15 Best Nursing Shoes for Women

The last thing you want to deal with after working a long shift are sore, tired feet.

Wearing a pair of nursing shoes that fit properly and are supportive in all the right places is the best way to avoid this. Here are 15 of the best women’s nursing shoes.

*Disclosure: This article on the best shoes for female 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

If you’re in a hurry and you just want to know what our top pick is:

• Best Overall: Dansko Women's Xp 2.0 Clog
• Runner-Up: Brooks Womens Ghost 12 Running Shoes

15 Best Nursing Shoes for Women

1. Brooks Womens Ghost 12 Running Shoe

Lightweight so they won’t make your feet feel heavy, but extra-supportive at the midsole for superior cushioning and comfort, these Brooks Women's Ghost 12 Running Shoes are an excellent choice for nurses. The BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft cushioning at the midsole springs right back with each step.

The toe box is roomy, but the rest of the shoe hugs the foot so you don’t have to worry about blisters after a long shift. The rubber outsole is great for safety reasons, but it does tend to detach from the shoe with frequent wear.

Pros:

• Supportive midsole
• Roomy toe box
• Rubber outsole

Cons:

• Narrow sizing
• Outsole may detach with frequent wear
• Stiff sole

Check the price of the Brooks Womens Ghost 12 Running Shoes on Amazon.

2. Asics Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoe

Excellent arch and heel support in a comfortable and stylish shoe is what you’ll find with the Asics Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoe.

It comes in 10 color combinations, including vibrant colors like Lime Punch and Pink Glow. If you wear orthotics for extra arch support, there’s also a removable sock liner so the shoes continue to fit properly with arch supports inserted.

The only downfall to this shoe is that they tend to become slippery on hard surfaces. Despite having a rubber outsole that’s built for traction, when hard-surfaced floors get wet, these shoes have a tendency to slide.

Pros:

• 10 color options
• Removable sock liner
• Good heel support

Cons:

• Slippery on wet floors
• Sizing runs large
• Firm, not soft support

Check the price of the Asics Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoe on Amazon.

3. Asics Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoe

The Asics Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoe is a nursing shoe that’s built-to-last. Everything about it showcases its durability and exceptional support.

The Impact Guidance System Technology is one of the best features of this shoe because it smoothly transitions the foot from heel to toe for a smooth stride.

The durable rubber outsole and reinforced toe box means this shoe will make it through hundreds, if not thousands, of 12-hour nursing shifts before it needs a replacement. A cool design in 9 awesome color options is just icing on the cake when it comes to this long-lasting shoe.

Pros:

• Smooth heel to toe transition
• Sturdy rubber outsole
• Reinforced toe box

Cons:

• Sizing runs narrow
• Tight toe box
• Upper fabric isn’t very flexible

Check the price of the Asics Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoe on Amazon.com.

4. Dansko Women’s Xp 2.0 Clog

More sophisticated than a sneaker, but just as comfortable, the Dansko Women's Xp 2.0 Clog will keep your feet fully supported throughout your shift.

A removable insole features Dansko’s Natural Arch technology with memory foam for a firm, yet cushioned midsole. If you need additional arch supports, simply remove the insole and replace them with custom orthotics or inserts purchased over-the-counter.

These clogs have a professional look to them, thanks to the genuine leather upper. The upper comes in 23 different colors and designs. There’s also a rubber outsole for safety and a roomy toe box for added comfort.

Pros:

• Memory foam insole
• Leather upper
• Slip-resistant rubber outsole

Cons:

• Complaints of black residue left on socks
• Sizing runs large
• Leather scuffs easily

Check the price of the Dansko Women's Xp 2.0 Clog on Amazon.com.

5. Alegria Women’s Keli Professional

Easy-to-wear and ultra plush best describes these Alegria Women's Keli Professional shoes.

They’re a grab-and-go type of shoe that you can simply slip on and head off to your shift. Two elastic gores on either side of the upper stretch so you can effortlessly slip them on.

The upper and lining are both made from durable leather so these are sure to withstand long nursing shifts. Attractive color options will coordinate well with any set of scrubs or nursing uniform. Since they are a clog, the foot may slide around in them a bit, but that’s what makes them so comfortable to wear.

Pros:

• Leather upper
• Dozens of colors
• Slip-on design

Cons:

• Loose on the heel
• Not slip-proof
• Upper may peel over time

Check the price of the Alegria Women's Keli Professional shoes on Amazon.com.

6. New Balance Women’s 806 V1 Tennis Shoe

The traditional white nursing shoe gets an upgrade with these New Balance Women’s 806 V1 Tennis Shoes.

The delicate purple trim adds just the right amount of color to these shoes without being overwhelming. They provide superior stability and also help prevent pronation while you’re walking.

The sizing does run a bit small on these, so you may want to consider going up a half size. They are offered in wide if you’re worried about them being too tight. The toe box also tends to be a little tight, but sizing up will fix this problem.

Pros:

• Neutral white and purple color
• Excellent arch support
• Keeps the foot stable

Cons:

• A bit narrow
• Tight toe box
• Only one color option

Check the price of the New Balance Women’s 806 V1 Tennis Shoes.

7. K-Swiss Women’s Hypercourt Express Tennis Shoe

The K-Swiss Women's Hypercourt Express Tennis Shoe features a cool, geometric design on the upper that takes a comfortable tennis shoe and elevates it even further.

Eleven awesome color options, including basic white and vibrant neon pink, will coordinate with any nursing outfit. The synthetic upper can even be wiped clean with a damp cloth- an important feature for nurses.

The sizing runs a bit big, but that can be fixed by sizing down by half a size or tying the laces tighter. Additional arch supports can also be placed in the shoes to make them tighter and to better support the arches.

Pros:

• 11 color choices
• Fun, geometric pattern
• Easy-to-clean

Cons:

• Sizing runs large
• Sole may separate
• Minimal arch support

Check the price of the K-Swiss Women's Hypercourt Express Tennis Shoe on Amazon.com.

8. Nurse Mates Women’s Libby Slip On

Slip-resistant with a clean look, these Nurse Mates Women's Libby Slip On shoes will leave your feet feeling comfortable and supported with each step.

There are no laces or frilly designs to contend with, just a simple slip-on shoe that comes in 9 different color options, including basic black and white. The upper is made from leather so it’s strong and durable.

You can easily remove the insole if you’d like to add in arch supports. The arch support that’s already in the shoe is made from pillowtop-quality material, so it’s soft to walk on. The outsole is slip-resistant, it’s not slip-proof.

Pros:

• Slip-on design
• 9 color choices
• Removable insole

Cons:

• Slip-resistant, not slip-proof
• Minimal arch support
• Snug in the heel

Check the price of the Nurse Mates Women's Libby Slip On on Amazon.

9. Nike Women’s WMNS Air Max 90 Trainers

If you’re looking for a shoe with a cool look, these fit the bill. They boast a vibrant red color with white and tan details.

The upper is made from synthetic fabrics and features a breathable design that keeps the feet dry and comfortable, even on the longest shifts.

The platform bottom features additional padding and support, so each step feels like you’re walking on a cloud. The rubber outsole provides traction and is slip-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about safety when moving in between patients.

Pros:

• Attractive color
• Breathable fabric
• Superior shock absorption

Cons:

• Platform bottom may be too high
• Color not appropriate for all work settings
• Narrow width

Check the price of on Amazon.com.

10. Reebok Women’s Nano 9 Cross Trainer

If you have problems with your feet, like wide feet or sweaty feet, these Reebok Women's Nano 9 Cross Trainer sneakers cover all the bases. The toe box is extra wide, so there’s plenty of room for your toes to spread out when you’re walking.

Sweaty, smelly feet after a long shift will be a thing of the past since these shoes feature a woven, textile upper that’s both breathable and attractive. It comes in 25 color combinations that will go perfectly with any scrub set. The rubber outsole is durable and provides traction control on even the most slippery surfaces.

Pros:

• Wide toe box
• Breathable upper
• 25 color choices

Cons:

• A little heavy
• Stiff midsole and outsole
• Minimal arch support

Check the price of Reebok Women's Nano 9 Cross Trainer on Amazon.

11. Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Cross Trainer

A shoe that moves with you, these Reebok Women's Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Cross Trainer sneakers feel as comfortable as socks but provide all the support you could possibly want. The Flexweave upper is made from a soft, breathable fabric that stretches around the foot, creating a custom fit.

The arch support is best for those with normal or high arches as the material in the midsole may dig into those with flat arches. This can be corrected by wearing other inserts. They also run a bit small so you may want to size up.

Pros:

• Stretchy upper
• Breathable fabric
• Support for high arches

Cons:

• Flat arches may need different inserts
• Sizing runs small
• Takes effort to put on

Check the price of Reebok Women's Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Cross Trainer on Amazon.com.

12. Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe

These Adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoes are the perfect shoes if you’re looking for something stylish and functional.

They have a soft, textile upper that hugs the foot for a custom fit. The upper also looks great with both a nursing uniform or a casual pair of jeans or shorts when you’re out running errands.

These shoes do have a Cloudfoam sockliner, however, the padding in the midsole is minimal so these are best for walking and light wear, not for running or strenuous activities. They do run small, so size up if you plan on wearing thicker socks.

Pros:

• Stylish upper
• Hugs the foot
• Cloudfoam sockliner

Cons:

• Minimal arch support
• May not hold up with running
• Sizing runs small

Check the price of Adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoes on Amazon.

13. Adidas Women’s Swift Run W

This Adidas Women's Swift Run W shoe comes in 24 different colors and designs, all with the signature Adidas logo on the tongue.

The flexible synthetic upper fits snugly, which can take some getting used to when it comes to putting them on. The custom fit that you receive is well worth it, though.

The arch support is ideal for flat or normal arches. The midsole support is firm, but also very responsive so it bounces back with each step. The sizing does run on the larger side, which can be corrected by sizing down.

Pros:

• Flexible upper
• Firm midsole support
• Ideal for flat feet

Cons:

• Difficult to put on
• Arch support may be too much for high arches
• Sizing runs large

Check the price of Adidas Women's Swift Run W on Amazon.

14. Hoka Women’s Cavu Running Shoe

A breathable mesh upper and roomy toe box make these Hoka Women's Cavu Running Shoes an excellent choice for busy nurses.

If you often complain of sore toes and sweaty feet after working a long shift, these shoes should solve those problems. Since the toe box is on the wider side, you may want to size down for a better fit.

The rubber outsole is slip-resistant, but it does tend to wear out over time if the shoes endure heavy wear and tear from frequent outdoor running. If they are strictly worn for work, they should last a long time.

Pros:

• Breathable mesh upper
• Roomy toe box
• Slip-resistant outsole

Cons:

• Sizing runs large
• Rubber outsole wears out quickly
• Only 4 color options

Check the price of Hoka Women's Cavu Running Shoes on Amazon.

15. Skechers Women’s Flex Appeal 3.0 Sneaker

Lightweight and sporty, these Skechers Women's Flex Appeal 3.0 Sneakers won’t weigh you down during your shift.

They come in several attractive colors, like Navy Coral and Gray/Light Pink. The midsole provides superior shock absorption, but it’s also made from lightweight materials that won’t weigh you down when you walk.

The rubber outsole is slip-resistant and flexible, so your feet comfortably move with you throughout your shift. The textile upper is breathable and dries quickly if they get wet from spills you may encounter at work, like bodily fluids or IV fluids.

Pros:

• Lightweight midsole
• Breathable textile upper
• Flexible outsole

Cons:

• Memory foam insole wears down quickly
• Sizing runs large
• Complaints of insole separating from the rest of the shoe

Check the price of Skechers Women's Flex Appeal 3.0 Sneakers on Amazon.

Shoe Buying Guide for Nurses

1. Arch Support

There are three main types of arches: flat, normal, and high. Flat arches are sometimes referred to as fallen arches. They occur when there is practically no arch to the foot. This can be caused by several things:

• Hereditary
• Injury
• Obesity
• Arthritis

Normal arches have a natural arch that fits well in most shoes without additional arch supports. High arches come very far off the ground when standing and may require additional arch supports or shoes with padding.

Discomfort from flat feet can be helped with custom orthotics or arch supports that are firm and realign the foot correctly with the rest of the body.

2. Removable Inserts

Removable inserts can also help with the arch support issue. Since placing orthotics or over-the-counter arch supports in the shoes can change the fit of the shoe and make you taller, some people prefer to remove the shoes’ inserts prior to wearing.

If an insert isn’t removable, you can still put additional arch supports in the shoes. To help the shoes fit better, simply size up a half or full size. Laces can also be loosed to accommodate additional arch supports.

3. Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can occur anywhere there are sweat glands on the body. Since the feet have sweat glands, this is something that occur here. There are many ways to help alleviate the discomfort from hyperhidrosis, including:

• Washing feet regularly with antibacterial soap
• Wear a foot powder to soak up moisture
• Wear socks that wick moisture away
• Wear shoes made from breathable fabrics like mesh

Breathable shoes also dry faster, which can be an ideal feature if you live in a climate where it rains or snows a lot. If you don’t have time to grab the rain or snow boots, you won’t have to worry because breathable shoes will dry quickly.

4. Safety Features

There are many safety hazards that nurses encounter on a daily basis. From medical waste spills to running in between patient rooms. Shoe outsoles made from rubber are slip-resistant and are the best option when it comes to keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground.

5. Shock Absorption

Shock absorption is what makes the midsole spring back with each step. When the midsole springs back, it immediately provides more comfort and arch support for the wearer. Midsoles made from lightweight EVA foam or memory foam tend to bounce back quicker than others.

6. Toe Box

The toe box is perhaps the most important part of the shoe that doesn’t get much attention. There should be enough room in the toe box to easily wiggle your toes. You should also leave an inch of space between the top of your toe and the front of the shoe. A tight toe box can lead to pain and discomfort.

Final Thoughts

A comfortable shoe is essential for any busy nurse. Your focus should be on your patient’s and delivering excellent care, not on your uncomfortable feet.

All of these shoes have several benefits and features that will make the life of a nurse a little bit easier- something all nurses deserve.

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• 5 Best Clog Shoes for Nurses
• 5 Best Shoe Insoles for Nurses
• 5 Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis