20,000 steps without pain? No problem
Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Feels Like “Walking on a Cloud”: Nortiv 8 Walking Sneakers, $70
- Easy Slip-On Design: Skechers Glide-Step Altus Sneakers, $84
- 45% Off: Dr. Scholl’s Retro Sneakers, $61 (orig. $100)
- Shock-Absorbing Heel: Dr. Scholl’s Feel Good Plantar Fasciitis, $100 (orig. $130)
- Retro Style: New Balance 327 Sneaker, $105
- Wide Toe Box: Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoe, $90 (orig. $120)
- Offers Arch Support: New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Tiralux, $65
If you want a trusted source for walking shoe recommendations, just ask a nurse.
Nurses can spend 12 hours or more on their feet during a shift, so comfortable, supportive shoes are nonnegotiable. From everyday foot aches to common concerns like plantar fasciitis and bunions — and the back and knee discomfort that can come with being on your feet all day — they know firsthand what makes a shoe worth wearing.
That’s why we pay close attention to healthcare worker-approved picks when shopping for sneakers and walking shoes. And here’s the surprising part: Their favorites aren’t always the pricey pairs from high-end brands. We found plenty of nurse-loved options from familiar, trusted brands that deliver comfort — starting at $60 on Amazon.
Related: Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, and Sally Field Ditched Chunky Sneakers for This Sleek (but Comfy!) Style — from $30
Nortiv 8 Walking Sneakers
$70 at Amazon
If you spend long days on your feet, these walking shoes are designed with comfort in mind. The lightweight Lycra mesh upper helps keep feet feeling cool, while the EVA midsole provides a cushioned, cloud-like feel with every step.
Nurses and other shoppers who spend hours on their feet are taking notice, and reviewers have said the shoes helped keep foot discomfort at bay and delivered the comfort they expected from more expensive brands. One shopper said they’ll never buy the top-dollar brands again, adding, “These are [half] the price and more comfortable!” Another reviewer who wears them during 12-hour shifts shared that their “knees and hips don’t hurt after 12-hour shifts.”
Skechers Glide-Step Altus Sneakers
$84 at Amazon
With thousands of five-star ratings, it’s easy to see why these Skechers Slip-On sneakers are so adored. They combine ample arch support with a secure slip-in design, making them easy to get on and off without bending the heels. The lightweight mesh upper promotes airflow, helping keep feet cool and comfortable throughout the day. They’re also machine washable, a practical perk for hikers, power walkers, and healthcare workers who put their shoes through long, busy days.
According to shoppers, the comfort lasts around the clock. One customer with plantar fasciitis said they experienced “no heel pain” while wearing them, adding that they “make 12-hour shifts bearable.” Another shopper with high arches shared that they had “no foot pain after being on my feet for 12 hours.”
Related: My Flat, Wide Feet Feel Like They’re Being Massaged in These Sleek Loafers — They’re from a Podiatrist-Approved Brand
Dr. Scholl’s Retro Sneakers
$110 $61 at Amazon
If you want all-day comfort without sacrificing style, these retro-inspired sneakers are your answer. Available in 18 color options, including a playful leopard print, you’ll be able to find a pair that suits your style. But the fashion-forward look isn’t all they have going for them: The sneakers also feature cushioned arch support, a flexible and lightweight outsole with a textured grip, and a padded collar so there’s no uncomfortable rubbing on the back of the heel.
Shoppers love how easily they can work these sneakers into their everyday wardrobes, pairing them with everything from dresses and shorts to jeans and capris. They’ve also become a favorite travel companion, with many reviewers saying they’ve worn them on vacation and walked for miles without foot pain. One shopper packed them for a trip to Rome and said they didn’t need to “break them in,” and that their “feet never hurt after walking 20,000+ steps a day.”
Everyone needs at least more than one pair of comfortable shoes, so keep scrolling to see the other sneakers that are worth adding to your cart.
Dr. Scholl’s Feel Good Plantar Fasciitis
$130 $100 at Amazon
New Balance 327 Sneaker
$105 at Amazon
Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoe
$120 $90 at Amazon
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Tiralux
$65 at Amazon
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