your scrubs or uniform. With that said, we’ve tried to find some options that go beyond the normal scrub shoes and Crocs in terms of stylish but professional appearance.
Our choices have lots of color and style options as well, especially the Alegrias and the Danskos. You know your workplace requirements, so try to find the right balance between fashion and professionalism.
If you need plainer options, look to the Merrells and the Timberlands for simple, functional design. Otherwise, find something that brings a bit of personal flair to the table!
Price
Your nursing shoes are your work shoes. They probably won’t be shoes that you wear around the house, or out on the town. So, they might not be a big investment for you.
Maybe you’re the sort of person who wants to be able to replace them easily, in case of a big spill or other workplace hazards.
Then again, if you’ve got a long workweek, and spend more time at work than at home, these might be your primary shoes after all.
Be sure to consider the environment you work in. If you’re in a relatively classy private practice, you probably don’t want to wear something as utilitarian as you might in a general ward.
Conclusion
We’ve covered a range of footwear options. As you’ve seen, there’s quite a variety available. So, which do you choose?
Overall, we think the very best nursing shoes are the Dansko women’s professional clogs – with their smart appearance yet supreme comfort they look great with your work gear.
If you didn’t find what you’re looking for, or are interested in more of our picks for the best footwear available, check out our guides to the best walking shoes, running shoes, and shoes for standing all day.
Happy shopping!
