7 Best Brooks Shoes for Nurses

Looking for the best Brooks shoes for nurses? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’ll quickly explore top Brooks models designed for the comfort and support nurses need during those long 12-hour shifts.

What is the Best Brook Shoe For Nurses?

Based on my research, the Brooks Levitate 2 comes out on top as the best Brooks shoe for nurses.

With its DNA AMP midsole, you’ll enjoy exceptional energy return, keeping you energized during long shifts.

The Fit Knit upper ensures a snug fit and excellent breathability, while the flexible arrow-point pattern on the outsole helps you move effortlessly from one task to another.

However, if you’re considering a close runner-up, the Brooks Ghost 12 is an excellent option.

Its combination of BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft cushioning offers a soft, responsive feel underfoot, while the Segmented Crash Pad ensures smooth transitions.

With reviewing the shoes, it’s important to note that your mileage may vary.

This is why I always recommend buying from a place such as this one where you can feel confident that if there’s a problem You can feel confident knowing you can return it without a problem.

Best Brooks Shoes for Nurses

1. Brooks Ghost 12

If you’re looking for a shoe that feels comfortable right from the start, the Brooks Ghost 12 is the one for you.

Cushioned in all the right places, these shoes will literally have you feeling like you’re walking on air.

The cushioned design utilizes superior technology by combining BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT for a shoe that doesn’t require any breaking-in period.

You can simply slip them on and go without any foot pain at the end of your shift.

Several other features make this shoe superior to similar running shoes. The mesh fabric is breathable, so your feet stay fresh even during those long, overnight shifts.

The unique Segmented Crash Pad gives your foot plenty of protection no matter what spot you land on.

Since there’s cushion with every step, you’re guaranteed a smooth heel-to-toe transition that will make running from one patient to the next feel like a breeze.

Pros:

• BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushion
• No breaking-in period necessary
• Breathable, mesh fabric

Cons:

• Extra ankle padding may not work for everyone
• Narrow toe box may require a wider size
• Not waterproof material

The Brooks Ghost 12 is available on Amazon.

2. Brooks Ravenna 10

Nurses suffering from foot and knee problems can rejoice with this Brooks Ravenna 10 shoe.

Comfort and support are the main standouts with this shoe, with the curved bottom sole offering plenty of stability for those dealing with flat feet or a high arch.

When the bottom of the foot is properly supported, the rest of the body follows suit.

This shoe will also help eliminate ankle, knee, and lower back problems as the arch of the foot is correctly positioned so that the rest of the body is in proper alignment.

In addition to being an excellent shoe for those coping with foot, ankle, and knee problems, it also looks great.

It comes in three bright colors that will coordinate with a variety of different nursing scrubs.

The lightweight material is breathable and makes it feel like you’re barely wearing any shoes at all.

Pros:

• Proper arch support
• Lightweight material
• Removable insole for orthotic placement

Cons:

• Only three color options
• Stiff toe box may need a breaking in period
• Looseness in the heel can be remedied with proper lacing techniques

Put an extra bounce in your step with these comfortable, fashionable running shoes available on Amazon.

3. Brooks Levitate 2

The Brooks Levitate 2 is the ultimate work shoe for nurses because it offers plenty of flexibility and cushion for those long shifts standing on your feet.

What sets this shoe apart from the rest is the innovative Fit Knit heel collar wrap that includes an Achilles Guard, which protects the Achilles Tendon from irritation that can occur with repetitive walking and running.

The collar wrap also offers a cool and sleek look that you won’t find in many other running shoes.

In terms of durability and stability, the crystal rubber outsole is built-to-last, and the medium to high arch support is ideal for those that suffer from tendon problems in the foot like plantar fasciitis.

The DNA AMP cushion provides the ultimate level of comfort for busy nurses that are constantly on their feet.

The cushion is springy and makes walking and running even easier.

Not only will these shoes ensure you’re moving around safely while at work, but they’ll also give you an extra spring in your step, so you feel like you’re walking on a cloud.

Pros:

• Fit Knit heel collar wrap
• Achilles Guard protects the Achilles Tendon
• Medium to high arch support

Cons:

• Does not come in wide size options
• Not designed for supination issues
• The rubber sole tends to crack with frequent hard use

See the price of the Brooks Levitate 2 on Amazon.com.

4. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 16 Road Running Shoe

Never fear blisters after a long shift again with these Brooks Women’s Glycerin 16 Road Running Shoes.

The design is seamless from start to finish with a mesh upper that provides breathability and a plush fit that completely surrounds your ankle.

This helps in preventing injuries and uncomfortable blisters and bumps that typically come along with the job of being a nurse.

There’s also plenty of comfort and flexibility for the bottom of your feet thanks to the Super DNA cushioned midsole that’s even superior to other Brooks brand shoes.

Add in the plush transition zone, which makes moving from heel to toe effortless, and this shoe is one of the best options for busy nurses.

They also come in several cool color combinations along with the basic white and black.

Pros:

• Plush fit around the ankle prevents blisters
• Super DNA cushioned midsole
• Supportive transition zone

Cons:

• Not as stable as other running shoes
• Tend to run small
• The toe box is not as wide as other shoes

See the price of the Brooks Glycerin 16 Road Running Shoe on Amazon.

5. Brooks Women’s Addiction 13

Comfort and durability combine in this reasonably priced Women’s Addiction 13 shoe from Brooks.

Recommended by some as one of the best shoes for controlling pronation, there are also several other beneficial features with this product. It comes in three great colors:

• Black/Pink/Grey
• Ebony/Silver/Blue
• Blue/Teal/Purple

So each style can be worn with multiple scrub color combinations.

Brooks put a lot of thought into creating the perfect running shoe, and it shows.

From the breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays to the heel segmented crash pad, each part of this shoe was carefully thought out and executed.

There’s also a padded tongue and collar, removable foam insole, a diagonal rollbar, and midsole cushioned with BioMoGo DNA to create a superior stride with every step you take.

Pros:

• Recommended to help control pronation
• Three classic color combinations
• BioMoGo DNA cushioned insole is environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Tight toe box
• Loose upper can be remedied with the proper lacing technique
• Only three color options

Check the price of the Brooks Addiction 13 on Amazon.

6. Brooks Women’s Ariel ’18

If you suffer from flat or wide feet, the Brooks Women’s Ariel ’18 is the ideal shoe for you.

The highly supportive arch helps those with flat feet properly align their bodies from the bottom up, preventing knee, hip, and back pain.

When the feet aren’t correctly aligned due to low arches, long work shifts on your feet can wreak havoc on the rest of the body.

These shoes are excellent in preventing that. They are also roomy and an excellent option for those with wide feet.

The Super DNA cushioning that Brooks is known for is also present in this shoe. Each step you take feels supportive and like you’re walking on air.

There’s also a mesh upper for breathability, a wide toe box to avoid painful blisters, and an external heel counter for ultimate stability control.

The patented Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar gently guides the foot and body into the proper position so that each move you make is fully cushioned and supported.

Pros:

• Arch support for flat feet
• Wide toe box
• Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar keeps the foot in the proper position

Cons:

• Firm midsole takes time to break-in
• Only three color options
• The laces are relatively short

The Brooks Ariel 18 is available on Amazon.com.

7. Brooks Men Dyad 9

A wide and stable shoe is what you’ll find with the Brooks Men Dyad 9. Those that deal with the pain of having flat feet will find comfort in the BioMoGo DNA cushioned midsole.

The insole can be removed to place custom orthotics underneath for even more support.

The BioMoGo DNA is also environmentally-friendly and breaks down faster than other similar products.

The look of the shoe is gender-neutral with two classic color combinations- black/blue and grey/red.

There’s also a padded tongue and collar, breathable fabric lining, reinforced toe, and laces that are just the right length.

The heel segmented crash pad allows for smoother transitions by absorbing any shock that appears with each step.

The rubber outsole offers superior grip when moving around in the very fast-paced environment of a hospital or doctor’s office.

Pros:

• Ideal for flat feet
• BioMoGo DNA cushioning
• Gender-neutral design

Cons:

• Only two color options
• Narrow toe box
• The stiff outsole may require a breaking in period

The Brooks Men Dyad 9 is available on Amazon.com.

Brooks Shoe Buying Guide for Nurses

Below is our shoe buying guide to help you with your search for the best Brooks shoes for nurses.

1. Arch Support

The alignment of the foot dictates how the rest of the body is aligned. Feet that aren’t properly aligned because the arches aren’t correctly supported can lead to issues like (source):

• Plantar fasciitis
• Sprained ankles
• Tight calves
• Knee, hip, or lower back pain

Finding shoes that provide the correct arch support is important. Those with flat feet require a removable insole where orthotics can be placed. Those with high arches need more arch support to properly align the foot.

2. Safety

Many employers have strict rules about the type of footwear nurses can wear.

They may need to be close-toed, a certain color, or have a slip-free rubber outsole.

Consult your employer to find out what the requirements are for your workplace when it comes to footwear.

3. Cushioned Midsole

Standing on your feet for long shifts can leave your feet feeling tired and sore. The more cushioning that is provided the less likely you’ll end up rubbing your feet at the end of the night.

Cushioning that bounces back after each step is the best option for those needing extra support.

4. Mesh Upper

Many running shoes come with a mesh upper to allow the foot to breathe during wear so that they don’t get sweaty or smelly.

Mesh has tiny holes in it that allow air through the shoe to circulate around the foot, preventing sweat and bacteria from accumulating, which can lead to a foul stench in the shoe.

5. Ankle Padding

Shoes that don’t have enough padding on the back of the ankle can cause painful blisters and sores.

To avoid this unfortunate situation, choose a shoe that has extra padding around the ankle, and that hugs the ankle securely, so the ankle doesn’t rub up against the shoe while walking.

The rubbing is what creates blisters and other painful sores.

6. Waterproof

Nurses encounter many scenarios during their shifts, some of which can get quite messy.

Waterproof or water-resistant shoes make cleanup from those messes a lot easier. Some things that may need to be cleaned off after a shift include:

• Blood
• Vomit
• Urine
• Feces
• Medications
• Other bodily fluids

With waterproof shoes, you can simply wipe them with a disinfecting wipe or hot, soapy water or place them in the washing machine for really tough stains.

7. Sizing

The proper sizing is crucial to avoid pain after a long shift. Size charts are a great asset when buying shoes online. You can also go directly to a shoe store to be fitted by an associate.

Pay close attention if you have wide feet because you may need a wide shoe to accommodate them.

8. Toe Box

There’s nothing worse than having your toes cramped up in a shoe while you’re at work.

A wide toe box can help prevent blisters, bleeding, and cramped toes because it allows your toes plenty of room to move when you walk.

9. Reinforced Toe

Avoid having your toe poke a hole through your favorite pair of sneakers by purchasing a pair with a reinforced toe.

A reinforced toe is one that extends the rubber outsole up past the toes so that holes don’t appear. If a reinforced toe isn’t an option, choose a sturdier fabric like leather or suede to prevent holes from forming.

10. Rubber Outsole

Nurses are often running around on tile floors from patient to patient during their shift. This can create a fall or slip hazard if the floors are slippery.

Rubber outsoles grip the floor to prevent hazards like this from occurring. They also provide more stability, which makes walking and running feel more secure.

11. Laces

Laces may not seem like a big deal until you end up with ones that are too long or too short. Laces should be able to tie comfortably without excess fabric hanging below the top of the foot.

Laces that hang too long may become a tripping hazard, while laces that are too short may mean you have to tie your shoe tightly, causing pain and discomfort.

12. Environmentally Friendly

Nurses go through shoes frequently because of the demands of their job. Being on your feet continually means that shoes may not last longer than six months or a year.

Shoes that are made from biodegradable ingredients are environmentally friendly and will break down faster than other products.

13. Color and Design

In the past, nurses were always required to wear plain white shoes.

More companies are allowing nurses to choose different colored footwear, but it’s still important to know the specific policies of your workplace.

Designs that are too busy can be a distraction to patients and other nursing staff, so try to choose something understated yet stylish.

14. Transition Zone

The transition zone on a shoe refers to the bottom of the outsole, where the foot moves from heel to toe.

A properly supported and aligned transition zone can help prevent stability issues and pain that may arise when standing on your feet for long periods.

A smooth transition zone will seamlessly allow you to walk or run from heel to toe with no pain or discomfort at all.

15. Lightweight

Nurses deal with enough during their long shifts than having to also worry about their shoes feeling too heavy.

Heavy, clunky shoes can lead to ankle and knee pain and pose a risk of tripping or falling if you can’t properly pick your feet up off the ground. To avoid heavy shoes, choose a pair with:

• Mesh fabric
• Blown-in rubber outsole
• Foam insole
• Midsole foam made from biodegradable materials

16. Physician Recommended

Physicians and physical therapists deal with foot, ankle, knee, and back pain from nurses on a regular basis.

Pay close attention to shoes that are recommended by physicians for health issues like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and pronation.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason why Brooks has made a name for itself when it comes to footwear for nurses.

They offer superior quality at affordable prices with shoes that are built-to-last and get nurses through those busy shifts.

Instead of focusing on their painful feet, they can focus on what matters most- their patients.

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