There are quite a few reasons New Balance shoes are consistently rated the best shoes for nurses and healthcare workers. New Balance running shoes and walking shoes are common in the clinic or in any hospital wing from the OR to pediatrics.
New Balance For Nurses Our Top 3 Choices
It’s not just because they’re comfortable, have good arch support and style. They include some pretty high-tech features, including heel counters and gel inserts.
In addition, they offer a wide variety of widths, from narrow all the way to X-Wide – so you’re sure to find the right fit.
So let’s take a look at these best tennis shoes for nurses – the New Balance line. We’ll give you some walking shoes and running shoes and even some of the best shoes for male nurses too.
Here you have, the Best New Balance Nursing Shoes, Our Honest Review:
Best New Balance Shoes For Female Nurses
We made this list by listening to as many nurse voices across the spectrum as we could find. We wanted to hear about comfort on long shifts, performance, how they breathed, how cushiony the soles were – and we also wanted to see if there were any negative reviews.
What we found on a wide margin was that New Balance shoes are a good pick for any nurse no matter what the job.
New Balance 840 V4 Running Shoe – Best Overall
Comfort, shock absorption, snug and easy fit plus a lightweight, breathable mesh? Best Overall – the 840 V4 running shoe rates amazing on all features. The customized ABZORB midsole provides amazing arch support and stability.
The shoes are so light and comfy, you’ll forget you’re wearing them, but when it’s time to perform, they deliver. It also doesn’t hurt they’re pretty stylish too.
Cons: The lightweight mesh isn’t as liquid-resistant as a solid toe – try the 515 V1 Sneaker instead.
New Balance FuelCore Nergize V1– Best For Nurses On Feet All-day
If you’re on the go all day and the idea of a sit-down break is a cruel joke, the FuelCore Nergize V1 shoes are your secret weapon. These are ultra light-weight and the Rev-Light midsole gives you a smooth ride all day long.
Cons: The lightweight mesh doesn’t provide a lot of protection for your foot, if you need more, try the 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer.
New Balance 574 V2 Sneaker – Best Lightweight Material
Don’t let the heavier-looking design fool you – the 574 V2 shoe material is all super lightweight. You’ll even get a bit more protection and an aggressive street-forward design. Comfort, cushioning, and retro styling. These are a win.
Cons: doesn’t have the same breathability as the all-mesh types – try the 840 V4 Running Shoe.
New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer – Best for shock absorption
Do you need top of the line cushioning and comfort? The 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainers have the best shock absorption of all the New Balance choices. If you have any foot pain or problems, these are the best choice.
They’ve also got the best color schemes to fit uniform policies.
Cons: not as many colors as others – for more choices try the FuelCore Nergize V1.
New Balance 515 V1 Sneaker – Most durable
If you’re tough on your work shoes, the 515 V1 is the most durable (and comfy) New Balance shoes that nurses love. The upper is durable and stands up to the heavy wear and tear of even the craziest shifts.
You still get the same comfortable ride with a side of old school style.
Cons: not as breathable as other options like the 574 V2 Sneaker.
Best New Balance Shoes for Male Nurses
We know our male nurses out there need just as much (if not more) performance and comfort for our nursing shoes. We checked out the same number of comments by male nurses to find out why they wore New Balance on shift and what they thought of them.
Here are the top 5 that got the best reviews for all the features you need in a reliable, comfortable shoe that performs for today’s male nurses.
New Balance Nitrel V3 Trail Running Shoe – Best Overall
Hands down the Nitrel V3 running shoe gets the best ratings for feel, ride, cushioning, and great performance. It’s one of those shoes that brings it all together to hit everything you need.
The kind you don’t mind wearing all day long, even after work. The innovative Revlite midsole is crazy cushioning and the arch support is nice
Cons: If you need one, the color schemes are limited – if you need more choices try the Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe – Most Comfortable
Do you need absolutely ALL the comfort? Extra cushioning meets a lightweight, sock-like upper? They almost feel like you’re wearing slippers.
From the Fresh Foam X collection, the 1090 V10 running shoes really are like your feet walking on marshmallows. The lightweight top feels like it’s barely there.
Cons: while lightweight, the uppers don’t provide as much protection as the 577 V1 Lace-up Walking Shoe.
New Balance 680v6 Cushioning Running Shoe – Best for Wide Feet
If you’ve got boat paddles for feet, you know how hard it can be to find shoes that give you enough room.
The New Balance 680 V6 running shoes not only offer sizes all the way to X-Wide, but the upper mesh is also stretchy and super breathable (for those of us with sweaty feet) while the sole gives top-notch shock absorption.
Cons: not as much liquid protection as the 990 V5 Casual Sneakers.
New Balance 577 V1 Lace-up Walking Shoe – Best Non-Slip
If you need comfortable shoes with a stable platform and grippy soles, the 577 V1 are the best New Balance walking shoes.
They’re not going to give you flash and style – these are the reliable sedan that gets to and from the hospital every day, rain or shine. Also compatible with most uniform codes.
Cons: not as breathable as other styles – try the 840 V4 Running Shoe instead.
New Balance Made 990 V5 Sneaker Shoe – Most Breathable
In addition to the 680 V6, the 900 V5 provides the most breathability and airflow of any New Balance Shoe. Nobody wants swamp foot – but you don’t have to sacrifice durability and comfort for a nice, airy shoe.
Don’t let the sturdy look fool you – these work.
Cons: only have limited colors – try the Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoes.
How To Find The Perfect Pair Of New Balance Shoes For Nurses
Finding the right pair of New Balance shoes isn’t that hard. All of them provide comfort and excellent performance.
And the variety of sizes, well, it makes sure that the fit is snug without being tight – which your feet will appreciate after a 14-hour night shift.
But what else should you consider besides the size? Here are a few things:
Comfort
Most New Balance shoes are going to give any nurse the comfort they need. If you’re more active, consider a running shoe. If you need more support and comfort, a walking shoe is more your speed.
Support
Good arch and ankle support are key to prevent foot pain and problems like plantar fasciitis. If you need a little extra support, walking shoes should be your choice.
Return Policy
Make sure you check the return policy of the seller. Make sure it’s easy and no-hassle if you need to return the shoes if you need a different size or they just don’t feel as comfortable as you’d like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are New Balance Shoes Good For Nurses?
New Balance shoes are one of the highest-rated shoes for comfort and performance by thousands of nurses and healthcare professionals across the nation.
What Is The Best Shoe For Nurses To Wear?
The best shoes for nurses are comfortable, have good arch support and stability, are durable, and are shock absorbent. That’s why so many nurses wear New Balance shoes.
Which New Balance Shoes Are Best For Standing All Day?
New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker – these have a great return that helps provide a feedback response to promote and aid normal gait.
What Are The Best New Balance Shoes For Walking?
New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer – these shoes have the best cushioning and shock absorption while providing the best stable platform.
Conclusion
You can’t go wrong choosing any New Balance shoe, especially if you’re a busy nurse. Sure, they have a few different features, but all of them have comfort that surpasses most other brands.
If you’ve made it this far and still are wondering which is the best, here’s a review of the top 3 picks: 840 V4 Running Shoe – Best Overall (Female), Nitrel V3 – Best Overall (Male), and FuelCore Nergize V1 – Best if you’re on your feet all day.
You’re going to find the right New Balance shoe with the right fit, comfort, and performance. Do it – get yourself a pair and take them for a test ride – do it for your feet.