Nursing can be an excellent career choice for males looking for a competitive salary and work-life flexibility. And maybe that’s why males now represent up to 12 percent of registered nurses, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With that said, many male nurses work in fast-paced environments that require them to be on their feet for long periods of time. Therefore, choosing a good pair of comfortable kicks (shoes) has never been more important for male nurses.
Are you a male nurse looking for some extra support for your soles? Then read on for the lowdown on some of the best work shoes available for male nurses.
Best Shoes for Male Nurses

A career in nursing can take an incredible amount of stamina. From standing for hours on end to running around from patient to patient, nursing requires a lot of energy. Furthermore, nurses who come home after working twelve-hour shifts back to back may feel like they just ran a marathon—which may not be far from the truth. In fact, one study showed that nurses who work twelve-hour shifts can walk up to five miles a day! Honestly, we think that’s enough evidence to convince any nurse to invest in a quality pair of work shoes. After all, taking good care of your own soles will help you as a nurse continue to take care of the souls of others—see what we did there? In any case, finding great footwear is as simple as identifying the qualities that make work shoes for male nurses superior to others. That is to say, a high-quality work shoe for male nurses will have the following characteristics:
- Non-slip grip
- Heel-to-toe cushioning
- Ankle and arch support
- Breathability
- Flexible but durable construction
- Anatomical design
- Supportive footbed tailored to wide or narrow feet
Ultimately, these features will help distinguish a stellar pair of work shoes for male nurses from ordinary work shoes. With that in mind, below are a few shoes for male nurses that stand out from the rest.
Best Tennis Shoes for Male Nurses
Tennis shoes or sneakers for male nurses can be a good choice for men looking for comfort, style, and support. This being the case, male nurses who want a supportive shoe should check out New Balance Men’s MW928 Walking shoe. The MW928 Walking shoe by New Balance is the perfect blend between comfort and a classic style. Additionally, the MW928 is designed for people who are on their feet all day. That’s because it features stabilizing Rollbar technology and offers lots of cushioning and footbed support. Below are a few characteristics of the MW928 shoes that make it a top choice for male nurses:
New Balance MW928
- Stabilizing ROLLBAR technology
- 100% leather
- Rubber non-slip sole
- Extra cushion support for heel and ankle
- Odor-resistant
In addition to the New Balance MW928 Walking shoe, Columbia Men’s Tamiami PFG Boat Shoe is a sleek and versatile tennis shoe ideal for male nurses. Due to the sneaker’s all-around performance, such as superior cushioning and a non-slip grip, we rate this tennis shoe as one of the top picks for male nurses. Here are a few features that distinguish the Columbia Men’s Tamiami Boat shoe from the rest:
Columbia Men’s Tamiami PFG Boat Shoe
- Lace-up closure for a snug fit
- Wet-dock traction for a non-slip grip
- Lightweight and breathable
- Sleek design that pairs well with nursing scrubs
Most Comfortable Shoes for Male Nurses

Many nurses will agree that comfort trumps style when it comes to choosing a high-quality sneaker for nursing. Consequently, some of the finest sneakers for male nurses happen to be simple in design but provide maximum comfort. Therefore, we have chosen the New Balance Men’s 623 V3 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer as the most comfortable shoe for male nurses. This sneaker snags the top spot for the most comfortable shoe for male nurses due to its simplicity, comfort, and star-rating customer reviews. Additionally, the New Balance Men’s 623 V3 Cross Trainer comes in a wide selection of colors—making it easy to combine with nursing scrubs. Below are a few characteristics of this sneaker that make it an exceptional sneaker for male nurses:
New Balance Men’s 623 V3 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
- Foam footbed for maximum cushioning
- IMEVA (injection-molded EVA foam) midsole for sturdy but flexible support
- Suitable for people with foot issues
- Available in a wide array of colors
- Ideal for all-day wear
Best Leather Shoes for Male Nurses
An elite leather shoe can be a stylish alternative for male nurses looking for a nursing shoe. That said, although a mouthful to pronounce, the Olukai Lae’ahi Li ‘lli Convertible Low Top Sneaker certainly wins the category of the best leather shoe for male nurses. That’s because aside from being super stylish and chic, the Lae’ahi Li ‘lli sneaker also happens to be ideal for people who walk a lot and are on their feet for long periods of time. Check out the following first-rate features of the Lae’ahi Li ‘lli shoe:
- Fashionable, smart, and classy
- Crafted with high-character, form-fitting leather
- Ideal for long-distance walking and extended periods of standing
- White hue color-tone to combine effortlessly with nursing scrubs
- Elegant everyday shoe
If the Shoe Fits, Wear It
Not all shoes are created equally, especially in the world of nursing. With that in mind, if you are a male nurse and are on the hunt for a high-quality, comfortable nursing shoe, make sure you always try on your options. If the shoe fits, feels good, and doesn’t make your feet scream by the end of the day—you may have found your ideal nursing footwear. Oh, and kudos to kicks that give male nurses healthy steps and happy feet!