Finding shoes that offer the right support to the arch of the foot and cushion the heel comfortably are essential when looking for the best nursing shoes for Plantar Fasciitis (and those that want to prevent it).
Nurses have demanding jobs that often require they stay on their feet and constantly walk for up to 12 hours straight. These long shifts can cause multiple conditions like back pain and Plantar Fasciitis, which as recent research shows, can lower their quality of life.
According to The Mayo Clinic, can cause “a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel” and is very common among athletes, servers and nurses.
Better shoes will take you to better places.
When searching for the best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis it is especially important to carefully review the shoe, as there are a wide variety of models and shapes to choose from.
You should always make sure they provide significant support to the areas of the foot where most pressure is received (arch and heel) as well as being soft, cushioned and lightweight for overall comfort.
Here are a few tips to find the best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis:
- Weight and Comfort: Heavy shoes put strain on your heels, knees and can affect your back so it’s better to choose lighter shoes. How cushioned they are and that they adapt to your feet is important as you’ll probably wear them for many hours.
- Support and stability: nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis need superb heel and arch support (especially if you have high arches) to avoid hurting your feet, ankles and back. Stability and slip resistance are crucial to keep you safe and avoid accidents.
- Feel-good factor: last but not least, pick the shoes you think will work best for your functions and tasks at your job but also those that make you feel good when you wear them. If your workplace allows it, go for those you can feel pretty and motivate you through your day.
Best shoes for Nurses with Plantar fasciitis
To help you narrow down the search for the best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis, we’ve put together a list with our top 5:
Dansko Women’s Pro XP Clog
Average rating: 4 stars out of 5
Dankso is a well-known brand in the nursing field and trusted by many for their high quality and comfortable shoes that can carry nurses through their long workdays. They even have nurse stories on their website describing how their shoes fit into every aspect of their lives.
What makes the Dansko Women’s Pro XP Clog really stand out is their “Anti-fatigue rocker bottom (that) sets feet in a forward motion for shock absorption and energy return”, that helps you stay on top of your game. It’s also fair to mention that Dansko uses top quality materials that makes these shoes padded, comfortable and durable.
Their slip-resistant rubber outsole is suitable for dry, wet and oily/wet surfaces, which makes them very stable when you walk and avoid slip-related accident when having to rush.
The removable leather-lined dual-density PU footbed with memory foam offers optimal arch support and cushioning to keep arches, heels and toes nicely comfortable during long shifts.
Pros:
- Padded instep collar
- Removable insoles
- Slip-resistant
- Lots of styles to choose from.
Cons:
- Sizes run small
- Heavy (in comparison to other models)
Skechers for Work Women’s Sure Track Slip Resistant Shoe
Average rating: 4 stars out of 5
Skechers is known for crafting high-quality footwear for the whole family at a good price point. According to Skechers “The company’s success stems from its high quality, diversified, and affordable product line that meets consumers’ various lifestyle needs.”
Their Women’s Work line does exactly that. The wide range of stylish designs with both colorful and muted options to choose from that cater to most tastes and needs. The Skechers for Work Women’s Sure Track Slip Resistant Shoe uses a mix of solid and smooth leather to create a comfortable and slip-resistant shoe.
The removable insoles made of memory foam offer extra cushion to the foot, along with its Supportive shock absorbing FlexSole midsoles that keep your feet supported and comfortable during long standing shifts.
From their rubber sole to the stretch top panel and heel pull-on loop, the Skechers for Work Women’s Sure Track Slip Resistant Shoe are athletic, cushioned, comfortable and made to last.
Pros:
- Slip-resistant
- Athletic cushion and comfort
- Great for people with wide feet and bunions
- No need to ‘break them in’
- Heel pull-on loop
Cons:
- Little support for high arches
- No styles or colors to choose from
Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat
Average rating: 4 stars out of 5
The Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat are one of the highest rated nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis and with reason. Alegria wants to bring happiness to everyone wearing their shoes, and for that they developed a special footbed to accommodate feet in the most comfortable way, especially for those people with foot problems.
The feminine Mary Jane style of these shoes make them stand out. With floral details in the outer leather and button, they put a nice accent to any nurse’s scrub while keeping health care professionals comfortable on their feet.
These clogs have natural leather insoles that allow skin to breathe and keep your feet aired. Their built-in arch support cushions the arches to avoid the stress and pressure that cause plantar fasciitis pain. Alegria’s patented footbeds are also removable, allowing interchanging them for custom orthotics if needed.
Alegria has put much work into making the Women’s Paloma Flat anatomically correct, to conform to the natural shape of the feet and offer maximum comfort when standing for long periods.
The outsole has a special design that’s engineered to rock as you walk, reducing pressure in the heel and central metatarsal while promoting a better posture and normal gait that benefits your back as well. A great choice for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
Pros:
- Pretty style and design
- Roomy around the toes
- Slip Resistant
- Rocker outsole engineered to roll naturally and encourage proper posture
- Removable footbed.
Cons:
- Edges need breaking into
- They can start squeaking after a few months
Skechers Sport Women’s Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneaker
Average rating: 4 stars out of 5
Once again, skechers is featured in our list. This time with the Sport Women’s Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneaker, a great option for nurses looking for a sporty-style shoe that can be both fashionable and comfortable in their feet when running to a code or just making rounds.
The synthetic/textile construction mix in these shoes, with faux leather and upper mesh fabric make them light and breathable, keeping feet aired and regulating heat; combined with the memory foam insole, these casual looking shoes look good and feel even better.
The outsole of the Skechers Women’s Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneaker is made of a tough rubber that prevents slips and makes them quite stable, narrowing the chances of an accident on the job. The Bungee-style laces also contribute to the security of these shoes, as they make for a snug and hassle free fit while still keeping it comfortable.
The slip-on design is also a point in its favor, as it makes taking them off and putting them on an easy task, perfect for getting ready fast. The built-in flex groove outsole of the Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneaker allows for free range motion and has a good grip to secure your every step.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Soft padded collar
- Slip-on
- Flex grooves
- Stylish design
Cons:
- Sizes run small
- Little support for high arches
- Insoles are built-in
Alegria Women’s Kayla Clog
Average rating: 4 stars out of 5
Closing our list for the best nursing shoes for Plantar Fasciitis are the Alegria Women’s Kayla Clog. These shoes can spice up any outfit with its wide selection of patent leather finishes, Nappa leather or animal print upper that is comfortable and stain resistant.
As with many of Alegria’s models, these clogs insoles are removable and anatomically correct to cushion the feet and conform to them with their patented mix of materials that makes all Alegria’s shoes extra comfortable, especially for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
The polyurethane midsole of the Kayla Clog is one of its main features. This midsole is very soft but still gives great support to the feet, cradling the heel and metatarsal which in return helps alleviate pressure from the lower back as well as the feet. The material is also very lightweight and ultra plush.
The cherry on top are both its anti-slip and anti-stain technology. The Kayla Clogs are designed with a slip-resistant outsole, perfect for confidently gliding through the hospital without worrying about an slip-related accident.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Slip resistant
- Removable insole
- Ultra soft midsole
- Stain resistant
- Alleviates pressure from feet and lower back
Cons:
- Sizes run small
- Narrow
Nurses have jobs that are both physically and mentally strenuous; if we add common conditions like back pain and plantar fasciitis it can be even more demanding, so it’s essential they find and wear shoes that are appropriate for their very important jobs in health care and can go through their workday feeling comfortable and confident.
Every shoe has different qualities, features and designs but the most important thing when choosing one is that you feel good in them.
If you need to step up your foot therapy, have a look through our foot massagers that are perfect for nurses after a long day at work.
