13 best shoes for healthcare workers and anyone else on their feet all day, according to experts

The best shoes for healthcare workers – and anyone else on their feet all day, for that matter – are a non-negotiable. You need something that's as hardworking as you are; something supportive, comfortable and that'll ultimately stand the test of time.

We reached out to nurses and other professionals across the country for recommendations on work shoes that tick every one of those boxes, all while remaining as chic as possible. But before we get into their recs, we also spoke to a podiatrist – that's a doctor who specialises in the foot, ankle and leg, FYI – about everything you need to know about picking the absolute best pair of work shoes. If you spend a lot of time on your feet and appreciate the feeling of walking on clouds only a comfortable pair of shoes can deliver, keep reading.

SKIP TO: What type of shoes should you wear as a healthcare provider? | How often should you replace your work shoes? | What are the best shoes for working on your feet all day? | Shop the best shoes for healthcare workers.

Meet the expert:

• Jacqueline Sutera, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.

1. Best Overall: ASICS Gel-Mission Walking Shoes, £60
2. Best Value: Crocs Classic Clogs, £45
3. Best Sneakers: ON Cloudswift 3 Running Trainers, £150
4. Best Clogs: Dansko Unisex's Sonja Mule, £124.73
5. Best Unisex: FIGS x New Balance 996, £118

“There are three things to look for in ‘good for you’ shoes,” explains Jacqueline. “The first two ensure that you won’t end up with aching feet or legs just hours into a day-long shift; look for features like thick outsoles and memory-foam midsoles to cover your bases.”

“Arch support, meanwhile, cradles your feet throughout the day, which can help you feel more comfortable as time passes,” she says. Proper support might even improve your balance and cut down on back, foot, and knee pain, according to a 2008 study. “Some running and walking shoes already come with an ideal level of arch support, but you can also look for pairs that have removable footbeds; this allows you to insert your own orthotics, which is especially convenient for people with high arches.”

Core Shoes

£110 at Clove

Birkenstock Boston Eva Sandals

£60 at Office

“As much as you might want your cute, comfortable shoes to last forever, it’s not in your best interest to keep them too long,” Dr. Sutera says. Ideally, you’ll wait “between eight to 12 months” before picking up a new pair of the best work shoes, she explains. Why? “Shoes with worn-out soles force your foot to land at an increased angle,” Dr. Sutera continues. “This can stress out bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons and can cause sprains, fractures, strains, inflammation, and injury.” Their shock-absorbing abilities also decrease over time. She compares wearing overworked footwear to eating junk food — it might feel good, but it could be doing you dirty.

No matter what kind of shoes you have, from lace-up workout shoes to slip-resistant clogs, you’ll know it’s time to invest in a new pair thanks to a few tests. “Put them on a tabletop and examine the soles at eye level,” Jacqueline suggests. “Are they even? Are they worn?” Next, flip them over and examine the soles; if the tread is smooth or holes are beginning to form, it’s time to move on. You’ll thank yourself the next time you’re pulling a 12-hour shift.

Ready to start looking? These comfortable shoes are the high-quality, high-functionality staples real professionals rely on for breezing through long shifts and clocking thousands of steps a day. They all just so happen to look great with scrubs, too — and plenty of them are even machine-washable, water-resistant, and unisex.

This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.