It’s hard to find a nurse today dressed head-to-toe in white, unless you’re a fan of old movies that is. Bright colors and novelty prints (think floral designs, geometrics and polka dots) have taken over the best shoes for nurses, allowing these essential workers to express their personal style on the job.
While uniform dress codes may vary from doctors’ offices to individual hospitals, footwear requirements remain the same — slip-resistant clogs or lace-up styles offer nurses protection and are also easy to clean.
Since comfort is also critical for these professionals, who often work 12-hour shifts, nursing shoe brands like Dansko, Alegria and Nurse Mates are adding a range of benefits to their offerings like energy-return cushioned footbeds, arch supports antimicrobial linings and bottoms that provide a hint of bounce.
To simplify your shopping experience, we rounded up the best shoes for nurses that come from top brands and have hundreds of rave customer reviews.
Read on to choose your favorite.
Dansko Professional
Highlights of Dansko’s Professional include a breathable leather sockliner and shock-absorbing foam footbed that naturally helps evaporate perspiration. This shoe also boasts a protective heel counter that provides lateral stability.
What reviewers say: “Great work shoe! I work 12.5-hour shifts in a hospital. I have spent a lot of money buying every nursing shoe under the sun, and my Danskos are the best purchase I have ever made…LOVE THEM!”
Skechers Comfort Flex Pro
Coming in wide-width size options, Skechers’ Comfort Flex Pro features a breathable, stain-repellant upper and an air-cooled memory foam footbed.
What reviewers say: “An absolute winner! I’ve been wearing Skechers since the late ’90s through plantar fasciitis, 30 years of elder caregiving and just everyday wear. These are by far the best work pair I’ve ever put my foot in. Slip-resistance and water repellent. Absolutely no break-in time needed. They are wonderful!”
Spring Step Ferrara
A unique look that doesn’t skimp on support, Spring Step’s Ferrara clog includes a cool fog-inspired print, plus a triple-density insole that’s antifungal and antibacterial to prevent infection and odors from forming. You can also replace the insole with custom orthotics, if you so desire.
What reviewers say: “Love them. Don’t last more than a year with heavy use, but worth it. Get compliments all the time. Not ankle breakers and no issues with running around in an ER for 13 hours! This is my third pair!”
Klogs Naples
Feet should stay comfortable and stable in Klogs’ Naples shoe, featuring a padded collar, fatigue-fighting midsoles and high-grip, slip-resistant outsoles. They come in multiple widths and a variety of bold patterns to choose from.
Alegria Keli Professional
With the Alegria Keli Professional, underfoot support is delivered via a removable memory foam footbed and sole technology that reduces pressure on the central metatarsal and heel. They’re also lined in soft, flexible leather and come in plenty of fun prints.
What reviewers say: “This shoe is the best for folks who are on their feet throughout their workday. It also has helped me with knee and back pain because of the support it gives. Alegria brand shoes come with wide toe boxes, which help people like me who need a wide shoe width.”
Timberland Pro Renova Professional
The leather on Timberland’s Pro Renova Professional is treated with 3M Scotchguard for reliable stain protection. Inside, the style utilizes antimicrobial technology to control odors and anti-fatigue properties for all-day standing support.
What reviewers say: “This is my third pair in 20 years. Absolutely the best for healthcare professionals. No rolling your ankle, slipping out of your shoes, no cracked heel. No lower back pain.”
Nurse Mates Dorin
Part of the brand’s Align series, Nurse Mates’ Dorin clog is designed with a built-in orthotic that aids in positioning the foot properly to achieve ultimate stability and support. Inside, there’s also a moisture-wicking fabric lining to keep feet cool and dry.
What reviewers say: “These shoes are super comfortable! Great support — cradles my foot with cushioning and support in the arches. I have had no issues with sizing. I am a medium size 8 and they fit perfectly. They are very lightweight.”
SoftWalk Meredith Sport
The SoftWalk Meredith Sport has soft leather uppers with plush padding around the collar, flexible, slip-resistant outsoles and a contoured footbed with arch support. A nylon shank also boosts stability.
What reviewers say: “These are my favorite shoes. As a nurse who does 12-hour shifts, my feet never get tired or sore when I wear these. They’re amazing from the time they come out of the box. I have some that are two years old and I still wear them!”
Nike Air Zoom Pulse
Crafted for and tested by actual nurses, Nike’s Air Zoom Pulse offers a chic, sporty look and a natural feel with flexible traction. The shoe is made of a durable, easy-to-clean material and features soft foam cushioning with a Zoom Air unit under the heel.
What reviewers say: “I work an 8-hour shift on my feet every day. Have tried all kinds of shoes for healthcare workers, but nothing performed well for my wide feet. When I finally found those shoes available on the Nike website, I didn’t hesitate to buy them. What a game-changer! They are very comfortable and stylish for a work shoe. I highly recommend these shoes.”
Hunter Original Play
While most famous for its line of royal family-approved wellies, Hunter’s Original Play clog is another great silhouette from the brand. The style made of natural high-quality rubber is 100% waterproof and lined with breathable polyester.
What reviewers say: “Soooo cute for work! I am a nurse and wear these every day for long shifts. I love them. They’re comfy, waterproof, easy to clean and such a great color! I get compliments on them every day. Good support and grip for slippery floors. Would buy another pair for sure.”
Anywear SR Angel
The most affordable option on our list, Anywear’s SR Angel clog incorporates a molded, cushioned upper and midsole with ventilation holes on the sides for temperature control. Its anatomical footbed is also treated to resist odor-causing bacteria.
What reviewers say: “I’m a nurse that works a lot of hours and these shoes stood the test! I have expensive shoes in other name brands and l can honestly say these shoes aren’t any different from them in quality.”
Laforst Rachel
A whimsical floral print adds a seasonal touch to Laforst’s Rachel leather clog, which is made ultra-comfortable thanks to elastic side goring and memory foam cushioning underfoot. The style is also available in a wide range of other unique designs.
What reviewers say: “Love these, not only are they adorable but they are super comfortable to walk around in all day. I use to wear tennis shoes to work with my scrubs every day, but if it was raining or snowing out my feet would get all wet. Since buying these waterproof shoes, wet feet are no longer an issue. I love the memory foam.”
Snibbs Spacecloud
Created by chef Daniel Shemtob for all types of workers who spend hours on their feet, Snibbs’ Spacecloud also provides a chic, athletic-inspired look. The slip-on design features adjustable laces that help loosen or tighten the shoe’s side cages so you can fine-tune the fit. For additional comfort and protection, the style includes Snibbs’ custom Ortholite insole, a deep heel cup and water-resistant upper.
