Best Shoes for Nurses and Other Workers Who Stand All Day – When your profession involves anything from running alongside a gurney to standing for hours in the ER or operating room, the right shoes are a must. After all, being on your feet all day puts your lower extremities under a lot of stress. So if you’re consistently wearing unsupportive shoes, you could develop achy arches, exacerbate plantar fasciitis, joint pain, and other uncomfortable foot-related issues. That’s where the best shoes for nurses—or for anyone who stands for long periods of time—come to the rescue.
Not wearing the right shoes can cause many issues aside from foot discomfort including pain in the hips, knees, and back so it’s important to have a good stable pair of shoes that put your body in the correct equilibrium,” explains Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S. “The longer you are on your feet with bad or uncomfortable shoes, the worse those problems can become. This is especially important for people who have jobs that force them to be on their feet all day like nurses, retail, hospitality, etc.”
Fortunately, there are lots of footwear options perfect for people who stand all day—you just have to know what to look for. It’s important to choose shoes that have good non-slip grip for dashing between patients, as well as extra cushioning that supports nurses who are up on their feet for hours. But not all shoes are made equally, so we spoke with experts to find the best shoes for nurses.
Best Shoes for Nurses and Other Workers Who Stand All Day
Hoka One One Bondi 7 Sneakers
As some of the most cushioned shoes available https://bacaankatolik.org/ anywhere, Hoka’s Bondis are already ideal for nurses. But they’re especially great for people who don’t want a pair of shoes that they’ll only wear to work, since these durable kicks are also designed for running, walking, or just heading to the grocery store after a shift. Plus, the supremely soft but supportive EVA midsoles mean they’re a good fit for anyone with plantar fasciitis.
These Bondi 7s are the ONLY shoe my feet do not hurt in,” writes one reviewer and veteran healthcare worker. Been a nurse for 30 years and only wish these were around earlier in my career.
New Balance 608v5 Sneakers
You just can’t beat a classic, like these tried-and-true kicks from New Balance. With a super-cushioned base, comfy foam near the ankle, and a flexible outsole, these sneakers are designed to keep you on your feet (and feeling good) all day long. And on top of all that, their leather uppers are stain-resistant, meaning they’ll look crisp long after you’ve broken them in.
I have worn nothing but New Balance for close to 25 years,” one reviewer, a nurse who works 12-hour days, writes. “If you have a job where you are constantly on your feet, THIS IS THE SHOE FOR YOU. I wear compression socks as well. They are true to size, and after working long hours my feet don’t hurt.
Crocs On-The-Clock Work Slip-On
You can’t go wrong with a great pair of Crocs, and this version made specifically for those who stand for long hours is a favorite of Sayed. These shoes have an enclosed and reinforced heel and toe to help protect your feet, while offering arch support for comfort and slip-resistant treads for safety.
“I have experience working with plenty of different shoes in two different restaurants. I know the feeling of pain in your feet whenever you get off a long, 12 hour shift. After a five hour shift, your feet feel exhausted. Let me tell you about the On-The-Clock Croc,” one reviewer writes. “These crocs are the best shoes for working in a restaurant. They have a soft, comfortable feeling when easily slipping the crocs on without having to hassle with any shoe laces. The outside of the crocs have a hard, water-resistant touch…these shoes help comfort me as I work over a 12-hour shift. After a long day of work, I don’t have to worrying about my feet cramping anymore”
