Go for a shoe with soft, cushioned insoles with good arch support, both Chien and Kelly say. Plus, Kelly adds, 'They tend come in fun patterns, because life is too short for boring socks!' Who can argue with that? What shoes should nurses wear if they have plantar fasciitis or are diabetic? Chien agrees, saying they help prevent excessive friction. 'Ones that are either designed for healthcare workers or athletes tend to be less intense than medical-grade ones, but can help with the overall fatigue that the feet can feel at the end of a long shift,' she explains.

Bonnie Chien, Orthopedic Surgeon, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center Of course, the time frame depends on the activity level on your feet.ĭr. the bottom soles of the shoes about every four to six months and if there is a sizable part with wear and tear, consider replacing the shoes. Non-slip sole: A grippy sole helps with stability and balance - helpful for nurses who have to walk or run around multiple times a day in an environment where they're likely to be exposed to various types of fluids and liquids.Make sure, too, that there is 'about half an inch, which is usually the width of a finger, between the tip of the longest toe and the end of the shoe,' says Chien. A good rule of thumb is to measure up to the largest toe of your larger foot. Tikiwala echoes: 'The biggest issue is that people are wearing one or two sizes smaller than their actual size, which can then lead to painful deformities.' Make sure to avoid shoes with a narrow toe box so your toes don't rub against the tops or sides, Chien adds. 'Based on the foot shape and associated issues related to the foot, some shoes may be more suitable and comfortable than others,' she adds. Shoe shape and fit: The biggest thing to keep in mind, Kelly says, is that shopping for nursing shoes isn't a 'one size fits all' approach.For the medical setting, she recommends a sneaker with a mesh upper.

Ventilation is important 'so that sweat (and odor) do not accumulate, and fungal/bacterial infections are prevented,' Chien explains. Breathability: Nurses' feet are also often confined in closed-toe shoes for hours at a time.'A good supportive shoe will not easily crease in the middle,' she explains. Meghan Kelly, assistant professor of foot and ankle surgery at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, says that one way she tests for adequate support is by trying to bend a shoe in half. It's also important to have good arch support for stabilizing the foot and ankle, Tikiwala adds. Support: Constant standing and loading weight on their feet make nurses susceptible to various foot health issues, so Chien advises to go for comfortable shoes that have a thick-enough supportive sole.Shop Birkenstocks are trending - but are they good for your feet? A podiatrist weighs in What to look for when buying shoes for nurses What to look for | Best overall nurse shoes | Best clogs for nurses | Nurse shoes under $100 | Shoes designed for nurses | Best athletic shoes for nurses | FAQs | Meet our experts From athletic sneakers to practical clogs, these are the 22 best shoes for nurses and what to look for when shopping. Using those key features, Shop TODAY asked nurses in addition to foot doctors for the pairs they recommend for getting through long shifts on your feet. That's why the foot and ankle experts we spoke to, many of whom work with nurses themselves, look for particular things when it comes to finding the right shoes for nurses: these include cushioned support, grip, fit and ventilation.

'Prolonged standing and weight bearing can predispose to certain conditions, such as calluses, plantar fasciitis, leg edema (swelling) and pain in the ball of the foot or heel,' Chien says. Meghan Kelly, Assistant Professor, Foot & Ankle Surgery, Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine Based on the foot shape and associated issues related to the foot, some shoes may be more suitable and comfortable than others.ĭr.

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