Best Tennis Shoes for Nurses

Most shoe recommendations for nurses focus on the classic clog design. But some nurses prefer tennis shoes instead thanks to their more breathable construction, flexible soles and lightweight designs. If you’re looking for the best tennis shoes for nurses, read on to discover six of our most popular athletic shoe brands for nurses:

Nurse Mates

As you might guess from the name, Nurse Mates makes shoes, scrubs and other gear especially for nurses. Founded in 1961, the brand brings nearly 60 years of experience to every product it creates. While Nurse Mates does make clogs, it also offers an extensive line of tennis shoes just for nurses, designed to stand up to long shifts on your feet. All Nurse Mates shoes exceed slip-resistant qualifications from ASTM International (formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials) so you know you can trust their grip no matter what style you choose.

Dansko

Dansko is most well-known for its many lines of nursing clogs, but did you know the company also makes some of the best tennis shoes for nurses? Some of Dansko’s nursing shoes combine a classic clog design with athletic performance materials to create a hybrid design that offers the best of both worlds. Other shoes follow a more traditional lace-up tennis shoe design for nurses who want that athletic look. No matter what style you choose, all of Dansko’s shoes have received the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Genuine Grip

Nurses love Genuine Grip shoes for their slip-resistant, durable, no-nonsense styles. Their athletic-style shoes are made with a genuine leather upper, moisture-absorbing mesh lining, soft fabric insole board and plastic shank for added comfort. You’ll feel like you’re walking on air thanks to the shock-absorbing lightweight EVA internal midsole and the polyurethane cushion footbed, which includes moisture-absorbing Dri-Lex fabric cover. The patent-pending Genuine Grip slip-resistant rubber outsole offers superior grip and the shoe is both oil- and water-resistant so it can stand up to whatever your nursing shift throws at it.

Fila

You might not know it, but Fila has been making high-end sportswear since 1911–more than a century! Fila makes classic workwear shoes in neutrals such as black and white. The Workshift Athletic Shoe is a particularly popular choice, offering a variable lacing system so you can achieve the perfect fit as well as an ASTM-tested sole. If you prefer a more colorful, bold athletic shoe, many nurses also like the Identity 4 Athletic Shoe, which is made with a rubber waffle outsole with articulated grooves that conforms to your feet and absorbs shock.

Reebok

If you want a classic tennis shoe in versatile neutral colors, you can’t go wrong with Reebok. The lace-up vamp allows you to adjust the fit and the padded insoles and collars improve comfort. The die-cut EVA midsole offers lightweight cushion and the rubber outsoles provide durable traction. Reebok makes shoes in sizes 6 to 12 (including some half sizes) to ensure that you can get the best fit possible. When buying from athletic brands, make sure that you choose shoes that are meant for walking/hiking/standing, not running. Running shoes are made to cushion your feet against jarring impact over short periods of time, not to support you for hours and hours of walking and standing during a 12-hour shift.

You wear your nursing shoes for 12 hours or more at a time, so choosing the right pair is an incredibly important decision. In addition to finding the perfect shoes, selecting comfortable women's scrubs or men's scrubs can significantly enhance your overall comfort during long shifts. For more tips and recommendations on nursing gear, explore our website.

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