Best Shoes For Nurses 2026: Podiatrist & Nurse Tested

Updated October 2026. We checked every model below on the brand’s US website on 19 October 2026. Every shoe spec is the brand’s own published figure, labelled with where it comes from. We have not measured these shoes ourselves, and nobody at the practice wore them for this guide.

At a glance: nine nursing shoes compared

These are the brands’ published figures from their US websites. “Not published” means we could not find the figure on the brand’s page. None of the product pages we read named a slip-resistance test standard.

Shoe	Type	Brand’s slip claim	Upper	Drop	Widths	US price
HOKA Bondi SR	Slip-resistant sneaker	Yes: slip-resistant rubber outsole	Water-resistant leather	6 mm	Regular, Wide	$180
Dansko XP 2.0	Clog	Yes: wet, dry and oily-wet surfaces	Leather (waterproof in select styles)	Not published	Regular; Wide in some styles	$165–$170, varies by color
Dansko Professional	Clog	None stated	Leather	Not published	Regular listed for the style we read	$155
Clove Women’s Classic	Healthcare sneaker	Grip claim only (“extra-grippy” outsole)	Fluid-resistant Clarino microfiber	10 mm	Standard only	$150
Skechers Max Cushioning Elite – Riclan (women’s)	Slip-resistant slip-on	Yes: “SRO rated” outsole for wet, dry and oily surfaces	Mesh, synthetic heel panel	Not published (2-inch heel height)	Medium, Wide (see note)	$89.99–$120
Brooks Ghost 18	Neutral running shoe	None stated	Engineered air mesh	10 mm	Narrow to Extra Wide (men’s up to 4E, women’s up to 2E)	$150
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25	Stability running shoe	None stated	Engineered mesh	10 mm	Women’s Narrow (2A) to Extra Wide (2E)	$155 (women’s)
HOKA Bondi 9	Max-cushion neutral running shoe	None stated	Engineered mesh	5 mm	Regular, Wide, X-Wide	$175; some colors $140
HOKA Clifton 11	Neutral running shoe	None stated	Engineered mesh	8 mm	Regular, Wide, X-Wide	$155

What to look for in a nursing shoe

Foot pain is common in nursing. In a survey of 304 nurses at a children’s hospital in Australia, 43.8% reported foot or ankle problems in the previous seven days, and these problems limited physical activity in about one nurse in six (Reed et al., 2014). Shoes are only one part of the answer, but these features have evidence or clear guidance behind them.

1. Slip resistance, if your floors get wet

In a 10-year NIOSH-led study of hospital employees, liquid on the floor was the most common cause of slip, trip and fall claims (24%), and nursing and office staff generated the largest numbers of claims. A broad prevention program, which changed cleaning and flooring and gave slip-resistant shoes to some staff groups, was followed by a 58% fall in the claims rate. Because the shoes were one part of the program, the study can’t say how much they helped on their own (Bell et al., 2008).

The clearest evidence on the shoes comes from food-service workers, who face similar wet floors:

• In 475 restaurant workers followed for up to 12 weeks, shoes marked slip resistant were linked to a 54% lower reported rate of slipping (Verma et al., 2011).
• In a second analysis by the same group, the rate of slipping was 14.6 times higher on a contaminated floor, and slip-resistant shoes reduced that effect (Verma et al., 2011).
• In a cluster randomized trial, school districts randomly assigned to a program that gave food-service staff slip-resistant shoes at no cost saw slipping injury claims fall from 3.54 to 1.18 per 10,000 worker-months, while the comparison districts’ rate rose from 2.01 to 2.30 (Bell, Collins and Chiou, 2019).

So if your unit has spills or wet floors, slip resistance is the shoe feature with the strongest evidence for reducing slips and slip injuries. “Slip resistant” is the brand’s own claim, and ordinary running shoes aren’t sold as slip resistant. If your employer has a footwear policy, follow it.

2. Cushioning: what the evidence does and doesn’t show

A 2018 systematic review of 10 studies found moderate evidence that cushioned materials (softer flooring or cushioned insoles) reduce discomfort and fatigue in people who stand at work (Speed et al., 2018). A NIOSH review lists shoes, shoe inserts, mats and hosiery among the measures that may help, but says the studies need better design (Waters and Dick, 2015). A laboratory study of three brands of nursing shoes suggested that arch support, some EVA foam under the ball of the foot and a heel height of 1.8 to 3.6 cm could reduce foot pressure and improve comfort (Chiu and Wang, 2007).

The evidence does not show that any brand, or any amount of foam, prevents plantar fasciitis or other injuries in nurses. Cushioning can make a shift more comfortable; it doesn’t replace a good fit or treatment when something hurts.

3. Fluid-resistant uppers and cleaning

Mesh is made to let air through, so spills can soak in; leather and synthetic uppers can be wiped down. Clove calls the Classic’s upper fluid resistant, and HOKA lists a water-resistant leather upper on the Bondi SR. Your work shoes are not protective equipment, though. OSHA says shoes worn outside the facility are not PPE, and where blood or other infectious material could reasonably reach your feet, your employer must provide protection such as shoe covers at no cost to you (OSHA, 2006).

4. Clogs or sneakers?

• Clogs slip on and off and wipe clean. Dansko says its heel counter lets the heel move up and down while giving side-to-side stability, and the Professional has a rocker bottom. AAOS notes that a rocker sole may help people with arthritis or arch pain.
• Sneakers lace up, so you can adjust the fit, and AAOS advises a heel counter that grips your heel. If you have poor balance or a previous ankle sprain (risk factors for sprains, according to AAOS), a laced shoe may be a better start than a clog with a 1.7- to 2-inch heel (Dansko’s figures).
• Dress codes vary. OSHA leaves footwear choice to the employer when blood is not likely to reach the feet, so check your hospital’s policy.

5. Fit, socks and replacement

• Try shoes on at the end of the day or after a shift, because feet swell during the day, and leave at least a half inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe (AAOS).
• If you wear custom orthotics, bring them and check that the factory insole lifts out.
• Compression stockings are a separate topic. The NIOSH review and the nursing-shoe study both mention hosiery for leg discomfort, but it doesn’t replace the right shoe.
• AAOS notes that cushioning may become less effective over time, even without use, and that running shoes have lost 45% of their shock absorption by 500 miles. APMA advises against wearing shoes with excessive wear, so replace yours once the tread or heels are worn down.

Our picks: the best shoes for nurses in 2026

Best slip-resistant sneaker: HOKA Bondi SR

What it is: the slip-resistant version of HOKA’s Bondi, listed for “Professional Use.” HOKA says it “stands up to the demands of the service industry and medical field alike.”

Features (HOKA US): a slip-resistant “ultra-grippy, full ground contact rubber outsole”; a water-resistant leather upper; 6 mm drop; Regular and Wide; 14.00 oz (size not stated); $180.

Suits: nurses on wet floors or with a slip-resistant rule who want running-shoe cushioning and an upper that wipes clean.

Skip it if: you need X-Wide, or heavy shoes tire you. HOKA lists it at 14.00 oz against 10.5 oz for the Bondi 9 (neither size stated), and leather may feel warmer than mesh. See our Bondi vs Bondi SR comparison.

Best slip-resistant clog: Dansko XP 2.0

What it is: Dansko’s slip-resistant work clog, which Dansko says is “made with tough jobs and long days in mind.”

Features (Dansko US): a “patented slip-resistant rubber outsole suitable for dry, wet, and oily/wet surfaces”; a removable dual-density PU footbed with memory foam; a lightweight EVA midsole; a leather upper (waterproof in select styles); 1.7 in heel, 0.98 in platform on the colors we checked. Dansko says it “accommodates most standard and custom orthotics.” Full price is $165 to $170 depending on color, Dansko lists no drop, and a Wide version is sold in some styles.

Suits: clog wearers who need slip resistance, including orthotic wearers.

Skip it if: you have poor balance or past ankle sprains, prefer laces, or work on a unit that doesn’t allow open-back shoes.

Classic nursing clog: Dansko Professional

What it is: Dansko’s “flagship clog.”

Features (Dansko US): a “PU rocker bottom”; a wide heel strike; a contoured PU midsole with built-in arch support; a roomy reinforced toe box; a leather upper; 2 in heel, 0.8 in platform; listed as “APMA Accepted”; $155 for the style we read; European sizing. Dansko makes no slip-resistance claim for it, and the page doesn’t say whether the footbed is removable.

Suits: nurses who want a supportive slip-on clog with a rocker sole.

Skip it if: you need a slip-resistant shoe (choose the XP 2.0), need to swap in custom orthotics (check first), or have balance problems.

Best fluid-resistant healthcare sneaker: Clove Women’s Classic

What it is: Clove’s “debut sneaker style,” sold for people who work in healthcare.

Features (Clove US): a “fluid-repellent, easy to clean Clarino vegan leather” upper (Clove says Clarino is a microfiber that mimics leather); “extra-grippy (but quiet!)” outsoles; washable insoles; a slip-on design; 10 mm drop; 36 mm heel cushion; 10 oz per shoe (size not stated); $150 for women’s sizes 6 to 12. Clove names no slip-resistance test standard, so if your employer requires a certified slip-resistant shoe, ask Clove first.

Suits: nurses who get splashed and want a quiet shoe they can wipe down.

Skip it if: you have wide feet. It comes in one standard width; Clove suggests going up half a size or choosing from its wide collection.

Budget slip-resistant slip-on: Skechers Max Cushioning Elite – Riclan

What it is: the Skechers Slip-ins Work Slip-Resistant: Max Cushioning Elite – Riclan, a women’s hands-free work sneaker (style 108246).

Features (Skechers US): a “slip-resistant (SRO) rated outsole for traction on wet, dry, and oily surfaces”; a Max Cushioning midsole; an Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole; a laceless mesh upper with a synthetic heel panel; 2-inch heel height; $89.99 to $120 depending on color and size.

Suits: nurses who need slip resistance on a budget and want to step in without tying laces.

Skip it if: you get splashed (the upper is mesh), need to fit a custom orthotic (Skechers doesn’t say whether the insole comes out), or need a wide width (the page’s width information conflicts).

Best cushioned running shoe for most widths: Brooks Ghost 18

What it is: Brooks’ neutral everyday running shoe. It isn’t sold as slip resistant.

Features (Brooks US): “soft DNA LOFT v3 foam”; an engineered air mesh upper; 10 mm drop; $150. Women’s Narrow (2A), Medium (1B), Wide (1D) and Extra Wide (2E); men’s Narrow (1B), Medium (1D), Wide (2E) and Extra Wide (4E).

Suits: nurses with a neutral foot, nurses who need extra width, and anyone whose heel or calf feels better with more drop.

Skip it if: you need slip resistance, work around frequent spills, or have arches that collapse (see the Adrenaline GTS 25).

Best for flat feet: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

What it is: Brooks’ stability shoe, listed under both road running and walking. It isn’t sold as slip resistant.

Features (Brooks US): GuideRails support, which Brooks says “helps your body in its natural motion path”; “nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning”; an engineered mesh upper; 10 mm offset; $155 (women’s). Women’s Narrow (2A), Medium (1B), Wide (1D) and Extra Wide (2E).

Suits: nurses with flat feet or arches that collapse over a long day.

Skip it if: you need slip resistance, or you have high, rigid arches, for which AAOS suggests a cushioned neutral shoe.

Most cushion for long shifts: HOKA Bondi 9 (or the lighter Clifton 11)

What it is: a max-cushion neutral shoe that HOKA’s Bondi page suggests for walking and standing for long hours. Neither it nor the Clifton 11 is sold as slip resistant.

Features (HOKA US): HOKA’s softest cushion rating, “Plush”; 5 mm drop; a smooth MetaRocker sole; an engineered mesh upper; Regular, Wide and X-Wide; 10.5 oz (size not stated); $175, some colors $140. The Clifton 11, launched in July 2026, is rated “Balanced”: 8 mm drop, 9.97 oz (size not stated), the same three widths, $155.

Suits: nurses with high arches or sore forefeet, and anyone who wants maximum cushioning or X-Wide. Choose the Clifton if you want a lighter shoe with more drop.

Skip them if: you need slip resistance (choose the Bondi SR), need arch control (both are neutral), or feel unsteady in tall, soft shoes.

Best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches and wide feet

For plantar fasciitis

The NHS recommends cushioned heels and good arch support, along with insoles or heel pads. A 2021 best-practice guide in the British Journal of Sports Medicine adds that shoes should be supportive and comfortable and have a heel-to-forefoot drop. It puts stretching, taping and learning about the condition at the core of care. We found no study comparing these shoes for heel pain, but the Ghost 18 (10 mm drop), Clifton 11 (8 mm) and Bondi SR (6 mm, slip resistant) fit that advice. Add a supportive insole if you need more arch support. More: shoes for plantar fasciitis and plantar fasciitis causes and treatment.

For flat feet

AAOS suggests stability shoes for arches that collapse and calls motion-control shoes “the choice” for runners with flat feet. Our stability pick is the Adrenaline GTS 25. If you wear orthotics, the Dansko XP 2.0 has a removable footbed.

For high arches

AAOS describes cushioned, neutral shoes as designed for high-arched, rigid feet. Here, that means the Bondi 9, Ghost 18 and Clifton 11, or the Bondi SR if you need slip resistance. More: best shoes for high arches.

For wide feet

The Ghost 18 has the widest range here: up to 4E in men’s and 2E in women’s. The Bondi 9 and Clifton 11 come in X-Wide and the Bondi SR in Wide. The Clove Classic comes in one standard width.

How we chose

We chose current models from the categories nurses buy (slip-resistant sneakers, clogs, fluid-resistant healthcare shoes, slip-on work shoes and cushioned running shoes), checked each on the brand’s US website on 19 October 2026, and matched its published features to the evidence above. We did not measure, score or wear these shoes. The Amazon links below earn the practice a commission.

Where to buy

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and colors change often; check the listing before you buy.

• HOKA Bondi SR, women’s, on Amazon
• Dansko XP 2.0, women’s, on Amazon
• Dansko Professional, women’s, on Amazon
• Clove Classic on Amazon
• Brooks Ghost 18, women’s, on Amazon
• Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25, women’s, on Amazon
• HOKA Bondi 9, men’s, on Amazon
• HOKA Bondi 9, women’s, on Amazon
• HOKA Clifton 11, men’s, on Amazon
• HOKA Clifton 11, women’s, on Amazon

The Skechers Max Cushioning Elite – Riclan is sold on Skechers’ website.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best shoes for nurses?

There isn’t one best shoe for every nurse. For wet floors, choose a shoe sold as slip resistant, such as the HOKA Bondi SR or Dansko XP 2.0. For splashes, the Clove Classic has a fluid-resistant upper. Cushioned running shoes such as the Brooks Ghost 18 and HOKA Bondi 9 are comfortable, but they aren’t sold as slip resistant.

What are the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis?

Look for a cushioned heel, good arch support and some heel-to-toe drop, as the NHS and a 2021 best-practice guide advise. The Brooks Ghost 18, HOKA Clifton 11 and HOKA Bondi SR fit that description; add a supportive insole if you need more arch support. If heel pain hasn’t improved after two weeks of self-care, get it checked.

What are the best nursing shoes for flat feet?

AAOS suggests stability shoes when the arch collapses. Our pick is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25, which has GuideRails support and comes in women’s widths from Narrow to Extra Wide. If you wear orthotics, Dansko says the XP 2.0 clog accommodates most custom orthotics.

What are the best shoes for nurses with high arches?

AAOS describes cushioned, neutral shoes as designed for high-arched, rigid feet. The HOKA Bondi 9, Brooks Ghost 18 and HOKA Clifton 11 fit that description, and the HOKA Bondi SR is the slip-resistant choice. If your arches hurt or your ankles keep rolling, see a podiatrist.

Are clogs or sneakers better for nurses?

Neither is better for everyone. Clogs slip on and wipe clean: the Dansko Professional has a rocker bottom, and the XP 2.0 adds a slip-resistant outsole. Sneakers lace up and hold your heel, which may suit you better if you have poor balance or have sprained an ankle before.

What are the best non-slip work shoes?

Choose a shoe the brand sells as slip resistant, and check that it meets your employer’s policy. Among our picks, that means the HOKA Bondi SR, Dansko XP 2.0 and Skechers Max Cushioning Elite – Riclan, though none of their pages names a test standard. In a randomized trial in school food-service workers, providing slip-resistant shoes cut slipping injury claims.

What shoes do podiatrists recommend for nurses?

We start with fit, following AAOS advice: a heel counter that grips your heel, at least a half inch of toe room, and shoes tried on at the end of the day. Then match the shoe to your floors and feet: slip resistance for wet floors, a wipe-clean upper for splashes, and stability if your arches collapse.

How often should nurses replace their work shoes?

There’s no fixed schedule. AAOS notes that cushioning may become less effective over time, even without use, and APMA advises against wearing shoes with excessive wear. Replace yours once the tread or heels are worn down.

When to see a podiatrist

Get your foot checked if pain hasn’t improved after two weeks of self-care, if it is severe or getting worse, if you have tingling or numbness, or if you have diabetes and foot pain (NHS). APMA advises that if pain, redness, swelling or heat persist, you should limit your normal daily activities and see a podiatrist.

Related guides

• HOKA Bondi vs Bondi SR
• Women’s shoes for standing all day
• Shoes for plantar fasciitis
• Best shoes for high arches
• Orthotic-friendly shoes
• Custom orthotics at Balance Foot & Ankle
• Shoes for teachers

Sources

1. HOKA US. Bondi SR (men’s): price, drop, weight, upper, outsole, widths, best use.
2. HOKA US. Bondi 9 (men’s), Clifton 11 (men’s) and Bondi collection; Clifton 11 launch press release (via FashionUnited), July 2026.
3. Dansko. XP 2.0 (Black Waterproof Pull Up), Wide XP 2.0 (Party Glitter) and Professional (Navy Suede).
4. Clove. Women’s Classic.
5. Skechers. Slip-ins Work Slip-Resistant: Max Cushioning Elite – Riclan (women’s).
6. Brooks. Ghost 18 (women’s), Ghost 18 (men’s), Adrenaline GTS 25 (women’s) and Adrenaline GTS series (women’s).
7. Bell JL, et al. Evaluation of a comprehensive slip, trip and fall prevention programme for hospital employees. Ergonomics. 2008;51(12):1906-25.
8. Verma SK, et al. A prospective study of floor surface, shoes, floor cleaning and slipping in US limited-service restaurant workers. Occup Environ Med. 2011;68(4):279-85.
9. Verma SK, et al. Rushing, distraction, walking on contaminated floors and risk of slipping in limited-service restaurants: a case-crossover study. Occup Environ Med. 2011;68(8):575-81.
10. Bell JL, Collins JW, Chiou S. Effectiveness of a no-cost-to-workers, slip-resistant footwear program for reducing slipping-related injuries in food service workers: a cluster randomized trial. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2019;45(2):194-202.
11. Speed G, Harris K, Keegel T. The effect of cushioning materials on musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue during prolonged standing at work: a systematic review. Appl Ergon. 2018;70:300-314.
12. Waters TR, Dick RB. Evidence of health risks associated with prolonged standing at work and intervention effectiveness. Rehabil Nurs. 2015;40(3):148-65.
13. Chiu MC, Wang MJ. Professional footwear evaluation for clinical nurses. Appl Ergon. 2007;38(2):133-41.
14. Reed LF, et al. Prevalence and risk factors for foot and ankle musculoskeletal disorders experienced by nurses. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2014;15:196.
15. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Wearing sandals in a medical office when feet do not contact blood or OPIM. Standard interpretation, 16 June 2006.
16. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Athletic shoes; Sprained ankle.
17. NHS. Plantar fasciitis.
18. Morrissey D, et al. Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. Br J Sports Med. 2021.
19. American Podiatric Medical Association. Heel pain.