Nurses with flat feet can experience a lot of pain if they don’t wear the proper shoes.
The right nurse shoes can properly align the foot by elevating the arches, thus relieving pressure on the heel and arch area.
These are 5 of the best shoes for nurses with flat feet.
*Disclosure: This article on the best shoes for nurses with flat-feet may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. For more info, please see my disclaimer.
Top Picks:
- Best Overall: Dansko Women's Professional Clog
- Most Stylish: Alegria Women's Debra Slip-On
Best Shoes for Nurses with Flat Feet
1. Dansko Women’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
The Dansko Women's Professional Clog features a polyurethane sole which is much more lightweight than wooden soles.
The lighter the sole, the less pressure that is applied with each step, which is a great benefit for those with flat feet.
These clogs also boast an attractive 100% leather upper which is durable and easy-to-clean.
A 2″ heel offers a good cushion from the ground for superior shock absorption- another bonus for those with flat feet.
The rocker bottom creates a smooth stride for even more shock absorption and pain relief.
Pros:
- Polyurethane sole
- Leather upper
- Rocker bottom
Cons:
- Stiff material
- Tight across the top of the foot
- Difficult to put on
Check the price of the Dansko Women's Professional Clog on Amazon.
Related Article: 5 Best Dansko Shoes for Nurses
2. New Balance Women’s w990v4 Running Shoe
- ENCAP midsole technology provides support and maximum durability
- Encap Polyurethane ring with ethylene vinyl acetate core in heel
- Dual density collar foam
A running shoe that can be used as a walking shoe is what you’ll find in this New Balance Women's w990v4 Running Shoe.
Running shoes are ideal for those that suffer from flat feet because they provide additional arch and heel support.
These shoes do just that, with special midsole technology that offers superior shock absorption and a polyurethane ring with an ethylene-vinyl acetate core in the heel.
The ring cups the heel, minimizing pressure that occurs while walking for a more comfortable stride.
The removable insole allows you to place orthotics underneath for additional arch support.
Pros:
- Polyurethane heel ring
- Removable insole
- Breathable mesh upper
Cons:
- Only 3 color choices
- Sizing runs small
- Complaints of poor stitching at the tongue
Check the price of the New Balance Women's w990v4 Running Shoe on Amazon.
Related Article: 5 Top New Balance Nurse Shoes
3. Nurse Mates Women’s Dove
- 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.
Those with flat feet will appreciate these easy-to-wear Nurse Mates Women's Dove shoes.
They slip right on thanks to the flexible elastic bands on either side of the top of the shoe.
Two basic colors- black and white- go with any scrub set or work uniform.
The synthetic sole is slip-resistant so you don’t need to worry about falling on wet surfaces.
The leather upper is easy-to-clean and messes can be wiped off with a gentle solution of mild dish soap and water.
The inserts are not removable but there’s plenty of space to add arch supports if needed.
Pros:
- Easy slip-on design with flexible elastic
- Sturdy leather upper
- Slip-resistant sole
Cons:
- Only 2 color choices
- Inserts aren’t removable
- Squeaking sound when walking
Check the price of the Nurse Mates Women's Dove shoes on Amazon.com.
Related Article: 5+ Best Shoe Inserts for Nurses
4. Alegria Women’s Debra Slip-On
- Contrast stitching edges the foam footbed of this roomy shoe, while elastic goring makes for easy on...
- Suede leather insole
- Stain-resistant upper
These beautiful Alegria Women's Debra Slip-On shoes come in so many different color choices and designs- 36 to be exact.
From smooth to textured finishes, you’ll appreciate how well-made these shoes are. Each shoe is hand-stitched for ultimate durability.
The 1″ platform heel provides a good amount of protection from the hard ground. The rubber sole is slip-resistant for safety and also offers great shock absorption for tired, achy feet.
The double-elastic gores are easy to slide on and off and the stain-resistant upper is easy-to-clean with just mild soap and water.
Pros:
- 36 color and design options
- Hand-stitched for durability
- Slip-resistant rubber sole
Cons:
- Upper material scuffs easily
- Sole may separate from upper over time
- Snug across the top of the foot
Check the price of the Alegria Women's Debra Slip-On on Amazon.com.
Related Article: 5 Best Alegria Shoes for Nurses
5. Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoe
- SHOE SIZE: "B" = Medium width, "D" = Wide width, "2A" = Narrow width, "2E" = Extra wide width
- FOOT SUPPORT: Ideal for runners with all arches looking for support. Our new Guiderail Support...
- CUSHIONED FEEL: Soft and protective, these shoes provide just the right amount of cushion in each...
When the feet aren’t aligned properly due to fallen arches, it can throw off the rest of the body, including the knees.
These Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoes help alleviate that problem with their custom Guiderail Support System.
The support system keeps the feet where they are supposed to be so each step is fully supported.
There’s also plenty of midsole comfort thanks to the BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning.
Each step feels as light as air, which helps with chronic foot pain.
The breathable mesh upper looks great and keeps the feet cool and dry.
Pros:
- Guiderail Support System
- Superior midsole cushioning
- Breathable mesh upper
Cons:
- Difficult to break in
- Narrow toe box
- Sizing runs small
Check the price of the Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoes on Amazon.com.
Related Article: Our 5 Favorite Brooks Shoes Perfect for Nurses
Shoe Buying Guide for Nurses with Flat-Feet
1. Arch Support
The first way the problem of flat feet is addressed is by adding additional arch support. Arch support is typically found in standard or custom orthotics.
Standard orthotics can be found at most major retailers while custom orthotics need to be made by a store that specializes in them or at a doctor’s office.
Orthotics can:
- Provide extra cushioning or firmness, depending on need
- Correct gait
- Give extra shock absorption
2. Lightweight
The more lightweight the soles of the shoes are, the less pressure that’s applied while walking.
While some soles are made from heavy materials like wood, flat feet sufferers should choose shoes with lightweight materials like polyurethane.
This material is also extremely durable and resistant to water, keeping feet dry and comfortable.
3. Heel Support
While flat feet problems are often thought to originate in the arches, the heels also contribute to this issue.
When the heel isn’t properly supported, the arches can stretch more than they should and cause severe pain in the center of the foot.
Shoes with heel support, such as a polyurethane ring, can help those with flat feet by properly supporting the back of the foot so the entire body is aligned correctly.
4. Midsole Cushioning
Some people that suffer from flat feet need firm support, but others need extra cushioning to help alleviate pain.
Those made from foam mold to the foot, creating a custom fit that is more comfortable than firm inserts.
Shoes that have extra midsole cushioning already built-in can sometimes provide enough support for flat feet that additional arch supports aren’t necessary.
5. Toe Box
While the correct arch and heel support is the first step towards alleviating the pain caused by flat feet, the proper toe alignment is also important.
A narrow toe box can cause toes to become cramped, throwing off foot alignment and leading to painful problems like:
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammer Toe
- Blisters
- Bunions
- Ingrown Toenails
The toes should fit comfortably inside of the shoe, with at least an inch of space at the top and the ability to wiggle the toes freely.
6. Slip-Resistant
The safety of a shoe is very important for flat feet sufferers because they are at increased risk of injuries like sprained ankles and torn ligaments.
Slip-resistant shoes are crucial for busy nurses who work in environments where wet floors are common, whether floors are wet due to cleaning or messes.
Slip-resistant shoes are usually made from durable material like rubber that grips the floor when you walk.
7. Removable Insoles
Orthotics are usually placed underneath or in place of the shoe’s insoles, so it’s important that they are easy to remove.
Those that are glued into the shoe can leave quite a mess or even be impossible to remove.
Common Questions About Flat Feet
1. What are flat feet?
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches or pes planus, occur when the arches of the foot are collapsed.
The foot may be completely flat, with no arch at all, or have a very minimal arch that is barely detectable.
Nearly 30% of the population suffers from flat feet, making it a very common problem.
2. What causes flat feet?
Flat feet can be caused by several reasons.
Some people are born with flat feet, with arches never developing.
Others develop flat feet after an injury.
Flat feet are also more common as we age, due to the constant pressure applied to the feet from years of walking and running.
3. What is the treatment for flat feet?
There are several ways to treat flat feet, including:
- Stretches and exercises recommended by a physical therapist.
- Wearing supportive shoes that properly align the feet, particularly at the arch and heel.
- Wearing orthotics- whether they be standard or custom
Treating flat feet as soon as possible can help avoid other problems in the future, such as:
- Pain in the arches
- Pain in the heels
- Knee, ankle, or hip pain
- Swollen ankles
- Leg fatigue
- Bunions
Your primary care physician or a specialist, such as a podiatrist, can give you the best advice on coping with flat feet.
Final Thoughts
The right shoes can make a world of difference for those who suffer from flat feet, also known as fallen arches or pes planus.
These shoes all provide additional support at the arch and heel where it’s needed. Nurses- especially those with flat feet- can greatly benefit from these shoes.
