:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shp-hoka-bondi-9-kristen-geil-3-09205409ff204e8083f4bad70f89d478.jpeg?ssl=1 "The 9 Best Shoes for Nurses 2025, Podiatrist-Approved")
As a regular runner and frequent traveler, I know how important comfortable shoes are. But no one relies on it more than nurses. These healthcare heroes spend hours on their feet, walking hospital hallways, assisting patients, and dealing with back-to-back shifts. It’s physically demanding that makes supportive, durable shoes an absolute must. Finding the best shoes for nurses is crucial not just for those who work 12-hour shifts, but for anyone who spends long days on their feet.
To uncover the real standouts, I tapped two nurses to test the top-rated shoes during shifts at the hospital. Over dozens of long days and thousands of steps, they rated each pair for fit, comfort, cushioning, support, durability and overall value. I also consulted two podiatrists to find out which pairs they recommend to their patients for standing all day. Based on all of their insights, I rounded up three great shoes for nurses that really go the distance—whether you’re caring for patients or just need super supportive shoes for long days on your feet.
Shape Scoring Scale
5 – In perfect shape!
4 – Now we are talking
3 – Good, but needs some work
2 – OK, but nothing special
1 – Do not recommend
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Size: Women’s 4–12 | weight: 10 ounces | Upper material: Knitted Mesh | Arc Support Level: high
ICU nurse Jamie, who averages 15,000 steps per 12-hour shift, calls the Huka Bondi 9 shoe a total game changer. With flat feet, she’s used to ending her shifts with sore and tired knees, but not anymore. Plush, spring cushioning keeps it comfortable from the first patient round to the last charting session, while the stable midsole helps reduce impact on hard hospital floors. After 13 hours on her feet, Jamie says her legs still feel fresh — a rare feat in nursing shoes.
Another standout feature is the breathable mesh upper, which keeps feet cool even during hectic summer shifts. Jamie also likes that they come in 21 color options, allowing her to switch styles from shift to street. Its only note? The exterior of light fabrics can quickly stain or show. But to pay for the relief, she says it’s not worth the extra care. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best shoes for hoka nurses (and anyone who spends the day on their feet).
Also available in men’s sizes: Amazon, Zappos, Hoka
Jamie’s Overall Score: 5 – In perfect shape!
![Man wearing Hookah Bondi 9 shoes on wooden deck]()
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Credit: Shape ![A pair of Hooka Bondi 9 shoes on a wooden floor]()
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Credit: Shape
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Size: Women’s 5–13 | Weight: 9.3 oz Upper material: Jacquard Mesh | Arc Support Level: moderate
For nurses to tackle physically demanding shifts — pushing wheelchairs, lifting patients, and navigating narrow hallways — a stable shoe is a must. Pico nurse Sheila, who is on her feet for 10 hours per shift, says the ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 shoe is all she needs to move confidently all day. Its wide, supportive base and impact-absorbing midsole help stabilize every step, even when she’s carrying extra weight or turning quickly on the hospital floor.
That said, Sheila notes that these aren’t as breathable as the lighter, knit models. After long shifts, her feet can feel a little warm, and she says the thick sole adds a touch of bulk. Still, in the colder months or for anyone who prefers stability and shock absorption over airy design, this pair delivers shift after shift of comfort. These are a great shoe for nurses who need serious support under pressure.
Also available in men’s sizes: Amazon, ASICS
Sheila’s Overall Score: 4 – Now we are talking
![A man wearing ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 shoes]()
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Credit: Shape ![A pair of asics gel nimbus 27 on wooden floor]()
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Credit: Shape
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Why we love it
A light feeling
Soft, comfortable cushioning
Excellent breathing
Size: Women’s 5–12 | weight: 9.7 ounces | Upper material: Aries | Arc Support Level: moderate
Brooks is a go-to brand among nurses, and Sheila says it’s easy to see why. During his 10-hour shifts averaging 10,000 steps, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 shoe was his total BFF on flat feet. With its lightweight design, soft foam sole, and breathable mesh upper, she says these shoes provide cloud-like comfort that makes long days feel surprisingly doable—especially compared to some pairs that “feel like cinder blocks on your feet.”
Still, Sheila had some notes. This pair doesn’t offer the most traction, which can be difficult in environments with risk spreads or slick spots. She also found the stability to heal after an accident: “My foot got stuck under a closed door and a bit of foam came out,” she says. Even so, for nurses (or anyone) who prioritize lightweight comfort above all else, these get high marks as a great shoe for nurses who want cushion without the crap.
Also available in men’s sizes: Dick, Brooks
Sheila’s Overall Score: 4 – Now we are talking
![A person wearing Brooks Ghost Max 2 shoes in a room]()
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Credit: Shape ![A pair of Brooks Ghost Max 2 sneakers are placed on a wooden floor]()
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Credit: Shape
Other podiatrist-recommended shoes for nurses
How we tested shoes for nurses
Two of our nurse testers literally put these shoes through their paces. Each nurse tested four pairs over several weeks of actual hospital shifts, logging up to 10 shifts per pair of anywhere from 10 to 13 hours. That’s about 100+ hours of testing and up to 15,000 steps per day spent walking, standing and splashing through busy hospital corridors. During each shift, they paid close attention to how each shoe performed during the demands of their job.
After each change, our testers documented their experiences in detail, noting how each shoe felt during long hours on their feet and how their legs and arches responded afterward. They evaluated each style in key performance categories: fit, comfort, cushioning, heel and arch support, breathability, slip resistance and durability. They also recorded how quickly the shoes broke in, how well they held up to splashes or long wear, and whether they kept your feet cool and supported you from clock to clock out.
Ultimately, their notes revealed which pairs really stood out as the best shoes for nurses and anyone who spends long hours on their feet every day.
What to Look for in Shoes for Nurses
- Prefer rest all day: Nurses give their all for hours on end for patients, and the last thing they deserve is sore feet. When looking for shoes to stand in all day, comfort is king. Look for plush, responsive midsoles that absorb shock and reduce fatigue. “The plush midsoles reduce the impact received from hard floors, especially in models with higher stack heights,” says the podiatrist. Judy Schoenhaus, DPM, FACFAS.
- The support key is: For shift work, or any job that requires you to stand for hours, structure is essential. Shoes with solid arch support and a firm heel counter help stabilize the foot and reduce stress. “Arch-supportive shoes should have firm heel counters and good side-to-side control, all of which help limit excessive range of motion,” says the podiatrist. Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, FFPM, RCPS.
- Slip resistance matters: Spills and slick floors aren’t limited to hospitals, so traction is a must for any hard-working shoe. “Slip resistance is non-negotiable,” says Scoonhouse. Shoes with warm, patterned outsoles help prevent slips so you can confidently move through long shifts, classrooms, or busy days on your feet.
- Avoids overheating by breathing: Even in a cold environment, hours of movement can lead to overheated feet. Breathable materials, such as mesh uppers or moisture-wicking liners, keep feet dry and fresh. “A mesh breathable upper is great for those who are working long hours, and they often pair well with the compression stockings that nurses often wear due to standing,” says Landau.
- Stability Count: Between the constant movement and hard floors, daily wear and tear can take a toll on your shoes. Schoenhaus notes that high-quality rubber outsoles and reinforced stitching are hallmarks of shoes built to last, whether it’s through back-to-back hospital shifts or a long day that keeps you on your feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand of shoes are best for nurses?
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but Schoenhaus swears by hookah bondi and Brooks Ghost’s long shifts. “The hooka is at the top because it offers standout cushioning and support,” she says. “(Or) Brooks is a happy medium, because it’s comfortable but still supportive.”
Why do nurses love hooks?
Ever notice that many nurses wear hookahs? This is for good reason. Hoka offers plush cushioning, lightweight construction and reliable durability – all features that make them ideal for anyone who spends hours on their feet. They also come at a relatively affordable price point, making them a favorite for those seeking relief off the hospital floor.
What are the best shoes to wear if you are on your feet all day?
According to Schoenhaus, while Hokas are a great overall choice, the best shoe for all-day wear is one that still feels great after hours of use. “Your feet tend to swell during the day, so be sure to try on shoes in the evening,” she says. “Alternate between two pairs if you can, and replace them every four to six months.” Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, or retail worker, proper fit and circulation can make all the difference in comfort throughout the day.
Are running shoes good for nursing shifts?
Both Schoenhaus and Lando agree that running shoes can be great for long nursing shifts, as long as they’re slip-resistant. “If Ausol can’t handle a wet tile floor, it’s probably not what you want.” “So yes, they can be effective, but I advise nurses to choose a model with hospital-grade traction and durability.”
Why form trust?
Sarah Garvin, NDTR, CNCis a health and wellness journalist with eight years of experience. Throughout his career, he has tested hundreds of wellness products, including dozens of walking shoes. As a runner and frequent traveler, she has become an expert on comfortable shoes. Just her wardrobe may be Running out of shoes. For this story, along with two of our nurse testers, Sarah consulted the following foot and shoe experts:
- Ankle and Leg Vein Center in Boca Raton, Florida, Judy Schoenhaus, DPM, FACFA, Podiatrist, Ankle and Leg Vein Center in Boca Raton, Florida
- Samantha Lando, DPM, MPH, FFPM, RCPS, is a podiatrist and assistant professor of orthopedics and pediatrics at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
