Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.
Written by: Kristina Gantz, Human Resources Coordinator, Medical Edge Recruitment
In the fast-paced and demanding world of healthcare, the right footwear can make all the difference. Healthcare workers, from nurses to doctors, spend long hours on their feet, often in high-stress environments where every moment counts. Comfort, support, and durability are essential when it comes to their choice of shoes. Whether you’re navigating the bustling halls of a hospital or working in a quieter clinical setting, the right pair of shoes can help you step confidently through your shift and alleviate the aches and pains that often come with the territory. Let’s walk through the best options available to ensure you’re equipped for the healthcare frontline.
Best Overall
TOPO ULTRAFLY 4
The Topo Ultrafly shoe provides a roomy toe box to have your feet positioned anatomically inside the shoe to provide a comfortable all-day wear. These lightweight shoes are made of recycled materials while still offering functionality and support. The heel and medial post support and foam insoles create a stable ride, which is why these shoes were granted The APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Approval and Seal of Acceptance.
Pros:
- Roomy toe box
- Offer light ankle and heel support
- Sustainably made
Cons:
- Nothing to note
Price: $135
Best for Standing All Day
Hoka Bondi 8
Hoka isn’t new to the cushioned shoe game; they’re true to it, and the Hoka Bondi 8 is just the shoe to prove this. This ultra-cushioned shoe provides stability and support for the long shifts where you’re standing all day.
Pros:
- Supportive
- Neutral shoe
- Wider base for stability
- Not heavy, easy to move in
Cons:
- Must be replaced more often than other shoes on the market
- On the pricey side of shoes
Price:$165
Best for Walking
Lululemon Chargefeel 2
The Chargefeel 2 is your go-to shoe for any and every activity you want to tackle. These mesh shoes are breathable and have a supportive midsole to give you that extra pep in your step.
Pros:
- Great for all activities
- Comes in a low and mid-ankle wear
- Breathable mesh outside layer
Cons:
- Narrow fit
- Not as supportive as other shoes on the market
Price: $138
Best for Flat Feet
On Cloud 5
These lightweight and insanely comfortable shoes are made with 44% recycled materials, making them a great lifestyle shoe if you have flat feet. The CloudTec technology is designed to deliver a soft and springy stride. The Cloud 5 shoes have a neutral support, which will suit most people with flat feet.
Pros:
- Available in waterproof
- Environmentally conscious
- Cushioned with foam
- Breathable
Cons:
- Not preferable for running
- Reviews say they tend to wear down quickly
Price: $110
Best for Narrow Feet
Brooks Ghost 15
The Brooks Ghost is a great, reliable shoe that has earned both the APMA Seal of Acceptance and the Runner’s World Award for 2023. These awards come to no surprise, as the Brooks Ghost has a soft midsole and DNA Loft v2 cushioning for a smooth, non-bouncy ride.
Pros:
- Great stability
- Soft cushioning
- Environmentally conscious
- Available in narrow, wide, extra wide, and medium
Cons:
- Heavy
- Neutral Support
Price: $140
Best Affordable
New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1
These New Balance shoes feature a lightweight cushion and a memory sole comfort insert that molds to your foot to bring added support, preventing your feet from feeling fatigued. The simple style and practical design make them a great go-to shoe for those on their feet all day who want to save a buck or two without compromising comfort.
Pros:
- Slip-on
- Lightweight cushion
- Great stability
Cons:
- Not very supportive
- Must size up
Price: $48
Best Slip On
Clove Classic Nursing Shoe
Clove is a brand that was created for healthcare workers, and this does not go unnoticed when looking at the features and design of the Clove Classic. These shoe’s squeak-free soles were engineered to prevent slips and provide a secure footing. The Clove Classic is also made with a fluid-resistant material called Clarino, which molds to your foot for added personalized comfort.
Pros:
- Fluid resistant
- Fabric molds to feet
- Slip-on
- Secure footing to prevent slips and falls
- Extra cushioning
Cons:
- Narrow fit
Price: $139
Best Sneakers
FIGS New Balance 327 Unisex
FIGS collaborated with New Balance to create a stylish yet cushioned shoe for nurses who are on their feet all day. These lightweight shoes have a waterproof suede and rubber traction outsole to prevent slips and stains. If you aren’t wanting to compromise your style for comfort, this is a great option for you.
Pros:
- Waterproof suede
- High-traction rubber outsole
- Trendy and stylish
Cons:
- Not machine washable
- Reviews say they are not as comfortable as other shoes
- Narrow fit
Price: $128
Best Clogs
Dansko Professional Clogs
These Clogs are tried and true in the healthcare industry. Whether it is the roomy toe box that is reinforced for protection, the footbed that contours to your feet, or the great lateral stability, the Dansko Professional Clogs are guaranteed to bring you 24/7 comfort for those long shifts. For all of these reasons, this shoe has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
Pros:
- Available in wide and medium fits
- Roomy toe box
- Anti-fatigue rocker bottom
- Very durable
Cons:
- Chunky
- Noisy
Price: $130
Best Supportive
BALA Twelves
Bala shoes are another brand of shoes that were made for healthcare workers. The Bala Twelves are a fluid-resistant stylish shoe that is machine washable, making them easy to clean. These shoes are known for their supportive impact-absorbing platform and their dynamic arch support that conforms to your arch.
Pros:
- Designed for female feet
- Machine washable
- Fluid resistant
- Breathable cushioning
- Dynamic arch support
Cons:
- Not for male healthcare workers
Price: $150
Choosing the right footwear is not only a matter of comfort and style for healthcare professionals. It’s also a piece of clothing that directly impacts their well-being while providing patient care. Ultimately, the perfect shoes for each healthcare worker will differ based on individual needs and preferences. The key is to prioritize comfort and health so that the focus remains on providing high levels of care to each patient during every shift.
Choosing the right pair of shoes is equally as important as choosing the right staffing agency!
Medical Edge Recruitment is a premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits. Let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!
Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.
