#10 Best Nurse Shoes for 12 Hour Shifts 2023

On average, nurses who work 12 hours will have pain and discomfort in their feet all day long. Here are some things to think about and suggestions to help you choose the best nurse shoes for 12-hour shifts.

👤 Written by: A. K. Sari
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Being on your feet for 12 hours or more a day can be hard on your body as a whole. Constantly being on your feet can cause a long list of problems, from leg pain and fatigue to chronic back pain. Taking the right precautions and making sure you have the right shoes make a big difference in how well your body can handle the stress of your workday. So, you need to wear shoes that are comfortable, since they can make a difference during your shift.

In this article, we’ll look at why it’s so important for your health to find the best nurse shoes for 12 hour shifts when you work long hours. We’ll look at some of the best brands on the market to help you get through your shift with as little pain and discomfort as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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What to consider to get the best nurse shoes for 12 hour shifts?

Don’t wear shoes that make your foot look different. When you wear shoes with a pointy toe box, your toes and foot will be forced to move in ways that aren’t natural. The most important thing is to have arch support. Without it, you will flatten your foot, which hurts your feet and back a lot. If you have to walk or stand on hard floors at work, you need shoes that can absorb shock. This will make it less likely that you will get a long-term illness in the future. Your shoes should stay snug, but not too snug, on your feet.

What kind of shoes should a nurse wear on a 12 hour shift?

People who work in healthcare often wear clogs. They are easy to clean, comfortable, and give good support. Another good choice is slip-on. As the name suggests, they are easy to put on and take off, which can be important at the end of a long day. So, this kind of shoe is the best nurse shoes for 12 hour shifts.

What is the most comfortable shoe material should a nurse wear on a 12 hour shift?

Avoid sweaty feet. Here are several shoe materials that let in the moist air, keeping your feet cool and dry.

  1. Cotton: Cotton is one of the shoe materials that let air in the most. Cotton is thin, easy to clean, and lets a lot of air through.
  2. Polyester: Polyester is soft and flexible, and it doesn’t soak up water easily.
  3. Rayon: Rayon is used in a lot of athletic clothes because it lets air through.
  4. Lycra: Lycra is also called spandex. Strong, extremely flexible, and lightweight, it’s easy to see why spandex is used in clothing and shoes.
  5. Polypropylene: Polypropylene isn’t well-known but creates fantastic shoes. It’s made of plastic, but it can be turned into a great fabric. Polypropylene is light, flexible, non-irritating, and fireproof.

Mesh or leather - What's best?

Sneakers are a popular type of shoe for almost every job, but nurses shouldn’t wear them. Most mesh uppers are light and allow air to pass through, but they are hard to clean. Since nurses have to deal with blood, vomit, and urine, it doesn’t do much to protect them.

On the other hand, it’s easy to clean leather shoes. Use an antimicrobial cloth to wipe them down, and you’re good to go. Even though they are heavier than mesh options, they are a style icon because they can be worn anywhere, from meetings to taking care of patients.

*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
Unisex-Adult Bistro Clog Crocs
Crocs
Unisex-Adult Bistro Clog
#1 Amazon Kohls.com eBay
Women's Walking Shoes HKR
HKR
Women's Walking Shoes
#2 Amazon Walmart.ca eBay
Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer  New Balance
New Balance
Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer
#3 Amazon Newbalance.com eBay
Women's Professional Clog Dansko
Dansko
Women's Professional Clog
#4 Amazon Dansko.com eBay
Women's Revolution 5 Wide Running Shoe  Nike
Nike
Women's Revolution 5 Wide Running Shoe
#5 Amazon Kohls.com eBay
Levitate 2  Brooks
Brooks
Levitate 2
#6 Amazon Rei.com eBay
Men's Gel-Kayano 24 Asics
Asics
Men's Gel-Kayano 24
#7 Amazon Asics.com eBay
Women's Dove Oxford Nurse Mates
Nurse Mates
Women's Dove Oxford
#8 Amazon Nursemates.com eBay
Women's Marianne Loafer Naturalizer
Naturalizer
Women's Marianne Loafer
#9 Amazon Naturalizer.com eBay
Women's Running Shoe Brooks
Brooks
Women's Running Shoe
#10 Amazon Brooksrunning.com eBay

10 List of Best Nurse Shoes for 12 Hour Shifts

  • Crocs Unisex-Adult Bistro Clog
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    with this product?
    #1

    Crocs Unisex-Adult Bistro Clog

    Best Slip-on Style

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Everyone knows that Crocs make shoes that last and can be worn in many ways. For work in a busy, noisy, and fast-paced kitchen, this shoe is used to make the Bistro Clog. The patented Lock slip-resistant tread grips any surface and keeps you from slipping and falling in a busy kitchen, where that happens all too often. The tread technology on these best nurse shoes for 12 hour shifts beats national industry standards for preventing slips on floors that are oily, wet, or soapy.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Slip-on style
    Contoured footbed

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Many reviews say they shrink in hot climates

    What other experts liked

    They are very comfortable and support you well. In the end, they look like slippers
    Crocs Customer

    What other experts didn't like

    I had a really bad time with this shoe. My feet broke out in less than a week. My doctor claimed it was because the shoe was excessively closed and lacked airflow, despite being pleasant. 
    Patricia
  • HKR Women's Walking Shoes
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    #2

    HKR Women's Walking Shoes

    Best Durable Rubber Outsole

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Take a look at these HKR Walking Shoes if you want a sneaker that looks a little more fun than the average pair. There is a lot of arch support in the memory foam inserts, so your feet will be happy and comfortable even during those busy 12-hour shifts. Also, there is a rubber outsole that gives you a lot of grip on any surface that might be slippery.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Durable rubber outsole
    Memory foam construction

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Fabric releases an unpleasant odor

    What other experts liked

    I love these shoes so much. I had to walk a lot for work and needed shoes that were both comfortable and strong. You feel like you're walking on air.

    What other experts didn't like

    The shape of these shoes did not stay the same. They got wrinkly on top. The elastic in them don't stay in place.
    R Stevenson
  • New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer
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    with this product?
    #3

    New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer

    Best Long Distance Walking Shoes

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The New Balance 608 v5 was praised for being both stylish and comfortable. These nurse shoes also seemed to be great in terms of how long they lasted and how well they supported the foot. With a super-cushioned base, soft foam around the ankle, and a flexible outsole, these sneakers are made to keep you on your feet all day. On top of that, the leather uppers are resistant to stains, so they’ll still look clean even after you’ve worn them in.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Flexible outsole
    Lightweight
    Excellent comfort
    True to size and width
    Great style
    Durable

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Needs break-in period
    Faux-leather upper looks cheap and is not durable
    Poor ankle support

    What other experts liked

    It is lightweight and flexible to provide a comfortable in-shoe experience.
    Run Repeat

    What other experts didn't like

    There is no more absorb footbed. replaced by a hard footbed made of nylon. The insole can't make up for the lack of comfort.
  • Dansko Women's Professional Clog
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    with this product?
    #4

    Dansko Women's Professional Clog

    Best Professional Clog

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This Dansko professional clog stands out from the rest because of its beautiful details. Clogs are some of the most comfortable and long-lasting shoes you can buy. There’s a reason why nurses, who are on their feet a lot, have been wearing them for years. The embossed details on the real leather upper are what make these shoes stand out.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    APMA-recommended
    Antimicrobial lining

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Narrow tip

    What other experts liked

    Dansko Professional shoes are some of the most comfortable and stable shoes you can find if you learn how to move in them by letting your heel move up and down inside the shoe.
    Shoe Guide

    What other experts didn't like

    Some staples holding the top to the midsole are pushing out towards the ball of the foot. To rectify this, I tap my trauma shears back into place. After spending a lot of money on an excellent pair of shoes, this was disappointing.
    Best Nurse Gear
  • Nike Women's Revolution 5 Wide Running Shoe
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    with this product?
    #5

    Nike Women's Revolution 5 Wide Running Shoe

    Best for Middle-Range Distance Runs

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Nike Women’s Revolution 5 Running Shoe is made so that it can be worn during long work shifts. The upper is made of breathable fabric that doesn’t bind you up and keeps you cool and comfortable even if you have to work long hours. The midsole is cushioned, so it can absorb shock and protect your feet from foot fatigue twice as well. A unique tread design gives users who move around a lot and want to be ready for anything to grip on almost any surface.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Comfortable upper layer
    Great for middle-range distance runs
    A real upgrade to previous models

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Squeaky sounds

    What other experts liked

    The sneaker is strong, so the foot doesn't move around in it. Some are slip-proof.
    Ritaniles

    What other experts didn't like

    There isn't much material, especially over the toes, and it might look like it won't last long.
    Runner Expert
  • Brooks Levitate 2
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    with this product?
    #6

    Brooks Levitate 2

    Best Comfortable Shoes

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    When you put on these best nurse shoes for 12 hour shifts, you’ll feel like you’re walking on air. The Levitate 2 is made with a knit upper that is light and breathable and a cushioned midsole. A lace-up closure lets your feet move around and gives you a comfortable, custom fit. This shoe is made with Brooks’s patented DNA technology, which makes it adapt to each step you take. The way these running shoes are made, your feet won’t be as tired after a long, hard shift.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Sock-like fit
    Comfortable
    Wide toe box
    Bouncy
    Feels lights
    No break-in period

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Expensive
    Lacks ground contact
    Thick outsole

    What other experts liked

    These sneakers felt nice when I first wore them. The seamless knit upper is sock-like. It fits well. Soft padding blends in.
    Run Repeat

    What other experts didn't like

    Rain or perspiration makes the shoe extra heavier. Even before I wore the Levitate 2, I was uncomfortable with the laces.
    Running Shoes Guru
  • Asics Men's Gel-Kayano 24
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    with this product?
    #7

    Asics Men's Gel-Kayano 24

    Best Wide-feet Friendly

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    With a flexible mesh upper that wraps around the top of your foot, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 24 nurse shoes keep your feet comfortable and supported. The Impact Guidance System in these running shoes keeps the transition from heel to toe smooth so you can run faster. The cushioned midsole keeps you comfortable for a long time, and the durable rubber sole gives you a good grip on a variety of surfaces.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Very comfortable
    Looks
    Nice fit
    Wide-feet friendly
    Supportive

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Heavy
    Break-in needed

    What other experts liked

    The ASICS Gel Kayano 24 is a tough trainer that you can wear every day. It gives the runner a smooth, comfortable ride that makes it easy to run long distances.
    Running Shoes Guru

    What other experts didn't like

    The shoe is a little bit heavy, and if you switch it out with a lighter shoe, it will feel even heavier.
    Run Repeat
  • Nurse Mates Women's Dove Oxford
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    with this product?
    #8

    Nurse Mates Women's Dove Oxford

    Best Rubber Sole

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Nurse Mates Dove shoes are made just for women nurses and are made to meet their needs. They’re made to make sure you’re comfortable and well-supported when you’re taking care of patients while standing, walking, or running through the hospital hallways and corridors. They are made to be light and have a stylish, professional look so that they can meet the dress code at your facility. The best part is that they are made of special leather that doesn’t stain and doesn’t slip, so you won’t trip and fall.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Polyurethane core
    Rubber sole
    Easy-to-clean upper

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not very stylish
    It May require a breaking-in period
    Squeaks on hard surfaces

    What other experts liked

    They were recommended because I have no arch in my feet. I tried them on, and I couldn't believe how comfortable they were.
    Janet A

    What other experts didn't like

    Because these shoes don't have enough air flow, your feet tend to get hot after a while.
    Best Nursing Shoes
  • Naturalizer Women's Marianne Loafer
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    with this product?
    #9

    Naturalizer Women's Marianne Loafer

    Best Loafers Shoes

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    These best nurse shoes for 12 hour shifts are one of the most well-known sneakers by the brand Naturalizer, and it’s easy to see why. Even though it comes in different colors and upper materials, you can expect it to be comfortable and light, even if you have problems with your feet. Because of these things, many people bought more than one pair. The product is a good choice if you want a sneaker that can be worn everywhere.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Cooling lining
    Lightweight
    All-day comfort
    Versatile
    Ample toe space
    Classic style
    Easy to wear

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Flimsy
    Easily gets dirty

    What other experts liked

    This shoe is for people with narrow feet. They are very stylish and comfortable, and the fit is perfect. 
    Ms Karen

    What other experts didn't like

    The color fades quickly, and the glue around the rubber doesn't stick to the fabric and pulls away. not worth paying for.
  • Brooks Women's Running Shoe
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    with this product?
    #10

    Brooks Women's Running Shoe

    Best Smooth Ride Shoe

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    When you’re a nurse and have to do all of your duties, you need shoes that can handle the stress of a marathon. Brooks makes good running shoes, and the Ghosts are no different. You’ll be comfortable all through your shift, too, thanks to the supportive cushioning and snug fit. It’s lively and quick, so it was easy and quick to move on to the next step.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    APMA Seal of Acceptance
    Memory foam cushioning
    Smooth ride
    Really stable, even on light trails
    Lots of padding
    True to size

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not enough arch support for some
    Doesn't let air through for hot summer days
    Not the best for traveling far.

    What other experts liked

    This shoe stops my rolled-in ankles while I run. I was scared the new version wouldn't be as excellent as mine, but it is. I love these shoes' color combinations.
    Sweete13

    What other experts didn't like

    This is my hardest shoe. I assumed it would be comfortable after breaking in, but no. My feet hurt after a 10-minute warm-up before lifting.
    Virginia

Conclusion: Best Nurse Shoes for 12 Hour Shifts

In summary, we hope you now better understand the importance of protecting your feet when standing for 12-hour shifts, whilst having some options for new “tires” when looking for an upgrade. Some of the shoes on our list may be a little pricier than what you normally pay.

While price doesn’t always mean quality, as some of the shoes on our list can attest to, the shoes we’ve mentioned are well worth the investment. By spending a little more on your body now, you can save yourself from a world of pain (and medical bills) in the long run.

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