The best shoes for surgeons isn’t a one-size-fits-all. We’ve put together a list of some of the best shoes for surgeons, including options from slip ons to sneakers, along with a buying guide to help you make your decision.
Our top overall pick is the Merrell Encore Gust shoe. The slip-on design is comfortable and stylish, and the shoe has good support for surgeons who stand for hours.
Leather and rubber construction, yet they only weigh one pound!
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The 12 Best Shoes for Surgeons
Merrell Men’s Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe
These are the top surgeon shoes overall because of their ease and versatility. Each pair is made of high-quality leather, and special attention is given to the shoe supports. They help to keep the feet dry. The slip-on design is ideal for easy use, and the padded collar ensures that your feet stay properly grounded.
The Encore Gust combines all the features you want in a surgical shoe.
The leather uppers are moisture-resistant and durable. Genuine leather lasts much longer than synthetic leather, capable of working for years without wearing out. Unlike some stuffy leather shoes, these feature breathable mesh to keep your feet cool.
The rubber outsole is “stickier” than traditional rubber, allowing for more durable traction. This prevents you from sliding in slick flooring conditions. The enclosed heel and padded interior also keep you from “stepping out” of the shoe by accident.
Despite the rubber and leather construction, these clogs weigh only a pound. That can be attributed to the lightweight midsole and air cushion in the heel. These materials absorb shock and prevent fatigue without weighing down your feet.
The insole has also been contoured, which allows the shoe to conform to the unique shape of your foot. The product runs true-to-size and is designed for long-term wear in professional settings.
It’s also easy to clean. Just use a disinfecting wipe on the leather and the rubber.
- Crafted entirely from full-grain, imported leather
- Shock absorbing cushioning in the heel with a molded EVA foam sole
- Padded collar that supports the foot
- Waterproof construction
- Ortholite footbed allows for long periods of standing
Leather and rubber construction, yet they only weigh one pound!
Merrell Women’s Encore Nova 2 Slip-On Shoe
This pair of shoes is very similar in construction to the men’s Encore Gust, but designed for women. They’re one of the best picks for women with high arches, as the nylon arch shank provides extra support.
The contoured footbed and air cushion combine to provide stability over long periods of wear. In addition, the full grain leather upper is easily cleaned and moisture-resistant.
For more details about the design, you can look at the review for the Men’s Encore Gust, which is first on this list.
- Available in two colors
- Breathable lining wicks moisture away, helping with odor control
- Made from genuine full grain leather
- Shock absorbing air cushion in the heel for greater stability
- Contoured footbed has extra support for high arches
Crocs Work Medical Professional Shoe
Crocs are a perennial favorite of medical professionals, retail workers, and others who work long hours on their feet. This particular shoe is designed specifically for surgeons, doctors, and nurses.
The slip-on design is comfortable and professional, providing support during long shifts and operations. All shoes are designed and manufactured in the US. In addition to supporting a US company, you also don’t need to do any complicated size conversions.
The slip-on design doesn’t require any laces or customized fitting. At the same time, it covers and protects the entire foot, making these among the best shoes for the operating room. The enclosed heel and padded collar help to secure the foot so it doesn’t slip around.
Unlike traditional Crocs, these have no heel strap or perforations. They meet workplace standards for protection, and they’re stiff enough that they provide some protection against heavy impacts.
The tapered fit allows for a relaxed feel while keeping the foot secure. There’s ample room for your toes to move around, and properly-sized shoes shouldn’t pinch or chafe.
The slip-resistant treads are built for workplace environments that may be slippery, like hospital settings and restaurant kitchens. These shoes are also recommended for individuals who have a high risk of falling, whether that’s due to age, environment, or medical conditions.
Another upgrade from traditional Crocs is the footbed. There’s a combination of deep cushioning and Croslite foam that provides support along the entire foot. It prevents fatigue during long shifts and keeps your feet from getting sore.
Crocs are also highly affordable shoes, so they’re ideal for those who are shopping on a budget.
- Manmade material with a synthetic sole
- Smooth surface can be easily cleaned with soap and water
- Slip-resistant sole with an enclosed toe and heel, creating a secure fit
- Designed specifically for medical professionals working long shifts
- Cushioned footbeds with Croslite foam to provide support while standing
A popular choice among medical workers, these Crocs are easy to clean and built for long shifts.
Best Surgical Clogs
Birkenstock Unisex Clogs Super-Birki
These are the best surgical shoes if you’re looking for an option that’s easy to care for. Since the shoes can be wiped down with a cloth or machine washed, you shouldn’t have any trouble sterilizing them for the OR. The comfort and versatility of these shoes makes them a popular choice for nurses as well.
Unlike many clogs, these Birkenstocks are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. The Super Birki clogs can be easily cleaned and maintained.
The synthetic material is resistant to dirt, water, and oil. Like all Birkenstocks, these shoes include a comfortable cork footbed. However, you can remove the cork to wash it more easily, or to replace it with an orthotic insert.
The latex and cork footbed provides support for everything from flat feet to high arches. It’s made to mirror a healthy foot and promote a safe walking gait.
The toebox is wide and roomy, which prevents pinching and allows for better foot alignment and posture. Widened toeboxes also promote balance while standing.
A raised toe bar allows your toes to “grip” the shoes as you walk. This helps to stimulate circulation and exercise the legs while maintaining a comfortable, natural feel.
The deepened heel cup stabilizes and cushions the heel, absorbing shock below the heel bone. This makes it much easier to walk long distances without suffering fatigue.
As with the majority of Birkenstock designs, these shoes have a replaceable and repairable sole. Even if it wears down with constant use, you can replace it to lengthen the lifespan of the shoe.
- Unisex and available in ten unique colors
- One piece molding made from Alpro-Foam
- Slip-resistant textured sole is good for slippery floors
- Resistant to water, dirt, and oil
- Easily cleaned with a replaceable footbed made from cork
Slip resistant and washable up to 80 degrees celsius.
CALZURO Autoclavable Clog with Upper Ventilation
These unisex surgical clogs are among the most ventilated on the list. The perforated upper ensures that air keeps flowing, preventing feet from becoming sweaty even with long-term use. Even with the perforation, the shoes are waterproof. Air can enter, but moisture can’t.
The company that manufactures the shoes is Italian. Because of this, UK sizing is listed on the shoe. Since the US and UK have different shoe sizes, it’s important to double-check a sizing chart before you purchase. Calzuro provides Italian-American conversion charts for sizes.
The surgical clogs comply with the company’s high ethical standards. They’re made from environmentally friendly materials, free of metals, and sourced through cruelty-free means.
Another positive point is the anti-static aspect. These shoes don’t generate static electricity when dragged along the ground. They’re also free of latex, which is important if you have latex allergies.
The 1.5-inch heel raises the foot slightly to reduce overall fatigue. These shoes are specifically designed for surgeons and other medical professionals, so they’re comfortable to wear even if you have plantar fasciitis.
This Amazon review by Margarete highlights just how popular Calzuro clogs are among those in surgical rotation:
The sole is slip-resistant, with the entire shoe being molded from rubber.
Not only can you machine wash the shoe, you can also use bleach to disinfect it, place it in a hospital setting’s commercial dishwasher, or sterilize it using an autoclave. This makes it especially easy to maintain for surgeons who do several operations per day.
In addition to healthcare professionals, the shoes also suit veterinarians, chefs, and retail workers.
- Available in 16 different colors and patterns
- Environmentally-friendly and latex-free
- Fits those with feet of average width
- Can be sterilized using an autoclave
- Machine washable and capable of being disinfected with bleach
- 1.5 inch heel reduces overall fatigue
The ventilation keeps your feet dry all day and they are super easy to clean.
Dansko Women’s Professional Clog
These professional surgical clogs have a stunning variety in color choices. There are dozens of options to choose from, ranging from solid colors to patterns to unique metallic paint splatters. The reinforced toe box offers an additional level of protection for those who work with heavy equipment.
The Dansko Professional is the main offering from Dansko. It has a classic, sleek silhouette that looks great in any professional setting. This Amazon review by Elissa, an RN in NYC, says she receives tons of compliments on her Dansko Professional Clogs in the color Honey.
The toebox has been given special attention. It’s roomier than many other shoes, allowing the toes to spread out and breathe. Reinforced padding protects your toes from sharp objects, heavy impacts, and other mishaps.
The contoured midsole conforms to the shape of the average foot. Inside the shoe is a frame that provides support and stability, along with a padded instep collar to prevent friction.
The heel counter holds the heel stably in place while allowing it to move up and down. This prevents the foot from rolling inward or outward, protecting your ankles from injury.
One more unique aspect of the shoes is the rocker bottom. This feature helps to prevent fatigue by making it easier to stride forward. The springy design helps conserve your energy.
- Imported patent leather with a synthetic sole
- Your choice of fabric or leather uppers
- Dozens of different colors and patterns
- Padded collar prevents heel chafing and increases comfort
- Roomy and protective toe box ideal for those with wider feet
Dansko's classic Professional shoe promises to keep you comfortable throughout busy days on your feet.
Related: Shop These 9 Best Shoes for Doctors
OOFOS Unisex Active Recovery Footwear
This is a return to the more typical clog style seen in many surgical settings. But this particular design is built with a more specific user in mind. These shoes for surgeons are made for those with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, which can make standing for long periods of time difficult.
If you’re looking for a shoe that absorbs heel pain and provides exceptional cushioning, this is your best bet.
You can pick from your choice of black, latte, or black with a matte finish. The “latte” color is a glossy, creamy white with black speckles.
OOFOS designs their active recovery footwear using scientific principles. The goal is to create a shoe that reduces the painful effects of exercise. By using different methods of support, the shoes reduce joint fatigue, muscle tightness, and overall soreness after a workout or long shift.
One of the important aspects of the shoe is the arch support. When you walk without adequate arch support, you increase the pressure on your ankles and knees. You also force your muscles to overcompensate for the lack of cushioning.
For people who work on their feet, like surgeons and other healthcare professionals, supportive footwear can prevent long-term injuries. It can reduce joint pain and stop conditions like plantar fasciitis and shortened muscles from occurring.
Lab tests have proven that the OOFOS active recovery shoes relieve plantar fasciitis. They also help athletes and professionals to recover from lower leg injuries or ongoing lower leg pain.
Even if you don’t have a foot condition, the superior support of these shoes is ideal. It can make a huge difference in terms of keeping your feet healthy.
- Unisex design available in three stylish, professional colors
- Crafted from leather and synthetic material with a rubber sole
- Impact recovery technology helps to absorb the impact of your stride
- Strong arch support and heel support for those with high arches and plantar fasciitis
- Machine washable and easily sanitized
A clog designed specifically to combat Plantar Fasciitis - impact absorbing orthopedic foot & heel pain relief.
Best Sneakers for Surgery
Many surgeons prefer to wear their favorite running shoes throughout the whole day, including in the operating room. For those who expect lots of spills, it is recommended to cover your feet with a pair of disposable shoe covers. Even surgeons who work in cystoscopy have found this to be their #1 strategy for standing all day and keeping their feet clean and dry.
Allbirds Tree Dashers
The performance has been tested over a yearlong period with more than 50 athletes from all walks of life. Testers walked and ran thousands of miles before the shoes hit the market.
These sneakers are a great choice if you’re looking for surgical shoes that don’t resemble traditional clogs. The design is easy to slip into and machine washable, but the shoes are much more attractive than many orthopedic options on the market. With your choice of sixteen different colors and patterns, it’s easy to find one that matches your personal style.
The Tree Dashers are technically proficient sneakers with a unique design. According to the manufacturer, the goal was to reimagine running shoes by creating a high-performance shoe out of natural materials.
The one-piece upper is knitted using eucalyptus trees. The result is a shoe that’s more lightweight than the competition, flexible enough to conform to your stride, and breathable enough to keep your feet cool during long shifts.
The foam midsole uses dual-density technology to provide targeted support. It’s crafted from sugarcane, making it the first carbon-negative EVA foam in the world.
The heel has additional support from merino wool. This tough material supports and centers the heel, “locking” the foot so it doesn’t slide around.
The soles combine the SweetFoam materials with natural rubber, helping to stabilize your stride without adding to the weight.
Rather than being mounted on the outside, the eyelets are embroidered into the internal portion of the shoe. This allows you to customize your internal fit with the laces, so the shoe is anchored regardless of your foot shape.
See what other sneakers for doctors made our list.
- Men’s shoes available in sixteen different color combinations
- Attractive sneakers that are easy to slip on
- Breathable, durable, environmentally friendly materials
- Springy sole conforms to your movements and reduces fatigue
- Machine washable, with odor minimizing properties
Super comfy, eco-friendly sneakers for doctors, med students, and nursing students! Upgrades to the original Tree Dasher includes an angular heel for softening impact. Pairs perfectly with Trino Sprinters low socks.
Adidas Ultraboost
Adidas Ultraboost can be a bit of a splurge compared to the other sneakers for surgeons on our list. That said, these sneakers are among the top choice for medical workers in the operating room. They have phenomenal cushioning and look great both at work as well as out on a run.
Their all-white color option even made our list of the best white nursing shoes for 2026.
According to this Amazon Review, you can also rest assured that there is no break-in period and you can hit the ground running on your next shift!
- Sleek design
- Top performance sneaker design
- Highly recommended by OR doctors
- Rubber sole