Though tennis shoes were originally designed for tennis players, they’ve become popular footwear choices for many other people. Nurses and other health professionals benefit from the comfort, traction, and stability that these shoes afford. So what are the best tennis shoes for nurses for standing all day?
Our top pick for the best support tennis shoes for nurses are the Women’s Tree Dashers. They’re durable, easy to clean, easy to put on, and very comfortable in a professional setting.
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.
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The 10 Best Tennis Shoes for Nurses
Women’s Tree Dashers
Read our detailed Allbirds Tree Dashers Review
The Tree Dashers are our top tennis shoe pick for nurses by far. They go above and beyond in terms of comfort and support. Of all the shoes on the list, these are the easiest to clean and the most durable. Unlike many other shoes, the Tree Dashers are also made of environmentally-friendly materials.
The responsive design uses a scientific outsole pattern that maximizes stability while conserving energy. The SweetFoam material helps to absorb shock and correct your stride, while the natural rubber increases the overall slip resistance.
Rather than hooking into the outside alone, the laces are threaded through the shoe’s internal structure. This means that when you tighten them, you get a customized fit that conforms perfectly to the curve of your foot.
Additional features provide support and control. Heel locking technology prevents your foot from “sliding” in the shoe, so you’re less likely to injure your ankles. Meanwhile, the breathable upper delivers a constant stream of fresh air to your feet while remaining waterproof.
- Tested by dozens of athletes who ran thousands of miles
- One-piece eucalyptus upper is seamless and highly durable
- Lightweight and breathable enough to prevent overheating
- Energy-efficient foam midsole cushions and prevents fatigue
- Merino wool in the heel supports and stabilizes the foot
Incredibly comfortable and supportive tennis shoes made from renewable resources… plus they’re machine washable! Pairs perfectly with the Trino Sprinters - Low performance socks
Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36
This running shoe is perfect for women with narrower feet. If you find that standard shoes are too roomy, the Pegasus may offer the snug fit you’ve been looking for. Women with wider feet may find the shoes too tight, though. The Pegasus shoes are built for athletes and great for nurses who do a lot of walking.
Each shoe has a Zoom Air unit installed in the midsole. This layer helps your feet bounce back from the ground, so you expend less energy walking the same distance that you usually do.
Also included are exposed midfoot cables. When you power walk or run at high speeds, these cables flex and mold the shoe to your foot. This maximizes stability and helps prevent injury in the workplace. These sneakers made our list of the best Nike Shoes for Nurses this year.
- Available in 21 color combinations
- Slim design conforms well to narrow feet
- Zoom Air along the sole provides energy-efficient cushioning
- Perforated mesh fabric provides maximum breathability
- Midfoot cables snugly fit the shoe when running at high speeds
Imagine running shoes so comfortable, they can be worn all day without any foot pain. The Nike Air Zoom are the perfect blend of support and shock absorption.
Related: The 13 Best Shoes for Nurses
Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
These walking shoes come in three neutral colors and have the best synthetic leather. They are 100 percent man-made, including a synthetic sole. With the combination of support and slip resistance, the Addiction Walkers are the best walking shoes for nurses. If you do a lot of power striding between rooms, these are the shoes for you.
The rollbar technology guides your foot through your stride, preventing you from walking on the sides of your feet. This makes the design ideal for those with high arches and plantar fasciitis.
The outsole is uniquely balanced to encourage good posture and keep your feet stable. It’s an ideal design for those who stand for long periods of time.
Meanwhile, the BioMoGo DNA foam is responsive enough to adapt to your unique weight, speed, and stride.
- Available in black, white, or gray
- Man-made leather upper with a synthetic sole
- Slip-resistant outsole with extra stability technology
- Adaptable cushioning conforms to your foot’s shape and stride
- Extra arch support to prevent overpronation and help plantar fasciitis
Best white leather nursing sneakers that can also function as supportive walking shoes.
Allbirds Tree Runners
Read our in-depth Allbirds Tree Runners Review
Another favorite among the Allbirds brand are the Allbirds Tree Runners. These sneakers are made from tree fiber and are super breathable and can be worth with or without socks. There are tons of color combos to choose from which rotate regularly, but I prefer the all-white option. Allbirds sneakers are machine washable, meaning these white sneakers can actually stay white!
For those who prefer to wear socks with their sneakers, Allbirds also carries a line of no-show socks that are also made from naturally-sourced materials. You can pair the Allbirds Tree Runners with the Trino Low Pacers for an all-out eco-friendly cozy foot experience.
- Machine washable
- Wool interior is comfortable and not scratchy
- Minimalist design
- Minimized odor (even when sockless)
Incredibly light and airy natural sneakers made from eucalyptus tree fiber. To top it off, they're machine washable!
New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker
If you’re looking for a stylish work shoe, you’re in luck. This sneaker from New Balance provides all the support you need while boasting a stylish, aerodynamic design. Not only is the silhouette unique, but you also get your choice of 33 different color combinations and patterns!
The midsole uses lightweight REVlite foam. While it’s not as heavy-duty as some cushioning, it is light enough to make walking easy. Heavier shoes can sometimes cause fatigue when you have to walk several miles in a day.
The upper has a “bootie” construction, with fabric that hugs your feet like a pair of socks. According to the manufacturers, part of the goal was to create shoes that are cushioned but lightweight enough to feel like your feet are almost bare.
The FuelCore also made our top pick for the best New Balance shoes for nurses in 2026.
- Completely synthetic upper with a rubber sole
- 33 colors and patterns to choose from
- Lightweight midsole cushioning conforms to your foot
- Memory foam insert provides additional support and shock absorption
- Mesh and synthetic material combine to create a super lightweight shoe
Lightweight and cushy, these shoes have all the interior and exterior protection you need!
Skechers D’Lites
These shoes have the highest overall customer satisfaction rating on the list. In addition, they’re extremely versatile, with 44 different designs that can suit any aesthetic. A combination of leather and synthetic materials comprises the upper, while the midsole is made from cushioned EVA foam.
The collar and tongue are padded, preventing chafing when the shoes are worn without socks. The traditional lace-up construction provides a snug fit while being an affordable design.
Despite the traditional design, the shoes are lighter than many cushioned running shoes, making them ideal for on-the-go nurses.
The Skechers D’Lites are also our #1 pick for the Best White Leather Nursing Shoes.
- Mix of leather and manmade fabric with a rubber sole
- One-inch platform adds height and cushioning
- Padded collar and tongue prevent chafing against bare ankles
- EVA foam midsole conforms to the shape of the foot
- Each shoe weighs just 12 ounces, reducing fatigue with long wear
These are fashionable and versatile shoes that can withstand a lot of wear.
Brooks Women’s Ghost 15
If your main priority is cushioning, you don’t have to look any further than the Brooks Ghost series. These athletic shoes are designed with enough cushioning to carry you through a long shift. They’re also available in a host of stylish colors and patterns ranging from neutral to vibrant tones.
These shoes have neutral support that utilizes DNA LOFT and BioMoGo cushioning. The combination allows for comfortable cushioning while still retaining a responsive feel.
Even though the shoes are lightweight, the materials are highly durable. The rubber sole can stand up to heavy use, while the perforated upper provides breathable comfort.
The Crash Pad shock absorbers offer an additional level of cushioning, preventing joint pain and fatigue during high-impact movement.
The Brooks Ghost 15 made our #1 pick among the Best Brooks Shoes for Nurses
- 18 colors and patterns to choose from
- Multiple layers of supportive cushioning
- Responsive and durable, helping you conserve energy
- Built-in shock absorbers help reduce joint pain and fatigue
- 3D Fit technology allows the shoe to conform seamlessly to your foot
Related: Guide to the Best Watches for Nurses
ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 21 Running Shoes
These shoes have the best arch support on the list. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or joint pain, the arch support can help relieve inflammation and soreness. It can also prevent health complications from developing in the future.
Available in 17 funky styles, this synthetic-and-mesh design is perfect for nurses needing extra support. The outsole has been reinforced with high-abrasion rubber in heavily worn areas, but the shoes remain lightweight since they aren’t fully reinforced.
Another helpful aspect of these shoes is the inclusion of reflective materials. The reflectors will catch on headlights and street lights in low-visibility conditions. Because of this, these shoes are an excellent choice for nurses who work night shifts.
The women’s Gel-Nimbus models have 3 extra millimeters of height. This tiny increment has a big impact on Achilles tendonitis and other forms of inflammation.
- Synthetic and mesh upper with a fabric sole
- Available in 17 brightly colored designs and patterns
- Elastic foam layer creates bounce, making it easy to walk long distances
- High abrasion rubber helps protect high-friction areas against wear and tear
- Heel counter locks heel in place while the midsole provides extra arch support
Slip into these extra supportive sneakers and it's like you're walking on clouds.
Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe
These shoes will appeal to nurses who want an “easy on” option. They slip directly onto the foot, so you don’t have to worry much about laces. There are also dozens of different color combinations to choose from. The memory sockliner allows for barefoot wear, and the textile lining is soft against your feet.
The overall fit is specifically designed for the average woman’s foot. Rather than being roomy, the design conforms to the foot, holding it snug and secure. The shoes are ideal for people who walk and run long distances on a daily basis.
- Slip-on design that doesn’t require lacing
- Comfortable lining and memory foam sock liner, so the shoes can be worn barefoot
- 100 percent textile upper with a rubber sole
- Closely hugs the foot for extra stability and support
- Available in 51 color combinations and patterns
A performance sneaker with a handy slip-on design that comes in a variety of color options and a low cost.
Related: Shop These 7 Cute Nurse Scrub Dresses
Kuru Footwear KINETIC Anti-Slip Sneakers
These leather tennis shoes make great slip-proof kicks for nurses who may find themselves working in slick conditions at the hospital.
These comfortable tennis shoes for nurses are proven for relief of plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bone spurs, fallen arches, and more.
A broad toe box also makes these sneakers ideal for Morton’s neuroma, hammer toes, and bunions.
- Anti-slip high grade rubber outsole
- Improves alignment and posture
- Proven effective for various foot conditions
- Easy to clean leather
Never slip again with these anti-slip work shoes for women. These shoes come in medium and wide sizes and are comfortable all day long.
How to Buy Tennis Shoes for Nurses
You might decide to do your own research into the shoes that will fit you best. These are a few of the factors to take into consideration when purchasing new footwear for work.
Slip vs. Nonslip
One of the most important things to learn is the difference between slip and nonslip shoes. Nonslip shoes are also called “slip resistant” shoes, which means that they resist slipping even on slick surfaces.
As a nurse, you probably spend a lot of your time walking on smooth floors. Sometimes these floors will have just been mopped. Sometimes they’ll be muddy from other people’s boots. Or sometimes they’ll be wet with spilled liquid.
Nonslip shoes help you get through your day-to-day work. Not only do they protect you from spills, they also provide the traction you need to get from Point A to Point B quickly.
Nurses often need to deal with emergencies. In such a fast-paced job, you don’t have time to be sliding across the linoleum tiles!
Shoes that are slip-resistant are designed with a combination of strong treads and rubberized soles. The rubber increases the grip against the ground, as does the tread pattern. You can look for shoes that have rubber soles such as Brooks Addiction Walkers or Skechers D’Lites.
Best white leather nursing sneakers that can also function as supportive walking shoes.