12 Best Tennis Shoes For Nurses
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Introduction
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Who doesn’t want a comfortable pair of shoes? However, nobody needs them more than nurses, who spend most of their time on their feet helping others. If you ask any nurse, they’ll likely know a thing or two about how essential it is to have comfortable, durable shoes.
Spending hours on your feet for years can do some severe damage to your feet and joints. You can easily avoid painful conditions, such as foot corns and plantar fasciitis, by choosing comfortable shoes with the right arch support.
In this post, you will learn about the best tennis shoes for nurses on the market today. We’ll be covering top brands like New Balance and Puma, and a few underdogs that also provide all-day comfort for nurses. All of the tennis shoes in this post are suitable for both male and female nurses.
Here are the best tennis shoes for nurses to get online based on durability, comfort, and cost.
1
Brooks Dyad Ghost 12
Cushion You Can Count On
These shoes are highly cushioned, and the 12 mm toe/heel offset brings total comfort and support for both gravel roads and hospital floors. The Brooks Ghost 12s can handle almost any surface, so if you need to walk through busy city streets to work, your feet will be heavily protected.
The shoes have a cult-like following in the running community. Many runners claim that the Brooks Ghost 12s are the perfect companion during long-distance runs and high-mileage training. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that many nurses are adding them to their arsenal of comfortable footwear.
Tennis shoes typically require a break-in phase, leaving your feet feeling sore or full of painful blisters. The Ghost 12s need absolutely no break-in, so you can start wearing them to work right out of the box.
Surprisingly Shock Absorbent
The color patterns on the outside of the shoes are slightly different than the 11s, but structurally speaking, the shoes are almost identical. Brooks uses a crash-pad system in the front sole for ultimate shock absorption. These shoes are great for keeping your feet comfortable, even if your legs are tired from prolonged walking or standing.
If you’re a nurse looking for an economical shoe built to last with a snug toe box, the Brooks Dyad Ghost 12’s might be the best choice.
Key Features
- Dual arch support
- Engineered mesh overlay
- Durable rubber covering
Specifications
Brand | Brooks |
Model | Ghost Series |
Weight | 9.3 ounces (Women) 10.4 ounces (Men) |
2
New Balance 1365
A Shoe for Narrow Feet
New Balance has been continuously putting out comfortable footwear since 1906. They’ve been skyrocketing in popularity over the last decade, especially among nurses.
One common complaint about the New Balance 1365 tennis shoes is that they are on the narrow side. If you do decide to go with them, it’s probably wise to get a pair that’s a half size bigger and slightly wider than your regular shoes.
Designed with Active Users in Mind
When it comes to aesthetics, the New Balance 1365s are beautiful. You can choose between two color combinations: red/black and black/grey. New Balance makes their soles from rubber, which makes them feel quite comfortable and have a good bounce. The nylon overlay adds to its smooth design and minimizes wrinkles.
One notable feature of these shoes is that they’re specially designed to fit any arch, which is excellent news for those with high-arched feet.
New Balance has been working with top athletes for over a century. They continuously go the extra mile to make sure their shoes are comfortable, durable, and stylish for people with all kinds of feet. For nurses, the New Balances 1365s are worth looking into.
Key Features
- Fits perfectly for all arches
- Rapid rebound soles for more comfortable walking
- Adjustable width
- Practical and stylish design
Specifications
Brand | New Balance |
Model | 1365 |
Weight | 11.3 ounces |
3
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express
Ready to Wear
You don’t need to worry about breaking them in. With K-Swiss, you get serene comfort right out of the box. Usually, nurses need to change shoes every six months due to sole wear, but the Hypercourt Express tennis shoes should last at least a year of regular use.
With complex footwear technology and design elements, these tennis shoes do a great job of binding to your feet. You won’t feel any distance between your feet and the snug inner soles. K-Swiss is known for having a comfortable toe box and leaving a little extra room on the upper part of their shoes.
With that in mind, they are a bit roomy. If you do choose to go with the Hypercourt Express tennis shoes, make sure to select a size close to your regular “going out” shoes.
Durable Materials
They make the rubber outsole from the original K-Swiss Aosta 7.0 rubber. You’ll find this durable rubber in most of their tennis shoe designs. Also, the stay-laced design helps keep your shoes tied even if you’re making intense jolts or continually tripping over yourself. Then again, it’s no surprise considering the shoes are designed for intense tennis matches.
If you’re an infamous toe dragger, you don’t have to worry because K-Swiss includes a Durawrap material on the shoe’s toe side. This feature will protect the tip of your shoes from wear even with habitual toe dragging.
If your priorities are comfort, durability, and beautiful aesthetics, you should check out the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express tennis shoes. They offer outstanding shock absorption and are ideal shoes for nursing.
Key Features
- Reasonably priced considering their durability and design
- Soft mesh toe area which offers excellent ventilation
- Beautiful design with multiple colors and styles
Specifications
Brand | K-Swiss |
Model | Hypercourt Express |
Weight | 14 ounces |
4
Asics Gel-Challenger 12
Perfect for Long Shifts
Asics adds the classic seamless gel cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and in-tact no matter how long you use them. This is great news for nurses who need extra support during a rigorous 12-hour shift. The robust rubber outsole is built to last and is suitable for almost all surfaces.
The Gel-Challenger 12 tennis shoes are an excellent option for nurses looking for sneakers that offer high-quality performance and a medium width.
The cushioning and comfort appear a bit minimalistic if you compare them to the Asics Gel-Resolution sneakers, but that isn’t necessarily bad. The stability and support are still optimal for long term use. For better ventilation, Asics uses a soft mesh on the upper part of the shoes to keep your feet cool throughout the day.
Light Weight and Breathable
Since the shoes are incredibly lightweight, they might offer a little too much flexibility. However, if you’re just using them to get around the hospital, you shouldn’t have any issues.
If you’re not looking for anything heavy-duty and want shoes that keep you light on your feet, the Gel-Challenger 12 sneakers by Asics might be a suitable option. They’re stylish, comfortable, and are an excellent value for money.
Key Features
- Comfortable right out of the box
- Adequate cushioning
- Inexpensive
Specifications
Brand | Asics |
Model | Gel |
Weight | 10.9 ounces (Women) 12.5 ounces (Men) |
5
MBT Colorado X Rocker
Your Joints Will Thank You
The rubber outsole is incredibly durable and doesn’t wear quickly. MBT went out of their way to add some high-quality materials and fancy shoe technology to make these a sustainable pair of walking shoes. Generous support, strong shock absorption, and a durable outsole make this sneaker perfect for those long shifts.
Sometimes while on shift, you find yourself pivoting from left to right to fulfill the many requests you get from patients or doctors. MBT’s tennis shoes have a comfortable pivot strike area to make a transition into propulsion feel like you’re sliding on butter. You’ll find signature MBT Sensor Technology to protect your joints from wear and tear for the heels.
Better Foot Health
The air mesh upper portion allows your feet to breathe and keeps them cool and free from sweat. Ultimately, this kind of ventilation will protect your feet from fungal toe infections and other nasty conditions caused by excessive foot sweat. These sneakers were also recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association and approved for encouraging better foot health.
As far as appearance, the sneaker is pretty basic. If you’re looking for something more vibrant, you’re better off going with the New Balance 1865 or K-Swiss Hypercourt Express. With that in mind, having a conservative design at work might be better, considering some hospitals have strict dress codes for doctors and nurses.
Key Features
- Soft air mesh upper portion
- Durable rubber outsole
- American Podiatric Medical Association seal of approval
- Stain-resistant design
Specifications
Brand | Colorado X |
Model | MBT |
Weight | 22.4 ounces |
6
Nike Court Lite
Top-Quality Materials
Although Nike is superior in the word of running shoes, they aren’t perfect. The materials they use are comfortable and long-lasting. However, they don’t have a big enough toe box like most big-brand shoe designs. If you have wide feet, this might be an issue.
With that in mind, Nike does have an excellent track record for producing high-quality footwear. If you’re after something that’s going to last you 12+ months, you can’t go wrong with the Court Lite sneakers. Plus, if Nike’s expensive price tags usually turn you off, the Court Lites’ price is surprisingly reasonable.
Big Brand, Little Price
There are four main design options to choose from. Aesthetically speaking, these sneakers are a bit minimalist. You get the typical Nike swoosh along the side with a few basic colors such as black and white.
One notable thing about these sneakers is the extra layer of material around the toe area. This extra support works wonders against abrasions.
All-in-all, if you don’t want to risk going with a lesser-known brand, you can always play it safe and pick up the Court Lite sneakers by Nike. They will last you at least a year or two and aren’t ridiculously expensive like other Nike models.
Key Features
- Added layer of material to provide comfort and support around the toes
- Reasonably priced considering the brand
- Mix of soft mesh and leather upper for optimal ventilation
Specifications
Brand | Nike |
Model | Court Lite |
Weight | 16.7 ounces |
7
Reebok CrossFit Nano 9
Flexible, Shock Absorption
This sneaker does have a thicker outsole, which might decrease its flexibility, but if you need heavy-duty support, you’ll want an outsole that can take some damage.
Since these shoes are designed to help CrossFit athletes push off the floor, you can bet they have great shock absorption. The flat outsoles are optimal for nurses with flat feet. However, the toe box is large. While a large toe box seems appealing, the toe box of the Reebok Crossfit Nano 9 sneakers might decrease mobility when shuffling around the ward.
Tons of Designs
If appearance is one of your top priorities, you’re going to have a blast if you decide to go with these Reebok sneakers. You can choose between 29 different color combinations.
If you’re concerned about durability, there have been reports of the sidewalls peeling off after a few months of use. However, this is extremely rare and was reported by avid CrossFit athletes. There’s no reason why the Reebok CrossFit Nano 9 sneakers won’t last nurses longer than a year.
While these Reebok sneakers are more tailored towards fitness athletes, they make great shoes for nurses. If you’re after long-lasting support, comfort, and style, it might be worth checking them out.
Key Features
- Wide variety of colors to choose from
- Completely made from durably rubber and fabric
- Minimum outsole drop for optimum stability
Specifications
Brand | Reebok |
Model | CrossFit Nano 9 |
Weight | 12.8 ounces |
8
Puma Tazon 6
Slip Resistant Comfort
The inner padding is snug and cushions your feet all day. Puma uses a synthetic leather upper for these shoes, which helps in the comfort department, but slightly lacks ventilation. If you were working outside in warm weather, these probably aren’t the most comfortable shoes, but inside the hospital, which is typically quite cold, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Puma’s Tazon 6 sneakers have a triangular rubber outsole. For a unique design, Puma uses a different color on the bottom. Rubber works as an excellent grip on most surfaces, so you can use these shoes in the hospital or when going to and from work. Since the shoes were originally designed for running trails and gravel roads, you can bet they are completely slip resistant.
Stable Support
The inner midsole is extremely stiff, which might limit your mobility. However, for nurses looking for more stability, this is the perfect sneaker. Puma uses an EVA dual density memory foam pod around the heel area for great support and ultimate shock absorption. With that in mind, the EVA foam tends to wear down over time. A strange aspect of the Puma Tazon 6 is that the cushioning doesn’t match the outsole in terms of strength. Many find the outside of the shoes is long-lasting, but the cushioning pods don’t last as long.
The Tazon 6 tennis shoes are a viable option for nurses looking for something comfortable that they can wear throughout the day. If you’re looking for something more flexible, you’re better off going with the Brooks Dyad Ghost 12 or K-Swiss Hypercourt Express. However, Puma is a reputable brand who seldom disappoints with their footwear.
Key Features
- Thermoplastic urethane shank for ultimate arch support
- Thick inner padding for maximum comfort and stability
- Completely slip resistant
Specifications
Brand | Puma |
Model | Tazon Series |
Weight | 11 ounces |
9
Hoka One One Bondi 6
Ultra-Soft
The most memorable feature about these sneakers has to be the exceptionally soft cushioning around the midsole. They use EVA foam that helps keep your feet comfy without wearing down or flattening throughout the day. A pair of Bondi 6 sneakers provides great support around the heel, which ultimately protects your feet from painful conditions, such as plantar fasciitis.
The signature Hoka Meta-Rocker technology is designed to provide additional support to your knees and lower back as you take every step.
Unique Designs
Although color doesn’t add to the shoe’s overall performance, it’s still nice to know that you have a ton of designs to choose from. Hoka is typically known for its unique color patterns. With all these options, it will be difficult not to find a style that beautifully matches your scrubs.
With so much stiffness and stability, you would think that these shoes wouldn’t be suitable for long-term use. However, Bondi 6 sneakers contain extremely breathable materials. They even have a wide toe box, so nurses with wider feet don’t need to worry about your toes feeling like they’re in a sardine box.
All-in-all these are great shoes for nurses who are keen for comfort and are looking for something stylish. There’s a version for both men and women, which have a wide range of sizes.
Key Features
- Comfortable inner sole for maximum shock absorption and arch support
- Various colors and designs to choose from
- Suitable for long shifts and don’t wear down easily
Specifications
Brand | Hoka |
Model | Bondi Series |
Weight | 8.6 ounces (Women) 10.9 ounces (Men) |
10
Asics Gel-Dedicate 6
Extra Padding, Extra Comfortable
The GEL cushioning technology is exactly what you need for walking around the hospital for hours at a time. It’s this kind of cushioning that makes the Asics Gel-Dedicate sneakers on of the best tennis shoes for nurses. They provide an extra layer of padding, which will give you that extra support when walking on your feet all day.
Although the Gel-Dedicate tennis shoes have dual density padding, they’re still quite flexible. The shoes are designed for tennis players, so the thick cushioning won’t inhibit your natural movements.
If you’re worried about hot and sweaty feet, these Asics shoes have a single panel ventilation design that encourages airflow and offers optimal breathability.
No More Aches and Pains
Walking around the hospital for hours can take a toll on your feet and even cause foot corns or plantar fasciitis. The shock-absorbing and slip resistant material eliminates muscle soreness and provides complete arch support, protecting both your heels and soles. Nurses need to be flexible, so the plastic bridge insert helps keep your balance and, at the same time, allows you to easily maneuver around obstacles and keep on track.
For style, the signature Asics white and green design looks great with scrubs. Also, this is the only pair of shoes on this list that has a platform heel.
They aren’t the cheapest shoes for nurses on the market, but you’ll get what you pay for in terms of comfort and durability.
Key Features
- Slip resistant and stain resistant design
- Good value for money
- Great mobility and flexibility
Specifications
Brand | Asics |
Model | Gel Series |
Weight | 12.3 ounces |
11
Reebok Work N Cushion
A Seamless Fit
For starters, when it comes to stability, the Work N Cushion sneakers are right on the money. Reebok incorporates its signature Kwik design, which aids with balance and mobility. Combine that with a durable leather upper, and you’ve got yourself the seamless fit you’re likely after. The majority of the stability comes from the leather upper and Reebok’s Kwik lacing design. Also, you’ll find an oily slip resistant inner sole for additional stability.
Simply Durable
This isn’t the fanciest pair of shoes, but then again, Reebok isn’t famous for its vibrant designs. The Reebok Work N Cushion model does exactly what it’s intended to do: provide you with a long-lasting tennis shoe that makes being on your feet for long hours tolerable.
Reebok is a reputable brand in the running shoe realm. They’re known to only release durable sneakers, and never seem to disappoint. For this pair, you’ve got comfort, durability, and support all in one conservative design. These are great shoes for nursing or general day wear.
Key Features
- Extreme stability and inner sole comfort
- Durable leather upper
- Suitable for both hospital and general day wear
Specifications
Brand | Reebok |
Model | Work n Cushion |
Weight | 9.7 ounces (Women) 12.1 ounces (Men) |
12
Adidas Ultra Boost
Popular Around the Ward
Adidas needs no introduction. They are a leading brand that creates high-level sporting goods and footwear found worldwide. Their Ultra Boost running shoe isn’t just for runners. You’ll find numerous nurses rocking these kicks around the hospital ward. It’s no surprise that these running shoes are a nurse’s favorite considering the quality and comfort they provide.
The durable inner soles allow you to walk miles upon miles without worrying about flattening memory foam material. On the upper, you’ll find a breathable soft mesh that prevents your feet from getting soaked and sweat, and ultimately keep them free of fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
Fewer Blisters
There’s a low cut around the heel that works wonder for reducing the risk of blisters. The material around the ankle grips your skin tight but doesn’t cause any discomfort.
What makes this one of the best shoes for nurses is the additional support around the heels. As a nurse, you’re constantly walking or standing throughout the day. If you’re looking for a tried and trusted brand and durable materials that won’t wear down after a few months, the Adidas Ultra Boost might be the best running shoes for the job.
Key Features
- Soft mesh upper for massive breathability
- Lightweight and flexible design
- Suitable for hours of walking and standing
Specifications
Brand | adidas |
Model | Ultra Boost |
Weight | 11 ounces |
What to Look for When Choosing Shoes for Nurses
Have a look behind the curtain to see what we consider when choosing the best shoes for nurses and some overall guidance to help you find the perfect match.
How We Choose the Best Tennis Shoes for Nurses
We take a lot of things into consideration whenever adding a shoe to our list. Some of the major things we look for are comfort, stability, durability, and price. What good is an expensive shoe if it doesn’t provide you with the necessary comfort to help you through a long shift at the hospital?
Some of the technical components of the shoes we look at are:
- Arch Support. The arch of the shoe is extremely important for both comfort and overall foot health. A solid arch design protects your heel and other joints from damage and chronic pain. We also make sure the shoe offers enough support around the arch before adding it to our list.
- Material. Some materials look great on the outside, but do they offer the comfort and support you need to get through a long day at work? All of the shoes we pick are made from the finest materials and shoe technology to ensure you get a seamless fit every time.
- Outsole Durability. The outsole of a shoe can take a beating. When choosing the best tennis shoes for nurses, we want to make sure the outsole is made from a firm material that will stay intact for several months.
Features to Look for in a Nursing Shoe
If you’ve ever worn low-quality shoes to your nursing job, you know what a nightmare it can be. From painful foot sores to nasty blisters, there are many adverse side effects from wearing ill-fitting shoes. Fortunately, finding the best tennis shoes for nurses is easy if you know what to look for.
Here are a few shoe features you should look form when buying your next pair of nursing shoes:
Weight & Comfort
Looking for comfort seems obvious, but it’s important to know what makes a pair of nursing shoes comfortable. One thing people neglect to review is shoe weight. Heavy shoes will not only slow you down, but they’ll inhibit your natural movements and cause discomfort.
Stability & Support
When rushing through the hospital to save lives, there’s no time to fall. Some of the best tennis shoes for nurses offer the stability and support you need to zoom through the hospital without tripping or slipping on obstacles. Most comfortable shoes also provide sufficient stability. Make sure you don’t get a pair that’s too stiff, or else it will decrease your mobility.
Slip Resistant
Let’s face it: anything can happen in a hospital. Whether it’s a leaking air conditioner or a tipped over water cooler, you don’t want to find yourself slipping and landing on the hard hospital floor. Find a tennis shoe that has slip-resistant properties to help you balance on all surfaces.
Design
While the appearance of your shoe may not be important, the design can say a lot about whether or not these shoes are going to support you through long shifts. Therefore, the design is one of the shoe features you don’t want to overlook. Most of the tennis shoes on this list offer stylish and functional designs.
Price
If you’re nursing on a budget, you also want to consider the shoe price. However, you’ll need to think long term because sometimes cheaper footwear will let you down after a few months. Make sure to dedicate a reasonable budget towards your new pair and find something within range. It might surprise you that some of the best tennis shoes for nurses aren’t too expensive.
Things to Consider When Buying Tennis Shoes for Your Nursing Job
We know that choosing the right nurses shoe can be overwhelming. There are many things to consider, and there are way too many options on the market. However, there are a few vital properties you need to consider when getting your next pair of tennis shoes for your nursing job.
● The Size of Your Feet – The size and type of feet you have play a huge role when buying nursing shoes. If you don’t already know your foot type, you’ll need to find out as this is too important to overlook. When it comes to shoes for nurse work, there is no perfect size for everyone. Before heading to the store or online to get your next pair of shoes, test your feet to see what type of foot you are.
● Your Lifestyle – It’s understood that nurses spend a lot of time on their feet. However, how often are you walking or standing on and off the job? Do you walk to and from work? These are important questions to ask yourself before purchasing a new pair of sneakers. The shoes nurses need will depend heavily on their lifestyle.
● Your Taste – There is room to add some personal flavor when choosing your next pair of sneakers. You don’t need to go with bland colors like black and white. There are plenty of options on the market that offer multiple design styles and color patterns. Keep this in mind when purchasing your next pair.
● Online Reviews – Footwear advertisers do a great job of selling their products. They advertise all of the top-notch features and endorse superstar athlete’s to vouch for their product performance. However, it’s always best to check out reviews (preferably from other nurses) or ask your coworkers whether or not these sneakers are suitable for the job.
One other thing you can look out for is recommendations from hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The American Association of Podiatric Medicine also has a list of options they recommend for nurses. Chances are if you find a sneaker from this list, you’ll know your feet will be protected from long-term damage and pains.
Remember, your feet are one of your prized possessions when working in a nursing job. The shoes nurses need have to provide optimal support and maximum comfort. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself in more pain than some of your patients.
Tennis Shoes FAQ
Here are some of the questions we get about choosing the right shoes for a nursing job:
Are Crocs Good For Nursing?
Though crocs are extremely comfortable, they don’t offer the same function and performance that tennis or running shoes do. Crocs are good enough for nursing but aren’t the best choice.
How Often Should Nurses Change Their Sneakers?
Most nurses work at least 40 hours per week. As a rule of thumb, you should replace your footwear at least twice a year or after around 500 miles of walking.
How Do I Know When To Change My Footwear?
When you start to notice your threads are wearing down, it’s likely your sneakers are at their last few miles. It’s best to replace your footwear as soon as you see any external damage or notice any abnormal discomfort when walking or standing.