Podiatrist Approved Shoes for Nurses on the Move
Best Shoes For Nurses (Podiatrist Recommended Nurses Shoes)
Do you want the BEST Shoes for nurses? We go over the 100% BEST Podiatrist Recommended Nurses Shoes for Men and Women!
Look!
- Nurses spend a ton of time on their feet at nursing homes, the hospital and helping patients.
- Nurses have one of the hardest and most selfless jobs, so they need to have good support for their feet!
- A good shoe is made even better with a good supportive insole!
So let’s take a look at our FAVORITE shoes!
Nurses work some of the longest and most demanding shifts—on their feet for hours, often with minimal breaks. That’s why finding the best shoes for nurses is not just a matter of comfort, but a necessity for foot health. Whether you’re dealing with fatigue or chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis, the right footwear can dramatically improve your day-to-day experience. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Michigan, our podiatry team helps nurses choose the ideal shoes that blend support, cushioning, and durability.
Nursing professionals are on the go all day—walking, standing, and sometimes even running to care for their patients. This high-impact lifestyle requires shoes that are more than just “comfortable.” They need to offer arch support, heel stability, and shock absorption, especially for nurses who suffer from plantar fasciitis. We’ve compiled a list of top-rated, podiatrist-approved shoes that offer the relief and performance that nurses need throughout their shifts.
Whether you’re new to the field or a veteran nurse searching for an upgrade, choosing the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis can prevent long-term damage and reduce pain so you can focus on what matters most—your patients.


Best Shoes For Nurses (Podiatrist Recommended Nurses Shoes)
Nurses can spend a lot of time on their feet, so it is very important for them to have excellent shoes!
A good shoe is made even better by having a lot of support for your feet with an orthotic.
Rules for the BEST Nursing Shoes:
A slip on shoe or “clog” does not provide as much support as a good lace up shoe.
- This especially means Dansko type shoes!
- Dansko or clog type shoes feel easy to put on, but do not offer the support a good walking shoe + good insole provide.
Once the nurse gets used to a good supportive orthotic, it will allow the foot to prevent soreness rather than trying to make the soreness go away.
A shoe with laces allows room for an orthotic as well as changing lacing patterns for better grip and less top of the foot pain.
If needed a good lace-up shoe will allow room for compression stockings or an ankle brace which could provide even more support.
The Best Nursing Shoes
These are our favorite podiatrist recommended nursing shoes:








Best Nursing Orthotics
- A good walking or running shoe from above combined with a good over the counter orthotic will provide even more support.
Custom orthotic or Prefabricated Orthotic?
- We say start with the lower cost orthotic. It is not as great as a well made custom orthotic but you should get used to how it works first.
- If you feel it helps, but not as much as you want it to help: then a custom orthotic can be made by your favorite podiatrist later!








Best Socks for Nurses
These are some great socks for nurses after you have the good shoes and orthotics!








Best Ankle Compression Braces for Nurses
- These are some of our favorite ankle compression braces and compression sleeves for nurses.
- These can really help during the day!




Best Slippers for Nurses
When at home nurses should be wearing something supportive as well!
If at all possible we like those with foot pain to have some support and cushion at home as well.
These home orthotic slippers can be really good options.










Best Nursing Shoes for High Arches
- We go over the best treatment for high arches.
- Click to follow this guide for the best nursing shoes for high arches.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Tom Biernacki – Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
At Balance Foot & Ankle here in Howell, Michigan, I regularly treat nurses dealing with foot fatigue, plantar fasciitis, and even chronic joint pain caused by improper footwear. Nurses are the unsung heroes constantly on the move, and the shoes they wear must be able to support long shifts, reduce impact strain, and maintain proper alignment.
A key factor we focus on is selecting footwear that aligns with an individual’s anthropometrics—that is, their unique foot size, arch type, and gait pattern. Properly fitted shoes tailored to these variables have been shown to reduce lactic acid accumulation, which in turn decreases muscle fatigue. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that anthropometrically fitted shoes significantly reduced lactic acid levels in nurses during extended work hours, highlighting how critical proper shoe selection really is for performance and recovery.
For nurses experiencing plantar fasciitis, the combination of a supportive heel cup, solid arch support, and shock-absorbing midsoles is non-negotiable. Don’t settle for stylish but unsupportive shoes—your feet will thank you long-term.
FAQ Section: Podiatrist Best Shoes for Nurses
Shoes for nurses should provide excellent arch support, cushioning, breathability, and slip-resistant soles for hospital environments. Durability and easy cleaning are also essential.
Yes, many running shoes offer the same shock absorption and support needed by nurses. Brands like Brooks, HOKA, and Asics are often recommended by podiatrists.Yes, many running shoes offer the same shock absorption and support needed by nurses. Brands like Brooks, HOKA, and Asics are often recommended by podiatrists.
Look for shoes with orthopedic support, a deep heel cup, firm arch support, and a cushioned sole. Brands like HOKA, OOFOS, and Brooks have specific models ideal for plantar fasciitis.
Absolutely. Many podiatrist-recommended nursing shoes are orthotic-friendly, meaning they have removable insoles and extra room for custom inserts.Absolutely. Many podiatrist-recommended nursing shoes are orthotic-friendly, meaning they have removable insoles and extra room for custom inserts.
If over-the-counter solutions aren’t enough, custom orthotics can provide relief tailored to your foot’s biomechanics. Consult a podiatrist for assessment.
Depending on wear and tear, nursing shoes should generally be replaced every 6–12 months or after 500–600 miles of use.
Brooks, HOKA ONE ONE, Skechers Work, Asics, and Dansko are top-rated for nurses. Each offers models known for comfort, arch support, and durability.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell, Michigan for a professional foot evaluation and personalized shoe recommendations.