Proper footwear is very important, especially when you’re expected to be on your feet at all times in a clinical setting. The nursing profession has a unique set of demands on nurses where they spend a large number of hours standing or running around which could lead to leg pain and fatigue. That is why it is important for nurses to choose footwear that she finds comfortable.
You can find tons of white nursing shoes online that are created for nursing school students and professionals to offer protection, comfort, and style. Whether you’re getting a gift for a nursing student or if your course is beginning soon, we have shortlisted some of the best white nursing shoes on the market that incorporate high quality materials, comfort, and aesthetics to suit your personal preference and needs.
Guide to the Best White Nursing Shoes (Women and Men)
Picking the best white nursing shoes for work is not always very straight forward, especially when you have thousands of options available online. However, there are a few important points that you need to keep in mind such as where you work, potential hazards, and the amount of time you spend standing up every day. These factors have a significant impact to your footwear design, construction, support, and protection. So, here are a few important aspects to consider when selecting the best white nursing shoes.
Breathability
Regardless of which medical center you work at, it is important that you pick a shoe with adequate breathability to keep your feet cooler. Nobody likes to walk around with sweaty feet that just feel extremely uncomfortable. However, this will also depend on whether you work in a hazardous area where it is important to keep your feet fully shielded from the environment.
For example, tennis shoes with perforations are nursing shoes in a low risk environment since they offer excellent breathability. However, nurses working in high risk and hazardous environments may need to invest in a solid cog or work shoe to prevent such hazardous chemicals from getting in contact with your feet.
Maintenance
Considering the working environment where you may be exposed to spills, debris, dust, and other elements that could potentially damage your shoes, you may want to choose a pair of footwear that’s easy to clean, stain-resistant, and durable for a better overall experience. The best white nursing shoes should be able to be cleaned easily with a cloth of shoe cleaner to maintain their professional work appearance without having to wash them every day.
Water or weather resistant nursing shoes are a bonus since that also usually means stain-resistant materials and durable construction to improve longevity. This means that you don’t have to worry about replacing them so frequently.
Slip Resistant Outsole and Grip
If your working environment involves walking around slick floors or often having chemical spills, then you should get a pair of nursing shoes with excellent grip and traction to minimize the chances of unwanted slips and falls. Although most nursing shoes have a traction outsole, it’s worth pointing out in case you might overlook it when choosing high quality shoes for nursing. In addition to that, it is recommended for you to pick shoes with non-marking outsoles so that you don’t leave streaks on the floor.
Support
Considering how much time nurses are on their feet, it is very critical to consider how much support and stability the nursing shoes offer as your choice of footwear will have a significant impact on your foot and back health. Such factors include the arch, shoe width, ankle support, midsole, toe box, and heel. You need to check how the shoe is designed and whether it offers proper support.
You can also consider getting premium insoles that are designed to provide proper arch support and pain relief for long hours of standing. If you’re still unsure of how to deal with foot or back pain, you can consider consulting a specialist to help you pick out a set of appropriate footwear.
Open-toe Shoes
It is obvious that those working in the medical and nursing industry should not have open-toe footwear as it isn’t safe and professional. Open-toe footwear leaves your feet exposed to all sorts of chemicals, germs, and fall hazards in the work place which consequently leads to an unsafe environment for nurses and patients there. Most healthcare settings require their employees to maintain a professional appearance with closed-toe shoes as well.
Material
Talking about footwear durability, protection, and lifespan, you’ll need to take a look at the material used to fabricate the nursing shoes. There are different types of materials and fabrics used to create white shoes and you need to look into your work environment hazards, facility’s dress code policy, and your own personal tastes to decide which is the best choice. Below are a few common footwear materials used to make white shoes.
Leather
Leather is a popular footwear material known for its durability, comfort, and aesthetic. Leather shoes offer excellent foot protection while providing a high-quality professional appearance. The leather material is usually easier to clean and maintain.
Some shoe manufacturers will fabricate shoes with shiny, polished leather while others may use suede or nubuck for a dried fabric style. Regardless of which type of leather you choose, make sure that the white shoes feature stain protection and water resistance or suitable finishing and polishing that offer resistance against staining and watermarks.
Textiles and Synthetic Materials
Textile and synthetic footwear can include fabrics such as canvas, cotton, nylon, polyester, and wool to produce shoes in various styles, fits, and finishes. Each of these finishes will ultimately affect the protection, support, and comfort it provides.
Since there are so many different textiles available, it can be quite difficult to pick the best one that offers all the benefits you require. Just make sure to pick one that is made with solid construction and good textile for better durability, protection, breathability, and support.
One reason why tennis shoe is such a popular choice among nurses is cause of the lightweight materials used that cover the entire foot. The shoes also offer good support and comfort at work or while running errands.
Some environments may require shoes made of a particular material for adequate protection or professional purposes. For example, hazardous areas may require shoes that offer full heel protection, chemical protection, and OSHA compliant slip resistance. So you’ll need to pick footwear that meets the company guidelines or requirements while ensuring they offer sufficient comfort, shock absorption, and support.
Rubber
Another common footwear material for shoes is rubber. Depending on the shoe construction, you may find shoes made of rubber or plastic materials to provide a solid, protective structure across the entire foot. Rubber offers several benefits for those working in the healthcare facility such as being easy to clean, chemical and physical protection around the foot.
High quality rubber is also flexible and waterproof material that’s lightweight, comfortable and durable to reduce foot fatigue and increase the shoe’s longevity. This means that you don’t need to worry about replacing it every few months. The best thing about rubber shoes is that they can be put into the washing machine without worrying about shrinkage, damage, or finishing issues.
Shock Absorption
There are several components in a pair of nursing shoes that can affect its shock absorption and dispersion such as the outsole material, build quality, thickness, shape, and material. Footwear with excellent shock absorption will be very useful for nurses who spend a lot of time on their feet, especially when working on hard surfaces to absorb and reduce the impact to the feet, leg, and joints.
Durability
Another important factor to consider is the durability of the shoes. The faster an outsole wears out or loses it shape, the lower is its durability. The durability and endurance of a pair of footwear are a direct result from the outsoles material, build quality, and manufacturing process.
Flexibility
The shoe’s flexibility refers to how the outsole can change its shape and adapt to your feet’s movement as you walk around. Outsoles with good flexibility will provide support to minimize fatigue after walking around for hours. Flex-less or low flex outsole can quickly get uncomfortable which may work for certain events but definitely not for nurses who work extended shifts in healthcare facilities.
Non-Marking Materials
Other than the above factors, nursing shoes should also have non-marking outsole that doesn’t leave colored streaks or patterns on the floor. Outsoles that are worn our or shed material can leave unwanted streaks and lines, resulting in a cleaner’s headache.
What Are the Best White Nursing Shoes for Nurses?
Now that we’ve touched on what to look out for when picking the best white nursing shoes, let’s dive straight into our top picks available for you to get your hands on now:
Dansko LT Pro Clog
Dansko LT Pro Clog is one of the most popular white leather nursing shoes that’s made with premium leather upper and stylish stitch detailing between the upper and sole. In the mule you’ll find a roomy reinforced toe box that provides ample space so that your feet do not feel cramped. The memory foam footbed also offers cushioning and good arch support for all-day use making this pair of white nursing clogs a great choice for professional nurses, healthcare workers, and those in nursing school.
Pros
- 100% white leather nursing shoe.
- Available in different colors and finishing.
- Waterproof design with padded instep.
- Anti-fatigue rocker bottom.
Nurse Mates Dove Slip-On Loafer
The white leather shoes are designed with flexibility, mobility, and all-day comfort in mind. The loafer features padded collar and can be slipped on easily to allow nurses to wear the shoes effortlessly. Made from durable soft leather upper with a stain resistant finish, memory foam sock liner with padded tongue, this pair of shoes offer added comfort for busy nurses.
Pros
- 100% white soft leather nursing shoe.
- Padded instep collar with slip resistant outsoles.
- Slip on design.
- Steel shank with EVA insole, midsole, and outsole.
- Polyurethane core.
Timberland PRO Women’s Work Shoe
While there are many other nursing shoes out there, the Timberland’s PRO Women’s Work Shoe is a beautiful white clog that’s perfect for nurses who want to maximize protection without compromising on design. The versatile style fits most medical unforms in the healthcare setting or students performing clinicals in college. The full-grain leather upper has micro-seade that’s designed to offer better protection and stain resistance. The sturdy outsole offers excellent traction, even when walking on slippery floors to provide a comfortable and safe walking experience.
Pros
- 100% white synthetic leather upper with Scotchgard protection.
- Concealed goring inserts.
- Heel-to-toe rocker.
- Anatomically shaped toe box area.
Skechers Work Sure Track Sneaker
The Skechers Work Sure Track Sneaker is a beautiful and durable leather upper nursing shoe that sports tongue, padded collar and insoles made of breathable fabric. The contoured PU footbed is also removable for those who prefer a custom fit. The OSHA-compliant slip resistant rubber sole comes with traction grooves and tread pattern for better traction control on various surfaces. The slip on design also makes putting them on effortless.
Pros
- Breathable and padded interior.
- Removable contoured PU insole.
- Slip resistant nitrile rubber outsole.
Women’s Tree Dashers
The Women’s Tree Dashers are a set of very durable white nursing sneakers that were originally designed for athletes. Since they were originally for athletes, it means that the white shoes are designed with comfort and durability in mind. They also offer great support to make them one of the best white nursing shoes available. Not only are they good for you, but the shoes are great for the planet as well as they’re made from sustainable materials.
Pros
- Good breathability to keep feet cool and minimize odor.
- Athlete design to offer good support.
- Biodegradable and durable materials with a seamless stitching design.
- Easy maintenance and machine washable.
- Dual density midsole supports and cushions.
Skechers Women’s D’Lites Sneakers
Skechers is a popular footwear manufacturer that’s known for producing comfortable and durable shoes. One such example is their Skechers Women’s D’Lites Sneakers that have been consistently one of the top highest rated white nursing shoes for athletes, fitness experts, retail workers, and healthcare professionals. The shoes were designed for athletic pursuit to offer combined comfort and security, making them an excellent choice for nurses.
Pros
- Synthetic leather upper with rubber sole.
- Highly rated among professionals in different industries.
- Stylish design with metallic edging.
- Secure lacing system.
- Memory foam cushioning and shock absorbing layers to reduce impact to feet.
Adidas Ultraboost 20
Adidas Ultraboost is well known for comfort and the Ultraboost 20 is probably one of the most comfortable white nursing shoes on our list today. The fabric shoes offer a supportive fit that feels like wearing a sock while the layers of cushioning protect the feet from hard solid floors. This pair of supportive white nursing shoes have a soft fabric lining and good soles to make a great choice for those with overpronated or flat feet.
Pros
- Knit upper fits like a sock for flexibility and comfort.
- Bouncy midsole to conserve energy and improve shock absorption.
- High traction soles made with Continental Rubber.
- Lightweight design and weighs only 10.9 ounces.
- Snug lace closure system.
Skechers for Work Eldred Shoe
Nurses who work with wet floors in a healthcare environment need to consider getting slip resistant shoes, especially when they need to move around quickly. One of the best white nursing shoes that’s also slip resistant is the Skechers for Work Eldred model. The shoes are even ASTM F1677-96 Mark II certified to meet slip resistance standards for wet and oily surfaces. The non-slip shoes are not only suitable for slippery surfaces, but they’re also waterproof to protect your feet from hazardous chemical spills.
Pros
- Leather upper with a completely synthetic sole.
- Relaxed fit with generous toe room.
- Lace up closure to hug the feet.
- Memory foam support for comfort.
- Certified for slip resistance against oily and wet surfaces.
- Brooks Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
Saucony ProGric Integrity Walking Shoes
The Saucony ProGrid Walking Shoe is an exceptional all-day athletic shoe that’s great for nurses who spend most of their time on their feet. The comfortable shoe is made of full-grain leather and flexible construction that’s built to last. The lace-up design sports padded, breathable tongue to keep feet dry while providing added support, comfort, and stability. The rubber outsole has a grip tread traction system for optimal performance on various surfaces, making them a great pair of white nursing shoe with excellent heel support and comfort.
Pros
- Rubber outsole with grip tread traction system.
- 100% full grain leather.
- Made from durable TX-900 materials.
- Walk-Track comfort outsole.
Nike Tanjun Running Shoes
Running shoes are also a great white nursing shoes alternative, especially for those who prefer a sporty, casual look. Not only that, but the Nike Tanjun Running Shoe design is versatile enough to match outfits outside of work. The rubber sole is slip resistant while the synthetic and fabric material is soft enough to conform to your feet for long lasting comfort.
Pros
- Versatile design that fits professional and casual outfits.
- Mixed of synthetic and fabric upper materials for comfort and slip resistant rubber sole.
- Lightweight construction.
- Flexible material that conforms to the foot.
- Durable cushioned midsole and insole for comfort.
K-Swiss Court Pro II CMF Athletic Shoe
K-Swiss Court offers an immaculate and simple athletic design that’s both modern and stylish. The interior of the nursing gear comprises of breathable textile material to prevent the feet from overheating while the EVA cushioned memory foam provides better comfort to eliminate foot pain. The traction rubber outsole at the bottom of the shoe provides grip on flat surfaces, making this a great choice for everyday activities.
Pros
- All-white casual design.
- Die-cut EVA midsole.
- Lightweight cushioning and memory foam heel pad sock liner.
Dansko Women’s Professional Clogs
If you work in hazardous areas and need waterproof shoes, then you can’t go wrong with the Dansko Womens’ Professional Clog that’s one of the best white nursing shoes available. The upper part of the shoe is made of long-lasting leather while the inner section is equipped with multiple anti-fatigue measures for all day comfort.
Pros
- Waterproof leather clogs with tough slip resistant rubber sole.
- Padded instep reduces friction and increases comfort.
- Lightweight material to prevent fatigue.
- Rocker bottom to conserve energy.
- Wide toe box to allow more room for your toes and prevent pinching.
Klogs Mission Closed-Back Nursing Clog
The Klogs Mission Closed-Back Nursing Clog is a well-rounded shoe that offers good support in a simple and functional design. The white leather upper has a stretchable side goring for a snug fit. The solid leather body and roomy toe box keeps the foot well protected for most standard work activities while the cushioned insole and perforated channels keep them comfortable. Also, the shoes are designed with slip-resistant synthetic outsole featuring a triangle tread pattern for enhanced grip on flat surfaces.
Pros
- Genuine leather upper.
- Excellent arch support.
- Shock absorbent shoe base.
- Good slip and oil resistance.
Alegria Clogs
The Alegria clogs are an all-around favorite white nursing shoes among nurses all around the world thanks to slip resistant soles and dual-density polyurethane that offers good shock absorption and rebound. The nursing shoes will ensure you enjoy all day comfort even if you’ve been walking on your feet for hours and hours.
Pros
- Slip resistant rubber outsole.
- Dual-density polyurethane for shock absorption.
- Lightweight materials.
STQ Slip On Walking Shoes
If you need the perfect white nursing shoe that’s super convenient to wear, then you need to give the STQ slip on shoes a closer look. The stretchy knit fabric and slip on style design make it perfect for nurses who want to be ready to go. The uniquely blend of common features also make them a great pair of comfortable shoes with breathable fabric.
Pros
- Comfortable shoe with mesh fabric and synthetic sole.
- Easy slip-on design with an elastic cuff to tighten.
- Stretchy knit fabric for better breathability.
- Flexible and roomy wide toe box.
- Soft cushioning outsole.
Sticky Comfortable Work Shoes
These white clogs come in eight different other stylish colors for nursing students to pick from. Not only do they have slip resistant rubber sole, but they’re also comfortable enough to make it feel like you’re walking on clouds the whole day.
Pros
- Designed for healthcare professionals.
- High traction slip resistant rubber outsole.
- Waterproof synthetic upper to protect your feet.
- Absorbent footbed material to keep feet dry.
- One inch platform for extra cushioning and arch support.
Crocs Work Medical Professional Shoe
Crocs white nursing shoes are a favorite among medical professionals and healthcare workers thanks to their comfort and arch support. No best nursing shoes article will be complete without Crocs white shoes as part of the list. The Crocs Work Medical Professional white shoes feature closed-toe protection and lightweight construction to prevent fatigue even after wearing them for hours.
Pros
- Synthetic upper and sole that can be sanitized.
- Slip resistant, supportive and protective slip on shoes.
- Suitable for long shifts.
- Foam cushioning cradles the feet and provides arch support.
- Dual support layer to conserve energy and reduce fatigue.
Allbirds Tree Runners
Nurses wear white shoes but they don’t necessarily need to look boring. The Allbirds Tree Runners are a casual pair of sneakers that works well at work and while you’re off the clock. These shoes have memory foam insole and are made from extremely breathable material to keep your feet comfy all day. Not only that, but the materials are all natural and sustainable to save the environment.
Pros
- Walking shoe made from environmentally friendly materials.
- Breathable upper made from eucalyptus fiber.
- Machine washable for easy maintenance.
- Minimalist design with excellent arch support.
Conclusion
Nurses and nursing school students alike need to be thoughtful about their choice of footwear since their day-to-day job involves a lot of heavy equipment and walking thousands of feet a day. Different hospitals have different dress code regulations but most will require white shoes.
In addition to the color of the shoes, there are also plenty of other factors to look into such as its material, design, comfort, ease of cleaning, and more. The shoes you pick need to be able to support you being on your feet all day while ensuring sufficient breathability and comfort. We hope our buying guide and article on the 18 best white nursing shoes have given you enough information to make an informed purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do nurses need to wear white shoes?
Many hospitals and healthcare centers prefer the idea of wearing all white to portray cleanliness.
Do nurses have to wear white shoes?
While white shoes are a common dress code in many hospitals, the colors is ultimately decided by each hospital.