Hustling from one ward to another, walking on hard hospital floors, all while taking care of several patients during their long shift hours, nurses go through a lot, both physically and emotionally. However, it is their feet that bear the brunt of their high-demanding job, which is why many podiatrists recommend investing in some of the best HOKA shoes for nurses. Why, you may ask? Our findings show that HOKA, previously known as HOKA ONE ONE, is the best in business when it comes to bringing the ultimate comfort and stability to your feet. They have even received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for being beneficial for foot health. 

Technically, HOKA shoes are designed for many purposes, including high-intensity workouts, hiking, gym training, and running and jogging for long distances. And that's exactly the reason why they are preferred by nurses. It is now well known that in one shift, nurses are known to walk anywhere between 3 to 5 miles. Thanks to the unparalleled cushioning, traction, stability, support, and fit offered by HOKA shoes, they make for the right fit for long hours of standing, walking, and running done by nurses all over the hospital. Whether it's a small sprint to an emergency or a marathon shift, as indicated by our tests, walking in a pair of HOKA shoes is the closest you can come to walking on clouds. These shoes ease the physical toll on your feet so that you can focus on patient care.

So, don’t wait and join this super comfortable bandwagon and get yourself a nice pair of HOKAs today. We have curated this list with our top recommendations to ensure that you can get the best for your feet. 

• 1
  Best Cushioned

  HOKA Bondi 7

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The Bondi 7 is the ultimate game-changer as it comes with maximal cushioning. It has a plush interior as well as super supportive and sturdy rubber outsoles. But don't worry, because thanks to its open mesh construction, it delivers breathability despite all the extra cushioning. The memory foam collar provides ample support to the ankles, while the rear crash pad ensures that your feet stay balanced. Its overall design prevents any unnecessary pressure on the joints, making it one of the best HOKAs for nurses. Drawing from our experience, these shoes are good for shock absorption and offer incredible stability for those who are always on the go. Whether you have to walk a distance equivalent to 3, 5, or 10 miles during your shift, you can rest assured that your feet won’t hurt at all at the end of it.

2

Best Lightweight

HOKA Clifton 8

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For the fast-paced work environment in hospitals and healthcare facilities, you need something for your feet that can survive the burn and the run. And what can be a better choice than the Clifton 8, the ultimate running shoe. It is the best HOKA for nurses, thanks to its specialized design that focuses on comfort, breathability, and injury prevention. From the upper mesh to the upgraded structure of the tongue and heels, every feature adds to its breathability which also helps to keep your feet cool. It is designed with flat-waisted geometry that provides greater stability for walking and especially running.  Our team discovered through using this product that it offers adequate space in the toe box, increasing the overall comfort level. Moreover, it comes with high abrasion resistance that not only helps reduce pressure on the toes, heels, and joints but also ensures that the shoes survive the rigors of your day-to-day life.

3

Best Overall

HOKA Bondi 8

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The Bondi 8 takes comfort to the next level with a softer and lighter foam cushioning. Designed for everyday walking and running, these shoes come with ultra-light resilient foam that feels soft and bouncy as you go on with your day. As the name suggests, it is an upgraded version of the Bondi 7 and one of the best HOKAs for nursing. After putting it to the test, we discovered that its rear crash pad and pillowed tongue take away the unwanted pressures from the joints and effectively prevent injuries. They are truly one of the best stability shoes from HOKA.

4

Best for Overpronation

HOKA Arahi 6

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Give your feet all the love, care, and protection they deserve with the super comfortable and super stable Arahi 6. They are the best HOKA shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis pain since they come with generous cushioning in all the right places. Its patented J-frame design provides super stability that helps combat the common foot issue of overpronation while its early-stage meta-rocker geometry provides forefoot support. Its signature breathable mesh upper construction makes it the perfect pair to wear for long hours. Based on our firsthand experience, these shoes offer overall comfort and security for your feet, whether you stand, walk, or run for long hours, thanks to the streamlined and well-balanced cushioning in the midsoles.

5

Best Traction

HOKA Bondi SR

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Sometimes being a nurse also includes being a runner and a track star in the hospital corridors. And for all those times, you need a reliable pair of shoes with a stable design and secure fit. That's why you must get your feet in the Bondi SR that allows you to move worry-free on slippery surfaces. It comes with all the goodness offered by the Bondi range of shoes, including the signature EVA midsole with superb shock absorption, and some added qualities. The slip-resistant rubber outsole with high traction and the water-resistant leather construction make it the best HOKA for healthcare workers. We have found from using this product that it offers an incredible grip and is one of the most podiatrist-recommended shoes. That’s not all! You can easily remove the foam insole and insert another of your choice if you want some extra cushioning.

6

Best for Wide Feet

HOKA Mach 5

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The Mach 5 is an everyday training shoe designed for both men and women and available in several cute colors. It combines the best qualities and characteristics of two other popular HOKA shoes, the Mach 4 and Mach Supersonic. It is lighter, more comfortable, more stable, and overall better than the previous versions. It is a blend of cushioning, security, and stability. With a soft yet resilient midsole foam, improved fit, and excellent traction, it is one of the best HOKA shoes for standing all day.  Thanks to its responsive cushioning, you can be swift on your feet without feeling any foot pain. Our investigation demonstrated that it is designed for everyday wear and doesn't scrape or chip easily.

7

Best Heel Support

HOKA Kawana

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Just as Kawana Beach offers a much-needed break from the monotony of life, the HOKA Kawana aims to break free and push boundaries to make your feet even more comfortable than before. It is a versatile shoe that is usually chosen by fitness enthusiasts for walking, running, and gym training. However, thanks to their sturdy build, adequate cushioning, and proper stability, these make for some of the best HOKA sneakers for nurses. They are an excellent choice for those looking for superior shock absorption. Through our practical knowledge, we can say that with their patent swallowtail heel geometry, these shoes effectively take on shock and protect the feet against injuries. 

8

Best for Standing

HOKA Trail Code GTX

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Running from one ward to another on different floors all day every day is no less than going on a hike. That's why you must invest in a pair of Trail Code GTX, known as the ultimate hiking shoes that keep your feet dry come what may. They offer balanced cushioning with extended durability that makes this line of shoes worth every penny. They come with a thick upper construction and great traction on various terrains. After conducting experiments with it, we can say that these are the best HOKA nursing shoes with the best ankle support and protection.

9

Best for Walking

HOKA Challenger ATR 6

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The Challenger 6 is the jack of all trades. It has a reputation of being the most adaptable pair of shoes ever. These HOKA nurse shoes provide comfortable and cushioned wear for walking and running on any kind of trail or terrain for extended periods. They come in a lot handy if you have to walk a lot on hard floors or if your healthcare facility has an outdoor setting. When we trialed this product, we discovered that thanks to their superior midsole padding and sturdy outsole construction, you won't feel much of a difference while transitioning from smooth roads to rough trails.

Choosing the best HOKA shoes for nurses may feel overwhelming, given the number of options offered by the brand. Their shoes are made of high-quality materials, superior cushioning, and durable rubber outsoles, which makes all of them an excellent option for nurses. Of course, it feels confusing and overwhelming. However, with our help, you can make this experience easier and more fun. Here are some factors that you must consider as you go shopping for your new pair of shoes:

Comfort and Cushioning

Comfort is paramount when you are in the market for shoes for nurses. Since they are always up on their feet, the very first thing you must look for in a shoe is how comfortable it is. Pick a pair of HOKA shoes with an adequately cushioned sole. Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, says, “For plantar fasciitis, one should look for shoes that are cushioned in the medial arch region, as this will provide cushioning and arch support. Also, a shoe with a midsole containing ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) will provide extra cushioning and shock absorption.”

The shoes must have a plush interior for ultimate comfort and protection. For instance, the Bondi 7 comes with maximum cushioning and is popular amongst medical professionals whereas Arahi 6 is known for its plush cushioning.

Traction

Healthcare settings can be chaotic, especially when everyone is in a rush. In such a case, you need shoes with good traction. Look for outsoles that offer an excellent grip on not just one but various surfaces. Slip-resistant soles are a plus. It will help prevent unwanted slips and falls.

Support

All that cushioning is a waste, if there's no adequate support for your arches and ankles. Select the HOKA shoes for nurses that offer ample support to your specific arch type. Look for other stability features like the medial post, lateral post, torsion control, and an extended heel counter, to name a few, depending on your specific needs for extra support and maximum comfort. Shoes with meta-rocker technology are an excellent option for enhanced stability. However, you must keep in mind that different HOKA shoes have a different break-in period that may last for weeks.

Weight

The more the weight of the shoes, the more weighed down you can feel, especially during long shifts. That's why you must always opt for lightweight shoes as a healthcare professional. Lighter shoes will allow you to move with ease without causing foot fatigue at the end of every shift, allowing superior comfort to your feet.

Durability

Shoes must be durable so that they can withstand the challenges posed in the healthcare work environment. Look for sturdy construction with reinforced seams and toe caps so that they can endure the daily rigors during the long shift duration. 

Fit

Our contributor Dr. Bruce Pinker says, “The toe box for footwear should offer enough room so that there is no cramping of the toes. Also, in length, there should be 3/8 of an inch from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe. In width, it should fit snugly, but not tightly.”

Your foot shape plays a huge role in deciding whether the fit is good or not. The shoes should accommodate not only your foot length but also your foot width. HOKA offers separate options for wider feet in some of its shoes. There must be enough room in the shoes for your toes to prevent cramping and blisters. Lack of adequate room for shoes can also wreak havoc on your toenails, so consider the space.

Try Them On

One of the last checks when buying a pair of shoes is to try them on. Visit a physical store or kiosk, if possible, to try on the shoes of your choice. Walk around to assess their fit and level of comfort before making your final choice. It will also help you choose the right size.

Budget

HOKA nursing shoes are available at different price ranges. Set a budget and explore accordingly. Consider if you can move up your preferred price range for a higher-quality shoe. Purchasing HOKA shoes is a one-time investment that will pay off over the years, thanks to their comfort, fit, and durability.

Customer Reviews

Read customer reviews on various online shopping platforms and blogs, especially from other nurses or healthcare professionals as they share similar needs. This will give you valuable insights into the real-life performance of the specific models.

Contributor: Dr. Bruce Pinker, DPM/Founder and Owner - Progressive Foot Care