Nursing means long shifts on hard floors, and extra body weight adds load to every step. The CCOHS says working on your feet on a regular basis can cause sore feet, swelling of the legs, muscle fatigue and low back pain.[1]
Your shoes cannot change that on their own, but a cushioned, supportive, well-fitting pair makes a long shift easier. This guide covers what to look for and nine pairs for men and women that are in stock on the web US. If you want more options for men, see our guide to walking shoes for overweight men.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have foot, heel or joint pain, talk to a doctor or podiatrist. Check your workplace dress code and safety rules before you buy work shoes.
Shoe basics for nurses on their feet all day
- OrthoInfo says heel pain is often seen in overweight people because of overload, and in people whose jobs keep them standing for long periods. It lists standing for long periods on hard surfaces, especially among healthcare workers, as a risk factor.[3]
- OrthoInfo adds that shoes with thick soles and extra cushioning can reduce pain with standing and walking, and that you should avoid shoes that do not provide support or are worn out.[3]
- The CCOHS recommends shoes that allow the natural shape of your foot, grip the heel firmly, leave room for your toes and have arch support, and says a shock-absorbing cushioned insole helps on hard floors.[1]
- The CCOHS also says no footwear has anti-slip properties for every condition, so check with the manufacturer if your floors are wet or oily.[2]
Why Long Shifts Are Hard on the Feet
The CCOHS says standing is a natural posture and poses no particular hazard by itself, but standing for long periods regularly can lead to sore feet, swollen legs, varicose veins and fatigue.[1] Footwear and flooring are major factors in standing comfort.[1]
OrthoInfo links extra weight to plantar fasciitis, which causes pain on the bottom of the foot at the heel. It lists obesity, flat feet and long periods of standing on hard surfaces among the risk factors, and names healthcare workers.[3] If you have heel pain that lasts, see a doctor.
What to Look for in a Nurse’s Shoe
- Cushioning – The CCOHS recommends a shock-absorbing cushioned insole on hard floors and says to avoid shoes that lack cushioning or arch support. OrthoInfo says thick soles with extra cushioning can reduce pain with standing and walking.[1][3]
- Arch Support – The CCOHS says lack of arch support flattens the foot, so choose shoes with built-in arch support or room for an orthotic.[1]
- A Secure Heel and Roomy Toes – The CCOHS says to pick shoes that grip the heel firmly, since a heel that slips causes instability and soreness, and that leave freedom to move your toes. It recommends lace-up fastenings with the instep laced firmly.[1]
- Slip Resistance – Slips happen when there is too little traction between the footwear and the floor. The CCOHS says no shoe is anti-slip for every condition and recommends asking manufacturers when floors are wet or oily.[2]
- Fit – Wide widths and extended sizes help if your feet are broad. Try shoes on, and walk around for a few moments before buying.[1]
Features of a Good Shoe for Nurses
- Durability – Look for sturdy materials that handle a full shift every day. Work-style shoes such as the Timberland PRO Intercept and the Vangelo clog are built for it.
- Midsole and Insole – EVA foam, memory foam or a cushioned footbed absorb shock on hard floors.
- Outsole – Choose a rubber outsole with tread. The Timberland PRO, the Skechers Glide-Step Pro and the Vangelo clog are marketed as slip-resistant, so look for that rating if your floors are slick.[2]
- Easy to Clean – Leather, synthetic and washable materials wipe clean after a shift.
How We Chose These Shoes
We do not test shoes ourselves. We compared each model’s cushioning, closure, width options and fit using the makers’ descriptions and The web product pages, and we kept only pairs that are in stock on the web US. Brands do not pay to be included, but we may earn a commission from purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Shoes for Nurses
- Are slip-resistant shoes enough to prevent slips?
No. The CCOHS says there is no footwear with anti-slip properties for every condition, and that good housekeeping is the first level of preventing slips and trips.[2] - When should I replace my shoes?
OrthoInfo says to avoid shoes that no longer support your feet, and to replace athletic shoes before they wear out. Replace work shoes when the cushioning feels flat or the tread is worn.[3]
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Timberland PRO Intercept | Work shoe | – | Medium, Wide | EVA | – |
| 2 | Skechers Glide-Step Pro | Work shoe | Slip-in | – | Memory Foam | – |
| 3 | Vangelo Professional | Clog | – | Medium | EVA | – |
| 4 | Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 | Shoe | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | 10.2 oz |
| 5 | Under Armour Charged Assert 10 | Shoe | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 10 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | 9.5 oz |
| 6 | New Balance 608 V5 | Casual sneaker | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB | – |
| 7 | adidas X_PLR Path | Running | Lace-up | Medium | Cloudfoam | – |
| 8 | Reebok Rapid Strike | Walking | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | EVA | – |
| 9 | Skechers Summits | Walking | Lace-up | Medium, Wide | Memory Foam | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Reviews: Shoes for Nurses
Here are our picks. Each pair is in stock on the web US. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Work Shoes and Clogs for Nurses
1Steel-Toe Athletic Work Shoe
Timberland PRO Intercept - Men
Currently unavailable
Timberland PRO Intercept - Women
Currently unavailable
The Timberland PRO Intercept is an athletic-style work shoe with a steel safety toe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The steel toe meets ASTM impact and compression standards, and the shoe has electrical hazard protection.
- The Timberland PRO 24/7 Comfort System cushions the foot and supports the arch, and Flex technology allows full range of motion.
- The slip-resistant sole grips workplace floors.
2
Skechers® Men's Glide-Step Pro Slip-Resistant Slip-In Work Sneaker
Currently unavailable
The Skechers Glide-Step Pro is a hands-free slip-in work sneaker with a tested slip-resistant outsole.
- The outsole is tested for traction on wet, dry, oily and greasy surfaces.
- Hands Free Slip-Ins technology with a Heel Pillow lets you step in and go, and the water-repellent mesh upper is electrical hazard rated.
- An Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole and the Glide-Step midsole cushion long shifts.
3
Slip-Resistant Waterproof Clog
Vangelo Professional - Men
Currently unavailable
Vangelo Professional - Women
Currently unavailable
The Vangelo Professional is a waterproof clog that nurses and kitchen staff wear. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The EVA foam body is very light, and the OrthoLite insole is removable.
- The tread is patterned to channel fluids and resist slipping, and the clog washes inside and out.
- The clogs come in a wide range of sizes, and the maker suggests sizing up half or one size for wide feet.
Cushioned Athletic Shoes for Nurses
4Light Cushioned Trainer
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 is a neutral trainer that balances cushioning and flexibility. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper has leather overlays that add midfoot support, and at least 30% of the upper is recycled content.
- Charged+ midsole cushioning is soft, and the rubber outsole has flex grooves for toe-off.
- It weighs about 10.2 oz and comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
5
Light Trainer, Wide Widths
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is a light everyday trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The breathable mesh upper has synthetic overlays for durability and support.
- An EVA sockliner adds soft step-in comfort, and the Charged Cushioning midsole uses compression-molded foam.
- The solid rubber outsole covers high-wear zones, the offset is 10 mm and the shoe weighs about 9.5 oz.
6
Casual Cross Trainer
New Balance 608 V5 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 608 V5 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 608 v5 is a casual cross trainer that works as an everyday walking shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- An Abzorb heel crash pad absorbs impact, and a molded insert adds cushioning underfoot.
- The suede upper breaks in to your foot, and dual-density collar foam steadies the ankle.
- A Phantom Liner interior has few seams to rub, and the EVA midsole has an internal shank for midfoot stability.
7
Cushioned Everyday Sneaker
adidas X_PLR Path - Men
Currently unavailable
adidas X_PLR Path - Women
Currently unavailable
The adidas X_PLR Path is a lightweight, running-inspired sneaker for everyday wear. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper is light and breathable, and the textile lining feels soft.
- A Cloudfoam midsole gives step-in comfort and cushioning.
- The rubber outsole has good grip and a low-profile look.
8
Light Walking Shoe, Wide Widths
Reebok Rapid Strike - Men
Currently unavailable
Reebok Rapid Strike - Women
Currently unavailable
The Reebok Rapid Strike is a light walking and cross-training shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- A breathable mesh tongue keeps air moving, and the synthetic upper holds its structure.
- The EVA midsole is light and absorbs impact, and the TPR outsole grips and lasts.
- The open-cell sockliner is removable, and the shoe comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
Slip-On Sneakers for Nurses
9Slip-On Knit Sneaker
Skechers Summits - Men
Currently unavailable
Skechers Summits - Women
Currently unavailable
The Skechers Summits is a slip-on sneaker with bungee laces and a soft insole. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper has a bungee lacing system for a secure but flexible fit and quick on and off.
- A memory foam insole cushions the foot, and the flexible rubber outsole grips.
- The shoes are machine washable.
Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Nurses
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Timberland PRO® - Steel-Toe Athletic Work Shoe |  |  |
| Timberland PRO |
| 3 | Vangelo® - Slip-Resistant Waterproof Clog |  |  |
| Vangelo |
| 4 | Under Armour® - Light Cushioned Trainer |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 5 | Under Armour® - Light Trainer, Wide Widths |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 6 | New Balance® - Casual Cross Trainer |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 7 | adidas® - Cushioned Everyday Sneaker |  |  |
| adidas |
| 8 | Reebok® - Light Walking Shoe, Wide Widths |  |  |
| Reebok |
| 9 | Skechers® - Slip-On Knit Sneaker |  |  |
| Skechers |
Importance of the Right Shoes on Long Shifts
A cushioned, supportive shoe that fits and grips the floor makes a long shift easier on your feet. Choose a pair that suits your floors and your workplace rules, and see a doctor if foot or heel pain does not settle.[1][2][3]
Sources
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Working in a Standing Position – Basic Information. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs. Accessed October 26, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around CCOHS and OrthoInfo guidance, added a disclaimer, takeaways, How We Chose section and FAQ, replaced the barefoot-style Merrell Wrapt with the slip-resistant Skechers Glide-Step Pro and regrouped the shoes under correct headings
- Oct 2026: Replaced Crocs On The Clock with Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11; replaced Dansko Professional with New Balance 608 V5; replaced Timberland PRO Newbury with Timberland PRO Intercept; replaced Merrell World Vue Moc Moccasin with Merrell Wrapt; replaced Drew Shoe Bexley with Under Armour Charged Assert 10; replaced Sticky Work Shoes with adidas X_PLR Path; replaced Skechers Energy with Skechers Skechers; replaced Reebok Classic Harman with Reebok Rapid Strike
- Oct 2026: Removed Skechers for Work Flex Advantage (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Mar 2020: Published
