Black Oszea Tasman waterproof sneaker

Best Shoes for Nurses on 12-Hour Shifts (NZ & AU)

Short answer: there is no single best shoe for nurses, but the best ones share the same traits: cushioning that suits your foot, a secure and roomy fit, an outsole with real grip on wet floors, and an upper that suits your ward's rules. Cushioned running-style shoes are popular for long shifts, and slip-resistant work shoes are the safer pick where floors get wet or your employer requires them. Always check your workplace footwear policy first.

12-hour shift, wet floors, spills: what a nurse's shoes go through.

Full disclosure: we make Oszea waterproof sneakers. We cover them near the end, including why they are not a clinical shoe. This is general information, not medical advice, so see a podiatrist if you have ongoing foot pain.

Why shoe choice matters on a long shift

A 2024 study cited by Australian retailer Comfort & Co found a twelve-hour shift averages about 9,000 steps, close to 6.5 km. Foot pain is common too: in a survey of 304 nurses at an Australian children's hospital, 43.8% reported foot or ankle problems in the previous week, and about one in six said it limited their activity (Reed et al., 2014).

What to look for

1. Grip on wet floors

In a randomised trial of 4,554 NHS staff, slip-resistant footwear cut slips at work by 37% (Cockayne et al., 2021). Brands often make their own slip-resistance claims, so look for a named test standard and follow your employer's policy.

2. Cushioning and support

A 2018 review of 10 studies found moderate evidence that cushioned materials reduce discomfort and fatigue during prolonged standing (Speed et al.). A lab study of three nursing shoe brands suggested arch support, forefoot foam and a modest heel height may reduce foot pressure. No cited evidence shows that any shoe prevents plantar fasciitis or other injuries, so treat comfort as personal and try before you commit.

3. The right upper for your ward

Mesh is breathable but lets spills soak in, while leather and synthetic uppers wipe clean. Some clinical areas require a fully closed, non-porous upper for sharps and fluid protection. Work shoes are not personal protective equipment, so your employer should supply protection where blood or infectious material could reach your feet.

4. Fit that works at hour ten

Feet swell during the day, so try shoes on late in the afternoon. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests leaving about half an inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, and a firm heel counter that grips. If you use orthotics, bring them and check the factory insole lifts out. Our size guide explains how we handle half sizes and wider feet.

A shortlist, with honest limits

HOKA Bondi 9. A maximum-cushion shoe with a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop, offered in regular, wide and extra-wide in the US. JD Sports New Zealand lists the women's Bondi 9, and the listing describes it as ultra-cushioned. Limit: it is a running shoe with an engineered mesh upper, so it is not fluid-resistant and not slip-rated. I could not confirm Australian stockists, so check before you plan around it.

Brooks Ghost 18. A neutral cushioned trainer with a 10 mm drop and a wide range of width options in the US (up to 4E for men and 2E for women, per a podiatry group's roundup). New Zealand running stores such as Frontrunner list it. Limit: like the Bondi, it is not sold as slip resistant.

HOKA Bondi SR. A work version of the Bondi with a brand-claimed slip-resistant outsole and a water-resistant leather upper. Limit: the slip claim is the brand's own, and I could not confirm local stock in either country.

Scholl Worker. A work shoe that Comfort & Co lists in Australia as slip-tested to ASTM F2913-19 and wipe-clean. Limit: that is the retailer's description, and I have not checked New Zealand availability.

Clogs. Easy on and off and simple to wipe clean, but laced sneakers allow a more adjustable fit, which the AAOS suggests may suit you better if you have poor balance or a past ankle sprain.

Nurse in scrubs wearing Oszea Tasman Essentials during a long hospital shift
Nurse in scrubs wearing Oszea Tasman Essentials during a long hospital shift

Where Oszea fits (and where it doesn't)

Our Tasman and Urban sneakers use a four-layer ZEA-TEX build: a breathable knit outer, a waterproof membrane, a flexible elastomer layer and a soft inner lining. They are lightweight, vegan-friendly, and wipe clean with air drying. They are made for rain, puddles and wet grass, not full submersion.

They are not a clinical shoe. The knit upper is not the closed, non-porous upper some wards require, and we do not make slip-resistance claims for them. Where they may help a nurse is the commute: getting to and from a shift through rain with dry feet. If you want to try them, there is a 30-day trial. See how the ZEA-TEX layers work, and our guides on waterproof vs water-resistant labels and drying wet shoes safely.

FAQ

Should nurses wear clogs or sneakers?

Either can work. Clogs slip on and wipe clean, while sneakers lace up for a more adjustable fit. Check your employer's policy and choose the one you can wear comfortably for a full shift.

How often should I replace work shoes?

There is no fixed schedule. The American Podiatric Medical Association suggests replacing shoes once the tread or heels are worn down, and the AAOS notes cushioning can lose effectiveness over time even without use.

Do I need slip-resistant shoes?

If your floors get wet, or your employer requires it, yes, that is the safer choice. Look for a stated test standard rather than a general claim.

When should I try shoes on?

Late in the day, when your feet have swollen, and with the socks and orthotics you plan to wear at work.

Sources

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