This article is going to go over the best shoes for operating room nurses.
Everyone knows that operating room nurses are on their feet all day long.
It makes sense that they can’t choose just any old shoe if they want something that can stand up to their rigorous schedule.
This guide is here to help you make the best decision when it comes to finding the best shoes for your operating room nursing shift.
These options encompass the primary features to look for when spotting your ideal work shoes.
They provide support, traction for slippery surfaces, all-day comfort, as well as personal style. It’s important that you feel comfortable in your shoes since you’ll be wearing them for hours on end.
We looked at which shoes were made of the most stable and trustworthy materials, as well as how they fared with real customers.
The result is a guide for both men and women who need new nursing shoes that can perform as well as they do.
*disclosure some of the links on this site are affiliate links.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Dansko Women’s Professional Clog
- Runner-Up: Skechers for Work
Best Shoes For Operating Room Nurses
1. Nike Men’s Tanjun Sneakers
- mesh
- Imported
- Fabric,synthetic sole
Tanjun actually means “simplicity” in Japanese, and these Nike Men’s Tanjun Sneakers (from Amazon.com) are a great example of simple design and maximum comfort.
A lightweight rubber sole means easy traction and the shoe’s upper portion is breathable for extra comfort.
The outsole and midsole are made of a soft foam, making it great for people who are on their feet all day.
The foam also does a great job of absorbing shock, so no more pounding your heels into the ground. These shoes include the Nike injected unit-soles for another layer of foot protection and comfort.
Customers reviewed this product with overwhelmingly positive testimonials, saying it’s so lightweight that it barely feels like a running shoe.
In other words, the sneakers hug the foot in a way that feels naturally breathable and supportive.
The foam is a great touch that adds that cushioning that nurses need all day, every day.
Buyers who deal with foot ailments have also reported back that these Nikes can stand up to those problems and deliver all-day support and comfort.
The shoe comes in dozens of colors; you might like these sneakers so much that you get multiple pairs in different styles.
All in all, this is a wonderful walking or running sneaker that will be able to hold up to the daily grind and traffic of operating room nurses.
➡️ See the other reviews of the Nike Men’s Tanjun Sneakers on Amazon.
Related Articles: Best Nike Shoes for Nurses
2. Skechers for Work Men’s McAllen Slip-On
- Slip-on shoe work shoe featuring mesh fabric upper and slip-resistant traction outsole
- Elastic side gores at opening
- Slip Resistant
As an Amazon’s Choice in the category of Men’s Health Care and Food Service Shoes, you can bet these Skechers McAllen Slip-Ons will do just the trick for your tired feet.
It’s no surprise these are a top pick, considering that Skechers is one of the leaders in footwear, not only for everyday wear, but for the workforce as well.
Featuring a slip-resistant traction outsole and stain and water-resistant uppers, these slip-on shoes are a fantastic choice for nurses in all units and workplaces.
Their memory foam insoles will keep the feet cool and comfy, so no more sweaty feet.
Breathable mesh fabric, a padded collar, and stitched seams are reinforced to provide protection and support for all-day wear.
The sneakers have a built-in heel of 1¼ inches and are medium-width throughout the heel with a wider toe box.
Most customers positively reviewed these shoes, comparing them to memory foam that reduces back, knee, and foot pain from hours on their feet.
Even though they’re slip-ons, they stay snugly on the feet and make walking to and from the operating room a breeze.
The fact that they are resistant to stains and water makes them a natural fit for those working in the healthcare field, as those two scenarios are bound to come up every day.
The shoes come in half sizes, and there are two colors: black and black/charcoal.
It would be nice to have more variety in the color choices, but these are sleek and simple sneakers that do more than just get the job done.
➡️ Skechers Mcallen is available on Amazon.
3. New Balance Men’s Running Shoe
- Blown rubber outsole provides superior rebound
- Dual density collar foam offers support and comfort for ankles
- Manufactured in the US for over 75 years and representing a limited portion of our US sales. New...
This New Balance Men’s Running Shoe (from Amazon) comes in half sizes and extra wide options.
You can choose from four color schemes: black, silver/blue, gray/navy, and gray.
They’re made in the United States and have the backing of New Balance’s reputation and durability.
The rubber sole prevents slippage, which is good for nurses who are constantly bombarded with spilled fluids and slippery floors.
A padded tongue with breathable mesh provides comfort and cooling of the foot.
Moreover, the collar is padded with New Balance’s Roll Bar support system featuring dual density foam.
This reduces rear foot movement so that your foot doesn’t roll inward or outward throughout the day.
It’s an ideal component for anyone who has trouble with pronation.
This sneaker has positive customer reviews, including those from buyers who struggle with plantar fasciitis, or inflamed heel ligaments.
Many customers call it one of the best walking and running shoes out there, so it’s bound to be a winner for nurses who spend hours shuffling around in the operating room each day.
Besides being stylish, it’s a surefire winner that can support your feet while keeping them in the proper position throughout your long shift.
➡️ New Balance Men’s M1540v2 is available on Amazon.
Related Article: 5 Comfortable New Balance Shoes Nurses Will Like
4. 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.
The Nurse Mates Women’s Dove is an Amazon’s Choice in the category of Women’s Health Care and Food Service Shoes.
They come in convenient half sizes and even wider sizes for those who need them.
Buyers can choose from a variety of color schemes including black, espresso, metallic navy, pewter, and white.
They’re definitely a more stylish departure from tired-looking Crocs or clogs. A 0.25” platform and 1.5” heel provide a bit of lift without it being too much, and the synthetic sole means no slipping or sliding on the operating room floor.
The shoe is part of Nurse Mates’ Lite collection, so it’s a barely-there shoe that you can slip on and off at your leisure.
The shoe’s uppers are made of stain-resistant full-grain leather and the outsoles are made of eco-friendly EVA, or ethylene-vinyl acetate.
Rubber inserts add an extra layer of protection and comfort, making them a snug fit with resistance to slippage.
To provide top-notch arch support, these shoes feature steel shanks to prevent weight from bearing down on your heels and soles.
The insole is removable, and the collar is made of padded elastic to allow for easy on and off while giving you a cozy fit throughout your shift.
Customers rate these highly and love that they support those who have bunions or arch problems.
They rival the big-name brands out there for non-slip nursing shoes, and they’re ready for all day (or all night) wear.
➡️ Nurse Mates Women’s Dove Slip-On is available on Amazon.
5. Skechers for Work Women’s Sure Track Trickel
- Memory foam insole
- Soft fabric shoe lining. Padded collar and tongue
Here’s another great find from Skechers, this time for women.
The Skechers for Work Women’s Sure Track Trickel Slip-Resistant Shoe (on Amazon.com) is a sleek black sneaker that comes in half sizes and even wide options.
They’re made of a synthetic leather with a one-inch heel and an insole made of memory foam.
The fabric lining the shoe is a soft synthetic material that creates a perfect blend of form and function.
These shoes are casual enough for being out and about, but sturdy enough to hold up to the rigors of running back and forth during your nursing shift.
The sides include mini perforations to help cool the feet, and the comfort insoles are removable for added convenience.
Another cool feature of these sneakers is the lightweight FlexSole midsole, which works as a shock absorber for added support, comfort, and durability.
These are the #2 shoes in the category of Women’s Health Care and Food Services Shoes and have an average user rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The vast majority of buyers report back that these shoes fit just as expected and are true to the size.
Many of these buyers work jobs that require them to be on their feet all day long, so the fact that these sneakers get high marks is a plus.
The memory foam, arch support, and slip-resistance are the top qualities that customers love about this shoe.
They’re a solid choice for operating room nurses.
➡️ Skechers Work Sure is available on Amazon.
6. Dansko Women’s Professional Mule
- 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 Mule is a #1 best-seller on Amazon in the category of Women’s Health Care and Food Services Shoes.
These leather shoes come with a polyurethane sole, and they’re made in the United States.
Choose from dozens of colors ranging from solid neutrals to brights and patterns. The platform is 0.75” while the heel is about 2” for a shoe that is sleek, cozy, and built to last.
A wider toe box allows for all-day comfort while the polyurethane outsole added more protection and shock absorption.
The padded collar and wide heel strike mean greater support and control, perfect for a busy nurse on the go.
The inner frame adds more stability, while the memory foam footbed adds additional comfort and cushioning.
These shoes are APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) approved and have the backing of thousands of satisfied customers.
They’re stylish, easy to clean, and hold up to long hours and, in many cases, even foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis.
➡️ Dansko Women’s Professional Clog is available on Amazon.
Related Article: 5 Best Dansko Shoes for Nurses
Final Thoughts
Just in case you missed our comparison chart from above.
Buying the perfect best fitting shoes is a must for every nurse. We hope this list will get you started in finding the most comfortable nursing shoes for you.
Are there any other good shoes for operating room nurses that we missed? If so, let us know in the comments below.
