Clinical studies have found that nurses are more than twice as likely to suffer disabling foot pain than the general population. As a nurse, you wear a lot of shoes and your feet endure a lot of abuse. Most of these shoes are probably not built for the demands of nursing, so it is important to find a pair that offer ideal arch support. Ignoring this problem can lead to serious health issues, including diabetes.Â
With all these stresses on your body, you deserve to invest in quality footwear designed to protect your health and enhance your life–shoes that make you feel comfortable, supported and confident at work.Â
This article shows the list of the best shoes for nurses with arch support that feature breathable linings and high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting durability—even for the toughest conditions.
MEN
Overall: Brooks Men's Dyad 11 Running Shoe
This Brooks Men's Dyad 11 Running Shoe is the best overall men’s nursing shoe for arch support. The Dyad 11 is perfect for nurses who want a secure fit and a stable feel. Nurses with slightly wider feet will also appreciate extra room in the forefoot. This Brooks Dyad 11 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
Athletic shoes tend to last longer than dress shoes, but they're not as comfortable to stand in all day. The Dyad 11 solves this problem by offering top-of-the-line cushioning that adapts to your stride, weight, and speed to help reduce impact on your joints, while still providing comfort at a reasonable price point. If you have lower-back pain from running on hard surfaces, this could be a good choice for your needs.
The toe box is wide enough to allow toes to splay naturally while remaining responsive to the ground in order to provide protection against injury. The shoe's platform is wide and stable without feeling bulky or losing its responsiveness as you run.
With its Dual Arch Pods™ and plush sockliner, this shoe will help you feel stable and provide arch support to help reduce the impact on your joints—so you can spend all day on your feet and still come back for more.
If you're looking for a sleek running shoe to keep your feet comfortable and stable during those long shifts at the hospital, the Brooks Men's Dyad 11 Running Shoe got you covered. These multitasking nursing shoes are as comfortable as they are versatile, so you can be all that you can be!
Best Stability: Asics Men’s Gel Kayano 28
The Men’s Gel Kayano 28 Running shoe from ASICS is the best stability nursing shoe with arch support for men on the market specifically for arch support. This shoe has been redesigned to make it even more comfortable than its predecessor, with added heel support and new, lightweight materials.
This stability shoe has a multi-directional mesh upper, redesigned external heel counter, and the ever-popular Dynamic DuoMax Support System that provides improved stability and support, with reduced weight and increased platform support.
Dynamic DuoMax Support System makes sure that your foot stays snug and secure in place as you run, and 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION improves compression and cushioning at footstrike and reduces pronation.
Rearfoot GEL cushioning absorbs shock during impact and toe-off phases, allowing movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle. Not only that—the innovative GEL technology padding system has also been strategically positioned to attenuate shock at the heel strike.
If your feet are tired of banging around in clunky, stiff shoes, then it's time to get yourself some well-cushioned stability. Asics Men's Gel Kayano 28 looks like a regular stability shoe at first glance, but under the surface is an overhaul of the DuoMax System that makes it one of the best nursing shoes for arch support on the market.
Most Cushioned: HOKA ONE ONE Men's Gaviota 3 Textile Synthetic Trainers
The HOKA ONE ONE Men's Gaviota 3 Textile Synthetic Trainers are the best cushioned nursing shoe with arch support for men, designed with maximum arch support to keep you on your feet and feeling great. The Gaviota line has been a classic favorite since it was introduced in 2019—it's got a supportive upper, an outsole that lasts through tons of wear and tear, and it's molded to fit your foot like a glove.Â
This nursing shoe with arch support features an engineered mesh upper that allows your foot to breathe, keeping it cool and comfortable on even the hottest days. Plus, the midfoot H-Frame adds extra support and lockdown while the J-Frame helps maintain its shape with minimal weight. It also has an inherent stability that comes from its flat-waisted geometry, which keeps you moving seamlessly through even the most strenuous tasks.
The late stage Meta-Rocker helps to propel your foot forward smoothly while you're on the go, ensuring that each step is as painless as possible. And finally, this shoe's rubber outsole provides increased durability and traction so that you can keep taking care of business no matter where your day takes you!
The HOKA ONE ONE Men's Gaviota 3 offers a unique combination of several key features that you won't find in most other running shoes on the market today, which is why they're the perfect cushioned shoe for anyone who has a difficult time finding running shoes that fit well and provide maximum support.
Most Supportive: Mizuno Wave Inspire 17
Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is the most supportive nursing shoe with arch support for men on the market. And by that, we mean it literally supports every part of your foot. This shoe, which is actually the latest addition to Mizuno's already-popular Wave Inspire line of shoes, is a running shoe that is specifically designed to provide maximum stability and comfort.
The shoe's upper is made from mesh fabric instead of leather. The durable upper fabric is also breathable, so your feet can stay cool in these shoes—which is especially good news if you live in a warm climate or you have long shifts on your feet.Â
It comes in both regular and wide widths that features a "Fan Wave Plate" in the midsole, designed to absorb shock and boost support by up to 45%. It also has a "X10 Outsole," which means it has an exceptionally durable carbon rubber outsole that allows for longer wear. The heel has wings that wrap around the back of your heel for unparalleled stability and support.
The foot bed is made with U4ic foam, which is springier than anything else on the market. This allows my arches to be supported when standing for long periods of time. The legendary support from U4ic and X10 Outsole technologies is what makes this shoe a winner, featuring an innovative combination of lightweight cushioning and stability.
If you’re looking for a supportive shoe that offers optimal shock reduction, a superior ride, and a comfortable fit for any foot type, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is the perfect choice for you. The Mizuno ENERZY midsole provides more springy qualities and better responsiveness than previous technologies, while still remaining responsive and durable.
WOMEN
If you love the Brooks Women's Ghost running shoe line, you should never miss the Brooks Ghost 14. This neutral running shoe is the best overall women’s nursing shoe with arch support with its lightweight design making it easy to wear during long shifts on your feet while keeping you comfortable throughout the day.
The Ghost 14 offers neutral support while providing high energizing cushioning. The predecessor, the Ghost 13, was more stable with a more cushioned ride. But the new version, even though it feels lighter than ever, doesn't sacrifice any responsiveness or durability - yet it feels softer than ever and gives you just a little bit of extra bounce in your step!
It has a bio-based midsole that offers natural cushioning properties; the upper is made of breathable air mesh that provides maximum comfort and ventilation. The outsole features an aggressive traction pattern and a segmented crash pad to protect your feet against painful foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Plus, it offers plenty of arch support, important for nurses who spend their days on their feet, and those with flat or under-developed arches.Â
When you step down with your foot, Segmented Crash Pad - an integrated system of shock absorbers - will cushion every step and stride for smooth heel-to-toe transitions. This nursing shoe with arch support has also been constructed with a strategic use of 3D Fit Print upper technology that provides structure allowing optimal movement with the foot in all directions.
This Brooks Ghost 14 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. That means you can be confident that this shoe will provide ample arch support and stability while walking, running, or standing for long hours at a time.
Best Stability: Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 21
Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 21 is designed with comfort in mind as it provides the right amount of stability and support, making it the best stability nursing shoes with arch support for women. This shoe is great for everyday use or high-intensity workouts. Including everything from muscular support to moisture-wicking technology, the Adrenaline GTS 21 contains everything you need to conquer your day!
Like its predecessor, the Adrenaline GTS 20, the Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 21 offers balanced soft cushioning and support for overpronation. While providing high energizing cushioning, it features an updated upper with 3D Fit Print for a more streamlined fit that still offers proven performance from Brooks iconic line of stability running shoes.
This shoe is a PDAC A5500 certified shoe that helps prevent injuries while providing adequate support to overpronators and other types of feet as well. It provides high-level cushioning so that you can feel energized as you use it during your shift or other athletic activities such as running or cross training.
This Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 stability nursing shoe has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. The APMA gives this award to shoes that fit, function, and are beneficial to people with specific foot conditions. The shoe has also been given the Positive Diabetic Footwear Accreditation by the Positive Footwear Alliance. This accreditation is given to shoes that help people with diabetes.
If you're just looking for a great everyday stability running shoe that will get the job done without being boring or too bulky, Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 21 is the right one for you! The GuideRails Holistic Support System helps keep your knees from over-extending so that you can move more comfortably without causing yourself pain or injury.
Most Cushioned: New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 880v11
The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 880v11 is the most cushioned nursing shoe with arch support for women that features a dual-layer midsole construction with top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam. This combination gives you a soft ride and impact protection in the heel, while still giving your forefoot complete freedom to spread out when needed.
A double-knit, engineered mesh upper that makes this shoe lightweight and breathable, as well as a blown rubber outsole with reflective details designed to catch the light. The cushioning is a dual layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam, so it's not just comfortable but built to last. The molded heel counter helps keep your foot in place without any slipping or rubbing, and our testers loved the 10 mm drop because it felt like walking on air!
The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 880v11 is designed with extra support and cushioning so it can help you manage all the needs as a nurse: arch support, heel comfort, foot fatigue relief, and all-day shock absorption. This shoe is also designed with a 10 mm drop in an effort to create more room for your toes and an even more comfy fit without sacrificing support.
Most Supportive: Asics Gel-Nimbus 23
When you're running, you're going to need some serious support. As a nurse, you're going to need a shoe that's comfortable, supportive and fashionable, and Asics Women's Gel-Nimbus 23 is what you need. This shoe is our most supportive nursing shoe with arch support for women–it’s ultra-lightweight and provides great shock absorption thanks to its dual-density midsole. It's also designed with an arch-support that gets more support from each step than traditional arch supports.Â
The upper is engineered with multi-directional mesh material that improves ventilation and stability, providing you with a breathable and comfortable environment. The FlyteFoam Propel Technology, which uses ASICS' highly efficient and energized foam formulation that provides superior bounce thanks to a unique elastomer compound that reacts to the weight of your foot.Â
Lastly, the FLYTEFOAM technology is an innovative foam technology that is lightweight yet highly supportive. It creates an energy-returning cushioning system that provides superior energy return when used in conjunction with the GEL technology for optimal comfort and shock absorption throughout the duration of your day.
The ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 23 is one of the few shoes available that combines great arch support and a stylish look, which makes it both functional and fashionable. You'll be able to run and walk comfortably in this nursing shoe, while also being able to wear it with just about any outfit.Â
Conclusion
For nurses and other people who spend most of their time on their feet, arch support is of utmost importance. The best shoes for nurses have both form and function, providing comfort and quality in equal measure. Plus, you should never compromise being stylish!Â
We recommend Brooks Men's Dyad 11 Running Shoe as the best men’s nursing shoes with arch support for its comfortable, padded feature and great arch support. We’ve also chosen Brooks Women's Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe as the best women’s nursing shoes with arch support for its stability and ample cushioning.Â
Check out the rest of the runner-ups too:
Best Stability Shoes for Men: Asics Men’s Gel Kayano 28
Most Cushioned Shoes for Men: HOKA ONE ONE Men's Gaviota 3 Textile Synthetic Trainers
Most Supportive Shoes for Men: Mizuno Wave Inspire 17
Best Stability: Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 21
Most Cushioned: New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 880v11
Most Supportive: Asics Gel-Nimbus 23
Having the right pair of shoes can make all the difference in how you feel at the end of your shifts, so it’s definitely worth taking the time to find a good pair. It can be tough to find the right pair, but as this article shows, each of these eight pairs is worth considering—and they may just change your life as a nurse!