10 Best Tennis Shoes for Nurses (2022 Guide)
- By George P.H.
After reviewing 27 products, the Adidas Cloudfoam Advantage are the best tennis shoes for nurses (male and female).
We co-wrote this article with a Registered Nurse who has 20+ years of experience: Desiree McCracken. We went out and tried shoes in-store. We heard from over 60 working nurses via social media, and here’s what we learned.
Tennis shoe models popular with nurses because they tend to be lightweight and breathable with good shock absorption. They’re also non-slip with good arch support a lot of the time.
Our favorite choice was the Adidas Cloudfoam Advantage CI Sneaker. It looks retro and smart but has modern tech in the sole and sockliner. It’s breathable and easy-to-clean with good slip resistance.
That being said, the Cloudfoam Advantage isn’t perfect. It has limited slip resistance and perforations in the mid-foot area. This makes it unsuitable for some nurse workplaces.
That’s why we looked at other shoes too. The best tennis-style walking shoe models are the Reebok Princess (women) and ASICS Gel Game 7 (men). The best premium model is the Cole Haan Crosscourt 2.
To learn more about our top picks, keep reading.
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Table of Contents
Best Tennis Shoes for Nurses (Men & Women)
99/100
Our Score
Adidas Cloudfoam Advantage Clean Sneaker
99/100
Our Score
Our choice for the best overall tennis shoes for nurses is the same for men and women. The Adidas Cloudform Advantage sneaker meets so many of the criteria we were looking for: professional, breathable, and comfortable all day.
This nursing shoe is almost entirely white, and the colored logo on the tongue can easily be hidden. Many medical centers require white, professional looking shoes, and these fit the bill. The upper is made of a polyurethane-coated leather that’s spill-proof and easy to clean.
The sides of the sneakers have perforated strips. These allow extra ventilation to keep your feet cool during a shift and to minimize odor buildup. The removable insole is cushioned and comfortable.
The timeless style of these sneakers is balanced by modern comfort. These shoes use Adidas’s Cloudfoam Comfort sockliner for padding that will keep your feet comfortable and supported throughout your entire shift.
Our testers found the shoes to be comfortable right from the box, but the leather upper and cushioning also mold to your feet over time as you break them in.
The main drawback is that the rubber sole doesn’t do great on wet surfaces. If you need a slip resistant shoe model for oil and water, this isn’t it. Still – for such an inexpensive shoe, our testers and reviewers found them to be a great choice for nurses.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Spill proof
- Breathable
Cons
- Not slip resistant
Most Comfortable Nursing Shoes (Women)
98/100
Our Score
ASICS Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes
ASICS Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes
Why this product?
Stable and comfortable; good for walking and standing. EVA midsole molds to your foot. TRUSSTIC SYSTEM gives you an easy gait and distributes weight.
98/100
Our Score
The ASICS Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoe model is a comfortable work shoe for nurses. Our testers found them to be breathable, stable, and very well cushioned.
The shoes are made with a leather upper that is easy to clean. The sides use breathable mesh and perforations for ventilation. The EVA midsole molds to your foot and the EVA sockliner is removable.
The shoes have several features that make them more stable and therefore more comfortable for long shifts. They have a heel cup to secure your foot and arch support built into the outsole. In addition, the TRUSSTIC SYSTEM technology controls the twisting and torsion of your feet as you walk.
Another big plus of the Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes is their GEL cushioning. Our testers called them the best in their class. The gel padding at the forefront of the shoe makes them more comfortable, plus the added comfort of their internal padding.
Not great with liquids, these tennis shoes do have good grip on dry surfaces. They have a small heel drop but overall our testers found them to be extremely comfortable and easy to wear.
Due to their ultimate comfort levels, we believe these shoes are also suitable for strenuous warehouse work.
Pros
- EVA midsole
- Breathable
- Cmfortable
- Trusstic system techtechnology
- Stable
Cons
- Not great with liquids
- Small heel
Most Comfortable Nursing Shoes (Men)
97/100
Our Score
ASICS Gel-Court Speed Tennis Shoes
ASICS Gel-Court Speed Tennis Shoes
Why this product?
Supportive, light and breathable; designed for all day wear. Absorb shock and help maintain a healthy walking gait at all times. Well-cushioned.
97/100
Our Score
These ASICS nursing shoes are comfy and supportive. They are light and breathable and designed for all-day wear.
These have Asics’s GEL Technology Cushioning System in the forefoot and rearfoot of the sole. They also use Trusstic System Technology to maintain the light construction of the shoe without losing any structural integrity.
They use the Impact Guidance System in the sole to absorb shock and help you maintain a neutral position as you walk.
Another element that contributes to the comfort of these shoes is the seamless design. There are no seams in the lining, meaning no areas to cause irritation and friction. A roomy toe box provides extra room and breathability. So, say goodbye to painful, numb toes.
Overall, our testers found these to be extremely comfortable, especially with the seamless interior. We thought they could easily be worn through a long shift, keeping your feet comfortable, aired out, and supported.
Pros
- Seamless design
- Comfortabe
- Guidance system
- Roomy toe box
- Trusstic system technology
Cons
- None
Best Tennis-Style All-Leather Shoe (Women)
96/100
Our Score
PUMA Carina Sneaker
PUMA Carina Sneaker
Why this product?
Light and breathable. Has a soft foam and sockliner that molds to your foot over time. Wide toe box; smooth, soft padded tongue.
96/100
Our Score
The Puma Carina Sneaker is a stylish sneaker with plenty of padding. It’s affordable, comfortable, and breathable. For nurses, it’s important to have a shoe that doesn’t just look good, but is comfortable for a long day of work.
The Carina Sneaker has a smooth leather upper that is surprisingly easy to clean. Our testers were impressed with their ability to hold up through spills and messes. Additionally, the shoes have perforations on the sides to make them light and breathable.
In terms of comfort, these sneakers have great padding. Our testers were impressed by the smooth tongue and wide toe box. Puma uses a SoftFoam+ sockliner that molds to your foot for all-day comfort.
The midsole is made of texturized rubber and the outsole is also rubber and fairly slip-proof. Overall, our testers were impressed with the quality of this shoe considering it’s low price. We found it to be a solid, reliable shoe that looks great and holds up well through long periods of being on your feet.
Pros
- Great padding
- Easy to clean
- Softfoam
- Wide toe box
- Affordable
Cons
- None
Best Tennis-Style All-Leather Shoe (Men)
97/100
Our Score
K-Swiss Court Pro II SP Cmf Fashion Sneaker
K-Swiss Court Pro II SP Cmf Fashion Sneaker
Why this product?
Combines comfort and durability with lightness. Has extra heel cushioning. Uniform sole gives you good walking and standing biomechanics.
97/100
Our Score
In terms of fashion sneakers for men, the K-Swiss Court Pro II really stood out to us. This sneaker bridges the gap between fashion shoe and athletic shoe. However, despite it’s sleek, stylish appearance, it still maintains important elements of comfort and durability.
The shoes have holes on the side to make them breathable. The ankle collar is nicely cushioned, and the die-cut EVA sockliner is extremely comfortable. The memory foam insole has an extra heel pad for additional comfort.
The EVA midsole is removable, and our testers found this shoe to be even more comfortable and supportive with the addition of an orthotic insert.
Our testers also loved the low-to-the-ground uniform sole. It gives you more foot control and helps you maintain a natural posture as you walk. All in all, these were comfortable, easy to clean, and of course, white.
Pros
- Eva midsole
- Durability
- Comfortable
- Orthotic insert
Cons
- None
Best Premium Tennis-Style Nurse Shoes (Men & Women)
In terms of fashion sneakers, we chose the Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt II Sneaker for both men and women. Theis lightweight shoe is sleek and stylish with excellent comfort and grip. Whether you like to dress nice at work or need a more stylish pair of shoes for meetings and important events, you should take a closer look at these sneakers.
The upper of the Grand Crosscourt II is a soft, supple leather. Our testers found it to be durable and great quality. Plus, it’s a thin, smooth leather that doesn’t add any unnecessary weight to the shoes.
We also loved the footbed. Cole Haan’s Grandfoam technology made the footbed feel incredibly comfortable. It’s also breathable, something that surprised us in a leather sneaker. When paired with the perfect sweat-proof socks, this is one of the most breathable shoes out there.
The EVA outsole has rubber pads on the forefoot and heel. This gives extra grip without adding any extra weight. Our testers were impressed by the grip and the high-tech characteristics of the outsole, which we didn’t expect in such a simple-looking shoe. Overall, we found them to be comfortable and stylish, a combination that can be hard to find.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Stylish
- Unisex
- Breathable
Cons
- None
Best Tennis-Style Walking Shoe for Nurses (Women)
97/100
Our Score
Reebok Princess Sneaker
Reebok Princess Sneaker
Why this product?
Comfortable and stylish with a roomy toe box. Breathable and durable. Die-cut EVA midsole and padded foam sock liner are comfortable and supportive.
97/100
Our Score
We’re sure you know how important it is to have a good walking shoe for a nursing shift. Nurses are on their feet, a lot! That’s why we loved the Reebok Princess Sneaker. It’s very comfortable to walk in, with good foot support and durable materials.
One of the elements that really added comfort is the asymmetric toe box with plenty of space. It has a die-cut EVA midsole and padded foam sockliner. Our testers called this a superb walking shoe.
In addition, we found the Princess Sneaker to have excellent breathability. There are subtle perforations on the side to allow good airflow. The shoe is also lined with soft terry, which absorbs moisture to keep your feet cool and clean.
Another plus for this sneaker is its light design. The synthetic material upper is lightweight, easy to clean, and extremely durable. These sneakers have strong grip on most surfaces. They also feature a sleek design that is both professional and stylish.
Although it looks plain, the Reebok has enough support.
Pros
- Light design
- Good grip
- Breathable
- EVA midsole
Cons
- None
Best Tennis-Style Walking Shoe for Nurses (Men)
98/100
Our Score
ASICS Gel-Game 7 Tennis Shoes
ASICS Gel-Game 7 Tennis Shoes
Why this product?
Ventilated and light on the feet. Thick sole with outstanding shock absorption and bounce. Ortholite sockliner supports the foot through long shifts.
98/100
Our Score
This pair of ASICS nursing shoes is good if you move around a lot. In a walking shoe, you want the right balance between cushioning and freedom of motion, which is exactly what we found in these shoes.
The upper is made from synthetic leather and mesh. The mesh allows for more ventilation to cool your feet down and keep them dry through the day’s activities.
Our testers loved the comfortable fit of these walking shoes. They have a thick sole designed for shock absorption and movement. It’s a flexible, durable sole that can really hold up to a long nursing shift.
For added comfort, these shoes use an Ortholite sockliner, which can also be removed and replaced with a custom orthotic if necessary. The EVA midsole adjusts to your foot, and the GEL cushioning system at the forefoot gives even more cushioning and impact absorption. Finally, there is a wide heel cage for added support.
Pros
- Ortholite sockliner
- GEL cushioning system
- Impact absorption
- Breathable
Cons
- None
Best Retro Tennis Sneaker for Nurses (Men & Women)
The Adidas Stan Smith shoes are classic white sneakers that are comfortable and extremely durable. The timeless design is now made with recycled materials, but Adidas hasn’t lost any of its quality and comfort.
We’ve been impressed with the durability of Adidas shoes for years. In fact, many of the old Adidas models seem almost unkillable, and we found that quality and longevity to be present in this model as well.
The Stan Smith Shoes used to be made with full grain leather uppers, but are now made with Primegreen 50 percent recycled material. Perforations in the side ensure breathability. The outsole is made from a durable rubber and can hold up against abrasive surfaces.
In terms of comfort, these shoes have an Ortholite sockliner and good padding in the collar and tongue. Our testers were impressed with the sockliner and the general foot feel of the shoe. We definitely think these shoes can hold up to a long nursing shift.
Pros
- Recycled materials
- Ortholite sockliner
- Breathable
- Quality
- Comfort
Cons
- None
Best Non-White Nursing Shoe (Men & Women)
Although Wilson Rush Pro aren’t completely white, we wanted to include them because they are so comfortable and easy to wear. These shoes are light, flexible, stable, and so comfortable. If your workplace allows some color in your footwear, we recommend you give these a try.
The rubber outsole of the Wilson Rush Pro 3.0 Tennis Shoes is made with Duralast technology. The rubber compound includes abrasion resistance and offers great traction on various surfaces. It’s also flexible enough for quick movements and a lot of walking.
Our testers were definitely impressed by the comfort. The Endofit full-sock construction means there are fewer areas to cause friction and irritation. The sockliner is comfortable, and the heel cup and tongue are nice for all-day wear.
In addition, these feel stable and easy to walk in. They combine leathery synthetic material and breathable mesh for excellent ventilation. If these had been completely white, they would definitely have been among our top choices for nursing tennis shoes. Our only hesitation really was the color.
Pros
- Duralast technology
- Abrasion resistance
- Flexible
- Breathable
Cons
- Color
Buying Guide
Many nurses like the style and comfort a tennis shoe offers. If that’s you, here are specific features to look for.
A Cushioned, Flexible Sole
A good tennis should soften the impact of your feet hitting the ground. It should keep your feet fresh and fatigue-free. It should bend and flex with your foot, letting you move naturally as you walk.
This will give you a healthy gait, letting your foot roll through naturally and saving you energy. This will keep your feet fresh, relaxed and healthy. It’ll also give you a natural, healthy standing posture.
An Appropriate Upper
Your shoe’s upper needs to adhere to your workplace dress code. Since you’re looking up tennis shoes, you can likely wear mesh and/or perforated leather. Having said that, you should still be mindful of style and appearances.
You’ll want shoes that are white or mostly-white. You’ll want mesh to be discrete if the shoe has any. And you’ll want a smart-looking tennis shoe.
Durability
Nurses put a lot of miles on their feet and need durable shoes. Unfortunately, many athletic shoes aren’t durable. Many tennis shoes have thin footbeds that wear out fast when used for nurse work. Twelve-hours shifts and dozens of miles walked each week will do that.
We want our shoes to last – so we specifically need to look for durable models. Look for durable rubber outsoles; double stitching; tough foam footbeds and midsoles. A durable upper is also good. If you’re not sure which shoe to get, walking shoes are a good bet. They’re made for walking – the most common nursing activity – and tend to last long.
Relaxed Fit and a Wide Toe Box
To maintain appropriate posture and gait, you must have enough room for your feet and toes to move. Many athletic shoes are made to hug your foot tight. Great for playing a sport; not good for being on your feet for twelve hours or more. Ignore those kinds of models. Instead, look for shoes that have a relaxed or semi-relaxed fit and a wide toe box.
A Non-slip Sole
Working in a hospital environment, you’re walking on wet surfaces a lot of the time. Patients spill liquids, nurses drop things, etc. Lots of things that can cause you to slip and fall.
Now, you likely knew that already… But what you may not know is that many athletic shoes aren’t non-slip. Rather, they have a little slide to them – especially on smooth floors. This is so you don’t trip and fall when changing direction or stopping during sports.
Unfortunately, these slightly slippery sole can get really slippery on a wet hospital floor. That’s why we specifically need to look for non-slip soles here.
Features to Avoid
When looking for an athletic nurse shoe, avoid the following:
Heel Drops and Elevated Heels
This common running shoe feature will give you an uneven gait and bad posture. It puts your foot into the same kind of position as high heels. You wouldn’t work a 12-hour shift in heels – so don’t do it in heel-drop shoes.
Added Length
Running shoes tend to be longer than regular shoes. This is so they can accommodate the swelling that happens when blood rushes to your feet. It also means that running shoes don’t fit properly when you’re walking or standing. They have a little too much length – so unless you have excessively long toes, avoid them.
Thick, Maximalist Outsoles
Thick outsoles can be too rigid, limiting foot mobility and movement. They can also decrease sensory feedback, making us apply too much effort when we walk. You don’t want any of that – so go for moderate, flexible soles.
In Closing...
When you shop for shoes, make a list of the things you want in your shoes: comfort, wide toe box, non-slip soles, and other features that are important to you. This helps to weed out the shoes that you know won’t suit you saving you time.
Ask around, if you see a nurse wearing a pair you like the look of, ask them about their shoes; word of mouth is the best advertisement. And as always, make sure to try your shoes on after a shift. Your feet will swell during a shift and if you wait until your day off, or before a shift, you won’t get the accurate feeling of the shoes.
Make sure that you have them laced up and tied and have the correct socks on to get the best idea of the fit and comfort of the shoe.
If you aren’t sure where to start, make sure to check out the list above. The Adidas Cloudfoam Advantage Sneaker is a solid choice for nurses due to its comfortable sockliner, flexible sole, and smooth, easy to clean upper. Try on a pair and see if they work for you!
Writer:
George P.H.
