When you’re a nurse who spends most of the day running alongside gurneys, walking between beds in the ER, or standing for hours and hours in the operating room, you know that appropriate footwear is a must. What are the best nursing shoes for wide feet, though?
Now, being on your feet all day long puts pressure on your lower extremities. Wearing poorly fitting nursing shoes can cause a myriad of health problems – from arch and ankle pain to blisters, bruises, and bunions. By the end of the day, you might even notice your feet are sore and swollen.
Wide feet make the entire thing even worse. Shopping for nursing shoes when you’re dealing with a set of wide feet can be challenging, to say the least. Since you’re trying your best to opt for shoes with arch support, non-slip outsoles, and a waterproof upper, you don’t even pay attention to the width.
When your toes have enough room to move and your arches have adequate support, you know your feet are going to be happy and healthy at the end of the day. What are you supposed to do, though? Ditch the cute, colorful clogs? Opt for sneakers that happen to be too big for your feet?!
With a few key tips and tricks, you can support proper posture and foot flexion to prevent conditions like plantar fasciitis, calluses, and corns. Whether you’re a Crocs devotee or a nurse who prefers to rock Hokas and Rykas to work, throw a quick glance at what we’ve prepared for you. Let’s go!
What features do nursing shoes for wide feet need to possess?
Where do we even start? We know you’re overwhelmed with the sheer number of nursing shoes coming your way whenever you try to do your research, and that’s completely fine. We’re more than happy to offer you a helping hand and ensure you get your money’s worth.
When shopping for nursing shoes for wide feet, you need to pay attention to a few things that promise to get you through the day pain and pressure-free. What do we mean by that? Start by researching brands that offer wide and extra-wide options for people with wide feet.
When you’re done with that (and you’re not happy with what you’re presented with), you can always be on the lookout for features like a wide toe box, a soft and stretchy upper, or an array of straps that enable you to adjust the width to your liking. Consider the type of footwear you’re shopping for, too.
Runners, clogs, and similar styles are perfect for nurses because they’re designed to withstand the pressure that comes with standing, walking, or running all day long. Breathable, lightweight fabrics are a must because your feet need to be able to wiggle, move, and breathe throughout the day.
Features that promise to protect your feet such as a water-resistant upper, non-slip outsole, and plenty of padding for comfort can make a world of difference. Whatever you decide to do, remember to consult with a podiatrist to ensure you’re doing what’s best for your wide feet.
Our top picks for the best nursing shoes for wide feet
1. Crocs On-The-Clock Work Slip-On
No matter what you do for work, you can’t go wrong with the right pair of Crocs. Crocs On-The-Clock Work Slip-On clogs are among the best nursing shoes for wide feet because they’re made with an enclosed and reinforced heel and toe to help protect your feet.
On top of that, they’re equipped with arch support for comfort and slip-resistant outsoles to prevent you from slipping and falling.
Crocs are typically made of materials that are easy to clean with soap and water which can be a great feature for nurses, too. Of course, we can’t forget about the fact that Crocs On-The-Clock Work Slip-On clogs come with plenty of wiggle room and are perfect for nurses with wide feet.
2. Brooks Ghost 14 Women’s Neutral Running Shoe
More often than not, running sneakers are the number one pick for nurses across the world because they’re lightweight and breathable. With running sneakers, nurses are supported and protected, and they’re guaranteed to go through the day without blisters, bruises, and bunions.
A favorite among the medical staff, Brooks Ghost 14 running sneakers, are everything you need and more.
Crafted with a cushioning heel to absorb pressure and ease foot pain, these sneakers are soft and snug on the foot. What makes these sneakers different from your average running sneakers happens to be the fact that they’re available in wide and narrow sizes. What’s not to love?
3. Dansko Professional Petrol Patent
Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or you’re a seasoned nurse, you must have heard of Dansko clogs. Dansko seems to have taken the nursing world by storm, and there’s a really good reason for that – well, several reasons.
Dansko Professional Petrol Patent clogs come with the APMA seal of approval, to begin with.
They’re made to be wiped clean which can make a nurse’s workday much easier and cleaner. They’re made with built-in odor control, too, and we don’t even need to explain to you why that’s a must. They’re roomy, comfortable, and cute, and you’re going to love wearing them on your days off, too.
4. BALA Footwear Twelves Flow White
Fashion-forward nurses might not be obsessed with Crocs and Dansko clogs, but these BALA sneakers are guaranteed to get them going. BALA Footwear Twelves Flow White sneakers were designed specifically for healthcare workers and that’s why they’re one of the most popular, prominent picks.
Crafted with a fluid-resistant upper, they’re perfect for nurses who battle different fluids on the regular.
Equipped with a compressive knit upper, supportive arch, dynamic cushioning, and a high-traction outsole, these sneakers feature everything you need to get through a workday without trouble. Even though they’re simple and sleek, they offer much more than meets the eye.
5. Rykä Devotion Plus 3 Walking Sneaker
Rykä Devotion Plus 3 Walking Sneakers have earned the title of the best walking sneakers for wide feet on more than one occasion. We couldn’t pass on the opportunity to rave about them because they’re made with a wide toe box that promises to accommodate your wide feet.
With that out of the way, though, Rykä Devotion Plus 3 Walking Sneakers are equipped with everything you need for a stress-free workday. With a lightweight feel, bouncy soles, and a relatively affordable cost compared to their competitors, these Rykä sneakers are a solid option to consider. They more than deserve to be mentioned among the best nursing shoes for wide feet.
6. Oofos Women’s Oocloog Clog
Silly name aside, Oofos Women’s Oocloog Clogs are a great addition to your workwear because they’re supportive, protective, and wearable. Clogs are simple to slip on and off, made with a wide toebox that can offer you plenty of wiggle room for your toes, and versatile.
Ooofos clogs might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re a force to be reckoned with.
Crafted with a special Oofoam recovery technology that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam, these clogs are guaranteed to keep you on your toes all day long. With added features such as patented footbeds, non-slip outsoles, and arch support, there’s nothing that these clogs can’t do.
7. HKR Slip-On Air Cushion Sneaker
We’ve got another slip-on option for you! HKR Slip-On Air Cushion Sneakers are comfortable, cute, and convenient. Made with mesh fabric, these sneakers are lightweight and breathable, and able to wick the sweat away off your feet.
HKR Slip-On Air Cushion Sneakers allow you to move more comfortably, wiggle your toes, and feel like you’re walking on clouds.
With these sneakers, you’re going to come home from work without sore and swollen feet. What’s also great about them is that they’re budget-friendly and that they’re a great beginner option for nurses who aren’t sure what type of footwear works best for them.
8. New Balance 608v5 Sneakers
Classic and chic, New Balance 608v5 Sneakers are one of the best nursing shoes for wide feet. With a super-cushioned base, comfy foam near the ankle, and a flexible outsole, they’re guaranteed to wrap around your feet, allow you plenty of wiggle room, and hug your feet.
We’re not kidding – these sneakers are a favorite among nurses because they’re appropriate for multiple occasions.
Whether you wear them on or off duty, you’re going to adore the way they support and protect your feet. We can’t forget about the fact that they’re available in regular, narrow, and wide sizes which means you can choose which size works best for your feet.
9. Calzuro Metallic Slip-Ons
Calzuro Metallic Slip-Ons might confuse you at first, but they’re one of the most comfortable clogs on the market these days. With a little bit of breaking in, they’re guaranteed to become your favorite pair of slip-ons you’ve ever worn.
Calzuro Metallic Slip-Ons are slip-resistant, use holes to ventilate and regulate temperature, and have a slight heel to alleviate pressure off of your feet after a long day at work.
Clogs are easy to clean, too, and that’s another thing to keep an eye on before you bite the bullet and spend your hard-earned money. Good luck!