If you happen to be a doctor, nurse, medical assistant, or any type of health care worker, first of all, you have my immense admiration. Second of all, I guess you have probably at some point in your life asked yourself, “What would be the best shoes to wear with scrubs?”
If that’s true then congratulation! You are spending your work break wisely by reading this article as it won’t disappoint you and will give you all the answers you are looking for.
Working in the health care system can be extremely stressful. You are dealing with a lot of pressure on a daily basis, going from one end of the hospital to the other, often speeding through to get everything on time.
Wearing scrubs significantly helps because it is a comfortable, practical, and non-restricting piece of clothing, and is in a way flattering to almost everyone.
But, when you think about it, healthcare attire has come a long way really. From dress clothes, lab coats, and starched white dresses and caps, to the scrubs we know today. So, I suggest we all whisper a little “Thank you, Universe!” for the existence of comfortable scrubs.
However, everyone knows that’s not enough. Every healthcare worker spends the majority of the day on the feet, so a good pair of comfortable shoes is also essential. Especially when they are racing on slippery hospital floors.
So, if you wish to know what are the best shoes to wear with scrubs, so you can survive your next several-hours-long shift, keep on reading!
What features to look for when buying shoes to wear with scrubs?
Before exploring our top 12 best shoes to wear with scrubs, we first have to determine some of the most important features these kinds of shoes have to have.
First of all, any type of work shoes should be lightweight and comfortable, especially the ones you wear in the hospital.
If you know you are going to spend the majority of your work hours either standing or walking, then the footwear you opt for should not restrict your movement or make your life that much more complicated by being extremely heavy.
Heavy and uncomfortable shoes in the long run can significantly compromise your overall performance and productivity, be seriously detrimental to your mood and increase your stress levels. Which is a big no-no when you have to do such a serious job and have a positive approach to your patients.
Next, your work shoes should provide you with enough support and stability. They should fit your feet perfectly, be made out of high-quality materials, and have breathable uppers, mesh panels, soft linings, padded soles, and the right degree of arch support.
They should also feature slip-resistant outsoles. You might not be thinking about it, but floors in hospitals actually get extremely dirty due to various body fluids, and other liquids and spills, which makes walking ten times more challenging.
Yes, hospital floors do get cleaned pretty regularly, but walking on freshly mopped floors is no walk in the park. That’s why the shoes you wear with your scrubs should be slip resistant and have a good grip, so you can prevent any potential accidents.
I mean, you are in the hospital so even if you fall you’re basically at the source of help. But, I’m guessing you do not want to risk any injuries if you don’t have to.
Finally, your work shoes should oblige dress code guidelines your health care facility holds. Maybe the hospital you work in forbids wearing sneakers or heels. Perhaps they don’t recommend wearing bold colors and only allow neutral, like black, white, or gray.
Either way, make sure you respect the rules as it is a sign of professionalism and appreciation.
What are the best shoes to wear with scrubs?
1. Adidas Ultraboost 20 Running Shoes
We are starting strong with a brand that many people love. Adidas has some seriously good footwear options and these Ultraboost 20 Running Shoes are no exception. These shoes are perfect for standing all day, so no wonder they are considered to be one of the best shoes to wear with scrubs.
These shoes have a snug, sock-like fit and are incredibly lightweight. They feature Adidas Primeknit+ textile upper with TFP yarn, ensuring a better fit and enhanced flex and breathability.
They also have responsive Boots midsoles which offer enough bounce and cushioning and provide more comfort and great energy return.
Boots technology works on the principle where compact pellets of thermoplastic urethane expand with air pockets. Because of this, you will feel as though you are standing on foam.
These shoes have synthetic soles with amazing grip and traction, so you will be able to walk safely on any wet surface. And unlike the previous model, this one features a roomy toe box, so your toes will not feel cramped inside.
Overall, these are some pretty incredible shoes you could definitely lean on. They come in a variety of colors and cost around $180 but you can always wait for them to go on sale.
However since they are considered to be running shoes, if you do happen to run, make sure you have a separate pair for that spare time activity. You do not want your shoes to wear out fast, do you?
2. Crocs Bistro Clogs
Whether you are a cashier, a hairstylist, a chef, or a nurse, Crocs Bistro Clogs are perfect shoes for any work environment. These unisex shoes have an anatomic shape with a wide base which offers stability and a relaxed fit.
They are made out of the brand’s signature material called Croslite. It is a closed-cell resin often described as injection-molded EVA foam. The closed-cell properties are non-toxic, resist odor, and inhibit bacterial growth. Many podiatrists claim the foam forms itself to a person’s feet, offering medical benefits.
These clogs are extremely lightweight and comfortable and are supportive enough to get you through the entire shift. They are also water and slip resistant, so you don’t have to worry about any spillage or falling – these shoes will keep your feet dry and on the ground.
They are easy to clean, too. Just use your regular soap and warm water, let them air dry and that’s it.
Crocs Bistro Clogs feature a roomy fit, so it is recommended you size down when purchasing. They are available in black, white, and navy colors, so you will not have to worry about them standing out and breaking any dress codes. They are also pretty affordable compared to other shoes on our list.
3. Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs
These are some long-lasting and professional-looking clogs, for sure. These Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs are loved by many nurses, surgeons, chefs, veterinarians, dentists, and food servers. No wonder they have found themselves on our list of the top 12 best shoes to wear with scrubs.
These shoes come in a classic clog shape featuring a high-quality durable leather upper. Their ergonomic design features a padded instep collar, a roomy toe box, and a TPU heel counter that will help keep someone like you on their feet all day long and provide all-day comfort.
They come with EVA midsoles which ensure long-standing support, stability, and shock absorption. When it comes to cushioning, these clogs feature dual-density PU footbeds which include Dansko Natural Arch technology and memory foam.
Footbeds are removable, too, meaning they accommodate standard and custom orthotics.
These clogs were made to be flexible, oil-resistant, and stain-resistant. And with their thick rubber outsoles, these clogs are also slip-resistant, providing you with comfort and traction and ensuring a stable platform.
They do require some time to break in, though. So, before you take them to the hospital, I suggest you wear them around the house until they finally conform to your feet.
These clogs come in many fun designs, and they cost around $150, which is a bit expensive for clogs. But trust me, it is worth breaking the bank for these ones. You will not regret it.
4. Vionic Women’s Fiona Pro Slip-On Shoes
These Fiona Pro Slip-On Shoes are a perfect choice for all the lovely nurses out there who spend long hours at the hospital.
They feature lightweight engineering on the shiny synthetic uppers and come with mesh-wrapped removable EVA footbeds that you can replace with other supportive insoles you might need. They were made with podiatrist intentions in mind, so your feet could be as comfortable as ever.
These slip-on shoes also have slip-resistant rubber outsoles and are made with the trusty Vio-Motion technology many people know and love. That technology delivers a three-zone comfort with ultimate arch support, constituting a difference you will be able to feel, for sure.
Their outsoles have in fact passed the ASTM F1677 (MARK II) testing for slip-resistant shoes, so you can rest assured these ones will carry you across any slippery surface.
They come in two fun but elegant shiny chevron patterns, black and navy, and can be easily cleaned. They cost around $100. which is a pretty good price when it comes to all the features you will get with these ones.
5. Hoka Clifton 8 Sneakers
Hoka is one of those brands that just can’t seem to go wrong. These Hoka Clifton 8 Sneakers are referred to as “the couch for the feet.” They are perfect to wear for long-distance runs and a recovery period. They are also one of the best shoes to wear with scrubs.
The upper on these sneakers is made out of a combination of textile and synthetic with an engineered mesh which ensures structure, stretch, and solid breathability.
The comfort of these shoes is guaranteed by the padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue which provides an incredibly snug fit and great feel on the feet. The footbeds of these shoes are well-cushioned which adds to their overall comfort.
These sneakers feature classic white rubber outsoles which are flexible and provide good enough traction and lightweight and shock-absorbing midsoles.
Overall, this Hoka model is incredibly lightweight despite all the padding and cushioning it comes with. These sneakers look amazing, too, and come in more than 10 different colors, so you’ll definitely find the design that’s most appealing for you.
6. Vionic Women’s Juliana Pro Slip-On Sneakers
These Juliana Pro Slip-On Sneakers are another great option when you want something easy to put on, but something that will also meet your other expectations.
This Vionic model’s upper is made out of mesh and has slip-resistant rubber outsoles and removable Canvas Covered EVA footbeds. These lightweight and breathable slip-on shoes will keep your feet cool and well-ventilated, no matter the season.
They also come with twin gore panels and pull tabs on the back, which makes these lace-free slip-on shoes that much easier to put on and off. They are perfect when you are in a hurry and need to be ready for your work day as soon as possible.
This Vionic model was also designed with comfort in mind and just like the Fiona Pro Shoes, these also feature Vio-motion technology which delivers three-zone comfort and natural stability.
They come in 7 different colors and each of them can be worn every day and paired with any colored scrub. My personal favorite is the ones in the color called “dusty purple”. These shoes are a tad bit more expensive than the Fiona ones.
7. Vionic Women’s Kiara Pro Sneakers
You can never go wrong with Vionic footwear, really. These Vionic Women’s Kiara Pro sneakers are another great option to wear with scrubs since they have many of this brand’s signature characteristics.
These sneakers come with a mesh upper a slip-resistant rubber outsoles. They feature removable Canvas Covered Eva footbeds, and, as you have probably guessed, the standard Vio-motion technology.
Unlike Fiona and Juliana model, Kiara is a lace-up lightweight sneaker that provides you with a secure and comfortable fit. These shoes are great for many foot concerns, such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, bunions, heel spurs, and even lower back pain issues.
Kiara presents a perfect balance between athletic and professional footwear. This model comes in many different colors, and it costs around $100.
8. Vionic Landon Pro Sneakers for Men
(Source: Peltz Shoes)
Don’t worry! Vionic also has male shoes to wear with scrubs. And these Landon Pro Sneakers are perfect for all our brave male healthcare workers out there.
These lace-up shoes feature a breathable mesh upper and durable, slip-resistant rubber outsoles which passed the STM F1677 (MARK II) testing for slip-resistance. Their outsoles have a patterned thread which ensures a remarkable grip on any type of slippery surface.
They also have Vio-Motion footbeds and removable mesh-wrapped EVA insoles. With these on, you will look both stylish and, what’s even more important, comfortable.
On their official page, Vionic recommends you wear these ones for a couple of hours for the first few days, so your feet could adjust to them. When the break-in period passes, these shoes will be the most comfortable and supportive pair of footwear you have.
These shoes come in black, gray, and navy, and they cost $149.95.
9. Merrell Jungle Mocs
Merrell Jungle Mocs are some of the best shoes to wear with scrubs, and I’m going to tell you why in a second.
They are made out of a combination of nubuck leather and synthetic material and are water-proof and slip-on shoes. They feature dual elastic insets at entry, a padded collar, and a pull-on loop at the back.
When it comes to comfort, these slip-on shoes feature compression-molded EVA midsoles which provide good shock absorption and decent arch support. Their air-cooled heel padding reduces friction between your heel and the shoe lining and protects your heels from major impacts.
This Merrell model’s outsoles come with thicker lugs which provide amazing traction on rough terrains. However, this model is not particularly famous for being slip-resistant, as they tend to be a bit slippery on wet surfaces.
These Merrell Jungle Mocs look pretty great and can go well with both casual and work outfits. They can get a bit too hot for your feet, so maybe you should opt for something else in the summertime.
They come in various colors and cost around $110.
10. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10
Another pair of running shoes. I’m guessing if they are good enough for joggers, they are most definitely great shoes to wear with scrubs.
These shoes are made out of 100% synthetic, and they have rubber soles that ensure impressive durability and grip. They feature a Hypoknit upper, designed to strategically provide you with enough stretch and support. This feature also makes them exceptionally breathable and lightweight.
This New Balance model comes with a bootie upper construction and Ultra Heel design. Both of these characteristics hug the foot and ensure a snug fit.
These shoes are a part of the Fresh Foam X collection which is designed to provide you with a precise plushness exactly where you need it. They are highly cushioned and comfortable shoes with which you will be more than able to get through your shift.
These shoes come in 7 different color combinations so you have plenty to choose from.
11. Nike Revolution 6 Next Nature Sneakers
Nike can honestly never disappoint. And once again they are delivering an amazing model of running shoes, which can also count themselves among one of the best shoes to wear with scrubs.
These Nike shoes are made out of 20% recycled materials. The upper is made out of simple and breathable mesh which stretches across the entire shoe and contours to your foot perfectly.
They feature redesigned EVA foam midsoles that are well-cushioned and supportive. Their outsoles are computer generated and were made to provide you with a feeling of extreme cushioning and full flexibility.
The outsoles of these shoes have amazing traction, so you know you can take these shoes on a walk across slippery surfaces. You will be protected from any potential falls and kept steadily on the ground.
These comfy and minimalist-looking running shoes come in several fun colors and are very budget-friendly.
12. Rockport Men’s Sl2 Bike Slip-On Loafers
These loafers are the highlight of the Rockport brand. And they are perfect as shoes to wear with scrubs. They are slip-on shoes with a perfect fit, feeling not too tight or too loose. They are made with Rockport’s patent contour technology which makes them exceptionally comfortable and relaxed.
They are made out of 100% soft leather which makes them durable and gives them a lightweight feel, so they could be worn all day. Their outsoles are designed with an excellent grip in mind, so these shoes will successfully carry you over any rough or slippery terrain.
These slip-on loafers feature EVA cushioning underneath the feet, so they are perfect for standing long hours in operating rooms or for when you go to visit your patients. They also come with an anti-microbial lining that successfully fights off bacteria or other hazardous microbes.
Rockport Men’s Sl2 Bike So Loafers have a professional look to them, and they come in black and three variations of brown, new brown gradient, tan, and truffle tan.
