Nurses Swear By These 7 Hoka Shoes for All-Day Comfort on Long Shifts—And Podiatrists Do, Too

Available women’s sizes: 5-12, in half sizes and two widths

Available men’s sizes: 7-15, in half sizes and wide widths

“Those with flat feet are typically those that need extra arch support or stability,” says board-certified podiatrist, Anne Sharkey, DPM. The Arahi 7 is an overwhelmingly popular choice when it comes to the best Hoka nursing shoes. As mentioned above, it’s an ideal choice for nurses with flat feet who need extra cushioning. It features the brand’s trademark J-Frame™ cushioning while remaining lightweight and flexible, while the mesh upper offers zones of breathability—perfect for walking, running, and standing during long shifts.

Colors: 12

Available women’s sizes: 5-12, in half sizes and two widths

Available men’s sizes: 7-16, in half sizes, wide, and x-wide widths

For a bouncy, billowy feel that lasts throughout long shifts, try the Hoka Bondi. Kanelos, who has high arches and wide feet, raves about this specific sneaker. “My feet do not hurt at all at the end of my shift,” she says of wearing these during work. “It’s actually really incredible considering I can walk 5-10 miles.” The Bondi features engineered mesh construction for breathable comfort and a rear crash pad that keeps the foot balanced from heel to toe.

Kanelos says she keeps two to three pairs in her rotation at all times and buys new pairs every three to four months. “I literally have six pairs in boxes in my closet ready to go,” she says. “They’re my work shoe ride or die.”

Colors: 21

Available women’s sizes: 5-12, in half sizes and two widths

Available men’s sizes: 7-15, in half sizes and wide widths

If you suffer from foot pain, it might be time to look for a shoe with a forefoot rocker or toe spring. This is a thicker or rounder heel, which helps ensure the wearer won’t have a flat surface underfoot. “As a general rule, if you have any heel pain or forefoot pain, look for the models with more cushion as well as a forefoot rocker,” Willkom recommends.

She likes the Hoka Clifton 9, which combines its Meta-Rocker sole with a compression-molded EVA foam midsole and a breathable mesh upper. What does this mean for that 12-hour shift? Undeniable comfort and mobility, no matter how much standing and walking you’re doing.

Colors: 14

Available women’s sizes: 5-12, in half sizes and two widths

Available men’s sizes: 7-15, in half sizes and wide widths

The Hoka Gaviota 5 is a favorite among multiple podiatrists for its comfort level. It combines Meta-Rocker and H-Frame™ Technology to help stabilize your stride. Willkom, Spector, and Sharkey all love this style and recommend it for nurses who are looking for extra support and control from their shoes. “I like the Gaviota as it provides the highest degree of stability and cushioning,” Spector says. He likes that it also has increased shock absorption, provides comfort, and reduces the impact on the foot, which “may help during long periods of standing and walking.”

Colors: 5

Available women’s sizes: 5-12, in half sizes and two widths

Available men’s sizes: 7-16, in half sizes and two widths

“One of my favorites is the Rincon 3 because it’s got the most support-to-weight ratio,” says Jessica Sites, a nurse based in Palm Harbor, FL. “It really absorbs the shock of walking the hallways all day.”

This Hoka sneaker is extremely lightweight, durable, and breathable, thanks to its vented mesh upper, compression-molded foam midsole, and treaded rubber outsole. It also features the brand’s Early Stage Meta-Rocker geometry to help reduce foot fatigue on the go. And with almost 20 different colors available, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find at least one (or two, or three) that make you immediately add them to your cart.

Colors: 19

Available women’s sizes: 5-11, in half sizes and one width

Available men’s sizes: 7-14, in half sizes and one width

While a trail sneaker may not be the first thought when it comes to nursing shoes, this is actually a considerable choice for those coming into contact with slippery surfaces and—let’s face it—less than ideal substances. Dr. Howard E. Friedman of Suffern Podiatry recommends a trail and hiking shoe like Hoka’s Speedgoat 5 GTX, which sports moderate cushioning and a relatively lightweight silhouette that will help you slog through a long, 12-hour shift.

“While working in the ER is not the same as hiking the Appalachian Trail, a trail shoe is more rugged and will likely last longer and hold up better over longer, demanding days and nights,” he says. Plus, the GORE-Tex fabric helps keep moisture at bay, while the Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug outsole provides extra traction on slippery surfaces.

Colors: 2

Available sizes: M4/W5-M14/W15, in whole sizes and one width

For those nurses who want a more unique Hoka shoe, turn to the Restore TC. “It’s extremely comfortable and offers great support, making it great for long shifts,” says Sites. The slip-on silhouette is not only designed with a full-knit sock for what Hoka calls “barefoot-friendly breathability,” but features partially sugarcane-based EVA in both the insole and outsole. While the neutral stability may not work for people who need a maximum level of support, the plush level of cushioning helps you feel like you’re walking on clouds, even on hours 11 and 12 of a long overnight shift. To note: this particular Hoka sneaker is offered in unisex sizing, with full sizes only, so bear that in mind when shopping.

Colors: 4