Nurses have a lot to carry: heavy patient files, pens, stethoscopes, and so on. Because they’re always on the move—taking care of patients, filling out charts—their feet take a beating. Nurses are three times more likely to suffer from back pain than the rest of the population!
National surveys report that 85% of nurses are experiencing back pain (Reference), and the most common source of that pain is their shoes. Finding the best shoes for nurses is difficult since they have to walk long distances and sometimes even run in certain situations, such as when a patient falls or becomes unruly. Running and walking combined with standing for long hours can result in severe back pain.
Given how much nurses do for us, we want to ensure they can do it comfortably. Here are five men’s nursing shoes for back pain designed for comfort, support, and endurance while on duty!
- Best Overall, Most Comfortable Men’s Shoes for Nurses – On Cloud 2.0
- Most Lightweight, Men’s Shoes for Nurses – OOFOS Unisex OOCloog
- Best Budget, Men’s Shoes for Nurses – New Balance 608 V5
The 5 Most Comfortable Shoes For Male Nurses With Back Pain
On Cloud 2.0
Need an extra boost to get you through your long shift? The On Cloud 2.0 is specifically designed to help you stay comfortable, even while standing and walking for long periods. This nursing shoe for back pain is engineered with the same technology as the original On Cloud, making it lightweight and incredibly comfortable. Still, this time around, the top of the shoe is redesigned to allow for more breathability and flexibility.
The Cloud 2.0 has a breathable mesh upper, no-sew taped reinforcements to improve durability, and dual-density insoles designed to relieve pressure points and promote blood flow in the feet. The lightweight Zero-Gravity foam outsole provides a soft landing, while the molded heels increase stability while keeping your foot securely in place as you step. The deep flex grooves also allow your feet to move naturally with every step, thus preventing back pain from misalignment.
The laces on this shoe are speed-laces, so there’s no need to spend time fumbling with buttons or straps before heading out the door. Just pull quickly on either side of the laces until they’re tight enough for comfort, and then walk confidently into your day.
CloudTec technology allows your foot to roll naturally off of your toes as you take your first step, and then it cushions each step after that so that you can hit the ground running, literally! It also facilitates an efficient energy transfer from landing to take-off while helping to ensure you’re always ready to move forward.
Nurses with back pain need a shoe that will support them, stay comfortable after hours of use, and keep up with their busy lives. With its supportive fit combined with the flexibility of zero-gravity foam, On Cloud 2.0 is what you need!
HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Bondi SR Leather Trainers
Hoka One One’s Bondi SR is designed explicitly for the late-night, double-shift running nurse. This nursing shoe for back pain has a wider forefoot for alleviating some of the discomfort associated with bunions, a wider toe box to let your toes splay and breathe, and a padded neckline to sit comfortably behind your ankle.
It has a broader midfoot base and more cushioning than other HOKA styles, which helps absorb shock and add stability to your gait when you run. The rubber sole is durable enough to handle whatever floor you’re standing on but flexible enough that it doesn’t feel like standing on wood or tile. Plus, it provides grip so you won’t slip and fall if you run after a patient for assistance.
The removable, foam padded insole gives you cushioning and support for all-day wear so that your back feels fine even when it shouldn’t. The breathable textile lining helps keep dirt and debris inside the shoe.
If you’re looking for a shoe that’s not too heavy but still feels extraordinarily supportive and comfortable, then look no further than this HOKA ONE ONE!
Most Lightweight Men’s Shoes for Nurses with Back Pain
OOFOS Unisex OOCloog Clogs
Most people associate clogs with a heavy, uncomfortable, unappealing shoe that should be relegated to a bygone era. And while the OOCloog is undoubtedly comfortable, it brings modern design and lightweight construction to your feet.
OOFOS Unisex OOCloog clogs are a perfect combination of style and comfort—the perfect shoe for nurses with back pain. This nursing shoe for back pain is built on the revolutionary OOfoam technology that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional foam materials to reduce stress on feet, joints, and back—so walking and recovery are more manageable. It has a patented footbed, which supports and cradles arches to minimize energy output in your ankles by up to 47%.
The OOCloog has been awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association—so it’s more than just a great-looking shoe. It’s built to promote recovery and help you stay on your feet—even when they need some extra care. Plus, the closed-cell foam is machine washable and designed to minimize odor.
The innovative design in OOFOS Unisex OOCloog is excellent for nurses with back pain. The shock absorption provided by the shoe means less fatigue and minor soreness on the joints and back after a long day at work, which means you’ll be well-rested when you go home.
Best Budget Men’s Shoe for Nurses with Back Pain
Brooks Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe
The Brooks Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe is the cream of the crop for nurses with back pain who need support and stability for their feet during long shifts. It’s also great for those who need a breathable shoe to keep up with their busy lifestyles.
This innovative, lightweight nursing shoe for back pain doesn’t sacrifice support or comfort. Plus, it’s got a design that will give you more space in your toes without sacrificing durability. The BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning combine to provide just the correct amount of softness underfoot without sacrificing responsiveness or durability – all while feeling lighter than before.
The breathable mesh upper provides ventilation, wicks moisture away from your feet, and allows for quick drying after you’ve been standing around in wet socks all day. It also has extra room in the toe box so you can move your toes more freely.
The Ghost 14 comes with a certification for diabetes and is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). It is designed to prevent diabetic patients from slipping or tripping due to wet floors and other environmental conditions. It’s also one of the most comfortable shoes in their collection for nurses who suffer from back pain. The sole of this shoe has an advanced design that offers plenty of traction while the sole stays flexible and cushioned.
Brooks Ghost 14 doesn’t only look great: they feel great too. They have cushioning to make your steps softer, so you can walk without discomfort. They even provide optimal stability, so your back during long shifts doesn’t hurt as much.
New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
New Balance is a brand that prides itself on providing quality shoes for all walks of life, including those with back problems. The Men’s 608 V5 Sneaker is designed with comfort in mind, so you can be on your feet all day without feeling like you’re walking on concrete.
The 608 V5 features ABZORB midsole cushioning that absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance, while the IMEVA (injection-molded EVA foam) midsole provides firm yet flexible cushioning. An internal midsole shank adds midfoot structure and support to help prevent foot fatigue, which is especially crucial for nurses who have to be on their feet for long periods.
With a leather upper that offers support and structure, this shoe has more perforations for better breathability. It also comes in a variety of colors to match your style.
One of the main benefits for nurses with back pain is that the 608 V5 provides reliable comfort, so you can get through your shift without losing focus or having to take frequent breaks. The stability of this nursing shoe for back pain also protects your ankles from injury during quick movements, which is especially important when carrying heavy equipment.
New Balance Men’s 608 V5 will not only help you make it through your shifts but also be your new favorite pair of sneakers to wear when you’re not on the clock.
Types of Shoes for Nurses
There are two types of shoes you should be wearing as a nurse: walking shoes and clogs. Walking shoes have thick soles and shock absorbers to help cushion your feet on hard surfaces. Clogs are slip-on shoes with built-in arch support and a deep heel cup to keep your feet in place while you’re walking around all day.
If you already have back pain, you should wear a shoe insert or orthotic device to help correct your posture when standing or sitting for extended amounts of time.
Doing all of these things will help relieve pressure on your spine, reduce back pain, and get you out there doing what you love to do—helping people!
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Nursing Shoes for Back Pain
Proper size
According to a recent study, improper footwear could be causing back pain in nurses. The study revealed that most nurses wear shoes with the wrong heel support and toe space, which can lead to back problems.
By wearing shoes that are the right size, nurses will be able to move more smoothly through their workday—and they can avoid potentially harmful foot conditions and back pain.
Wide fit
Wide fit shoes offer complete comfort and support for nurses with back pain because they’re ergonomically designed to fit your foot just right. They have a roomier toe box that can accommodate swelling in your feet as well as your toes.
Wide fit shoes come with every style you need: waterproof clogs, athletic sneakers, slip-on sandals, and more! These shoes’ arch support and shock absorbency will also help prevent foot fatigue and injuries from occurring.
Insoles
Standing for extended periods causes back pain that makes it difficult to concentrate, and that’s no good for patients. Insoles actively relieve back pain by gently relaxing tense muscles through a patented heating element. Due to its innovative technology housed within a removable heel bed, you can pop it out and throw in a fresh one anytime you need some extra soothing relief.
Shock-absorbency
Shock-absorbency is important in the shoes. When your feet hit the ground, they have to absorb the shock of your steps. Some of that force is transferred through your body and into your spine if you’re wearing poorly-designed shoes. This can cause chronic lower-back pain, which can be hard to manage when you’re also on your feet all day.
Nursing shoes built from high-quality material help absorb jolts and energy and disperses it throughout the shoe’s sole. This reduces painful pressure on joints and helps distribute impact across the whole foot, which means that you’ll feel less tired after long shifts and won’t suffer from chronic lower-back issues or injuries.
Lightweight
When you’re on your feet all day long, you need shoes that are comfortable and lightweight—ideally shoes you can slip on and off quickly to let your feet breathe during short breaks.
Lightweight shoes make you feel less weighed down, so you move faster and more efficiently.
Slip-resistance
Sliding around on wet floors is a leading contributor to back pain, so shoes with slip-resistant soles can help nurses avoid this and reduce the risk of injury to their backs.
According to some nurses who suffer from chronic back pain caused by standing for long periods, after buying slip-resistant shoes, they reported feeling better and less tired—not just because they’re more comfortable. The shoes provide traction for the feet and ankles so you can walk more easily and naturally, which helps prevent strain on your lower back.
Best Men’s Shoes for Nurses with Back Pain, final thoughts…
When you estimate the benefits of nursing shoes, you can easily understand why everybody should use this shoe. Nurses are required to walk on their feet all day long; indeed a challenging condition for them. Considering such facts, they need to make their life as comfortable as possible.
The best shoes for nurses with back pain should be comfortable such as the On Cloud 2.0, lightweight like the OOFOS Unisex OOCloog, and wide similar to the Brooks Ghost 14.
With the help of this guide, get yourself a nice pair of nursing shoes that would help you get through your workday!