Nurses will walk on average at least 9,000 steps1 during a 12-hour shift—and proper footwear is key to making it through a physically (and mentally) demanding shift.

The best shoes for nurses provide the necessary support for the long hours spent on their feet, with a combination of cushioning, outsole traction, and arch support.

What's more, these shoes are either washable or waterproof, which is essential for hectic healthcare spaces where spills are common.

“The average person walks anywhere between 1.5 to two miles per day,” says Austin-based podiatrist, Anne Sharkey, DPM. For healthcare workers, who spend most of their days on the move, that number can get much higher.

“With each step, the heel strikes the ground, and weight bearing forces are transmitted through the entire foot. This equates to a lot of stress through the joints in the feet.”

Research backs this, too. One recent review from 2023 found that nurses are at high risk of developing chronic foot pain2 due to the physical demand of the job.

Another 2023 review shows prolonged walking and standing puts nurses at a higher risk of foot and ankle disorders3.

Nurse recommended

We crowdsourced nurses for these picks by reading hundreds of reviews and interviewing the author’s personal connections.

Versatile style

Nursing shoes need to be sturdy, but we know style is also important. Whether you love a clog or a lace up sneaker, we found a suitable shoe for your next long shift.

Easy to clean

Nurses often have a messy job—that’s why we tried to keep wipe-friendly and wash-friendly materials at the top of our priority list when making these picks.

Expert criteria

If you’re looking for a shoe that can stand up to spills and stains, these deliver. They’re waterproof, easy to clean, and have slip-resistant soles to keep you grounded.

Plus, these shoes are super lightweight and made with partially recycled materials. While most people say they run true to size, nurses with wide feet may prefer the Stand+ Pro Line.

While they’re a hit with nurses for their lightweight, waterproof design, one tradeoff is that the shoes can trap heat and moisture if your feet tend to run hot. As a result, some reviewers complain about squeaking.

If eco-friendly initiatives and materials are important to you, check out Allbirds, one of the most sustainable shoe brands around. The Tree Runners include materials such as eucalyptus-derived Tencel, laces derived from recycled water bottles, and foams made from sugarcane and castor bean oil.

These shoes are a hit with nurses for their cushy comfort, breathable upper, and easy machine wash-friendly design.

On the con side, they’re rather flexible, so they might not work for folks who need more support. Plus, they’re only available in whole sizes, so if you’re in between Allbirds advises that you size up.

Since its launch in 2018, Clove has been an extremely popular pick with nurses across the country. This Classic shoe was designed with input from healthcare providers who are on their feet all day.

The outer material is fluid-resistant, the shoes are well-cushioned with solid arch support, and the elastic tie system means you never have to worry about loose laces.

Nurses love that these shoes are available in many fun colors, are easy to keep clean (you can wipe them down easily and even throw the insoles in the wash). Plus, every Clove purchase comes with two pens and a branded badge wheel.

While the Clove Classic shoe benefits from being fluid-resistant, the durable and wipeable material can trap heat more easily. If you know you’ll want more breathability, check out Clove’s Aero model.

The Aeros are still fluid-resistant, with micro perforations to encourage a more breathable feel. They’re slightly lighter, but have a good amount of cushion and arch support for long days on your feet.

While these shoes are not available in wide sizes, several reviewers note that if you typically wear wides you’ll be happy going a half size up.

While they’re originally designed for running, Hokas have become extremely popular among healthcare workers thanks to their cushy, shock-absorbing design.

The Bondi 8 is a lightweight, breathable shoe with neutral support and a memory foam ankle cradle. They’re approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and include recycled polyester throughout the upper.

One consideration: These will be tougher to keep clean than others, as they’re not fluid-resistant or machine washable.

With a rocker style shape, solid arch support, and generous heel cushion, On’s Cloudnova shoes are a hit with nurses—especially those who are prone to plantar fasciitis.

They’re not available in wide sizes, but many reviewers say the standard size is roomy enough for wide feet, especially in the toes. The Cloudnovas are soft to slide into and use a customizable lacing system that lets you tuck the laces neatly under the tongue so you can prevent the dreaded loose lace during your shift.

One consideration we should note is that these aren’t waterproof (although On does make waterproof shoes!), so they aren’t as easy to keep clean as other pairs on our list.

For a classic clog-style shoe, try this slip-resistant pair from Calzuro. These shoes are autoclavable (which means you can steam sterilize them), machine washable, and dishwasher-friendly.

While we didn’t see many complaints about breathability, they’re also available in a perforated design for added ventilation.

Calzuro offers the option to add a comfort insole and heel straps to keep your feet more secure. Some folks do mention the shoes running small, so take a good look at their unique size chart before ordering.

Sharkey says that, in general, a shoe should fit well, have good arch support, and have generous shock absorption and cushioning. Consider the below factors when picking which shoes are right for you.

Fit:

Per Sharkey, it’s important to make sure your shoes are the appropriate size, both in terms of length and width.

“Shoes should be purchased after trying them on at the end of the day (when your feet are most swollen) to ensure that they won’t be too tight if swelling is to occur,” she advises.

Support:

“A shoe for activity should not be able to be taken and bent or twisted in half—this is a sign the shoe is too flexible and won’t provide adequate support for long hours of activity,” Sharkey says.

“There should be good support at the heel counter (the back of the shoe that cups the heel). A good way to test this is to attempt to squeeze it between your thumb and pointer finger. There should be little give with this test.”

Additionally, knowing your foot type is key for finding the right pair. “Those with flat feet are going to want to look for a stability shoe or a motion control shoe, while those with high arches will be best suited with neutral shoes,” Sharkey explains.

Shock absorption & cushioning:

“Because hospital and clinic settings often have nurses working on hardwood, tile, or concrete surfaces, shock absorption and cushioning is so important,” Sharkey adds.

“Foot pain, knee pain, hip pain and back pain can be signs of inadequate shoe gear,” Sharkey says. “Foot and leg aching, as well as fatigue are also signs of poor shoe gear.”

Because nursing is a job that keeps you on your toes—literally—it’s important to find a pair of shoes that keep your feet feeling supported and cushioned.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of supportive shoes in a variety of styles for nurses to choose from.

Foot pain is a drag, but it can also lead to larger issues up the kinetic chain, such as knee and back pain.