Best Hoka Shoes For Nurses – Can Take Comfort to the Next Level
Any nurse will tell you that comfortable shoes are essential for functioning effectively on the job. The average nurse can spend hours walking around without a break. This not only lead to discomfort, it can also cause stress on the lower joints. Many nurses develop conditions such as fallen arches or plantar fasciitis due to the demands of the job. Pain is a common complaint among these medical professionals.
The right pair of shoes can help nurses handle some of the challenges they face daily. Duty shoes for nurses should provide the right amount of stability and support. Comfort is another essential feature for shoes for nurses. This is important in helping overcoming the difficulty of standing all day. One brand that has been getting a lot of attention is Hoka One One, which was founded in 2009. It has steadily built a reputation for offering quality running shoes. The shoes meet the needs of active people with innovative, technological touches, and a practical approach to aesthetics. Here are some of the best Hoka shoes for male nurses and female nurses available today.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table: Best Hoka Shoes For Nurses
[acf field=”list”]HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 6
The first thing to note is that this is a shoe designed to withstand the constant pressure of long runs. This makes it ideal for the hectic daily routine of the average nurse as the rubber sole will not wear down quickly. It is built with soft cushioning to allow the feet and the weight of the body to settle naturally for good posture and a natural stride. Your feet will be cradled by the high outsole for proper weight distribution. At the end of the day, feet will be less tired, even if you spend a lot of time standing or walking around. The wide base gives it a high level of stability and enables flexing and relaxing of the forefoot as you walk. The current model is a redesign and new upgrades include the use of Lycra and changes to the heel area of the upper. It holds the heel well, and firms up more in the midfoot for additional support. This flows into the looser toe area for an overall luxurious feel. The stability in the ankle area will help to deal with mild pronation problems. The engineered mesh and synthetic overlays give this shoe a stylish look that will make it suitable in various settings.
- It has a durable rubber sole with inserts for effective traction even when the floor is wet.
- The breathable textile lining helps to prevent abrasions regardless of activity level and it keeps the feet from getting too hot.
- The foam padded insole can be removed.
- It has a sturdy, full-length EVA insole for shock absorption which helps to reduce stress on the joints.
- In humid conditions, these shoes can sometimes start to feel damp.
- After heavy use, the glue in the upper in the midsole may start to lift slightly.
See also: Best Shoes for Nurses with Heel Pain
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Clifton 6
The size and weight of these shoes can be deceptive, as they are actually much lighter than they look. In fact, the size is a deliberate design feature, meant to gives the shoe a sturdier, more secure feel. This is a result of the high sole which gives the wearer more cushioning for the feet and an overall comfortable ride. Anyone who puts on a pair will immediately notice the way the feet settle naturally as the insole absorbs the weight of the body. The toughness of this shoe makes it ideal for long runs, so it is perfectly suited for nurses who have to move around for hours during their work shifts. It is structurally sound, with an internal heel counter, plenty of room in the forefoot, and the necessary firmness in the midfoot thanks to stitched reinforcements. The stitching starts at the top laces and runs towards the heel of the shoe. Light padding in the tongue allows for tightening of the laces without having any discomfort. It was designed to suit a range of foot shapes, so finding the right fit should not be a challenge. The foam under the feet compresses with each step and adds a bit of bounce to every push-off. The resilience of the foam makes this one of the best shoes for standing all day. It offers the perfect blend of softness, lightness and tough construction.
- There is plenty of room in the toe box so your toes will not feel pinched and your feet will feel more relaxed whether you are standing or walking around.
- The stretchiness of the mesh upper helps the shoe to conform easily to the shape of the foot for a snug and reliable fit.
- The beveled heel enables a quick transition from heel to foot to assist your stride.
- These shoes do a good job of absorbing the shock from contact with hard surfaces.
- These shoes generally run true to size, but a few buyers have reported minor sizing issues.
- They are in the higher price range for nursing shoes.
See also: Best Supportive Shoes for Nurses
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Cavu
When it comes to nurses shoes the most comfortable options are lightweight and stable. The Hoka One One Women’s Cavu Running Shoe meets both of these key considerations. This is a versatile runner that is just as suited for jogging trails as it is the hard floors of a hospital. In addition to providing plenty of support, these shoes are easily broken in whether you need them for work or running. It is well cushioned without feeling too spongy. In the insole absorbs the force of each step, and combined with the shape of the outsole gives the wearer a bit of bounce with each step. The soft, all mesh upper contributes to the snug feel and makes it suitable for different foot shapes. The interior cushioning is durable enough to retain its shape even after hours of wear. There is extra softness in the heel area to take the brunt of heel strikes. This not only leads to less pain in the joints, it also offers some help for people who have mild pronation issues. It has very good arch support and takes some of the pressure off the feet when standing for long hours. There are two metal eyelets at the top, while the rest are stitched. The sole does not have the rocker design, so the transition from the rear to the forefoot does not feel as fast, but it is still sufficient for the average busy nurse.
- Although it is lightweight, this a rugged and durable shoe, so you will get value for your money.
- The sole is designed to provide a lot of traction.
- The toebox is not restrictive, so your feet will always feel relaxed.
- Frequent outdoor use can take a toll on these shoes despite their overall toughness and quality construction.
- They come with shorter laces than most other Hoka shoes.
See also: Best Shoes For Nurses On Feet All Day
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 7
The Bondi is the very first road running footwear launched by HOKA in the year 2011. Over the years, these shoes have delivered significant cushioning with minimal weight and the latest iteration excels at that better than previous versions. The Bondi 7 is only a slight revamp of the Hoka Bondi 6. The two editions have the same outsole and midsole however the later edition comes with an elegantly redesigned upper. Even though the Bondi 7 was specially designed for runners, nurses who enjoy plush, generously padded shoes will adore this Hoka running shoe, particularly for extended shifts.
- Open engineered mesh build for breathable comfort
- Full-length compression-molded EVA midsole
- Internal heel counter for a supportive, secure fit
- Memory foam collar
- TPU overlays
- Rubber outsole
- Improved Early-stage Meta-Rocker
- Beveled heel construction
The Bondi 7 comes with conventional lacing that gives a homely fit to the wearer. The Bondi 7’s padded tongue helps alleviate the strain of the laces over the upper section of the foot. There is also an inner heel cup that adds to the footwear’s structure ensuring a lock-in fit. Several reviewers say they did not experience heel slipping when running or walking.
Another notable characteristic of the Hoka Bondi 7 is its cushiness. Walkers and runners alike concur that the huge pile of foam underneath the trainers delivers the coziest ride ever. One reviewer reported, “ the shoe is so supple, when my feet strike the ground, I actually feel the foam squash beneath my feet, but the padding bounces back after impact and I got no mushy feeling”.
The running shoe is also very breathable. The thin mesh upper is lightweight and allows for good air inflow and outflow inside the shoe even during the hot summer months.
Overall, the Bondi 7 from Hoka One One is an impressive nursing shoe. Hoka simply got several things right with the trainer. The shoe’s Meta-Rocker midsole, durable outsole, and secure foot lockdown all combine to make it one of the best Hoka Shoes for nurses.
- Spacious and firm midsole
- Excellent arch support
- Memory foam collar that offers a personalized heel fit
- Meta rocker construction that allows for an effortless stride
- Some users say the upper feels somewhat narrow
See also: Best Running Shoes for Nurses
HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Bondi 6
Anyone interested in the best Hoka shoes for male nurses should consider this option. It has the cushiony soft feel that users have come to expect from the brand. Aesthetically, it is slightly flashier than other shoes in the line, but it is still practical enough for the traditional nurse’s look. It was designed with rockered geometry, a feature that is used to improve gait mechanics. This is easily identifiable by the curve in the sole that absorbs the impact of a step and redistributes the energy to the forefoot. This not only reduces the risk of injury, it also aids in recovery from conditions such as plantar fasciitis. The design of the sole is meant to support and develop the stride, and reduce stress on the joints. Any wearer will appreciate the responsive nature of this shoe. The Hoka One One Men’s Bondi 6 has a wide base for improved stability. The base also helps to decrease the risk of overpronation. It has a durable midsole and outsole, and is able to provide the all-day comfort that the average nurse needs. It has good arch support, so anyone who has fallen arches should have less discomfort as the day wears on. With soft engineered mesh that stretches, this shoe is capable of adapting to a variety of foot shapes. The mesh also provides the wearer with a snug fit without a feeling of tightness even when wearing the shoes for the first time.
- The mesh material is breathable so it will help to keep feet cool during a long shift.
- The sole provides very good traction on wet surfaces.
- There is ample room in the toe box to allow the toes to move naturally.
- These shoes are a bit pricey, but most buyers feel that they are worth the money.
- Some glued areas can start to show signs of wear over time.
See also: Best Shoes for Male Nurses
HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Gaviota
This shoe is instantly recognizable as coming from the Hoka brand, but it has a slightly flashier style than many of the other products. The thick sole may not be aesthetically pleasing to some, but this plays a vital role in the shoe’s functionality. Duty shoes for nurses should be able to absorb the shock that constant walking places on the legs and lower back. Despite its size, users are always surprised at how lightweight it is. It fits snugly and has luxurious cushioning inside for maximum comfort. It has the necessary features to refine your gait such as a beveled heel and a wide base. Much of this shoe’s stability comes from the high sole and the way it allows the feet to settle inside. The upper section of the sole comes up around the foot to help to keep it stable whether you are walking or standing. This useful feature can help to minimize overpronation as it keeps the ankle from rolling too much. This kind of stability can allow the sole to wear evenly, thereby maintaining the look of the shoe. The Hoka One One Men’s Gaviota Running Shoe generally runs true to size, so most people have no trouble finding the proper fit.
- The motion control running feature makes these shoes ideal for high-pressure environments like health centers and hospitals.
- The interior keeps the shoe from slipping off the heel, and holds the foot in position.
- Special stitching in the midfoot gives the shoe a secure fit.
- The mesh material gives the shoe breathability for long-term comfort.
- This shoe is expensive compared to similar products.
- It has a slightly narrower toe box than other Hoka shoes.
See also: Best Athletic Shoes for Nurses
Slip-on shoes for nurses are widely used, but many prefer the more secure fit of a lace-up. Generally, lace-ups like those offered by the Hoka brand are able to take more of a beating. They are usually more comfortable, as some slip-ons are fully molded, so they lack the soft insoles that many nurses prefer. The shoes lifted about give the wearer more stable movement, and some support the ankles as well. These are important factors since conditions like plantar fasciitis and fallen arches are relatively common among nurses. Any good pair of nursing shoes should continue to feel comfortable even after being on the feet for a few hours.
In addition to having adequate arch support and cushioning, a roomy toebox is always a plus. Flexing and relaxing the toes can help to relieve stress, and having enough space will allow the feet to move naturally, almost as if you are walking barefoot. Since nurses often pull long shifts, breathability is a key feature of any shoes they select. Fortunately, the Hoka line has a number of options that can be added to the list of best shoes for nurses. While the brand is pricier when compared to similar products, it delivers in quality and performance. Even when you pay a bit more for one of these shoes, it is generally a sound investment.
