11 Best Shoes For Nurses UK IN 2022 – Expert Recommendations & Reviews
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It goes without saying that Nursing is a demanding job that involves spending hours on your feet each day. Due to this, we are often asked what the best shoes for nurses are. Our expert team have shared their go-to shoes for nurses or for anyone who stands for long periods of time and is looking for a pair of comfortable and supportive shoes.
Enjoy 10% OFF each of the shoes in our guide if you are a Blue Light Cardholder – You’ll find our discount code on their portal. All NHS staff & Emergency Services are eligible to sign up for a Blue Light Card.
Begg Shoes are one of Scotland’s longest-standing independent shoe retailers having been established in 1866. Six generations of the Begg family later, the business now boasts a team of footwear experts – many of whom are fully qualified from The Society of Shoe Fitters.
11 Shoes We recommend for Nurses
1. Best Overall – Clarks Un Loop, £69
The Clarks Un Loop is our best overall choice and a longstanding favourite in the nursing community. This popular slip-on shoe has accent stitching and functional button detail for a unique look and is favoured by those who are constantly on their feet throughout the working day.
PROS
- Quality Leather Upper for Lasting Comfort
- Reliable and Long Lasting
- Secure Fastening
- Half Sizes Available
CONS
- Extremely Popular – Expect to Match with colleagues
2. Best Value For Money – Alpina Eikelea, £69.99
We love this Alpina style and it is undoubtedly the most popular value for money option on the market. This quality leather shoe boasts many features suitable for nurses, but not specifically tailored to the needs of life on the ward.
PROS
- Secure Fit via Elastic Gussets
- Waterproof Tex Membrane
- Lightweight & Flexible Sole
- Value For Money
CONS
- Not as breathable as non-waterproof options
3. Best For Style – Legero Tanaro, £90
When it comes to high-quality comfort, Legero is one of the leading brands in our collection and the Tanaro is one of their tried and tested styles.
PROS
- Quality Leather Upper
- Removable Insole
- Laces Allow for Tightening
- Stylish Design
- Available in Multiple Colours
CONS
- Price
- Shock absorbent
4. Best For Long Shifts –IMAC Karenal, £65
These shoes are perfect for nurses who spend all day on their feet – we suspect all of you! Made in Italy, this shoe will make running up & down the halls of a hospital ward or doctor’s rooms all day a breeze.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Cushioned Insole
- Padded Collar
- Breathable & Absorbant Leather Upper
CONS
- Not a Recognised Brand
5. Best For Features – Skechers Safety Work Eldred, £69
For those after a pair of nursing shoes in a trainer style, then these Skechers Work Shoes are ideal. They boast many features that will make standing on your feet all day more comfortable.
PROS
- Slip-Resistant Rubber Traction
- Slightly Wider Fit
- Secure and Adjustable Fit
- Electrical Hazard Safe Design
CONS
- Only Available in Black
6. Best Slip-On Nurse Shoes – Skechers Skech-Air Arch, £84
While not practical in every setting, the improved arch support on offer from Arch Fit Skechers makes them a much improved all-day work shoe than a standard memory foam Skechers trainer. This style is a little bit more pricey but they look great and with enhanced support should help you bounce around at work in comfort.
PROS
- Available in Black & Navy
- Extra Cushioning At The Heel
- Elasticated Fit
- Arch Support
CONS
- Not Leather
7. Best Trainers – On Running Cloud 5, £120
For nurses looking for a premium trainer, look no further than the Cloud 5 from On Running. This lightweight fashionable trainer has cushioning in abundance and is suitable for a busy day on the ward and then your run home afterwards. We recommend taking a half to full size larger than your normal UK size for these trainers.
PROS
- Fashionable
- Lightweight
- Breathable Material
- Extremely Cushioned
CONS
- Can Run Small
- Lacks Width Options
- Not Leather
8. Best Croc – Crocs Classic Clog, £39.99
Crocs have been synonymous with nurses for over a decade now. Medical professionals love wearing crocs due to them being lightweight, easy to take off when you finally get a moment to sit down and they don’t break the bank. However, you must be aware of the shortfalls with Crocs and how these could affect you individually. Crocs don’t offer a secure fastening, room for expansion or heel support, a feature that is extremely important as your heel bare the brunt of pressures associated with walking all day. Furthermore, Crocs themselves are not absorbant and will get extremely sweaty during your shift. We recommend buying two pairs of Crocs and alternating each pair to ensure they dry correctly between uses.
PROS
- Easy To Clean
- Price
- Easy to Slip-On/Off
CONS
- No Fastening
- Not Absorbant
- No Heel Support
- No Room For Expansion
9. Best For Nurses With Plantar Fasciitis – Ecco Soft 7 Lace, £110
Plantar Fasciitis is a common condition within the nursing community due to the demands of the role. To avoid recurring foot pain throughout your long shifts, it is important to find a shoe that offers strong support, shock absorption, arch support and extra cushioning in the front of the shoe. Ticking all the boxes is the Ecco Soft 7 Lace.
PROS
- Quality Leather Upper
- Removable Insole
- Stylish & Sleek Design
CONS
- Price
10. Best For Comfort – Ecco Soft 2.0, £85
PROS
- Recommended by Chiropodists
- Soft, Light & Flexible
- Removable insole
CONS
- Price
11. Best For Wide Fit – Hotter Sugar 2, £79
For those after a pair of nursing shoes with a wider fit, look no further than this bestseller from Hotter. Offering all of the best brand features, including a hidden balance bar to support your arch and heel, this shoe ticks most of the boxes when it comes to comfort.
PROS
- Half Sizes Available
- Wide Fit
- Velcro Fastening
- Great Arch Support
- East Slip On/Off
CONS
- Less Fashionable
- Value For Money
ECCO offer superb arch support and the MX range of trainers is lightweight, flexible and well-cushioned underfoot.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect nursing shoe shouldn’t need to be a worrying prospect. By understanding the demands of your role and the best fit for your specific foot shape and condition, you can be sure that foot pain after a long shift will be a distant memory.