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Nurse life

Best Shoes for Nurses

Best nurse shoesYou spend at least eight hours a day on your feet as a nurse, so it’s important to have comfortable, supportive shoes that won’t leave your heels aching at the end of your shift.

We asked nurses to weigh in on their favorites, which range from classic clog styles to modern running shoes. Here are five of the best shoes for nurses.

Dansko clogs

Many nurses swear by Danskos, which are distinguished by their thick rubber soles and wide toe boxes. The patent leather professional clog is most popular because it can be wiped clean and looks dressy. However, Danskos are also available in rubber, suede, embroider felt and several leather finishes: oiled, tooled, embossed, distressed and burnished.

Dansko offers a wide option as well, and the clogs come in 20 different patterns if you’re bored with black or brown. The professional line starts at $130, but you can often find the black patent leather clogs on sale for less than $100 at other retailers.

Klogs shoes

Though their name says otherwise, Klogs do not have as high of an arch as traditional clogs and look more like mules. Nurses who wear Klogs appreciate the low heels, padded footbeds and flexible soles. While hospital and restaurant staff most prefer the Mission style, Klogs offers more than 30 different styles in its professional line. Patterns, tooled leather and various colors make these shoes stand out as well.

Klogs range from $50 – $140, depending on the style, and are available at Amazon and Zappos for a discounted price.

Sanita clogs

Handmade since 1907, Sanita clogs are a staple for many nurses, especially the professional Cabrio style. They look nearly identical to Dansko clogs — because they are. Dansko originally imported Sanita clogs from Europe under the Dansko name. The companies then parted ways in 2007, and Dansko has made its own style by hand since 2008.

While differences between the two are slight, Sanita clogs are narrower and have a shorter heel. They also have a more streamlined look since they have no stitching along the edges. Sanitas are similar in price to Danskos, ranging between $90 to $140, and are frequently cheaper at 6pm.com or Zappos.

Nike Shox running shoes

Don’t like the look of clogs or find the arch too high for your feet? You still have other supportive options as a nurse. Nike Shox are lightweight and absorb shock with their unique foam Shox columns, waffle-traction rubber soles and a perforated heel for breathability. Nurses with wide feet find Shox much more comfortable than clogs, which can rub against the top or sides of your foot.

Nike Shox come in several different colors and designs, including the Current and Avenue. They range in price from $80 to $150 through online retailers.

Brooks Ghost running shoes

If you have foot issues like bunions or plantar fasciitis and need immediate comfort, you’ll love Brooks Ghosts. Made of breathable mesh with removable foam insoles, the Ghost running shoes offer enhanced cushioning and a wide toebox. Though these shoes are designed for running, nurses and other professionals find them supportive enough to wear all day long.

Brooks Ghost running shoes are available in a variety of colors and range from $130 to $160. However, discontinued styles are cheaper at online retailers.

Though these shoes won’t give you a burst of energy to keep going during a neverending shift, they can ensure your feet don’t ache when you’ve still got hours left. We know you have a favorite pair of shoes to wear while you’re working, so share your picks below!

About the author

Lindsay Wilcox

Lindsay Wilcox is a communication professional with experience writing for the healthcare and entertainment industries as well as local government. When she's not circling typos, she's enjoying fish tacos and hanging out with her family.

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