HOKAS – The Best Shoes for Nurses

Hey, if you already know why HOKA makes awesome shoes for healthcare providers and nurses, just click the links below to jump to my top picks…otherwise, keep reading for my complete buying guide.

HOKA for Men

HOKA for Women

To keep things transparent – some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. These earnings go towards supporting this blog and its mission to serve and uplift nurses. Be assured, I only recommend products I genuinely believe in or have personally tried. Thanks for your support! – Nurse Carlin

Nurse Carlin’s Buying Guide

If you’ve been a nurse as long as I have, you’ll know that being on your feet day in and day out will eventually wear you down–and that’s exactly what happened to me. After 12 years of nursing and many brand name shoes later, my feet had finally had enough, and I developed plantar fasciitis from standing during long shifts. I finally realized it was time to invest in better shoes with extra support–shoes meant for nurses.

So, I started paying attention to what all of my coworkers were wearing. The feedback and common denominator was overwhelming–HOKA. These shoes are the ideal choice for nurses and healthcare workers alike since they provide the ultimate in comfort and support. You know that feeling when you sneak a blanket from the patient warmer for yourself? That’s what these shoes are like–a hug for your feet when all you want to do is clock out early and put your legs up.

You may be ready to buy your own pair, but with so many options and types of HOKA sneakers, where do you start?  Being the Type A person that I am, I did the exhaustive, extensive research to learn everything I could about HOKA before selecting and buying my first pair. And since I always enjoyed a shared study guide in nursing school, I’m sharing this buying guide to help you make the right choice efficiently and confidently.

My Experience with HOKAS as a perioperative nurse

Right from my first shift, I felt a difference. Though it took a couple of weeks for my plantar fasciitis symptoms to fully subside, the immediate comfort was undeniable. It was the same comfort that my colleagues had been raving about.

So you’ve heard all about the general benefits of Hoka shoes, but let’s get real—nursing isn’t a general profession. We have specific needs that can make or break a 12-hour shift. That’s why it’s crucial to zero in on the features that genuinely make a difference for us healthcare warriors. Here are the criteria that guided my selections, tailored to what we, as nurses, truly need in a shoe:

1. All-Day Comfort: Which Hoka models offer the most comfort during long shifts?
2. Fit: How do different models accommodate varying foot widths? Are there options for those with specific foot conditions like plantar fasciitis?
3. Ease of Movement: Which shoes offer the best support for the kinds of movements nurses make during a typical shift, such as quick walking and standing for extended periods?
4. Ease of Cleaning: In healthcare settings, being able to clean and sanitize shoes easily is crucial. How do different models fare in this regard?
5. Value for Money: High-quality shoes are an investment. Which models offer the best bang for your buck, especially for those who are on their feet all day?

Why HOKAS Are the Best Shoes for Nurses

As someone who’s spent nearly 14 years on his feet—first in nursing school, and now as a dad and a clinical nurse—I can attest to the transformative experience of wearing Hoka shoes. But don’t just take my word for it; many of my colleagues are also raving about their own Hokas.

“My first impression was how easy it was to move around. That Meta-Rocker thing? It’s like having wheels on my feet, making those 12-hour shifts a lot more bearable,” says Sarah, a fellow RN in the ER.

Mark, another RN, recently switched to the Plush cushioning after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. “Within weeks, my symptoms started to fade. It’s not just about the cushioning; it’s the right type of cushioning. Hoka nailed it.”

“When you’re in surgery, the last thing you want to think about is foot pain. The Active Foot Frame keeps my feet stable and comfy, so I can focus on my work,” says Emily, a surgical nurse.

Whether you’re facing a hectic shift or standing still during an intricate procedure, you can count on Hoka to give your feet the support and comfort they deserve.