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.)
Our top picks
- Best Overall: On Cloud 5 Waterproof
- Most Cushioned: Hoka Bondi 8
- Most Breathable: Clove Classic
- Best for Flat Feet: Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
- Best for High Arches: Ryka Devotion X Max
- Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Flex Via
- Best Clogs: Dansko Professional
- Best Slip-Ons: Clove Solo
- Best Waterproof: Crocs Classic Clogs
- Best for Wide Feet: New Balance 990v6
What to consider when shopping for shoes for nurses
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).
Shop the best shoes for nurses
Best Overall: On Cloud 5 Waterproof
Zappos
Zappos
Zappos
Pros
- Water-resistant coating
- Lightweight
- Quick elastic lacing system
- Available in half sizes
Cons
- Pricey
- Some Zappos reviewers say there’s a short break-in period
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 eight 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.
Most Cushioned: Hoka Bondi 8
Zappos
Zappos
Zappos
Pros
- Thick foam cushioning
- Available in wide and half sizes
- Wide toe box
- Can fit custom orthotics
- APMA seal of approval
Cons
- May take some time to get used to the bulky sole
- Pricey
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.
Most Breathable: Clove Classic
Clove
Clove
Clove
Pros
- Airy lining
- Machine-washable, moisture-wicking insole
- Certified slip-resistant
- APMA seal of approval
Cons
- Pricey
- Some Clove reviewers say they run narrow
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.
Best for Flat Feet: Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
Asics
Asics
Asics
Pros
- Extra plush midsole has two types of cushioning
- Moisture-wicking sockliner
- Roomy toe box
Cons
- Not fluid-resistant
- Bulkier than some of our other picks
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.
Best for High Arches: Ryka Devotion X Max
Ryka
Amazon
Amazon
Pros
- Super breathable
- APMA seal of acceptance
- A good value
- Fluid-resistant upper
Cons
- Not machine-washable
