9 Best Shoes for Overweight Nurses – Reviews & Guide
Plus size individuals tend to place a lot more pressure on their lower back, hips, feet, knees, and ankles. This typically results in discomfort in these body regions and this could potentially lead to other disorders such as arthritis as well as skin disorders on the feet. The major concern with overweight individuals is the harm done to the arch, which has to carry the weight of the entire body. The direct way being obese affect the arch is obvious – the heavier you are, the harder your arch needs to work to maintain its shape. As a nurse, it is vital you have the most comfortable footwear so you can move around quickly and perform your daily tasks with ease. If, however, you are overweight, then that can significantly affect your feet, both with regard to structure and function. An effective way to get through your eight-hour work shifts is by wearing only the best shoes for overweight nurses.
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Best Shoes for Overweight Nurses – Top Picks
[acf field=”list”]ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 21
A solid commitment to performance and research has helped Asics consistently create top-quality running footwear, and this has endeared the brand to many types of runners. The Gel-Nimbus, which is one of the top performers of the Asics series, is a neutral distance footwear that has had a devoted following for several years. The ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 21 Running Shoe is an everyday training footwear that delivers maximum shock absorption, flexible cushioning as well as a luxurious sensation underfoot. The footwear is designed to hit a balance between energy return and cushioning, no wonder it is hyped as one of the best shoes for overweight nurses.
- Mesh and synthetic upper
- AHAR outsole for outstanding durability
- Fabric sole
- Heel clutching system with exoskeletal heel counter for enhanced support
- FlyteFoam Propel Technology that delivers impressive bounce
- Plus 3 Midsole Technology that helps reduce Achilles tension
If you are a fan of the Gel Nimbus, then you may have noticed that the upper of some of the previous models had issues with breathability and sizing. Many users have complained that their feet had moisture problems because there was insufficient air circulation within some of the models such as the Nimbus 19. Also, many reviewers have pointed out the previous editions of the Gel Nimbus had a terrible upper fit. They noted that some of the shoes have short toe box height and some felt narrow all through the foot area and never widening.
However, with the arrival of the Nimbus 21, it appears ASICS has, at last, heard these complaints and resolved to make some changes. The Women’s Gel-Nimbus 21 has an upper made from premium mesh that is a bit more elastic compared to that of previous editions. This new mesh material also allows for enhanced air circulation within the footwear. ASICS also ensured that the upper of the Nimbus 21 retains its support capabilities – thanks to the 3D-Printed Overlays used in its construction. The inner part of the shoe features Ortholite X-40 Sockliner – a premium sockliner that helps take moisture away from the feet.
In addition, ASICS made their Gel-Nimbus 21 Running Shoes to fit true to size. These shoes have a narrow heel area, which helps to keep the foot and ankle within the proper position whilst walking or running. However, the footwear gets wider as you move towards its comfortable toe box. The height of the toe box has also been increased a little. This update helps to reduce pressure on the toes thus allowing for a relaxed walking experience.
- Spacious and comfortable upper
- Impressive cushioning
- Durable traction on varied surfaces
- High breathability and excellent moisture management
- The upper is not so water resistant
See also: Best Asics Shoes for Nurses
Skechers Women’s Memory Foam
Engineered using mesh and faux leather, the Skechers Sport Women’s Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneaker is comfortable, lightweight, and is one of the top shoes for nurses on feet all day. This trendy footwear from Skechers features a breathable mesh upper, flex groove outsoles, memory foam insole, and bungee laces. They are available in a wide range of colors including pink, white silver, charcoal blue, and black hot pink. Several reviewers have given this footwear five stars rating, while a few thinks it is not so impressive.
- 100 percent faux leather plus mesh fabric
- Rubber sole
- Memory foam insole
- Slip-on sneaker design
- Breathable mesh construction
The name of this outstanding footwear gives away many of its fantastic features. The footwear is fitted with a super soft memory foam insole that provides the wearer’s feet with supreme comfort. In addition, the sneaker features a breathable mesh upper to ensure adequate comfort and ventilation, even during very long shifts. The shoe’s lightweight design helps ensure you keep walking with total freedom and comfort regardless of the terrain you find yourself.
Aside from being lightweight, the Skechers Sport Women’s Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneaker features a flex-groove outsole that allows for optimum performance capabilities. The style is great for everyday wear, and is simple to put on or remove. This is because the sneaker is designed to be slip-on and comes with bungee laces as well as a matching midsole stripe. Available in a range of color combinations, so you can choose one that suits your style sense. The best shoes for overweight individuals are those that offer good cushioning, anti-slippery properties, and additional padding, and the Skechers Sport Women’s Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneaker delivers all of these and more.
- Breathable mesh upper
- No tie lacing
- Properly cushioned interior
- Slip-on construction
- Some users have complained of heel rubbing when walking with this footwear
See also: Best Skechers for Nurses
Skechers Women’s D’Lites Sneaker
If you are looking to spice up your appearance with a comfortable and fashionable statement sneaker, then you should consider adding Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker to your daily mix. The footwear provides supreme comfort, flexible construction, impressive traction, and it delivers all these without skimping on style. The Skechers D’Lites is also ranked among the best shoes for overweight nurses as it comes with a soft memory foam midsole that molds superbly to your feet giving you an astonishingly responsive ride. The shoes come in a wide variety of colors so everyone is bound to find their favorite.
- Good traction
- Leather and synthetic upper
- Flexible rubber sole
- Lightweight
- Lace-up closure
- Soft, memory foam midsole
- Padded collar and tongue
- Sporty design
As a nurse, you most likely have to spend several hours on your feet in order to perform your duties effectively. For this reason, it is vital your shoes provide a decent degree of flexibility so you can move freely and avoid injury. One thing you do not want is to feel like your feet are trapped within your footwear while in the middle of a very long shift. With the Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker, there is no need to bother about these problems as the shoe provides a decent degree of flexibility to ensure your feet are comfortable even during extended shifts.
In addition, the women’s D’lites sneaker has an outsole that offers a decent level of traction. Thus, whether you are walking on the hospital hallways, working out at the gym or doing an evening run, you do not need to bother about your feet slipping out from beneath them. The footwear provides impressive traction on all types of terrains.
The footwear also features a lightweight leather upper plus breathable mesh material that allows for optimal airflow within and out of the sneaker. Skechers also added synthetic overlays to enhance the support and structure of the shoe. The synthetic overlays also helps to protect the heels and toes from injury. The women’s D’lites sneaker comes with regular lace-up closure for a snug fit, as well as a lightly padded tongue and collar for ankle cushioning and support. The inside of the footwear is fitted with a supple fabric lining to enhance ventilation within the shoe.
- Heel and toe protection
- Simple to clean
- Trendy design
- Flexible construction
- Great traction
- Impressive cushioning
- Sizing problems
- Not very durable
See also: Best Brand of Shoes for Nurses
Skechers Women’s Premium-Premix
This impressive sneaker from Skechers looks professional and classy while still remaining comfortable and dependable. The footwear has a simple and trouble-free slip-on design with trendy detailing. What this means is that you will never have to bother about laces with the Skechers sport women’s premium-premix slip-on sneaker. Nurses have demanding jobs that require continual walking and standing. If you are a plus-size nurse, you should consider the premium-premix slip-on sneaker as it is one of the best shoes for overweight women.
- One hundred percent synthetic and leather upper
- Highly supportive rubber sole
- Padded tongue and collar
- Slip-on sneaker
Sneakers with laces are more popular within the sports industry compared to slip-on sneakers. This is because the laces serve the function of adjusting the size, either to loose or to tight. However, in the medical field, slip-on sneaker designs with their excellent cushioning are the best fit for on the go individuals who are constantly on their feet.
The Skechers Sport Women’s Premium-Premix Slip-On Sneaker has a leather upper plus a supple, padded lining. Even with prolonged wearing, your feet will remain comfortable, as the footwear does not have any snags or rough areas that will disturb your ankles or feet. Since the footwear has a slip-on design, a soft elastic material is fitted within the front panels to help in wearing and taking off the shoe. In addition, the sole of the sneaker is made using a flexible rubber material that provides impressive traction on varied terrains.
The shoe’s footbed is fitted with supportive air cushioning, and this does not add to the shoe’s weight. The air cushioning helps to absorb the shocks created by your foot strikes while walking around the hospital grounds or hallways. This feature helps to shield your joints and muscle tendons from injury and damage. In addition, nurses who have high arches treasure the footwear for the reason that they do not require additional inserts. The in-built arches within the lower part of the footwear are already reasonably high and provide a reasonable degree of support.
Another feature you will like about this remarkable shoe from Skechers is that it does not stain white floors. The shoe’s outsole is engineered using top-quality rubber that will last a very long time.
- Sturdy and durable sole
- Reasonably priced
- Quality outsole that provides excellent traction
- Easy to clean upper
- Require some break-in time
- Toe box is not so spacious
See also: Best Slip-On Shoes for Nurses
Skechers Women’s Go Walk 3
As indicated by the name, the Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 3 Slip-On was designed to be a walking shoe. It features technologies that give the user outstanding degrees of cushioning and comfort when walking. If your job keeps you walking a lot and on your feet for extended periods, then you will require a comfortable and supportive footwear such as the women’s Go Walk 3. Many customers who have reviewed this shoe have given it positive reviews. They particularly like the footwear’s design, which is reasonably attractive and suitable for almost every occasion. What this means is that the women’s Go Walk 3 slip-on walking shoe is the kind of footwear you can wear to your workplace and attend a colleague’s birthday party with it without drawing funny glances.
- One hundred percent mesh/synthetic upper
- Rubber sole
- I.25 inche heel height
- Multi-directional traction outsole
- Full-length goga mat return energy insole
- Radically lightweight
- Memory foam cushioned vamp and heel
Once you get your own pair of the Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe, the first thing you will notice is that it is a radically lightweight, slip-on footwear weighing only about 4.5oz. You can wear this shoe all day long without having to worry about your feet getting sore at the end of your workday. The shoe features impressive technologies such as its high-rebound cushioning that will add a springy bounce to each of your strides.
In addition, the shoe features Go Pillars technology within the midsole, which delivers outstanding flexibility, shock-absorption as well as anatomically correct arch support. The women’s Go-Walk 3 also features Skecher’s signature Goga Mat memory foam fit that is designed to improve comfort while excellent breathability is assured – thanks to the shoe’s FitKnit mesh upper.
Skechers is aware that individual customers have widely varying tastes when it comes to fashion. To accommodate this concern, the women’s Go walk 3 comes in a plethora of colors so you can select whichever color suits your style sense. In addition, the footwear is available in a range of sizes, so if you have wide feet, you will find some extra-wide options that will meet your requirements.
One other feature you will like about the Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe is its antimicrobial liner. This feature helps prevent odors and ensures your feet is fresh and healthy all day long.
- Breathable upper material
- Trendy design
- Lightweight walking footwear
- Available in a range of sizes and colors
- Antimicrobial liner that helps prevent odors
- Suitable for use in fair weather only
- Some users have complained that the shoe is a bit tight around the toe region
See also: Are Sneakers Good for Walking?
Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker
If you are obese, it can be hard to find a reliable pair of shoes that will be appropriate for both standing and walking all day. Putting excessive pressure on the feet can result in joint pain as well as other associated medical conditions. Brooks has come to the rescue with its Women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes. This impressive shoe is made using environment-friendly and durable materials, and delivers an amazing walking experience, even during very long work shifts. The Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker is one of the best athletic shoes for nurses, as it will help you say goodbye to foot, knee, or back pain as well as help correct your gait. Keep reading to find out if this footwear is the one you have been searching for.
- Full-grain leather upper for better durability
- BioMoGo DNA Midsole Cushioning
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Available in 3 colors (white, bone, and black)
- Rear padding for enhanced shock absorption
- Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar for better arch support
- Spacious toe box
- Motion control footwear
The Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker is an extremely cozy pair of shoes and this is thanks to the footwear’s BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning. The BioMoGo DNA platform basically helps to reduce the impact of foot landing thereby delivering a smooth walking experience. The women’s addiction walker is also fitted with Brook’s signature Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (EPDR). The EPDR is fitted beneath the arch area and helps regulate pronation, as well as promote smoother transitions during your gait cycle.
The Addiction Walker is rightly touted as one of the best shoes for overweight nurses. This is because the footwear is made utilizing linear platform technology that ensures it is sturdy enough and suitable for obese individuals. The Addiction walker is also one of the best shoes you can wear if you suffer from bunions. This is because it provides a spacious toe box where your toes can spread fully and move freely.
Even though the Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker is one of the top shoes for nurses available in the market today, it is certainly not a perfect footwear. The shoe is a bit heavy compared to other walking footwears in its price range. However, that is mostly due to the extra cushioning as well as motion support the shoe offers. If you are searching for additional support and comfort, you will find that this shoe will meet your requirements.
- Simple to clean
- Good arch support
- High-quality stitching
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Biodegradable midsole
- Durable leather construction
- Available in only 3 colors
- Limited breathability
See also: Best Shoes for Nurses with Back Pain
New Balance Women’s 928 V3
New Balance is a US brand and is perhaps the only footwear company that still produces a variety of shoes within the United States, without outsourcing to preserve the highest quality of all their products. If you have been a fan of the New Balance 928 series, you would most likely be aware that the 928 V2 edition has a number of customer complaints. New Balance has taken care of these complaints with the newer version – the 928 V3. The New Balance women’s 928 V3 walking shoe is ranked among the best shoes for overweight nurses, and is also designed to deal with a myriad of foot problems including plantar fasciitis and bunions. The shoe comes with several impressive features that will keep fans interested for a very long time.
- Rubber sole
- One hundred percent leather upper
- ABZORB cushioning for superior shock absorption
- ROLLBAR stability technology that helps regulate rear-foot movement for better support
- NDurance rubber outsole that delivers impressive traction and durability
- Walking Strike Path system that helps guide your foot during your walking gait cycle
The New Balance Women’s 928 V3 Walking Shoe delivers supreme comfort and stability – thanks to the shoe’s ROLLBAR support and ABZORB cushioning features. The footwear’s midsole is fitted with ABZORB cushioning technology. The ABZORB material is a blend of isoprene rubber as well as other materials made by New Balance that helps dissipate the force at the point of impact thereby decreasing shock. The ROLLBAR stability technology helps regulate the rear-foot movement for better support and stability.
With these features, individuals who suffer from health conditions such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and tendinitis will certainly love this footwear. In addition, the New Balance Women’s 928 V3 is fitted with NDurance rubber outsole that blends lightweight comfort with extra durability.
The Women’s 928 V3 from New Balance has an upper that is mostly leather. It is available in three colors – white, black and gray, and the inner part of the footwear has a detachable PU footbed that you can replace with custom orthotics.
- Designed to deal with a variety of foot conditions
- Detachable footbed that can be replaced with custom orthotics
- Available in wide as well as extra-wide sizes
- Good for individuals who have high arches, low arches, and flat feet
- Few color options
- Somewhat heavy due to the mostly leather upper
See also: Best New Balance Shoes For Nurses
New Balance Women’s 990V3
The 990 is one of the most popular series in the New Balance running shoes lineup, and has had a cult following since its original release in the year 1982. The New Balance Women’s 990V3 Running Shoe is a blend of impressive design and fabric and delivers the best cushioning and foot support for everyday use. The shoe’s midsole cushions, heel design, flexibility, comfort, support capability, and breathable mesh upper help it outshine its competitors in several facets. This is why many reviewers agree that the 990 V3 is another impressive addition to the brand’s lineup of running shoes.
- NDurance rubber outsole that delivers outstanding durability
- Dual-density collar foam for better cushioning
- Blown rubber forefoot for enhanced responsiveness and comfort
- Reflective detailing helps improve visibility when in low-light situations
- Fifty percent mesh, fifty percent leather
- Encap EVA midsole help maintain durability and provide superior cushioning
- ABZORB midfoot cushioning helps with shock absorption
The New Balance Women’s 990V3 Running Shoe has a classy style that will definitely entice you. The footwear is available in a range of color choices for runners and walkers with diverse tastes, and its reflective detailing helps boost visibility when in a low-light environment. This is why the shoe is an excellent option for evening jogs or early morning walks.
The Women’s 990V3 Running Shoe from New Balance is indeed a very comfortable shoe – thanks to the innovative technologies employed in the making of the footwear. ABZORB foam within the shoe’s detachable insole offers shock absorption, support, cushioning, and stability. Encap helps ensure the foot’s rear is properly cushioned and supported. The shoe is also very durable – thanks to its Encap EVA midsole and NDurance rubber within the lateral section and heel.
The shoe is however not perfect, as some buyers have reported that it provides little arch support. Thus, if you require additional arch support to help you through your long shifts, you should consider adding an insole or external arch support. The New Balance Women’s 990V3 Running Shoe is rated among the best shoes for overweight nurses due to the ample comfort features offered by the footwear.
- Breathable mesh upper
- Delivers good stability
- Good fitting
- High durability
- Trendy design and comes in a range of colors
- Good for overweight individuals and those that suffer from plantar fasciitis
- Somewhat heavy
- Not suitable for rough terrains
See also: How to Know if You Have Wide Feet?
Saucony ProGrid Integrity ST2
The major attractions to this Saucony footwear are its comfort and durability. Offered in several width options and with its EVA foam and cushion layers, the shoe will keep your feet secure and well supported during your shifts. Besides, the upper is made using highly durable materials meaning that your money is not wasted on the ProGrid Integrity ST2 walking shoe. If you searching for the best shoes for overweight nurses, this one fits the bill perfectly.
- Non-marking rubber sole
- Full-grain leather
- Grid cushioning unit
- Walk-Trac comfort outsole
One of the finest aspects about this Saucony model is its upper, a combination of breathable mesh and full-grain leather. Most reviews agree that the upper is exceptionally flexible and durable. The breathable mesh upper helps ensure ample ventilation, checks needless sweating, and, eliminates bad smells.
Shoes for overweight individuals need to be sufficiently strong and durable to hold up all the weight. Since the Saucony Integrity ST2 walking shoe is fitted with hard-wearing rubber outsoles along with durable upper materials, it is one of the best shoes for overweight nurses. This outsole is also non-slip and delivers enough traction to avert slips and falls. Moreover, you do not have to bother about ruining polished floor surfaces as the shoe’s outsole is non-marking.
Another key selling point of this footwear is its PROGRID cushioning insole. Saucony says this insole delivers a high degree of comfort along with impact-resistant protection, and over 80 percent of reviews agree with this. The midsole material is specially engineered to allow for sufficient pronation control along with good arch support.
Regardless of your foot type, this Saucony shoe model will work for you. It will also serve you well whether your job keeps you on your feet for extended hours or you suffer from minor to moderate overpronation. Delighted wearers have been praising the sneaker for its shock absorption, protective properties, and pillowy midsole construction.
For comfortability and design, you will not find a better sneaker that will outclass the ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe from Saucony. You can wear these all day without any anguish.
- Excellent arch support
- Impressive cushioning
- Reasonably priced
- Made of hard-wearing rubber
- Highly breathable
- Somewhat heavy
How to Choose the Best Shoes for Overweight Nurses?
As a nurse, working on your feet all day long is a regular feature of the job. Walking and standing for extended hours on hard hospital floors can take a toll on your feet. If you’re also overweight or even obese, the burden on your joints and feet amplifies causing additional problems. Happily, the appropriate shoes will help prevent several of the foot conditions connected with being overweight. That is why this guide for selecting the best shoes for overweight nurses is essential if you are looking to buy one.
How Working as a Nurse and Being Overweight Impacts your Feet?
If you spend the majority of your workday on the move or standing, enormous strain is placed on your feet and lower extremities resulting in aches and soreness. The problem is aggravated if you are obese or overweight.
Below are some of the conditions your feet may experience due to your working as a nurse and being overweight.
- Hammertoes
- Plantar fasciitis
- Flat feet
- Arthritic pain
- Pain within the ankle and the heel
- Stress fractures
- Swelling from retaining excessive water
As stated earlier, wearing the right workshoes will play a particularly vital role in helping to prevent these conditions.
The Best Types of Shoes for Overweight Nurses
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Sports Shoes
These come in a broad variety of types including tennis shoes and running shoes. Many nurses rave about these shoes due to the all-day comfort and support they provide. Many sports shoes are sneakers with a lace-up closure. This design feature ensures your feet are firmly held in place so you do not experience slippage when walking or running.
A reliable nursing shoe should be lightweight, provide you with superior comfort, support, adequate protection, shock absorption, and traction. Athletic shoes offer all of these features and more. The fascinating thing about these shoes is that they are offered in a wide array of styles and designs to suit varied tastes.
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Clogs
There are several reasons why clogs are the favored choice of footwear for many healthcare professionals including nurses. To start with, clogs provide exceptional comfort and support to the wearer’s feet. Most shoes feel cozy when you first try them on but they soon lose this attribute after a couple of wears. The fantastic thing about clogs is that they are engineered to provide lasting support and comfort even after several miles of wear.
Furthermore, clogs last longer compared to other shoe styles because they are typically made using top-quality and durable materials like rubber. You will often discover that traditional work shoes have a tendency to lose their shape or fall apart after a few months of wear. In contrast, clogs retain their shape and appearance even after years of wear and cleaning cycles.
Other reasons nurses love clogs is because they are breathable, lightweight, easy to clean, easy to wear/remove, and provide admirable traction on slippery surfaces.
6 Things To Consider Before Buying Shoes for Overweight Nurses
Proper Cushioning
Good cushioning is a top desired attribute in shoes for heavy individuals. This is because it will help absorb the shocks on your feet and legs, thus helping to avert injuries like stress fractures, shin splints, and Achilles tendinitis.
Arch Support
Overweight individuals tend to have flat feet. Naturally, due to the non-existent arch support, you should opt for shoes that offer outstanding arch support. Shoes fitted with ultra-soft outsoles will feel wonderful initially, but after a few wears, the sole will compress and become less supportive. Supportive shoes should lessen the force of your weight on your feet to avert any back, leg, and foot pains.
Quality Materials
You may already be aware that the more you weigh, the quicker your shoes will wear out. Shoes made with poor-quality materials will wear out even quicker and provide less support. Well-constructed shoes will provide superior support and last you a long time.
Flexible and Lightweight
As you go about your daily tasks, the last thing you require is shoes that’ll weigh you down. Lightweight shoes will help ease the pressure on your feet so your feet feel cozier when walking. This way, you can concentrate on your core task, which is patient care.
Proper fit
Apart from causing soreness and other foot conditions, the problem with shoes that do not fit properly is that they break down quickly. Poor-fitting shoes will typically separate at the seams, wear disproportionately on the soles, or lose their supportiveness due to excessive stretching.
Breathability
Breathable shoes are engineered to allow good air circulation inside the shoe. Adequate airflow inside the shoe will help prevent overheating issues thereby keeping your feet happy and comfortable throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
[acf field=”faq”]Conclusion: Best Shoes for Overweight Nurses
Nursing is arguably the most demanding career to go into. To succeed in this profession, you require not only dedication but a reliable pair of nursing shoes as well. When you begin your search for the best shoes for overweight nurses, your first consideration should be a proper fit. Other important features you should look out for are arch support, durability, and cushioning. These are especially critical if you are obese or overweight.