Nurses with high arches require footwear that provides extra support and cushioning to ensure comfort during their long and demanding shifts. High arches can lead to foot fatigue, discomfort, and even long-term issues if not properly supported.
The right shoes can alleviate these challenges, offering stability and shock absorption to keep nurses comfortable and energized throughout their day.
In this article, we’ll explore the best shoes for nurses with high arches, designed to meet their unique needs and provide all-day relief.
Best Shoes for Nurses with High Arches
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 8 Women's Running Shoes |
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Budget Pick  | Slow Man Women's Sock Sneakers |
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Upgrade Pick  | HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 8 Women's Running Shoes |
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Best Clogs  | Dansko Professional Slip-On Clog |
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Best Running Shoes  | Brooks Ghost 14 Women's Neutral Running Shoe |
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Best Unisex  | Crocs Unisex On The Clock Clog |
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1. Hokas
Hoka One One has built a reputation for crafting high-quality footwear that provides exceptional cushioning and support, making them an excellent choice for nurses with high arches.
With their signature oversized midsole, Hokas deliver superior shock absorption and stability, reducing the strain on feet and joints during long shifts.
These lightweight shoes also feature breathable materials and a comfortable, roomy fit, ensuring that nurses can focus on their patients without being distracted by aching feet.
These are ideal for medical professionals due to their exceptional cushioning and support, which help alleviate foot fatigue during long shifts.
2. Clogs
Clogs have long been a favorite among healthcare professionals, and it’s easy to see why. Known for their simple, slip-on design and wide toe box, clogs provide ample space for the feet to breathe and spread out comfortably during extended periods of standing and walking.
Many nursing clogs are made with easy-to-clean materials, such as leather or synthetic uppers, and slip-resistant outsoles for added safety on slick hospital floors.
Brands like Dansko and Crocs offer a variety of clogs tailored specifically to the needs of nurses, ensuring both comfort and durability.
These are a popular choice for medical professionals due to their exceptional arch support and all-day comfort provided by the contoured footbed.
3. Brooks
Brooks is a well-known brand in the running community, but their shoes are also an excellent choice for nurses who spend hours on their feet.
With a focus on cushioning and support, Brooks shoes feature innovative technologies like the DNA LOFT and BioMoGo DNA midsoles, which adapt to the wearer’s stride and provide personalized comfort.
These shoes also have breathable mesh uppers and a secure fit, ensuring that nurses can move with confidence and ease throughout their shifts.
These are an excellent option for medical professionals, thanks to their responsive cushioning and smooth ride, which help reduce foot fatigue during long shifts.
4. On Cloud
On Cloud is a Swiss-engineered brand that combines cutting-edge technology with sleek, modern design, making them an attractive option for style-conscious nurses.
Their patented CloudTec® sole technology provides a unique blend of softness and responsiveness, cushioning each step while still allowing for natural foot movement.
The lightweight and breathable construction, coupled with a supportive midsole and slip-resistant outsole, make On Cloud shoes an excellent choice for those seeking both comfort and performance in their nursing footwear.
These are a great choice for medical professionals, as they provide superior cushioning and support through the innovative Helion™ superfoam, which helps reduce foot fatigue.
5. Asics
Asics is a renowned brand in the world of athletic footwear, and their shoes have garnered a loyal following among nurses as well.
Known for their innovative GEL cushioning technology, Asics shoes provide excellent shock absorption and support, which is essential for long hours of standing and walking on hard hospital floors.
Additionally, their breathable mesh uppers and structured heel support contribute to an overall comfortable and secure fit. Asics offers a wide range of styles to suit the preferences of nurses, making them a popular choice in the healthcare industry.
These are well-suited for medical professionals, as they offer excellent stability and cushioning with their GEL™ technology and FlyteFoam™ midsole.
6. OOFOS
OOFOS is a brand that specializes in recovery footwear, which translates well to the demands of the nursing profession.
Their shoes feature proprietary OOfoam technology, which provides outstanding impact absorption and arch support, making them perfect for nurses who need relief during and after a long day on their feet.
OOFOS shoes also boast a soft, comfortable footbed that cradles the feet, promoting natural motion and reducing stress on joints.
With their slip-resistant soles and easy-to-clean materials, OOFOS footwear is a practical and comfortable choice for nurses.
These sneakers are a solid choice for medical professionals because of their patented OOfoam™ technology, which provides superior shock absorption and arch support, reducing foot fatigue during long shifts.
7. Skechers
Skechers is a popular footwear brand known for its wide range of comfortable and stylish shoes that cater to various professions, including nursing.
With their focus on comfort, Skechers shoes often feature memory foam insoles, providing nurses with a cushioned and supportive base for their long shifts.
The brand’s breathable and lightweight materials, combined with their flexible and slip-resistant outsoles, make them an excellent choice for nurses seeking a balance of comfort, support, and durability.
These are a great option for medical professionals because they provide exceptional comfort and support through their Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole and lightweight midsole.
8. Nike
Nike, a household name in athletic footwear, offers a variety of shoes suitable for nurses who prioritize comfort, performance, and style.
Many of their models feature advanced cushioning technologies that provide responsive support and shock absorption, making them ideal for extended periods of standing and walking.
Furthermore, their lightweight and breathable designs help keep feet comfortable and dry during long shifts. With a wide range of styles and colors available, Nike shoes can cater to the diverse tastes of nurses.
These are lightweight and breathable but still provide excellent cushioning and support thanks to their responsive midsoles, helping to reduce foot fatigue while in the hospital.
9. Adidas
Adidas is another prominent athletic footwear brand that has made its mark in the world of nursing shoes. Known for their innovative BOOST and BOUNCE midsole technologies, Adidas shoes deliver exceptional energy return and cushioning, reducing fatigue during long shifts.
The brand’s breathable and lightweight materials, combined with a supportive and snug fit, ensure that nurses can move with ease and comfort throughout their workday.
Adidas offers a variety of styles, from sleek running shoes to more casual options, providing nurses with footwear choices that cater to their preferences and needs.
These shoes not only look great but they are also constructed with responsive Boost cushioning and a supportive Primeknit upper, which help reduce foot fatigue during long shifts.
10. Crocs
Crocs have become a staple in the healthcare industry, providing nurses with practical and comfortable footwear options.
Known for their signature clog style, Crocs are made from a soft, lightweight Croslite material that molds to the foot, offering both cushioning and support.
The easy-to-clean, waterproof design makes them ideal for the demands of a hospital environment, while the slip-resistant soles ensure safety on wet or slippery floors.
With a variety of styles and colors available, Crocs cater to the diverse needs and preferences of nurses.
These are an excellent choice for medical professionals because they feature a comfortable and lightweight Croslite™ foam construction with a slip-resistant outsole.
11. New Balance
New Balance is a well-established athletic footwear brand that offers a range of shoes suitable for nurses and medical professionals.
Their shoes are designed with comfort and support in mind, featuring technologies such as the ABZORB and Fresh Foam cushioning systems, which provide excellent shock absorption and stability.
Additionally, New Balance shoes often have breathable mesh uppers and a roomy toe box, ensuring that feet remain comfortable and cool during long shifts.
With a variety of styles and widths available, New Balance caters to nurses with varying foot shapes and preferences.
These sneakers are an ideal choice for healthcare workers due to their Fresh Foam midsole, which offers plush cushioning and support to help keep your feet feeling fresh while on the job.
12. Reebok
Reebok, a reputable brand in the athletic footwear industry, offers a selection of shoes that meet the unique demands of nursing professionals.
Many of their models, such as the Reebok Floatride and Reebok Work series, boast advanced cushioning and support technologies, providing nurses with the comfort they need for extended periods of standing and walking.
Reebok shoes also feature slip-resistant outsoles and durable materials, ensuring safety and longevity in the challenging hospital environment.
With a range of styles to choose from, Reebok can meet the needs of nurses who value both performance and style in their footwear.
The Reebok Women's Zig Dynamica Sneakers are well-suited for medical workers, as they feature a responsive ZigTech midsole for exceptional cushioning and energy return to protect your feet.
Best for Women with High Arches
- Cushioned midsole
- Breathable upper
- Meta-rocker technology
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Padded tongue and collar
- Stapled construction
- Leather upper
- Contoured footbed
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Roomy toe box
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Compression-molded EVA midsole
- Early-stage meta-rocker geometry
- Reinforced eyestays
- Extended heel crash pad
When it comes to the best shoes for female nurses with high arches, it’s important to consider factors such as the unique shape of women’s feet, specific support needs, and personal style preferences.
Shoes in this category cater to these considerations, offering a balance of comfort, support, and aesthetics tailored to the needs of women in the nursing profession.
Brands that excel in this category often provide a range of styles, sizes, and widths, ensuring that female nurses can find the perfect fit to keep them comfortable and confident throughout their shifts.
Best for Men with High Arches
- Segmented crash pad
- BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning
- Engineered mesh upper
- 3D fit print overlays
- Flex grooves in outsole
- Primeknit upper
- Boost cushioning
- Torsion system
- Stretchweb outsole
- Continental™ rubber traction
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Compression-molded EVA midsole
- Early-stage meta-rocker geometry
- Reinforced eyestays
- Extended heel crash pad
For male nurses, finding the best footwear means considering factors such as larger foot sizes, the need for more substantial support, and preferences in style and design.
The best shoes for men in nursing combine durability, cushioning, and stability, catering to the specific demands of the male foot.
Brands that excel in this category offer a wide range of options in terms of size, width, and style, allowing male nurses to find the ideal shoe that accommodates their unique needs and keeps them comfortable during long shifts.
Best for High Arch Support
Support is crucial for nurses who spend long hours on their feet, as it helps prevent foot fatigue, discomfort, and potential injury.
These shoes provide unparalleled support for medical workers with their VersoShock® technology, which not only absorbs shock but also helps promote proper foot alignment.
The best shoes for high arch support provide features such as a well-cushioned insole, adequate arch support, and a stable midsole, ensuring that feet are properly aligned and protected from strain.
In addition, these shoes often incorporate slip-resistant outsoles and durable materials, making them ideal for the demanding conditions of a hospital environment.
Footwear in this category is designed to prioritize support and stability, allowing nurses to focus on their patients without being hindered by foot discomfort.
Best for High Arches and Standing
For nurses who spend the majority of their shifts standing, it’s essential to find shoes that offer superior cushioning, shock absorption, and overall comfort.
The shoes are an excellent choice for healthcare workers who stand all day, as they offer superior cushioning and support with their compression-molded EVA midsole and early-stage Meta-Rocker geometry.
The best shoes for standing all day are designed to minimize the impact on the feet and joints, helping to reduce fatigue and discomfort over long periods of time.
These shoes often feature extra cushioning, breathable materials, and a comfortable fit that prevents pressure points and friction.
By prioritizing comfort and support, these shoes enable nurses to remain focused and comfortable throughout their demanding shifts.
Best for Plantar Fasciitis
Nurses who suffer from plantar fasciitis require shoes that provide targeted support and cushioning to alleviate heel pain and discomfort.
These shoes are an excellent choice for medical workers with plantar fasciitis, as their patented VersoShock® technology offers outstanding shock absorption and cushioning, which can help alleviate heel pain.
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis typically feature a well-cushioned heel, strong arch support, and a shock-absorbing midsole to minimize the strain on the plantar fascia.
Shoes in this category often incorporate orthotic insoles or contoured footbeds that help distribute pressure evenly across the foot, ensuring maximum comfort and pain relief for those coping with this common foot condition.
Best for Nursing Students with High Arches
Nursing students need shoes that provide comfort and support while also being budget-friendly and versatile enough for various clinical settings.
These shoes are a budget-friendly option for students, as they offer comfortability and a slip-resistant design that meets the demands of clinical rotations.
The best shoes for nursing students prioritize features such as slip-resistant outsoles, easy-to-clean materials, and a balance of cushioning and support that can withstand long hours of standing and walking.
In addition, these shoes often come in neutral and professional colors, ensuring that students can adhere to dress code requirements while still maintaining a sense of personal style.
Best Tennis Shoes for Nurses with High Arches
The Brooks Women’s Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoes stand out as an excellent choice for nurses with high arches due to their combination of support, cushioning, and stability.
These are an excellent option for medical professionals, thanks to their responsive cushioning and smooth ride, which help reduce foot fatigue during long shifts.
The shoes feature a robust arch support system that helps distribute weight evenly across the foot, relieving pressure points commonly experienced by high-arched individuals.
The BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft cushioning work together to provide just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability, offering excellent shock absorption.
The shoe also has a Segmented Crash Pad—an integrated system of shock absorbers—that cushions every step and stride for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
Breathable mesh upper keeps feet dry and comfortable, while the shoe’s overall lightweight design reduces fatigue during long shifts.
All these factors, coupled with the shoe’s reputation for durability and quality, make the Brooks Women’s Ghost 14 a standout choice for nurses with high arches.
How to Choose the Best Shoes for Nurses with High Arches
Choosing the right shoes for nurses with high arches involves careful consideration of several key factors:
- Arch Support: Shoes should provide substantial support to the high arches to help distribute weight evenly across the feet and reduce pressure points.
- Cushioning: Adequate cushioning, especially in the midsole, can absorb shock and provide comfort. Cushioning is particularly important under the ball and heel of the foot, which bear the most pressure.
- Stability: Look for shoes that offer stability features to prevent potential ankle rolls or other injuries.
- Fit and Comfort: Make sure the shoes fit well and are comfortable from the start. High-arched feet often require a larger toe box.
- Durability: High-quality, durable materials are essential due to the demanding nature of nursing.
- Non-Slip Sole: Given that nurses often work in environments where spills can happen, shoes should have a non-slip sole for safety.
- Breathability: Breathable shoes can keep the feet dry and comfortable, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
- Lightweight: The weight of the shoes should be light enough to prevent leg fatigue during long shifts.
- Style: Many nurses prefer easy-to-clean styles that are also professional and versatile.
- Price: Consider the price and how it corresponds to the overall quality and durability of the shoes. The most expensive option isn’t always the best, but good quality shoes are typically worth the investment.
Note: Each person’s needs will vary, so it’s important to take the time to try on various styles and brands to find the perfect pair.
FAQs About Nursing Shoes with High Arches
What Considerations Must Be Made When Buying Shoes for Nurses with High Arches?
When purchasing shoes for nurses with high arches, consider factors such as robust arch support to evenly distribute foot pressure and good cushioning, particularly in the midsole, for shock absorption.
The shoes should offer stability to prevent injuries and fit well, with a larger toe box often needed.
Other considerations include durability for the demanding nature of nursing, non-slip soles for safety, breathability to keep feet dry, and a lightweight design to prevent fatigue. The style and price are also important factors.
How Often Should Nurses Replace Their Work Shoes?
Nurses should replace their work shoes every six months to a year or when signs of wear and tear become evident, such as the breakdown of cushioning, loss of support, or damaged outsoles.
The frequency of replacement may vary depending on individual usage and the quality of the shoes.
Are Running Shoes Okay for Nurses with High Arches?
Running shoes can be suitable for nurses with high arches, as they often provide good cushioning, support, and breathability.
However, it’s essential to ensure that the running shoes also have slip-resistant outsoles and are made of easy-to-clean materials, both of which are crucial features for nursing footwear.
Why do High-Quality Shoes Matter for Nurses?
High-quality shoes matter for nurses because they provide the necessary comfort, support, and durability required to withstand the demands of the profession.
Comfortable and supportive shoes can help prevent foot fatigue, discomfort, and potential injuries, enabling nurses to focus on their patients and provide the best care possible.
Are Clogs Better Than Tennis Shoes for Nurses with High Arches?
Both clogs and tennis shoes have their advantages for nurses, and the choice between them depends on personal preference and specific needs.
Clogs offer a simple, slip-on design, easy-to-clean materials, and a wide-toe box, making them a practical and comfortable choice.
Tennis shoes, on the other hand, provide more structure and support, often featuring advanced cushioning technologies and a secure fit.
It’s essential for nurses to choose footwear that meets their unique comfort and support requirements, regardless of the type.
Where to Buy the Best Shoes for Nurses?
To find the best shoes for nurses, consider exploring various sources, such as specialty medical uniform stores, which typically carry a wide range of nursing shoes and workwear tailored to the demands of the profession.
Online retailers like Amazon, Zappos, or the official websites of shoe brands offer a vast selection of styles and sizes, often accompanied by customer reviews.
Additionally, brick-and-mortar shoe stores and department stores provide the opportunity to try on different styles and sizes for the perfect fit. Don’t forget to check discount stores and outlets, which might have high-quality shoes at lower prices.
Final Thoughts
Identifying the right pair of shoes is crucial for nurses with high arches. The perfect footwear balances adequate arch support, cushioning, and stability, ensuring safety and comfort during demanding shifts.
Although finding a shoe meeting all these criteria might take some time and effort, the outcome in terms of reduced discomfort and increased productivity is undoubtedly worthwhile.
Remember, each foot is unique, and the best shoe is one that caters to individual needs while supporting a nurse’s demanding career.
Written by:
John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.
References
- Menz HB, Bonanno DR. Footwear comfort: a systematic search and narrative synthesis of the literature. J Foot Ankle Res. 2021.
- Hurst B, Branthwaite H, Greenhalgh A, Chockalingam N. Medical-grade footwear: the impact of fit and comfort. J Foot Ankle Res. 2017.
- Woźniacka R, Oleksy Ł, Jankowicz-Szymańska A, Mika A, Kielnar R, Stolarczyk A. The association between high-arched feet, plantar pressure distribution and body posture in young women. Sci Rep. 2019.