Nursing requires you to be available for patients all day long. Half of the day passes by walking, standing, or sometimes running. For this, a reliable pair of shoes is what most nurses look for. A reliable and comfortable pair will keep the foot pain and discomfort away.
Tennis shoes are the best in this regard. They have lower heel cushioning, making them sturdy. The flat surface helps in better stabilization and sideways movement. Tennis shoes are A1 for nurses as they keep pain and fatigue to a minimum level.
Moreover, tennis shoes are a reliable option if you are trying to avoid clogs. It provides full-feet coverage alongside a flexible midsole. As a matter of fact, nurses want a pair that provides adequate support and stability to their feet.
And here, I will shortlist and talk about the 9 best tennis shoes for nurses that you can buy in 2021!
Best Tennis Shoes for Nurses
1. HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Arahi 4 Running Shoes
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The first one on our list is the fourth edition of Arahi. It cut no slack to performance and yet provides great support. It has a synthetic sole with a stripped back. This causes extra structural support and breathability.
HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Arahi 4 Running Shoe has a firmer EVA providing inherent stability. The midsole, outer sole, and interior cushioning will give you nothing but a smooth and comfortable experience.
This is a cool and trendy one that has excellent features. If you lay hands on this, you wouldn’t sacrifice anything, neither fashion nor features!
Things I Like:
- Has a flat waisted geometry
- Provides a premium feel
- Has a neutral heel
2. Brooks Levitate 4
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The Brooks Levitate 4 is a great shoe for keeping you comfortable for as long as 12 hours. It is one amazing pair especially for those nurses who need to run in and out of ICU, OT, and emergency sections.
THE DNA AMP is 20% lighter which provides a higher energy return with each step. However, it is a shallow pair with a tight fit.
The brooks levitate has an updated arrow-point pattern on the outsole allowing quick transitions. Overall, this is a pair offering support, a secure fit, and a soft cushion.
Things I Like:
- Provides speedy and efficient movement
- Super light and breathable cushioning
- Gives a springy feel
- Has moisture-managing mesh
- Best for running
3. New Balance Women’s 847 V4 Walking Shoe
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The next kick on our list is the New Balance 847 V4. It’s a great pick for female nurses. This pair has a cushioning technology for increased shock absorption.
Made of premium quality mesh and synthetic material, this pair has a comfortable and snug fit. The external rubber sole and TRUFUSE midsole deliver added durability and comfort to the shoe.
The comfort collar holds your ankle area gently, providing a good fit. Though it’s on the expensive side, it has a lot to offer!
Things I Like:
- Cool design and lightweight construction
- Has responsive foam cushioning
- Suitable for wide foot and high arch
- Provides a superior fit
4. ASICS Men’s Gel-Challenger 13
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ASICS is well-known for all kinds of shoes. This Gel-challenger here is a premium shoe that has an intensive range of features. The high-quality construction results in a great performance.
It’s a sturdy, protective but comfortable pair. It has EVA and SpEVA midsoles which give extra cushioning. It is a durable pair.
Things I Like:
- Has removable sock liner
- Made of a combination of synthetic and mesh
- Support movement in multiple planes
- Provides shock attenuation
5. Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10
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If you want a better shoe than the ones mentioned in our list before, this is the one. The Saucony Women’s Cohesion is a 100% mesh-made shoe with a rubber sole.
With excellent interior cushioning, this provides you great performance. The comfort and flexibility of this pair are out of the world. This is perfect for people with a high arch foot.
This pair can be used for walking, running, or even trekking!
Things I Like:
- Great for wide feet
- Highly comfortable
- Has changeable sole
- Has a snug fit
6. ASICS Women’s Gel-Dedicate
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The ASICS Women’s Gel-Dedicate is a nice choice for young female nurses. The cute and funky color combinations are something different.
However, there are monochromatic colors too. These pairs are designed in a combination of synthetic and mesh materials. It has a classic lace-up design with a padded tongue and collar. There’s a molded foam footbed providing additional cushioning and support.
Overall, this is a great option for reducing foot stress and fatigue besides providing exceptional comfort.
Things I Like:
- Has EVA midsole
- Provides better shock attenuation
- performs well on flat surfaces
- Comfortable and stylish
7. New Balance Men’s 520 V5 Running Shoe
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The New Balance 520 V5 is a men’s shoe that provides a lightweight and breathable feeling to your feet. As a nurse, your feet bear all the pain and fatigue. This V5 running shoe will be a comfortable one as it has an EVA foam midsole.
Also, the NB comfort insert gives more cushioning. The construction of this pair provides support and comfort all day long. The stylish and trendy color combo is a cherry on top.
Things I Like:
- Upper foot comfort
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
- Highly durable outsole
- Has EVA midsole
- Versatile designs
8. Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe
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This kick by Adidas is a super cool lightweight pair and has a unique design. The lace-up construction makes it easier to wear. Made with 100% textile synthetics, this pair is a running shoe, which could be also used in healthcare settings.
It features a stretchable and breathable upper mesh. The rubber sole will provide you an increment in height of 3 inches. Give it a go for all-day comfort but in style!
Things I Like:
- Super comfortable and stretchable
- Available in many colors
- Has a snug fit
- Has sock liner and cloak foam cushioning
9. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy-15641 Sneaker
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The last one on our list is by Skechers. It is women’s footwear which is different from most of the shoes we reviewed. This model is a walking shoe but the design is chic. The rubber sole provides you little height.
Besides, the responsive 5Gen cushioning and mesh on the upper part give you a super smooth experience. Skechers Air Cooled Goga Mat insole energizes every step you take. It is a must-have pair for all your nurses!
Things I Like:
- Has a high rebound cushion insole
- Has a lightweight construction
- Has an athletic mesh lace-up
- Provides comfort and protection to your feet
Buying Guide forBest Tennis Shoes for Nurses
Below are a few important factors to consider before buying shoes.
1. Arch Support
The foot arch is what you have in the middle of your foot. It’s a subtle concave indentation to keep your toe and ankle area on the ground. Different people have different arches. Some have a flatfoot, which means there’s no arch support. Others have a high, normal, or low arch.
Not all tennis shoes are designed in the same way. So, it wouldn’t also fit the best to all kinds of the foot arch. It’s best if you try on your desired shoe and see if it’s appropriate for the arch support.
A wrong shoe will lead you to intense pain. Try on and go for a snug fit that gives proper arch support.
2. Design
Tennis shoes also come in various designs. There are funky, high, and hard tennis shoes out there. In my opinion, you should opt for a comfortable design. A tennis shoe that doesn’t have any unnecessary features is actually the best for nurses.
Look for a shoe that has proper toe and foot coverage. A slip-on shoe or a lace-up shoe is actually your personal preference here. Lastly, try to go with a neutral color as you’ll be busy with patients all day.
3. Material
Most tennis shoes are made of 100% polyester. Some are made of synthetic and polyester. These shoes have an upper mesh lining with a soft and protecting midsole.
Go for one that has a rubber sole- it is a slip-resistant one. It’s going to give you the best traction while rushing from here to there.
4. Quality
I suggest you go quality over fashion. A shoe with a lightweight construction that has a supportive footbed works best for nurses. A flexible midsole with enough cushioning on the inside can give you a smooth experience all day.
Long story short, go get a tennis shoe that fulfills all your criteria of comfortable footwear.
FAQ:
1. Can nurses wear tennis shoes?
Yes, nurses CAN wear tennis shoes. Most nurses prefer wearing tennis shoes or sneakers to work. These shoes are usually made of rubber. So, any liquid can’t pass in.
Tennis shoes are best suited considering their design, comfort, and price!
2. What is the most comfortable shoe for standing all day?
Tennis shoes are the best for standing all day. Due to the super-soft interior cushioning and flexible midsole, your foot fatigue is kept at a minimum. As a result, you can stand all day without developing any pain.
3. What shoes do podiatrists recommend?
Podiatrists recommend shoes that have a lot of cushioning, have a light build, and are suitable for walking and running. A slightly low heel drop on the shoe can take off the excess pressure on the knees.
So look for one with these features. Only then, you shall be wearing one that has all features recommended by podiatrists.
Final Words
In the nursing profession, shoes play a vital role. So, it’s necessary to wear a pair that will not only help with the intense activities but also keep you comfortable.
Once you choose a pair based on your preference of appearance, you must look into features such as foot width, ankle support, shock absorption, and weight. As for quality, every pair will go through wear and tear after a few months, especially if you use it rigorously.
With that being said, all the pairs of tennis shoes featured in this article ensure top-notch quality alongside affordable prices.
Lastly, we would like to declare our favorite pair, the Brooks Levitate 4. It has a durable construction, commendable features, and of course sleek look!
My name is Reagen and I started AllTennisGear (earlier AllTennisShoes) as a way to share my humble experience and help new Tennis players. Thank you for spending a few minutes of your day here and know that your feedback is always welcome.