Top Picks for Comfortable and Stylish Nursing Shoes

Choosing the right pair of nursing shoes is essential for healthcare professionals who spend long hours on their feet, as comfort, support, and durability are crucial. The perfect pair not only helps in preventing foot pain and fatigue but also ensures a professional appearance suitable for the medical environment. Many renowned brands cater specifically to the needs of nurses, offering shoes that combine practicality with style. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive list of the best brands for nursing shoes below.

Illustration of nursing shoes

Best brands of nursing shoes in 2025

Dansko

Dansko is a leading brand in the nursing shoe market, trusted by healthcare professionals for over 25 years. Known for their comfortable and supportive clogs, Dansko shoes offer excellent arch support, moisture management technology, and anti-microbial properties, making them ideal for long shifts in healthcare settings. With a wide range of colors and styles, Dansko clogs are a popular choice, priced between $80-$160. The brand's focus on durability and easy-to-clean materials aligns with the high hygiene standards in healthcare environments. Dansko's commitment to quality has earned them a significant presence in the global closed heel nursing shoes market, which is projected to reach $11.68 billion by 2033.

Brooks

Brooks Running is not specifically known for producing nursing shoes, but it is a leading brand in the adult performance running footwear market. As of the third quarter of 2024, Brooks maintained the No. 1 market share in this segment at U.S. national retail for the 11th consecutive quarter, with a market share of 21.4% year to date. The brand achieved a new revenue record, surpassing $1 billion in global revenue, driven by growth across all regions and channels, including a 10% year-over-year increase in North America and a 30% increase in the Asia Pacific - Latin America region. Brooks' success is also attributed to the strong demand for its shoe models such as the Ghost, Glycerin, and Ghost Max. The brand has been voted the top choice for training and race running shoes by core runners globally, according to the 2024 Running USA Global Runner Survey. For more details on their top-rated running shoes, visit the Brooks Running website.

Asics

ASICS, as one of the leading manufacturers of closed heel nursing shoes, contributes significantly to the global market, which is projected to reach US$ 11.68 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2023 to 2033. Known for their high-quality and innovative products, ASICS, along with other top brands like Dansko and Birkenstock, holds a market share of around 30-35% among the top five manufacturers. ASICS' commitment to comfort, support, and safety features such as non-slip soles and reinforced toe caps aligns with the increasing demand for protective footwear among healthcare professionals. The brand's historical focus on sports technology, including GEL™ technology, also enhances the performance and durability of their nursing shoes. ASICS' global presence and continuous innovation are key factors driving the growth of the closed heel nursing shoes market. For more details, visit ASICS' nursing shoes collection.

Skechers

Skechers is a prominent brand in the closed heel nursing shoes market, known for its commitment to comfort, support, and safety. The company, which launched in 1992, has expanded its product line to include nursing shoes that feature slip-resistant soles, cushioned insoles, and breathable materials. Skechers is among the leading manufacturers, along with Dansko, Alegria, and Crocs, and the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2024 to 2034, reaching a valuation of $13.39 billion by 2034.

Alegria

Alegria is a leading brand in the nursing shoes market, renowned for its comfortable, supportive, and stylish footwear designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Their shoes feature patented interlocking footbeds that have earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance, ensuring good foot health and normal foot function. Alegria's collection includes orthopedic designs that are both durable and fashionable, making them a favorite among nurses and other healthcare workers. The brand is part of a market that is projected to grow at a 3.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2034, with key players like Alegria contributing significantly to this growth. Alegria's commitment to quality and innovation aligns with the increasing demand for comfortable and supportive footwear in the healthcare industry. For more information, explore their nursing shoes collection.

Birkenstock

Birkenstock is renowned as one of the best producers of nursing shoes, offering comfort and support with its contoured footbeds and adjustable straps. Since its founding in 1774, the brand has consistently delivered high-quality footwear, with over 90% of its products still made in Germany. Birkenstock's nursing shoes are particularly popular for their ergonomic design, which reduces foot fatigue by up to 40%. The brand's commitment to sustainability is also a key factor, with many of its shoes made from eco-friendly materials. Birkenstock's popularity among healthcare professionals is a testament to its reliability and comfort.

Hoka One One

Hoka One One has emerged as a top choice for nursing shoes due to its exceptional cushioning and support, particularly appreciated by nurses for their long shifts on hard hospital floors. With a 4.6 overall rating from nurses, Hoka shoes are praised for their thick, lightweight midsoles that provide excellent shock absorption and reduce fatigue in the feet and legs. The brand's rocker-bottom design promotes a smooth, efficient gait and helps alleviate pressure on the joints. Founded in 2009, Hoka has grown significantly, generating $1 billion in sales by 2022 and becoming a leader in the performance footwear market. Hoka's unique approach to maximalist cushioning has made it a favorite among healthcare professionals and runners alike. For more insights, visit this comprehensive guide to the best shoes for nurses.

New Balance

New Balance is a prominent player in the footwear industry, including the niche market of nursing shoes, where it is recognized for its comfort, support, and hygiene. The brand holds a significant market share, with 10% of the US shoe market and 4% globally. In 2022, New Balance achieved a record-high $4.23 billion in shoe revenue, with 80% of its total revenue coming from footwear. The company produces an average of 16 million pairs of shoes annually and has seen a 214.1% increase in footwear revenue from 2008 to 2022. New Balance is also among the leading manufacturers of closed heel nursing shoes, a market expected to reach $11.68 billion by 2033. For more insights into their market performance, visit New Balance shoe statistics.

Crocs

Crocs is a leading brand in the nursing shoe market, renowned for its comfort, sustainability, and performance. The company has collaborated with Dow to introduce bio-based Croslite(tm), reducing the carbon footprint of their shoes by 50% by 2030. This innovation aligns with Crocs' goal to become a net zero brand, making their shoes more environmentally friendly. Crocs' nursing shoes are popular among healthcare professionals due to their slip resistance, arch support, and easy-to-clean materials. With over 100 million pairs sold annually, Crocs continues to enhance its market presence through digital marketing and sustainable practices. For more details, visit their official website.

Nurse Mates

Nurse Mates is a leading brand in the closed heel nursing shoes market, recognized for its commitment to providing healthcare professionals with comfortable, functional, and stylish footwear. The brand offers a range of nursing shoes, including lace-up styles, slip-on shoes, and clogs, all designed to meet the demanding needs of healthcare environments. Features such as reinforced toe boxes, heel support, fluid-resistant materials, and slip-resistant soles ensure both comfort and protection. Nurse Mates is part of a market projected to expand at a 3.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2033, reaching a valuation of $11.68 billion by the end of 2033. The brand's focus on innovation and functionality aligns with the growing demand for high-quality nursing shoes. To explore their extensive collection, visit their official website.