10 Best Shoes for Nurses 2026 in the United States

The Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 3 is a strong contender for nurses needing comfortable and supportive shoes for long shifts. It shines in comfort with its high stack of DNA Loft v3 cushioning that reduces pressure on your feet, helping to prevent fatigue during extended periods of standing or walking. The shoe’s wide base and GlideRoll Rocker technology offer good stability and smoother transitions with each step, which supports natural movement and reduces strain. Breathability is well addressed through a mesh and textile upper, which helps keep feet cool during busy days. With a weight of just under 10 ounces, it’s relatively lightweight, which adds to all-day comfort.

Fit-wise, it runs true to size and accommodates various foot shapes, making it a practical choice for many nurses. However, it lacks water resistance, which might be a drawback in wet or messy environments common in healthcare. Durability appears solid given the materials and build, but heavy use in harsh conditions might wear it down faster than some tougher work-specific shoes.

This shoe suits those who prioritize cushioning, support, and breathability and are mostly on their feet in dry indoor settings.

The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 25 is a strong choice for nurses who spend many hours on their feet. It offers excellent support with its GuideRails system, which helps keep your feet stable and reduces excess movement—important during long shifts. The shoe is very comfortable thanks to its soft, nitrogen-infused cushioning, which absorbs impact and provides a light, springy feel. It’s also breathable, with a mesh upper that promotes airflow to keep your feet cool. Weighing just 9.5 ounces, it won’t feel heavy or tiring over time.

Slip resistance is a key feature here, making it safer for hospital environments where floors can be slippery. The fit is true to size, secure, and flexible, which helps accommodate natural foot movement. However, it’s not water-resistant, so it may not be ideal if you need protection from spills or wet conditions. Cleaning is relatively easy, given the mesh and rubber materials, but the white color may show dirt more quickly.

Primarily designed as a running shoe, its combination of support, cushioning, and slip resistance makes it well-suited for nurses seeking dependable, comfortable footwear for daily wear. Brooks shoes are generally known for lasting well, making this model a dependable option for extended use.

The Hoka Women's Bondi 9 is designed with maximum cushioning that offers excellent comfort and support, which is essential for nurses who spend long hours standing or walking. Its engineered mesh and cotton lining provide good breathability, helping to keep feet cool during busy shifts. Weighing about 13.6 ounces, these shoes are moderately lightweight, contributing to ease of movement without feeling heavy.

The Bondi 9 fits true to size and features a lace-up closure, allowing for a secure and adjustable fit. Durability is supported by the ethylene vinyl acetate sole and foam insole, materials known for long-lasting wear. These shoes are not water-resistant, which might be a drawback in wet environments often encountered by nurses.

The Bondi 9 successfully balances comfort and support, making it a strong option for nurses looking for cushioned, breathable shoes for everyday use, though some may want to consider additional slip protection depending on their specific workplace.