Updated for 2026! The original post was published in 2023.
Healthcare professionals take a lot of pride in what they wear on the job. For instance, your scrubs are more than just your daily uniform: they’re your pride and joy and a big part of your identity in the workplace.
The same way you look for comfortable, durable, and stylish scrubs is the same way you should look at footwear. While shoes might be the last thing you put on, they shouldn’t be the last thing you think about when it comes to your safety.
Like your scrubs, you’re going to want to invest in a pair of high-quality shoes that are meant for medical professionals. These should be comfortable shoes with extra cushioning and shock absorption. After all, you’re on your feet all day. You deserve comfort—bonus points if you can swing a little style while you’re at it.
Wondering where to find a good shoe for those long shifts? Here are some of our favorites to cut through the clutter.
Best Ultracushioned Shoe: Hoka Bondi 9
Mark C. Drakos, MD, a foot and ankle surgeon and medical director for HSS Long Island, shares his pick for shoes to wear when you’re standing in an O.R. all day.
“If you have a job that requires being on your feet all day, look for the most cushioned shoe you can find,” explained Dr. Drakos. “You want a thick layer of foam to cushion the area and absorb shock.” Look for shock-absorbing foams like EVA, TPU, and PEBA, “and carbon plates can increase comfort too.”
One of the hardest working shoes in the HOKA lineup, the Bondi 9 delivers peak plushness for everyday miles. Overhauled from top to bottom, we’ve increased the stack height and added a new premium foam midsole to deliver that soft, resilient ride that’s become synonymous with the Bondi. Elevated with a 3D molded collar and structured knit upper with zonal breathability, this ultra-cushioned cult favorite has been finished with Durabrasion rubber to combat high wear zones.
Plus, it’s APMA accepted. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance recognizes products that have been found beneficial to foot health. To earn the Seal, each product is reviewed by a group of APMA podiatrists to ensure it promotes foot health.
Most Affordable: Crocs Classic Clog
Yep, it’s a Croc. Surgeons all over swear by these easy-to-clean, fairly grippy, reasonably comfortable shoes for their days in the O.R. and nurses get plenty of mileage out of this unisex option, too.
Plus, at just $50.00 a pair, this is an option everyone can afford, from students to residents and right up to professors. The crew at Nailed It Ortho included Crocs on their list of best shoes for surgeons, too!
Classic Clog Details:
- Incredibly light; weighs mere ounces.
- Designed to enhance breathability
- Easy to clean and quick to dry
- Pivoting heel straps for a more secure fit
- Customizable with Jibbitz™ charms – great for pediatrics
- For those who are environmentally conscious, the Croslite compound from which Crocs are made now contains 25% bio-circular materials – like cooking oil from other industries.
Most Comfortable: Snibbs
Standing for long periods of time is made easier with their dual-density insole and ergonomic durable midsole. Whether you have flat feet or even plantar fasciitis, all-day comfort is yours for the taking with their wide toe box, offering space to stretch around and allowing your foot to swell without discomfort. Get the GOAT in comfort for just under $150 a pair.
- It took their research and design team three years to design the insole, creating the perfect work shoe.
- Available in fun colors like “Wine Tasting” and “Raining Diamonds”.
- Cool “tennis shoe” style.
- Multiple models, colors, designs, etc.—a shoe for everyone.
How to Keep Your Shoes (and Yourself) Clean & Safe
Once shoes are purchased, it’s important to keep them clean and avoid the threat of cross-contamination.
That’s where Sloan Medical comes in. We offer the kind of personal protective equipment (PPE) that can save your shoes from the ick that comes with the territory. Our PPE is meant to keep you clean, safe, and dry—even in the most chaotic operating room scenes or the germiest of doctor’s offices.
Sloan’s PPE footwear garments are lightweight, durable, and impenetrable. (That’s how they get their name, STA-DRI.)
From knee-highs to jumpsuits, there most definitely will be a product for you, no matter how messy the surgery. Here’s a recap of some great choices to consider:
- Bootleg® Legging
- These medical boots reach to mid-thigh
- Keep feet, calves, and thighs covered
- 33 inches tall
- Knee-High
- Our most popular product
- Stay-dry guarantee
- 19 inches tall
- Shoe Covers
- No more squishy socks!
- Slip-on shoe covers to keep your favorite kicks (and stockings) dry
- Heat-sealed seams
- Easily fit under surgical gowns
Remember: footwear PPE isn’t just about keeping your shoes clean, it’s also about preventing the spread of HAIs (Healthcare Associated Infections). So do your part to keep everyone—including yourself—safe.
Browse Sloan’s selection of inspired PPE that’s specifically meant to protect your feet and legs. And remember, the first one is always on us, so be sure to request your free sample today.
