The 9 Best Shoes for Nurses 2025, Podiatrist-Approved

As a regular runner and frequent traveler, I know how crucial comfortable footwear is. But no one depends on it more than nurses. These healthcare heroes spend hours on their feet, walking hospital hallways, assisting patients, and tackling back-to-back shifts. It’s physically demanding work that makes supportive, durable shoes an absolute essential. Finding the best shoes for nurses is crucial, not just for those working 12-hour shifts, but for anyone who spends long days on their feet. 

To uncover the true standouts, I tapped two nurses to test top-rated shoes during actual hospital shifts. Over dozens of long days and thousands of steps, they rated each pair for fit, comfort, cushioning, support, stability, and overall value. I also consulted two podiatrists to find out which pairs they recommend to their patients for standing all day. Based on all their insights, I rounded up the three best shoes for nurses that truly go the distance — whether you’re caring for patients or just need ultra-supportive sneakers for long days on your feet.

The Shape Scoring Scale

5 – In Perfect Shape!

4 – Now We’re Talking

3 – Good, But Needs Some Work

2 – OK, But Nothing Special

1 – Don’t Recommend

Credit: Hoka

Sizes: Women’s 4–12 | Weight: 10 ounces | Upper Material: Knit mesh | Arch Support Level: High

ICU nurse Jamie, who averages about 15,000 steps per 12-hour shift, calls the Hoka Bondi 9 Shoes a total game-changer. With flat feet, she’s used to ending her shifts with sore arches and tired knees, but not anymore. The plush, springy cushioning keeps her comfortable from the first patient round to the last charting session, while the stable midsole helps reduce impact on hard hospital floors. After 13 hours on her feet, Jamie says her legs still feel fresh — a rare feat in nursing shoes.

Another standout feature is the breathable knit mesh upper, which keeps her feet cool even during busy summer shifts. Jamie also loves that these come in 21 color options, letting her swap styles from shift to street. Her only note? The light cloth exterior can scuff or show dirt quickly. But for the comfort payoff, she says it’s more than worth the extra care. It’s no wonder this Hoka is one of the best shoes for nurses (and anyone who spends their day on their feet).

Also available in men’s sizes at: Amazon, Zappos, Hoka

Jamie’s Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!

• Credit: Shape

• Credit: Shape

Credit: Amazon

Sizes: Women’s 5–13 | Weight: 9.3 ounces | Upper Material: Jacquard mesh | Arch Support Level: Moderate

For nurses tackling physically demanding shifts — think pushing wheelchairs, lifting patients, and navigating slick hallways — a stable shoe is a must. PACU nurse Sheila, who’s on her feet for about 10 hours per shift, says the Asics Gel Nimbus 27 Shoe gives her the solid footing she needs to move confidently all day. Its wide, supportive base and impact-absorbing midsole help steady every step, even when she’s carrying extra weight or turning quickly on hospital floors.

That said, Sheila notes that these aren’t quite as breathable as lighter, knit models. After long shifts, her feet can feel a bit warm, and she says the thicker sole adds a touch of bulk. Still, for cooler months or anyone who prioritizes stability and shock absorption over airy design, this pair delivers comfort shift after shift. It’s one of the best shoes for nurses who need serious support under pressure.

Also available in men’s sizes at: Amazon, Asics 

Sheila’s Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking

• Credit: Shape

• Credit: Shape

Credit: Brooks

Why We Love It

• Lightweight feel

• Soft, comfy cushioning

• Excellent breathability

Sizes: Women’s 5–12 | Weight: 9.7 ounces | Upper Material: Mesh | Arch Support Level: Moderate

Brooks is a go-to brand among nurses, and Sheila says it’s easy to see why. During her 10-hour shifts averaging 10,000 steps, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 Shoe was a total BFF to her flat feet. With its lightweight design, soft foam sole, and breathable mesh upper, she says these sneakers deliver the kind of cloud-like comfort that makes long days feel surprisingly doable — especially compared to some pairs that she says, “feel like cinder blocks on your feet.”

Still, Sheila had a few notes. This pair doesn’t offer the most traction, which could be tricky in environments prone to spills or slick spots. She also found durability to be just okay after one mishap: “My foot got caught on the bottom of a closing door and a little chunk of the foam came out,” she says. Even so, for nurses (or anyone) who prioritize lightweight comfort above all else, these earn high marks as one of the best shoes for nurses who want cushion without the clunk.

Also available in men’s sizes at: Dick’s, Brooks 

Sheila’s Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking

• Credit: Shape

• Credit: Shape

Other Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes for Nurses

How We Tested the Shoes for Nurses

Our two nurse testers put these shoes through their paces, literally. Each nurse tried four pairs over multiple weeks of real hospital shifts, logging up to 10 shifts per pair that ran anywhere from 10 to 13 hours. That’s roughly 100+ hours of testing and up to 15,000 steps per day spent walking, standing, and sprinting through busy hospital corridors. Throughout every shift, they paid close attention to how each shoe performed during the demands of their work.

After every shift, our testers documented their experiences in detail, noting how each shoe felt during long hours on their feet and how their legs and arches responded afterward. They evaluated each style in key performance categories: fit, comfort, cushioning, heel and arch support, breathability, slip resistance, and durability. They also recorded how quickly shoes broke in, how well they held up to spills or long wear, and whether they kept their feet cool and supported from clock-in to clock-out.

Ultimately, their notes revealed which pairs truly stood out as the best shoes for nurses and anyone spending long hours on their feet every day. 

What to Look for in Shoes For Nurses

• Prioritize All-Day Comfort: Nurses give their all for patients for hours on end, and the last thing they deserve is throbbing, aching feet. When searching for shoes for standing all day, comfort is king. Look for plush, responsive midsoles that absorb shock and reduce fatigue. “Plush midsoles reduce the beating received from hard floors, particularly in models with high stack heights,” says podiatrist Jodi Schoenhaus, DPM, FACFAS.
• Support is Key: For shift work, or any job that requires you to stand for hours, structure is crucial. Shoes with solid arch support and firm heel counters help stabilize the foot and reduce strain. “Arch-supportive shoes should have firm heel counters and good side-to-side control, all of which help limit excess motion,” says podiatrist Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, FFPM, RCPS. 
• Slip Resistance Matters: Spills and slick floors aren’t limited to hospitals, so traction is a must for any hardworking shoe. “Slip resistance is non-negotiable,” says Schoenhaus. Shoes with grippy, patterned outsoles help prevent slips so you can move confidently through long shifts, classrooms, or busy days on your feet.
• Breathability Prevents Overheating: Even in cool environments, hours of movement can lead to overheated feet. Breathable materials, like mesh uppers or moisture-wicking liners, keep feet dry and fresh. “A mesh breathable upper is great for those who are working long hours, and they often pair well with compression socks that nurses are often wearing due to long hours of standing,” says Landau.
• Durability Counts: Between constant motion and hard flooring, daily wear can take a toll on your shoes. Schoenhaus notes that high-quality rubber outsoles and reinforced stitching are signs of a shoe built to last, whether it’s through back-to-back hospital shifts or any long day that keeps you on your feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What brand of shoes is best for nurses?

  There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but Schoenhaus swears by the Hoka Bondi and Brooks Ghost for long shifts. “Hoka is on top because it offers standout cushioning and support,” she says. “[Or] Brooks is a good happy medium, since it’s comfortable but still supportive.”

• Why do nurses love Hokas?

  Ever notice that a lot of nurses wear Hokas? It’s for good reason. Hokas deliver plush cushioning, lightweight construction, and reliable stability — all features that make them ideal for anyone who spends hours on their feet. They also come at a relatively affordable price point, making them a favorite for comfort seekers beyond the hospital floor.

• What are the best shoes to wear if you’re on your feet all day?

  According to Schoenhaus, while Hokas are an excellent overall pick, the best shoe for all-day wear is one that still feels great after hours of use. “Your feet swell during the day, so be sure to try on shoes in the evening,” she says. “Alternate between two pairs if you can, and replace them every four to six months.” Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, or retail worker, proper fit and rotation can make all the difference in all-day comfort.

• Are running shoes good for nursing shifts?

  Both Schoenhaus and Landau agree that running shoes can be great for long nursing shifts, as long as they’re slip-resistant. “If the outsole is unable to handle a wet tile floor, then it’s probably not what you want,” Schoenhaus notes. “So yes, they can be effective, but I advise nurses to choose models with hospital-grade traction and stability.”

Why Trust Shape

Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC, is a health and wellness journalist with eight years of experience. Throughout her career, she has tested hundreds of wellness products, including dozens of walking shoes. As a runner and frequent traveler, she’s become a connoisseur of comfortable footwear. Her closet just might be overflowing with shoes. For this story, along with our two nurse testers, Sarah consulted with the following foot and shoe experts:

• Jodi Schoenhaus, DPM, FACFAS, podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center in Boca Raton, Florida
• Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, FFPM, RCPS, podiatrist and assistant professor of orthopedics & pediatrics at New York College of Podiatric Medicine