14 Best Shoes for Male Nurses

8 Min Read Published July 27, 2023
14 Best Shoes for Male Nurses

Male nurses are often called upon to help their colleagues with many of the physical tasks associated with patient care. Which is why they need to have shoes with features such as arch support, cushion, and shock absorption that will help prevent foot and back issues like plantar fasciitis later. We've ranked the best nursing shoes for men to help you choose the right ones for you!

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1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoes

Buy on Amazon for $92.21

The ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoe is a versatile choice for a male nursing shoe. This shoe will not only keep you going during a busy shift, but it will be with you on the weekend when you go out for a jog or decide to play a game of basketball with friends. This shoe has an engineered mesh upper which is made of recycled materials and allows the shoe to move naturally with the foot. The heel features a gel technology cushioning unit to provide additional comfort and shock absorption. The fact that this is the 23rd version of the Gel-Nimbus shows the commitment ASICS has toward making this an excellent shoe.

Amazon star rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Positive reviews: 3,645

Price: Starting at $92.21

Where to buy: ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoes

Key features: Asics brand, eco-friendly shoe, running shoe, men’s nursing shoe

2. Joomra Within Men’s Supportive Running Shoes

Buy on Amazon for $29.99

The Joomra Within Men’s Supportive Running Shoes allow for freedom of movement and are lightweight and breathable due to the flexible woven fabric that makes up the upper portion of the shoe. The midsole is made from high-density foam which allows your feet to be cushioned all day. The outsole is made from rubber to allow the shoes to grip the floor easily. For those in need of a medical orthotic, there is a removable insole that can accommodate this.

Amazon star rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Positive reviews: 8.703

Price: Starting at $29.99

Where to buy: Joomra Within Men’s Supportive Running Shoes

Key features: Joomra brand, lightweight shoe, breathable shoe

3. Sketcher’s Men’s Cessnock Shoe

Buy on Amazon for $49.70

The Sketcher’s Men’s Cessnock Shoe is the number one best seller in Amazon’s men’s work and utility shoes. The bungee lacing of this shoe allows it to be easily put on and taken off and ensures that your laces will not come untied while working. The upper part of this shoe is made from a breathable mesh and the sole is rubber to prevent slipping. The memory foam insole ensures all-day comfort.

Amazon star rating: 4.5 out of 5

Positive reviews: 19,483

Price: Starting at $49.70

Where to buy: Skechers Men’s Cessnock Shoe

Key features: Skechers brand, bungee lace shoe, breathable shoe

4. Dansko Men’s XP 2.0 Clog

Buy on Amazon for $149.95

The Dansko Men’s XP 2.0 Clog is a high-end-looking, durable shoe that is also easy to care for since the high-quality leather can simply be cleaned with soap and water. This shoe has earned a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, which indicates this shoe is beneficial for foot health. The built-in arch support is great for nurses with plantar fasciitis. A padded instep collar ensures these shoes are comfortable enough to be worn during a long shift.

Amazon star rating: 4.3 out of 5

Positive reviews: 956

Price: $149.95

Where to buy: Dansko Men’s XP 2.0 Clog

Key features: Dansko brand, durable shoe, comfortable shoe

5. Reebok Men’s Rb4041 Sublite Cushion Safety Toe Athletic Work Shoe

Buy on Amazon for $54.97

The Reebok Men’s Rb4041 Sublite Cushion Safety Toe Athletic Work Shoe features an alloy toe to protect your foot in potentially high-impact work conditions, such as maneuvering patients and patient care equipment. The alloy toe is as strong as steel but significantly more lightweight. The large grooves in the outsole make this shoe highly flexible and improve your mobility while walking up and down hospital corridors. The sublite foam midsole also enhances comfort and arch support.

Amazon star rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Positive reviews: 7,559

Price: $54.97

Where to buy: Reebok Men’s Rb4041 Sublite Cushion Safety Toe Athletic Work Shoe

Key features: Reebok brand, safety shoe, arch support, good for plantar fasciitis

6. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS22

Buy on Amazon for $119.50

The Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS22 shoe is well-known in the world of running shoes, but its benefits are also needed by those providing nursing care. These shoes provide support for multiple parts of the body including the feet, knees, and hips. The midsole is made from Brooks’ DNA loft, which is a combination of EVA foam, rubber, and air to provide plush cushioning.

Amazon star rating: 4.7 out of 5

Positive reviews: 4,629

Price: Starting at $119.50

Where to buy: Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS22

Key features: Brooks shoes, supportive running shoes, cushioned running shoe

7. Crocs Unisex-Adult On the Clock Clog

Buy on Amazon For $36.99

The Crocs Unisex Adult On-The-Clock Clog is an affordable introduction for nurses to the world of clogs. This pair of shoes is an excellent choice for nurses working in a patient care role which may include exposure to fluids as they can be easily washed with soap and water. The closed-back design prevents slipping during activity while still allowing shoes to slip on and slip off easily at the beginning and end of a busy day.

Amazon star rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Positive reviews: 20,327

Price: $36.00

Where to buy: Crocs Unisex-Adult On the Clock Clog

Key features: Crocs brand, nursing clog, nursing clog

8. Skechers Men’s Equalizer Persistent Slip-On Sneaker

Buy on Amazon Starting at $39.95

The Skechers men’s Equalizer Persistent Slip-On Sneaker features elastic fabric panels to slip these shoes on and off easily after a busy day. The insole is made of memory foam to provide all-day comfort. The midsole is shock absorbing which allows nurses to change direction quickly while taking care of patients.

Amazon star rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Positive reviews: 25,263

Price: Starting at $39.95

Where to buy: Skechers Men’s Equalizer Persistent Slip-On Sneaker

Key features: Skechers brand, slip-on shoe, shock-absorbing shoe

9. Nike Men’s Free RN Flyknit Running Shoe

Buy on Amazon Starting at $74.95

The Nike men’s Free RN Flyknit Running Shoe gets its name from the idea that you can take this shoe anywhere with you and have a quick run anytime. Perfect for flying down the hallway to help your next patient, this shoe is lightweight and flexible. The upper sole is designed to feel like wearing a sock, while the outsole still provides the support and protection you need while on the go. The upper is also eco-friendly as it produces 60% less waste than the manufacturing of other uppers, on average.

Amazon star rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Positive reviews: 2,374

Price: Starting at $74.95

Where to buy: Nike Men’s Free RN Flyknit Running Shoe

Key features: Nike brand, eco-friendly shoe, lightweight running shoe

10. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer

Buy on Amazon  Starting at $53.09

The New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer is the #1 best seller in men’s cross trainers on Amazon. New balance’s ABZORB midsole is designed to absorb impact with cushioning and compression resistance. The midsole is also made of EVA foam and designed to be firm yet flexible. The leather upper is easy to clean in the event of any spills.

Amazon star rating: 4.6 out of 5

Positive reviews: 54,057

Price: Starting at $53.09.

Where to buy: New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer

Key features: New Balance brand, cross trainer, comfortable shoe

11. Hoka One One Men’s Shoes

Buy on Amazon Starting at $124.19

Pro tip: The Hoka One One is pronounced “oh-nay oh-nay,” which comes from the Maori language and translates to “to fly.” These men’s shoes are comfortable, lightweight running shoes that are perfect for flying up and down hospital corridors to the next patient who needs you. You will feel good about wearing these shoes both at work and at home. They come in a range of colors from classic black and white to more colorful options.

Amazon star rating: 4.5 out of 5

Positive ratings: 170

Price: Starting at $124.19

Where to buy: Hoka One One Men’s Shoes

Key features: Hoka One One brand, stylish running shoes, comfortable running shoes

12. Nurse Mates Brandon Shoe

Buy now $59.99

The Nurse Mates Bradon shoe is a casual-looking slip-on shoe that would look great with any pair of scrubs. These shoes are made of black, stain-resistant leather and feature a removable, dual-density insole. They are easy to slip on and off at the end of the day, yet will not slip off when you are busy working. These lightweight, comfortable shoes will also be easy to wipe down and clean.

Price: $59.99

Where to buy: Nurse Mates Brandon Shoe

Key features: Nurse Mates brand, slip-on shoe, leather slip-on shoe

13. Bala Twelves Nocturnal Shoe

Buy now on Bala.com for $150 

The Bala Twelves Nocturnal shoe was designed with nurses in mind and with the help of nurses to give you exactly what you need. All Bala shoes are available in both men's and women’s sizes. The Bala Twelves Nocturnal shoe features arch support for general foot health and for nurses with foot issues like plantar fasciitis. It also has a fluid-resistant outer layer and the outsole is made of high-traction material to prevent slipping and provides shock absorption. The interior of the shoe is made from a knit material that is designed to accommodate your individual foot shape and allow room for changes such as swelling that might occur during a shift or body changes.

Price: $150.00

Where to buy: Bala Twelves Nocturnal Shoe

Key features: Bala brand shoe, arch support, good for plantar fasciitis

14. Adidas Men's Kaptir 2.0 Running Shoe

Buy on Amazon Starting at $56.43

The Adidas Men’s Kaptir 2.0 Running Shoe is the perfect shoe to wear with your jogger-style scrubs. This shoe is sporty looking and features a rubber outsole to prevent slipping. They also have a Cloudfoam midsole which makes the shoe impossibly comfortable. The stylish knit upper makes this shoe breathable and as pleasing to the eye as it is to the feet

Amazon star rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Positive reviews: 4,353

Price: Starting at $56.43

Where to buy: Adidas Men's Kaptir 2.0 Running Shoe

Key features: Adidas brand, knit running shoe, breathable shoe

Chaunie Brusie
BSN, RN
Chaunie Brusie
Nurse.org Contributor

Chaunie Brusie, BSN, RN is a nurse-turned-writer with experience in critical care, long-term care, and labor and delivery. Her work has appeared everywhere from Glamor to The New York Times to The Washington Post. Chaunie lives with her husband and five kids in the middle of a hay field in Michigan and you can find more of her work here

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