Finding walking shoes that are comfortable, durable — and hopefully not entirely hideous — can be tough. For suggestions, we turned to nurses around the country to ask about the work shoes they can’t live without. Why nurses? Many walk up to 5 miles during a 12-hour shift — more than double the average for the rest of us on any given day. Here’s what our healthcare experts had to say about the shoes, sneakers, clogs, and otherwise, that they love.
Note: Price and availability are subject to change.
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Skechers Women’s Ultra Flex Salutations Sneaker
$36-$118 from Amazon Shop Now
This airy and flexible pair of sneakers features an air-cooled memory foam insole, a synthetic sole, and is available in six neutral colors. “Personally, I love wearing the white-colored pair,” says registered nurse Tiffany Joy Yamut of California. “They’re super lightweight and put less stress on my feet, which makes it easier for me to stand for hours,” Yamut says. “Aside from using them for work, I also use my Skechers Ultra Flex for running during weekends. It’s a durable and comfy pair for women on the go.” Online reviews also sing their praises, with many buyers noting their ample padding and comfort. A few note that these tend to run a bit large and wide. As the Salutations are a slip-on, the laces are just for show.
Klogs Women’s Mission Closed-Back Nursing Clog
Around $130 from Amazon Shop Now
California-based emergency room nurse Andrea Hansen swears by her Klogs. “I bought a pair of Klogs when I was in nursing school 15 years ago. They still look brand new,” she says. The shoe’s closed back, padded collar, shock-absorbing outsole, and odor-resistant TRUComfort insole all help with comfort, as well as elasticized goring to accommodate foot swelling throughout the day. “My feet never hurt after a 12-hour shift,” Hansen notes. “I would buy a dozen of these shoes, but I don’t have to because [that] one pair has lasted….” With nearly four dozen designs in this model alone, there’s a style for just about anyone. And multiple Amazon buyers back up Hansen’s enthusiasm. “I’ve been wearing these shoes every shift for the past 3-4 months,” says one. “I get compliments on them from both patients and other staff. And they are still the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.”
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Dansko Women’s Professional Clogs
$85-$249 from Amazon Shop Now
For nurses who prefer a more fashion-forward clog, the Dansko Professional in Leopard Suede (also available in many other styles) is a popular choice. Michele Nakari, BSN, RN, who works as a pediatric hospital nurse in Colorado, owns three pairs. “They’re really sturdy, comfortable, and you can wear them for years on end,” she says. Another Dansko clog Nakari likes is the Dansko XP 2.0 line. Amazon buyers give them 4.5 stars, with one buyer noting, “I have severe arthritis in my right ankle and plantar fasciitis in my left foot. I had been hobbling around using various braces, inserts and shoes recommended by my podiatrist without much relief — until I found these shoes. I now can walk normally, without a limp and without pain.”
Hoka One One Women’s Clifton 6
Around $169-$260 from Amazon Shop Now
Another shoe that’s popular with her nursing peers, Nakari says, is the Hoka One One. She herself owns a pair for working out. “They’re so incredibly comfortable, and good for people that have orthotics or that have arch support issues or plantar fasciitis,” she says. Amazon buyers, who give this model 4.5 stars, support that statement, with multiple 5-star reviews noting that the Clifton 6s help alleviate the pain of plantar fasciitis as well as chronic foot conditions. “I have plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome,” notes one buyer. “Since I started wearing these shoes my pain level has gone down so much. Truly makes a difference in my life.”
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Stegmann Graz Women’s Leather Cork Sole Clogs
$40-$131 from Amazon Shop Now
Stegmann makes many different versions of its clogs, including wool and sport styles. Minnesota registered nurse Gwen Henricksen admits to owning more than 10 pairs. “I wear the sport clogs and the leather clogs to work,” she says. “They are comfortable to wear all day like casual footwear but look professional for business wear. I recommend Stegmanns to everyone, regardless of their profession.” The Graz model features a cork-latex footbed, EVA outsole, a leather lining, and a padded heel seat for extra cushioning. One buyer on Stegmann’s website notes: “It was painful to just get up and walk. I felt like I was getting old before my time. Using these clogs healed my feet and saved my life. I’m back to walking at lunch and walking on vacations with my family.”
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Merrell Men’s Moab Adventure Lace Waterproof Hiking Shoe
$72-$223 from Amazon Shop Now
Men need good walking shoes, too. Merrell’s Moab Adventure leather hiker, with its Vibram sole, an EVA midsole (which helps to disperse weight and provide stability) and a breathable mesh lining fits the bill for Washington state nurse Al Kraft. His Merrells are “durable and versatile,” he says. “After a 12-hour shift, I’m not thinking about how my feet ache.” Nearly 90% of Amazon buyers give these four or five stars, with one noting that he wore his for “three weeks straight” during a trip to Asia. “After the trip, which had over 100 miles on foot through plenty of rough terrain, they are still in excellent condition and show minimal wear on the body and sole.”
