Medical professionals spend an inordinate amount of time on their feet, so it isn’t hard to understand why physicians (and other healthcare workers) would want to find the absolute best shoes for doctors.
Whether you’re a surgeon who’s standing over an operating table for hours on end, a family physician who spends long days examining patients, or anything in between, most doctors log a lot of long hours on their feet.
[image: CDC / Unsplash]
And while the right shoes are paramount to the health of anyone who spends long shifts standing and walking, they’re even more essential to doctors and healthcare professionals.
Wearing the wrong shoes can not only cause pain and discomfort, but might also distract you from your patients, which could compromise their care.
Fortunately, there are a number of supportive and comfortable shoes that docs can wear to help mitigate the effects of being on your feet, and keep you focused on caring for your patients.
In this post we’ve rounded up some of the absolute best shoes for doctors and healthcare practitioners.
Our Top Picks↓
You can learn (a lot) more about each shoe further below, but here’s a quick run down of our favorites:
- Overall Best Shoes for Doctors: Snibbs Spacecloud Work Sneaker
- Best Clogs for Doctors: Dansko Professional Clog XP 2.0
- Best Dress Shoes for Doctors: Wolf & Shepherd Crossover Longwing
- Best Sneakers for Doctors: Allbirds Tree Dashers
- Best Slip-On Shoes for Doctors: Dr. Scholl’s Men’s Winder II
- Best Slip-Resistant Shoe for Doctors: Skechers Work Sure Track – Trickel
- Best Shoes for Standing All Day: Asics GT-2000 7
- Best Hospital Shoes for Doctors: New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainers
- Best Shoes for Surgeons: Calzuro Autoclavable Clog
- Best Crocs for Doctors: Crocs Unisex Bistro Clog
- Best Shoes for ER Doctors: Nike Air Zoom Pulse
- Best Shoes for Medical Students: Skechers Flex Advantage Mcallen Slip-on
- Best Work Shoes for Doctors: Skechers for Work Men’s Cottonwood
The Absolute Best Shoes for Doctors
Rounding Up the Best Doctor Shoes for Every Type of Physician
Overall Best Shoes for Doctors ↓
Snibbs Spacecloud Work Sneaker
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
Snibb’s Spacecloud easily tops our list of the best doctor shoes because they’re the only shoes that were not only engineered by a doctor, but designed specifically for them:
They were created through a partnership between orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jason Snibbe and chef Daniel Shemtob, and designed for professionals who spend a long time standing, often on a slippery wet floor.
Made from a breathable, water resistant textile that Snibbs created specifically for the Spacecloud, it’s a lightweight shoe that has all the features Dr. Snibbe previously found lacking in other models:
It’s got a roomy toe box that allows your toes to wiggle and create blood flow, a slip-resistant outsole certified by the industry standard Brungraber Mark II Test, and a custom Ortholite insole that provides the perfect amount of arch support.
Promising Review:
These shoes are by far the most comfortable pair I’ve owned. We do a ton of arthroscopic cases so waterproof and slip resistant feature is a huge plus.
– Juan A.
Best Clogs for Doctors ↓
Dansko Professional Clog XP 2.0
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
Clogs may not look as stylish as sneakers and tennis shoes, but they’re easily some of the most supportive and comfortable footwear money can buy.
(And for doctors who work 12 hour shifts in the ER, clinic or operating room, comfort and support tend to trump style and fashion.)
Dansko is one of the companies officially approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, and these Dansko clogs are among the most comfortable and supportive shoes for docs who spend long periods of time on their feet.
They’ve got a stain-resistant leather upper, a removable polyurethane footbed that provides great arch support, and a slip-resistant rubber outsole that’s durable enough to last a long time, even with every day wear.
And while style is definitely a secondary concern for clogs, it’s worth noting that they’re available in two different colors – black or brown – so you at least have a couple options to choose from.
Promising Review:
Definitely enjoy them for surgery, broke in the arch support and haven’t looked back, bought them one size larger as researched and kinda wish I went a size smaller, but still excellent shoe.
Best Dress Shoes for Doctors ↓
Wolf & Shepherd Crossover Longwing
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
We follow up one of the least stylish medical shoes with one of the most attractive.
Doctors who work in an office rather than a hospital often want a pair of shoes that enhances their personal style, but still provides a supportive feel that will help them avoid blisters, heel pain and the other usual culprits that tend to plague a dressier men’s shoe.
Combining a genuine leather upper with a removable insole and an agile, athletic outsole, Wolf & Shepherd’s Crossover Longwings manage to thread that needle perfectly, resulting in great shoes that offer both good support and a sleek look.
Promising Review:
Possibly the most comfortable dress shoe I have ever put on my feet, and will certainly own more pairs moving forward!
– Robert S
Best Sneakers for Doctors ↓
Allbirds Tree Dashers
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
Athletic shoes are often the best option for doctors because they provide great comfort, support and shock absorption, and Allbirds’ Tree Dashers check all three boxes.
A lightweight and comfortable sneaker, the Tree Dashers have a sporty, angular heel shape that helps prevent back, leg and foot pain, a lightly padded heel collar that locks you ankle in place to provide stability and a flexible, cushioned midsole that helps make each step smooth.
Promising Review:
I love my tree dashers. They look great and feel great. I’ll probably snag a few more colors to complete the collection.
Honestly it’s the most comfortable shoe I have.
– Humberto C.
Best Slip-On Shoe for Doctors ↓
Dr. Scholl’s Men’s Winder II
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
Laces, shmaces.
Slip-on shoes are both more convenient and – arguably – safer, since they eliminate the chances of slipping on an untied lace.
(But if you’re concerned about safety, you should definitely opt for shoes with a rubber sole rather than leather, which are notoriously prone to slips and slides.)
Dr. Scholl’s Winder II works great for doctors because they combine slip resistant outsoles with memory foam insoles, resulting in stable and comfy shoes that you can wear all day.
Promising Review:
I work on my feet all day long and have tried so many shoes way more expensive then these and these are by far the best ones.
The price and quality are great. I am getting another pair!
– J.B.
The Best Slip-Resistant Shoe for Doctors ↓
Skechers Work Sure Track – Trickel
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
A lot of shoes claim to have slip resistant outsoles.
But Skechers’ shoes are tested according to the ASTM F1677-2005 Mark II testing standard, making them an excellent choice for docs who work in wet or slippery environments.
In addition, the shoe design of the Work Sure model provides good arch support, a ventilated lining that helps keep your feet from overheating and a padded tongue and collar that provide more support than Skechers’ standard model.
Promising Review:
My wife has been looking for work shoes for a couple of years now… She works in a hospital, so she’s on her feet all day, and her feet hurt all the time.
So I decided to take charge and I just ordered these shoes for my wife…
…after the first shift wearing her new shoes she was SO HAPPY! Her feet were comfortable at work, and when she got up the next morning her feet didn’t hurt!
– sixgundan
Best Shoes for Doctors Standing All Day ↓
Asics GT-2000 7
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
We had multiple pairs of Asics on our list of comfortable nursing shoes, and for good reason.
Asics pop up on almost every list of best shoes for both running and walking because they’re loaded with special features that provide comfort, support and stability.
In the case of the GT-2000, that means a lightweight synthetic and mesh upper combined with a high abrash rubber outsole that provides both traction and durability, along with an internal cushioning system that provides great support throughout the entire foot.
Promising Review:
I hate shopping for sneakers, I walk a ton every day and am very finicky about my comfort.
I’ll typically try out several sneakers before finding one that I’m happy with.
This sneaker was a keeper for me!
Best Hospital Shoes for Doctors ↓
New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainers
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
New Balance is a close competitor of Asics in the world of walking and running shoes, and purists can debate for hours over who makes the best walking shoes.
But at the end of the day they both offer some great pairs of shoes, and the 608 cross trainers are another great pair of sneakers for docs and medical professionals.
They have a leather upper which is slightly heavier than the synthetic mesh upper of the Asics GT-2000s, but will also provide a little more protection against sharp objects and other hazards that may fall on the floor.
Like the Asics, they have a rubber sole that provides great traction, but the New Balances come with the brand’s “ABZORB” midsole, which helps cushion the foot and absorb impact.
Promising Review:
Best feeling shoes I have ever owned…
I bought these shoes for work because I read an article on best shoes for people who are on their feet all day and these came highly recommended by nurses. I don’t even need insoles for these.
100/10 will buy again and again. please don’t change anything!
– A&B
Best Shoes for Surgeons ↓
Calzuro Autoclavable Clog
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
Another solid clog, many surgeons tend to prefer the Calzuros to the Dankso model listed above because they high heels that help reduce fatigue.
And since the entire weight of your body rests on your feet for hours on end in surgery, anything you can do to reduce fatigue and keep yourself sharp is key.
Promising Review:
Had these for 5 years. As a surgeon, I’m wearing them nearly every day. Extremely easy to clean.
Can just wipe them down after an operation with germicial wipes, or stick them in the washing machine every once in a while.
Comfortable to wear, just the right amount of support for me. They seem indestructible. Well worth the money.
– knispo
Best Crocs for Doctors ↓
Crocs Unisex Bistro Clog
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
Crocs get a bad rap from a fashion perspective, but from a comfort and practicality perspective, they’re almost impossible to beat.
This model is designed with healthcare workers in mind, and foregoes the big ugly holes that Crocs are best known for in favor of a protective (and better looking) full toe box.
Promising Review:
If I could give these more than 5 stars I would.
I’m not being dramatic when I say these changed my life for the better.
I’m a veterinary technician at a huge hospital. My shifts are long and I’m on my feet 10+ hours and average 6 miles of walking a shift. That’s the avg, sometimes more, sometimes a bit less. But we never sit down. It’s standing or walking…
These are THE BEST. Comfortable and non slip even on sanitizer sprayed floors with standing water.
I have almost zero foot pain even after a 12 hour shift with no break. I feel I am so lucky to find these.
Best Shoes for ER Doctors ↓
Nike Air Zoom Pulse
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
Nike has a lot of different styles that can work well for doctors, but this is the only model specifically built for healthcare workers.
(Nike actually had these shoes tested by nurses before going to market with them, so they’re very much tailored to the rigors of a medical environment.)
They feature an easy slip on design that’s both comfortable and practical, in addition to the cushioning and flexible traction that Nike shoes are known for.
But unlike some other Nikes, these ones are easy to clean, making them a good pair for docs who work in messier environments like the ER.
Promising Review:
As a nurse I think this is a great shoe to wear. I have tried several over all and this one is the best by far!!
– Kimberly W.
Best Shoes for Medical Students ↓
Skechers Flex Advantage Mcallen Slip-on
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
These Skechers shoes check all the boxes that are often required for medical students (and other professions where you’re all on your feet all day).
They’re both slip-resistant, which will help keep you upright on slippery floors, and slip-on, so you won’t have to fuss with the hassle (and potential hazard) of laces.
Plus, they’re lightweight, comfortable, and have memory foam insoles that provide plenty of cushioning.
Promising Review:
I have been using these Skechers slip on work shoes for over five years now. I work in healthcare. I just replaced them with a new pair.
I love these shoes as they are light, easy to wear, no laces so no need to constantly tie up your laces. I highly recommend these shoes for your daily work.
– Sam
Best Work Shoes for Doctors↓
Skechers for Work Men’s Cottonwood
Why They’re Great for Doctors:
Another pair of Skechers work shoes, these ones have laces, which some people prefer to the slip-on kind above, since slip-ons can sometimes give you a loose fit if you don’t get the sizing right.
With an upper that’s made from 100% leather, these are also heavier shoes, but the tradeoff is that the leather provides more protection.
These are good shoes for doctors who need the comfort and safety of work shoes, but work in a slightly more business-like environment, and want something that looks a little more like a dress shoe.
Promising Review:
These shoes hold up very nicely at work. I’m on my feet for 10+ hours a workday, and they have held their integrity after vigorous use and exposure [to] water.
Usually my shoes fall apart in a month or so, but not these. They are pretty comfortable as well and don’t break the bank. Highly recommended!
More Great Doctor Shoes
While the shoes above constitute our picks for the absolute best shoes for doctors, they’re far from the only options.
Each of the shoes below offer (almost) as much support and comfort, while giving you a wider range of styles and options to choose from.
The Amberjack Original
Promising Review:
These shoes are immensely comfortable right out of the box. I have arthritis in my knees.
With these shoes there is markedly less pain as I walk. I have already ordered a second pair.
– Arthur H.
Wolf & Shepherd SwiftKnit Derby
Promising Review:
I have had these now for a month and wear them multiple times a week.
Really like how they look classy and are super comfortable without having to wear stiff dress shoes. Definitely getting another pair.
– Daniel P.
Merrell Encore Gust
Promising Review:
I work in the hospital where I’m on my feet all day and these shoes are perfect for that.
The best part about them is they are super comfortable but they also look very professional, it’s like having the best of both worlds.
– Kelly
Reebok Flexagon Force 2.0 Trainer
Promising Review:
I use this shoe for work. It is comfortable and flexible. Great shoe…
– Jill
Adidas Ultraboost
Promising Review:
The most comfortable sneaker I’ve ever worn. I’m in nursing school and got these for clinical because I needed comfy shoes while on my feet all day.
I can work a 12 hour day at work or 10 hour day at clinical on my feet all day running around and my feet aren’t nearly as sore as with other shoes.
– Katy
Rockport Waterproof Wingtip Oxford Shoes
Promising Review:
These shoes are unbelievable. I’m thinking of buying two more pairs in case Rockport goes out of business.
They look like normal dress shoes and very professional BUUUUUT they feel like tennis shoes. Mega comfortable and gets compliments routinely at work.
Adidas PureBoost Go
Promising Review:
These shoes feel like you are walking on pillows. They have great support and are extremely comfortable.
The Recap ↓
Summary
Snibb’s Spacecloud easily tops our list of the best doctor shoes because they’re the only shoes that were not only engineered by a doctor, but designed specifically for them.
More Resources ↓
More Comfortable & Supportive Shoes:
- The 15 Most Comfortable Shoes for Chefs
- The Absolute Most Comfortable Work Boots
- The Best Men’s Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- The 25 Best Men’s Shoes for Standing All (Damn!) Day
- The 9 Most Stylish & Comfortable Dress Shoes That Feel Like Sneakers
- The 11 Most Comfortable Steel Toe Boots for Standing All Day
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