Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers routinely work long shifts, meaning they’re on their feet for 8 to 12+ hours a day. For people who stand all day, wearing the right kind of shoes is a must for comfort and foot health.
Here are our picks for the best shoes for doctors and nurses. We’ll also tell you what to look for in a great work shoe. An easier shift starts with happier feet!
Best Shoes for Nurses & Doctors: What to Look For in a Shoe
What features should doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals look for in a good shoe? When you’re on your feet all day, you need:
- Arch support for stability and posture
- Cushioning for comfort and shock absorption
- Traction to prevent slipping
- A wide toe box for stability and comfort
- Durability to withstand heavy use
Your workplace may also have specific requirements for footwear, such as a particular color, with white being a common color for nurses and doctors. Shoes listed below that come in solid white are noted.
Best Shoes for Nurses & Doctors
Good shoes for doctors and nurses include athletic sneakers, orthopedic shoes, and clogs. Here are some of our favorites!
Best Shoes for Women
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 Unlaced – Cushioned slip-on sneakers
Made for running, these shoes feature New Balance’s Fresh Foam X cushioning technology for exceptional comfort and a knit upper for breathability. The easy-on, easy-off design allows for a snug and secure fit without the need for laces or straps. They come in a few color choices, including solid white.
adidas Duramo SL 2.0 Running Shoes – Affordable, versatile athletic shoes
Healthcare workers know that you don’t have to be a runner to be constantly on the move. These light shoes have a mesh upper for breathability, and super-light cushioning to keep you comfortable as you move from task to task or patient to patient. And they do it all at a modest price point! These shoes come in nine colors including solid black, but there’s no solid white option. If wearing white is essential, try the adidas Supernova 2, instead.
OOFOS OOmg Eezee Low Shoe – Supportive recovery shoes
Many healthcare professionals swear by OOFOS shoes with the patented OOfoam technology that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear, according to the brand’s website. This helps reduce stress on the feet and joints while creating an exceptionally comfortable shoe. These simple shoes are easy to slip on and off, and they come in all white.
OrthoFeet Coral Stretch Knit – All-around orthopedic sneakers
For some all-around, all-day orthopedic shoes, our pick is the lace-up Coral Stretch Knit. They feature a premium orthotic insole that provides pain relief in the heel, superior cushioning, and anatomical arch support. The rubber outsole gives good traction, while the stretchy knitted upper forms to your feet. Available in a range of colors, including white with grey accents.
Chaco Chillos Clog – Lightweight clogs
Chaco is mainly known for its water-resistant, outdoor sandals, and shoes that offer great support and comfort. But we think this pair of lightweight clogs are a great pick for long shifts at work. From the breathable design to the adjustable strap to the excellent arch support, these shoes have a lot of great features that will help you handle long days on your feet. Comes in many colors, including all white.
Best Shoes for Men
adidas Duramo 10 – Affordable, versatile athletic shoes
This is a great all-around athletic shoe that can be worn at work and after work, too. It’s lightweight, breathable, comfortable – and affordable, too. It comes in a wide variety of colors and color combos, including white with the signature adidas stripes.
Reebok Zigwild Trail 6 – Cushioned lace-up sneakers
These athletic shoes are designed for trail running and make an excellent choice for healthcare professionals who are on their feet all day. The eye-catching zigzag design of the sole isn’t just for looks; it helps disperse energy while on the move to keep feet from tiring out.
OOFOS OOmg Eezee Low Shoe – Supportive recovery shoes
Many healthcare professionals swear by OOFOS shoes with the patented OOfoam technology that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear, according to the brand’s website. This helps reduce stress on the feet and joints while creating an exceptionally comfortable shoe. These simple shoes are easy to slip on and off, and they come in all white.
Hey Dude Wally Slub Canvas – Lightweight slip-ons
Hey Dude shoes are known for being comfortable and supportive while at the same time being very lightweight and easy to wear. This durable and easy-on, easy-off pair features no-tie elastic laces, a cushioned ankle collar, and Hey Dude’s special Flex & Fold Technology. This style comes in many colors, including solid white.
Keen PTC Slip-On II for Men – Durable clogs
These water-resistant leather clogs have a slip-resistant, non-marking rubber outsole and feature a (removable) KEEN.CUSH memory foam insole that molds to your feet. This is a durable pair of shoes with a streamlined style that looks good and feels good, too. Comes in black.
