10 Best Nurse-approved Walking Shoes for Travelers

As an avid hiker and runner, I’m always on the hunt for comfortable shoes with substantial cushioning, arch support, and reliable traction. Because I’m a carry-on-only traveler, I also need them to be packable and lightweight, plus versatile to wear for different activities. And who better to ask for comfortable shoe advice than nurses, who spend their day on their feet, hustling from one appointment to the next?

I spoke with six nurses to find out which shoes they recommend for long days on their feet, so you can pack a pair for your next trip. In addition to their shoe recommendations, the majority of nurses said they also add insoles such as the Protalus T-100 Elite Insoles for extra cushioning and support. Some of the nurses also keep Born to Be Wild Muscle Relief Gel in their overnight bags, which works wonders for sore leg muscles — and even tight shoulders. 

Now, read on to find the 10 comfiest nurse-approved walking shoes to pack for your next vacation.

Hoka Clifton 9

Not only are these Hoka shoes excellent for walking and cross-training, but they’re also podiatrist-approved and a favorite among nurses. With over 11 years in the medical field under her belt, Jihan Brueggemann, a registered nurse, knows that comfort is a necessity because she spends long hours on her feet. She praised these sneakers, saying, “They’re my ultimate favorite because they offer more stability and ankle support. I also love how they feel like I am walking on air.” You’ll also catch her sporting these lightweight shoes on vacation. “They are also offered in a variety of colors, which shows off my personality,” she says. As a fitness expert and seasoned travel writer, I couldn’t agree more with the comfort and versatility of these arch-supporting sneakers.

Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 Running Shoe

These Asics shoes feature the brand’s OrthoLite X-55 footbed which offers superior cushioning for spending long periods on your feet. (The removable insoles can also be substituted with custom orthotics.) And, with a grippy outsole, you don’t have to worry about slipping or falling.

Crystal Alcantra, a registered nurse in the ICU and aesthetics, vouched for these sneakers as her favorite shoe for long days at the office. “I am on my feet between eight to 12 hours a day, so I’m looking for something that provides a lot of support and cushion, without too much bulk,”  she says. She also loves these for traveling because they’re extremely comfortable and lightweight. Available in six vibrant colors, offered in sizes 5 to 13.

Brooks Ghost 16 Running Shoe

I’ve been a fan of Brooks’ Ghost sneakers for over 10 years now, using them for marathon training, cross-training, and hiking. I love them for vacation because they’re super lightweight and easy to pack. Shawnda Dorantes, a nurse practitioner and skincare expert, couldn’t agree more; she’s on her feet up to 10 hours a day, so she needs something supportive and durable. “For me, Brooks Ghost 16’s have been a lifesaver,” she says. “They provide all-day comfort and support that I rely on. They’re also fantastic for travel when comfort and breathability are vital.” 

Marlee Bruno, a board-certified physician’s assistant and founder of Mind Body & Soul Medical in Pensacola, Florida, agrees, noting how comfortable they are. She also brings them on vacations in Montana and Colorado when she’s out for vigorous hikes. They’re offered in eight colors and sizes 5 to 13.

New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V13 Running Shoe 

In addition to the Asics Gel-Nimbus shoes, Alcantra also recommends these New Balance Fresh Foams for long hours on her feet. She’s been a loyal New Balance customer for over two years, and decided to purchase them at her local Road Runner Sports after associates tested her gait and foot strike on a 3D foot scanner to determine which shoes were best suited for her. 

Padded with Fresh Foam X midsole foam, these New Balance shoes offer excellent cushioning and arch support. The brand’s special NDurance rubber outsole provides durability and ample grip when you’re on the move, whether it’s exploring a new city or hiking in the mountains. Not only does Alcantra love them for work, but she also always has them on her packing list. “They provide the comfort you need when traveling,” she says.

Kizik Women’s Wasatch

It was love at first try when I slipped my foot into these super functional Kizik shoes. The Wasatch are especially near and dear to my heart because they’re waterproof; they’ve stood the test of truly wet Pacific Northwest winters. Nurses also these shoes because they’re designed to be easy to slip on and off: they feature Kizik’s special hands-free design. You don’t have to bend down to put them on or off — just slide your foot in and out thanks to the heel that springs back into place. “[They’re] perfect for slipping on in a hurry, quiet when walking, and super comfy,” one nurse wrote on the Kizik website.

Plus, these shoes feature removable insoles that are easy to wash and reuse. The thick lug sole offers efficient traction for easy movement while out and about on vacation. There are five color options, offered in sizes 6 to 13. I own three colors, and my favorite is the tumbleweed for fall and winter adventures.

Rothy’s The Lace Up

Just because we love comfort doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice style. I love Rothy’s shoes, and I’m not the only one. In addition to her Brooks Ghost 16s, Dorantes also loves a good pair of Rothy’s, especially for vacation; she likes The Knot Point II flat for their comfort and style. 

So, we know these sneakers will be a great pick, too, because they also feature a comfortable footbed and the brand’s signature machine washable design.

Sanuk Puffy Chiller Low 

After a long day of appointments and meetings, nurses love something fast and easy they can slide in and out of for the drive home, or even put on during a short break. That’s why these unisex slip-ons come in so handy. Made with recycled and sustainable materials, the special insole molds to your feet, while the rubber sole maximizes traction reliability for a stable base. Plus, the puffy outer keeps you warm during the colder months. Super packable, they’re a good idea to tuck into your bag or wear to the airport.

Reebok Women’s Walk Ultra 7 DMX Max Shoe

Several nurses swear by these Reeboks at Amazon, with many giving them five-star reviews for their all-day comfort. “I am a Nurse and have worn Reebok shoes for many years,” one person wrote. “The insoles are fantastic and mold to your feet. My feet never hurt standing and walking in these shoes for 12 hours at a time.” What’s more is that they note how easy they are to keep clean because of the leather upper. The memory foam cushioning provides support for long days on your feet, and the rubber outsole has plenty of traction and stability.

Teva Terrawave Sneaker

Sporty Teva sandals are durable and functional, which Bruno likes wearing on vacation when she isn’t donning her Brooks Ghost 16s at work. They’re lightweight and easy to pack, plus “durable for rugged terrain and comfortable and breathable,” she says. So it’s obvious that these Teva Terrawave Sneakers would also be a great addition to your travel footwear collection, built with the same durable, sturdy construction and the brand’s Max-Comf technology that offers a dual-density foam bottom for cushioned comfort. 

Figs New Balance Roav 

Zac Shepherd, an ICU travel nurse, has gone through a lot of shoes in 11 years in his demanding role. He’s particular about his footwear because he works 12-hour shifts, typically walking between six to eight miles throughout the day. “I take a close look at the midsole material and upper breathability because those two things are key to help keep all those steps comfortable,” he says. Right now, his favorites are the Figs x New Balance 3447s, which have a breathable mesh upper and Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. Lightweight and easy to pack, these shoes will help you feel comfortable during long days on your feet since they’re expertly designed for clinicians. “They’re not only my daily use shoes for the inpatient setting, but they look just as good outside for a travel day as they do with my scrubs,” Shepherd says. 

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