As a nurse, you need shoes that are sturdy and can withstand a long shift.
Leather is one of the toughest shoe materials available, making them the perfect option for hardworking nurses.
These are 10 of the best leather shoes to consider the next time you’re searching for a pair.
*Disclosure: This article on the best leather shoes for nurses may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. For more info, please see my disclaimer.
Our Top Picks
- Best Leather Shoes for Female Nurses: Dansko Women's Professional Clogs
“One of the most comfortable shoe options for nurses.” - Best Leather Shoes for Male Nurses: Dansko Men's Professional Clogs
“Durable and can endure long shifts filled with running back and forth in between patients.”
Best Leather Shoes for Nurses
1. Dansko Women’s Professional Clog
- An original Dansko style that provides extra shock absorption comparable to athletic shoes
- Patent leather uppers with an extra roomy toe box
- Slip on style for an easy on and off
Clogs are one of the most comfortable shoe options for nurses because they provide plenty of wiggle room for toes and won’t leave your feet sore and tired at the end of a shift.
These Dansko Women's Professional Clogs offer those features and more.
The uppers are made from 100% genuine leather so they look professional and are easy-to-clean.
The rocker bottom offers a smooth stride from heel to toe and the platform bottom provides just the right height for some work-appropriate style.
Pros:
- Roomy toe box
- Leather upper comes in 13 color options
- Superior shock absorption
Cons:
- Shoe may feel tight across the foot at first
- Leather tends to scuff easily
- Shoes are slightly heavy
Check the price of the Dansko Women's Professional Clogs on Amazon.com.
2. Dansko Women’s Ingrid Open-Back Clog
- Leather and or fabric uppers
- Padded instep collar for comfort when walking
- Roomy reinforced toe box for protection with plenty of "wiggle room" for your toes
The versatility of these Dansko Women's Ingrid Open-Back Clogs are what set them apart from the rest. You’ll love how you can switch them from an open-back clog to a sling-back by simply moving the buckle from front to back.
They are made from a mixture of leather and fabric, so they are comfortable when worn with socks or without.
The sizing does run a bit small, but this can be corrected by going up a half or full size. Wearing them without socks or with the strap placed at the front of the clog also allows for a better fit.
Pros:
- Versatile strap
- Half sizes available
- Slip-resistant
Cons:
- Fits tight at the top
- Not 100% leather
- Complaints of buckle breaking easily
Check the price of the Dansko Women's Ingrid Open-Back Clogs on Amazon.com.
Related: 5 Best Dansko Shoes for Nurses
3. Dansko Men’s Professional Clog
- Leather and or fabric uppers
- Padded instep collar for comfort when walking
- Roomy reinforced toe box for protection with plenty of "wiggle room" for your toes
Men have different needs when it comes to shoes, and these Dansko Men's Professional Clogs are the ideal choice for male nurses.
The leather upper is durable and can endure long shifts filled with running back and forth in between patients.
It comes in 12 different colors, and both shiny and matte finishes, so you can find the perfect shoe for every uniform.
Stability is a must for any nurse, and these clogs provide that with a wider heel for more surface area and a synthetic sole for gripping slippery floors.
A roomy toe box and extra shock absorption at the midsole adds to the appeal.
Pros:
- 12 colors
- Slip-resistant sole
- Roomy toe box
Cons:
- Stiff material
- Tight across the top
- Inconsistent sizing
Check the price of the Dansko Men's Professional Clogs on Amazon.com.
4. Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Dynamo Work Shoe
- PERFORMANCE TESTED: In independent lab testing, our womens work shoes beat industry average for comfort and cushioning. Oil-resistant, slip-resistant Lock Step Outsole meets SATRA TM63 and TM144...
- MATERIALS: Majority leather, balance manmade.
- FIT: Slip-on fit for easy on/off.
The Dr. Scholl's Women's Dynamo Work Shoe has so many great features, one of which is the comfort that Dr. Scholl’s has become synonymous with.
The upper is made from 100% genuine leather so it looks classy and is a breeze to clean. The outsole is rubber so it’s slip-resistant and meets all industry standards.
A breathable sock liner keeps feet cool and dry, while the Memory Foam Cool Fit insole fully supports the feet while also keeping them cool.
The moisture-wicking technology that this shoe provides will keep feet smelling and feeling fresh all day.
Pros:
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Memory Foam insole
- Moisture-wicking technology
Cons:
- Only offered in black
- Complaints of sole separating after a few months
- Minimal arch support
Check the price of the Dr. Scholl's Women's Dynamo Work Shoe on Amazon.com.
Related: 5 Best Clog Shoes for Nurses
5. Clarks Women’s Cheyn Madi Slip-On Loafer
Loafers are an excellent shoe option for nurses because they are both stylish and supportive.
These Clarks Women's Cheyn Madi Slip-On Loafers are no exception.
The beautiful design features an attractive buckle at the top with both smooth and textured leather upper options offered. Ten neutral colors, including black and brown, go with just about any scrub set.
Although wide sizes are offered, they still tend to run a bit small so it’s best to size up a half size if you want a better fit. While the insoles are not removable, they do offer a good amount of arch support.
Pros:
- Slip-on design
- 10 styles available
- Supportive midsole
Cons:
- Sizing runs small
- Wide shoes are still narrow
- Insoles aren’t removable
Check the price of the Clarks Women's Cheyn Madi Slip-On Loafers on Amazon.com.
6. Skechers Women’s Slip Resistant Clog
- Work-ready clog featuring wood-textured flatform sole and padded opening
- Shock-absorbing midsole
- Removable insole cushioning. 1 1/2 inch built in heel
A budget-friendly shoe that meets OSHA standards for a slip-resistant outsole.
These Skechers Women's Slip Resistant Clogs are an excellent option if you’re a nurse who’s looking for a comfortable and reliable shoe.
They feature a leather upper that comes in two colors- black and white. The platform sole has a nice, textured wood look while the bottom of the shoe is made from slip-resistant rubber.
They do tend to run a bit big so you may need to size down, especially if you don’t have wide feet. You can also avoid slipping out of the shoes by wearing thicker socks.
Pros:
- Slip-resistant bottom
- Wood-textured platform sole
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Sizing runs big
- Only 2 colors
- Complaints of leather upper fading over time
Check the price of the Skechers Women's Slip Resistant Clogs on Amazon.com.
7. Skechers for Work Women’s Gibson-Brogna SR Slip-On
- Memory Foam cushioned removable comfort insole
- Heel height - 1 inch
- Slip Resistant OSHA compliant rubber traction outsole
This Skechers for Work Women's Gibson-Brogna SR Slip-On is almost like a loafer, but offers the comfort of a sneaker.
It’s made from 100% genuine leather, so it’s easy to clean up spills that may be encountered during a nursing shift.
It comes in two basic colors- black and white- so it coordinates well with any uniform.
The slip-resistant rubber outsole is OSHA compliant and a must-have safety feature for any busy nurse.
They easily slip on thanks to the elastic gores on either side of the upper. They run true-to-size and come in half sizes, but not wides.
Pros:
- Easy-to-clean leather upper
- OSHA compliant rubber sole
- Slip-on design
Cons:
- Only 2 colors
- Doesn’t come in wides
- Minimal arch support
Check the price of the Skechers for Work Women's Gibson-Brogna SR Slip-On on Amazon.com.
8. Nurse Mates Women’s Dove Oxford
- Shock-absorbing EVA unit bottom features durable, slip-resistant rubber inserts.
- Outer heel shell has a polyurethane core that delivers powerful, shock-absorbing protection.
- Stain-resistant leather upper offers durability and unparalleled softness.
If you’re looking for a classic nursing shoe, this Nurse Mates Women's Dove Oxford fits the bill.
The leather upper gives it a professional appearance, while also making it very durable. A strong, polyurethane core offers plenty of shock absorption with each step.
They are resistant to stains, but there is a special process you need to follow to take proper care of them.
This includes buffing them with a leather polish cleaner and wiping them with a dry cloth as soon as a stain occurs. The leather will remain soft and supple if this process is followed.
Pros:
- Shock absorbing core
- Stain-resistant leather upper
- Offered in wide sizes
Cons:
- Must be cared for properly
- Complaints of sole separating
- Insoles aren’t removable
Check the price of the Nurse Mates Women's Dove Oxford on Amazon.com.
9. Alegria Women’s Debra Slip-On
- Hand stitched
- Stain resistant upper
- Slip resistant
A beautiful shoe that comes in dozens of styles, this Alegria Women's Debra Slip-On is the perfect choice if you’re looking for something that’s both fashionable and safe.
It’s made from a mixture of leather and rubber, with a slip-resistant sole that’s ideal for hard surfaces often found in hospitals and doctor’s offices.
The double-elastic gores on either side of the upper mean it’s easy to slip these on and go.
The small details, like the hand stitching on the sole and the pretty butterfly emblem, are what set these shoes apart. They are also resistant to stains and easy to clean.
Pros:
- Slip-on design
- Rubber outsole
- Dozens of styles
Cons:
- Leather may scuff easily
- Sizing runs large
- Complaints of the sole separating
Check the price of the Alegria Women's Debra Slip-On on Amazon.com.
Related: 5 Top Alegria Nursing Shoes
10. Alegria Women’s Keli Professional
- Double elastic gores for easy on-and-off
- Leather upper and lining
- Stain-resistant upper
The Alegria Women's Keli Professional shoe is a slip-on shoe that allows you to express a bit of your personal style while still keeping safety in mind.
The upper is made from leather and comes in many different finishes, including matte, shiny, and embossed.
The rubber outsole is slip-resistant but not slip-proof, so keep that in mind if you encounter slippery floors or have to run during your shift.
The shoes may seem tight at first, but the upper stretches out over time to create a custom fit. They are offered in wide if you need that option.
Pros:
- Stain-resistant upper
- Several designs offered
- Available in wide
Cons:
- Slip-resistant but not slip-proof
- May need to be broken in
- Loud like clogs when walking
Check the price of the Alegria Women's Keli Professional shoe on Amazon.com.
Shoe Buying Guide for Nurses
1. Slip-Resistant
As a nurse, you may encounter many slippery surfaces during a shift.
Since hospitals and doctor’s offices often have hard floors like wood, linoleum, and tile that are easy-to-clean, a slip-resistant pair of shoes is a necessity.
OSHA may also require nurses to wear a specific type of footwear. The most common type of footwear they recommend is one with rubber soles.
Rubber offers the most traction on slippery surfaces and can prevent you from falling and injuring yourself if you come across spills during your nursing shift.
2. Stain-Resistant
Nurses also come across many things that can stain their shoes during a shift, such as bodily fluids, medications, and chemicals.
Leather is easy-to-clean and typically resistant to stains.
It may require a special cleaner that is specifically made to keep leather from drying out or cracking.
Leather cleaners come in the form of sprays and polishes that should be wiped with a dry cloth afterwards.
Getting leather wet or placing it in the heat to dry can cause it to crack or shrink, so be sure to use the proper cleaning methods when taking care of stains.
3. Wide Widths
Wide feet are actually quite common, and wearing shoes that properly accommodate wide feet is an important step in avoiding painful foot conditions like blisters, corns, or bunions.
Since leather doesn’t stretch as much as other materials like mesh or fabric, purchasing wide-width shoes if you have wider feet is even more imperative.
If you don’t buy wide shoes, you can still attempt to stretch the shoes out by wearing thick socks or using a shoe stretcher.
4. Slip-On Shoes
Slip-on shoes are ideal for busy nurses on-the-go because they can be slipped on while you head out the door without having to worry about tying laces.
Slip-on shoes are also very comfortable and are generally looser than shoes that tie.
There are some disadvantages to think about when purchasing slip-on shoes, however.
If you have to run back and forth between rooms, slip-on shoes may slide off, potentially causing injury.
They also may be clunky and can sound loud on hard surfaces. Weigh the pros and cons of slip-on shoes before purchasing a pair.
5. Shock Absorption
Shock absorption refers to the “bounce back” that a shoe provides when you step down. It comes from two places- the outsole and the midsole.
The thicker the outsole, the more shock absorption.
A supportive midsole made from memory foam or other materials that respond quickly is also best for superior shock absorption.
Wearing shoes without the right amount of shock absorption can exacerbate problems like plantar fasciitis and other painful foot conditions (see our list of the best plantar fasciitis shoes for nurses).
While a doctor can give you the best advice on treating these types of conditions, wearing the proper footwear is the first step towards correcting them.
You can also wear over-the-counter insoles or custom orthotics to properly align the feet and provide extra support.
Final Thoughts
Leather has many great qualities, including being durable and looking great.
As a nurse, you need a reliable pair of shoes that will be both comfortable and stylish to last you through an entire shift.
All of these shoes offer those benefits, so consider them for your next shoe purchase.
