Many nurses prefer a sneaker or running shoe for work because of comfort, support, durability, and many other reasons. As they do most of their work while on their feet, they indeed value a good pair of shoes. With a reliable brand of footwear, they will be able to keep their job without compromising their health. Fortunately, this is all possible with these best HOKA shoes for nurses.
Why is Hoka One One Such a Great Brand Of Shoes For Nurses?
In 2009, HOKA was founded by two French trail runners Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard. The founders wanted to bring out a different kind of experience that will cradle runners' feet. Thus, they developed a softly cushioned and lightweight EVA foam that brought about the shoes Hoka One One's introduction.
Hoka One One has become such an excellent sneaker brand as its proprietary EVA rubber blend rather than traditional EVA. Some of Hoka shoes' new technology features are:
ProFly
This cushioning system offers a soft heel foam and a firmer heel foam on the forefoot area. This Hoka One technology will provide the runners a balance between energy return and shock absorption.
Meta-Rocker
This technology combines low heel-toe drop with rounded-sole shape. This trait helps propel runners forward along with their natural stride.
Active Foot Frame
This Hoka One design feature cradles the foot deeper inside the EVA midsole of the running shoe.
J-Frame Stability
This feature is designed to help wearers with overpronation problems.
The oversized EVA midsole, original attributes, durability, and premium plush softness experience are some of the qualities that make HOKA One One an excellent choice for both men and women. Indeed, Hoka One One, which means "now it's time to fly," can stand by its name by providing running shoes that can make you soar higher and better in whatever it is that you do.
Choosing The Right Hoka One One Shoes For Nurses
Shopping for a good pair of Hoka One One nursing shoes could be a significant buy, and there are many factors to be considered before doing so.
Size and Fit
To get the right fit, take the proper foot measurements before making a shoe purchase and keep it for future use. The length and width of your feet are crucial in getting the best pair of nursing shoes. An improper fit will result in foot problems and discomfort.
Anti-Slip
Water, oil, blood, and chemical spills happen pretty often on hospital floors. A running shoe that has solid rubber grips are best for keeping traction on wet and slippery floors.
Breathable
A running shoe that is made with breathable fabric will help avoid moisture and overheating. Some nurses may have hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, while most of them often stay on long shifts.
Nursing sneaker shoes that are made with light and breathable engineered mesh upper material allow air to flow and avoid retaining moisture.
Cushioning
The best running shoe should have soft cushioning support features. A good and durable cushion will also provide good shock absorption when walking or running. A soft underfoot cushion will help keep your feet less strained from walking and standing for long hours. It is also a good idea to get removable full-length shoe insoles for additional cushioning support.
Design or Style
One popular choice for nurses is those sneaker-types because of their fashionable design and stylish features. It is a good choice as most sneakers offer the comfort and support that many nursing professionals need. Also, most hospitals allow their staff to use sneakers to keep their feet covered entirely and protect them from workplace injuries.
Always choose a pair that is stylish and comfortable as well. You may pick a sneaker-type that you can quickly use inside and outside of work, such as a mesh upper running shoe that is also comfortable for walking and as a work shoe.
Weight and Comfort
A nurse may quickly feel fatigued even before the end of their shifts because of heavy sneakers or footwear. And with roughly 10,000 steps daily, they would need shoes that are lightweight and comfortable.
Durability and Quality of Materials
The materials and their quality are crucial factors to consider in buying the proper footwear. Many healthcare professionals know the importance of high-quality footwear, especially when they are always on long shifts.
Try to do some research and use your best judgment when checking on the quality and durability features. Check that the materials used are durable enough to last years and withstand every wear and tear. A rubber outsole is ideal when it comes to quality.
Support
Support is an essential factor because a nurse is also prone to back and foot problems. Heel-collar paddings are necessary for specific foot conditions like flat feet or high arch and low arch support. This feature will help you prevent further issues like pain and swelling.
Wide Toebox
If your toes feel cramped and rub against your shoes, you may need to get one with a wide toe box area.
Price
High-quality supportive running shoes are primarily pricey, but you don't have to break the bank to get the best shoes.
Easy-To-Clean and Maintain
A nurse's shoes are prone to be stained from blood or dirt. Choose materials that are easy to clean or machine-washable types. Those with mesh upper materials are not as easy to clean as leather, but you can easily toss them in the washing machine for cleaning.
Shoe-Type
You can either choose to get clogs, slip-on, or lace-up shoes. Slip-on and clogs are ideal for nurses who are stationed in operating rooms, while lace-up shoes are better for those assigned in emergency rooms. Sneaker-type running shoes that are made with mesh upper materials are also an ideal choice.
Here are some additional tips when buying shoes for nursing duties:
Wrong Shoe Type
Choosing the wrong nursing shoes will make you end up having foot problems like:
What is worse is that these problems may even lead to knees, hips, and back pain. So, before making that final decision, make sure you are well-informed about the product. Else, you'll end up buying another one and ruining your budget.
The 6 Best Hoka One One Running Shoe For Nurses
A nurse may experience challenges at work that include hectic schedules, demanding physicians, unexpected overtime, and back pains at the worst. Thus, they do not need to undergo additional stress and pain from uncomfortable shoes. Luckily, Hoka One One comes with a wide range of high-quality sneakers and running shoe types ideal for these health professionals.
Let check out some of our top picks under Hoka One One's running shoe line.
1. Hoka One One Bondi 7 For Men
Hoka One One Bondi 7 is undoubtedly the best cushioned running shoe under HOKA's line-up. Like the Bondi 6, the underfoot is packed with so much foam for that plush and cloud-like feel. The foam is also carved into a Meta-Rocker shape designed for quick transitions when walking or running. This Hoka One One Bondi 7 feature is perfect for nurses who are quick to run during urgent calls and emergencies.
HOKA Bondi 7 has a padded memory foam heel-collar for a superior cushioning experience. This technology was also designed for wearers with narrow feet and will provide support to those with high arch problems.
The tongue has broad wings to ensure that no tongue slide may occur. Unlike the Bondi 6, additional lace eyelets are also positioned to provide lock lacing and heel slips. The sneaker's tongue and heel-counters are also padded to provide wearers relief from pain and pressure from plantar fasciitis and long hours of usage.
The oversized midsole provides a bottomless full-length EVA cushion while still being light.
Like the Bondi 6 version, it still has the rocker midsole technology that remains one of its best features. The medium-firm density EVA midsole makes it a good sneaker choice for mid-distance to even long runs. This single-piece midsole will provide a smooth transition while the midsole's edge is raised, keeping the feet centered and stable.
The engineered mesh upper material is very breathable. It fits those with narrow feet. Yet, others with wider feet may choose to get the wide version. It is also recommended to get one size larger than your regular shoe size.
Reflective strips are also added to the shoes' design so that you can safely use them when walking at night or during runs.
The rubber Ortholite insole has white perforated Strobel linings to make your wear more comfortable. The blown rubber material offers durability and covers the entire rubber outsole will provide excellent traction on either dry or wet roads, pavements, and grass.
Though the rubber outsole and insole's material's durability does not match those made with Continental or AHAR+ rubber, the shoes are still well-built to last long. The high stack could also need some adjustment or adaptation period but is not an issue.
HOKA's Bondi 7 could easily be the best HOKA shoes for nurses and is ideal for active ones who need a training shoe or an everyday work sneaker.
2. Hoka One One Carbon X
HOKA's Carbon X is a sleek running shoe that is built for long-distance runs. It also has a superior cushioned insole and a padded collar that makes it a comfortable sneaker for speedrunning and other high-energy activities.
Carbon X is another one of their running shoes that are enforced with carbon-fiber plates in combination with its signature HOKA cushion. This feature is a promise of durability and long-term use. These carbon-fiber plates are inserted between layers creating the ProFly technology. This feature brings the bounce and responsiveness that runners need.
Carbon X has an ample amount of soft full-length EVA cushion in the midsole and has a close mold to Nike's VaporFly 4%. Hoka One One Carbon X can boast of its durability with its carbon- fiber plates. The Y-shaped plates complement the Early Stage Meta-Rocker midsole providing stability and support during wearing.
It focuses on comfort and being lightweight, which most nurses look for in a nursing shoe.
Carbon X's upper is made with full-length light engineered-mesh upper material. The mesh upper material is also built with reinforced stitchings keeping over-all foot support and comfort as well.
The rubber outsole of the Carbon X features a rubberized EVA cushion. It has a thinner sole than the earlier version.
There are also reflective linings on the top of the upper and near the laces to make it wearable on night duties or shady areas.
Carbon X can be the best HOKA shoes for nurses with all the great features mentioned above. These are great nursing shoes as you can use them for everyday work, walking, training, gym work, or any fitness activity.
3. Hoka One One Arahi For Women
Arahi is the best HOKA shoes for nurses, especially women who have overpronation problems. It uses the J-Frame stability technology by inserting a firmer cushion in the shoes' arch for arch support. This same technology gives you stability from all angles as the foam runs from the medial side, around the heel, and the lateral side.
HOKA's Arahi is a medium-stability running shoe that is perfect for the nurse who wants both support and responsiveness.
These HOKA shoes boast of being comfortable and lightweight at only 8 oz. for women and 9.6 oz. for men. Arahi also provides more cushioning than competing brands like Asics GT-2000 and New Balance 860.
The engineered mesh upper material is lightweight and ideal in keeping air breathability.
Hoka One One, is known for its large but lightweight rubber outsole, and they have integrated these features in Arahi. The sole is made with RMAT foam, which combines a soft full-length EVA cushion and rubber.
HOKA's Arahi also uses the J-Frame technology in this shoe line to provide stability. In this technology, the denser foam is positioned at the midsole. This cushion runs from the forefoot to the heel. This feature is designed to keeping your feet cradled inside the shoes. This feature is essential for women nurses looking for shoes that will not slip-off anytime they are run.
4. Hoka One One Rincon 2 For Women
HOKA's Rincon 2 is an ideal nursing shoe as the design is simple and perfect for everyday or casual use. Like the other HOKA shoe models, it also has an oversized EVA midsole that does not compromise the shoes' weight.
Hoka One One is known for its bulky build, but the Rincon 2 is an exception. It is exceptionally light, weighing 6.5 oz. for women and 7.7 oz. for men.
Nurses need a sneaker with a firm heel that locks their foot in place as they make quick moves all day. Luckily, Rincon 2 HOKA shoes have a traditional compressed EVA midsole that is excellently comfortable but firm enough to allow stability.
These HOKA shoes have minimal rubber outsole pods. It also has the Meta-Rocker design that powers up runners, while the midsole and outsole also help them transition quickly during runs.
The Rincon 2 is a reliable training, racing, and everyday wear shoe that can also be great as a nursing shoe.
The fitting of these HOKA shoes is also true to size, so you don't have to worry about getting the wrong size if you plan to purchase it online. These sneaker shoes are also perfect for nurses who have narrow feet.
5. Hoka One One Clifton 7 For Women
HOKA's Clifton 7 are for the best HOKA shoes for nurses or women who are almost always on long 12 hour shifts. HOKA maintained the previous comfort from the prior version's EVA midsole in this update. Yet, Clifton 7's upper is updated to a better fit keeping your feet snuggled comfortably inside the shoes.
Despite the maximalist appearance, the Clifton 7 sneaker shoes for women are notably light, comfortable, and well-cushioned. The upper is made with mesh material that provides breathability, allowing air to flow and prevent sweating.
Hoka One One's Clifton 7 is not just for runners or active women nurses; it also offers satisfaction to those who love a relaxed lifestyle. Clifton 7's midsole has a full-compression EVA foam that is a signature of the HOKA brand. And, like the previous version, the Meta-Rocker technology is also integrated into the design.
These Clifton 7 shoes are also for nurses who have wider feet and want more room in the toe box area.
One great thing about these Clifton 7 shoes is that it is also true to size. But despite this feature, you would still feel very comfortable with it without any discomfort or tightness.
As the shoes have excellent shock absorption qualities, these could easily be ideal shoes for nurses. Now, with the Clifton 7, they will perform quick runs all around the hospital to cater to patients' needs.
6. HOKA ONE ONE Elevon 2 For Men
HOKA's Elevon 2 is an athletic lace-up sneaker and is a very comfortable shoe for nurses. This cushioned trainer is great not only for training days but is also great for hospital shifts. Elevon 2's heel cushioning is perfect for those who want a supportive yet responsive shoe.
The soft ProFly midsole provides adequate shock absorption and a soft landing experience. There is also a balance of softness in the midsole. The heel is softer than the forefoot and delivery a natural and comfortable experience.
Being surprisingly lightweight, you will surely enjoy wearing this shoe for work. The upper and the tongue is made of thin breathable mesh material, which is excellent for extensive hours of use.
Generally, the Elevon 2 is an ideal shoe for casual, training, and workwear as it can perform as a comfortable shoe for everyday use.
Conclusion
HOKA can compete with the other big brands in terms of functionality, design, and comfort. So, for nurses who are open to trying out a new brand, HOKA may be what you are looking for.
Of the five models we've featured, HOKA's Bondi 7 is our favorite. The cloud-like feeling is a reality with HOKA's Bondi 7. We say this because the full-length EVA midsole cushion provides a softer feel that will keep your feet comfy and will genuinely not disappoint you.
Those who stay on long hospital shifts would often start to feel back pain and burning sensations on their feet halfway through their hospital shifts. The pain could cause them to lose concentration and focus. And with the addition of a memory foam heel-collar that surrounds the Achilles tendon, the ride with Bondi 7 is a plush experience that will comfort nurses throughout their shift.
And with a breathable and light mesh upper material, you won't be worrying about sweat and overheating.
Plus, the Meta-Rocker design feature helps in making quick transitions during any activity.
Also, Bondi 7 is not just great for running but it can keep your feet comfy and nice. It can also be perfect for day-to-day fitness activities like walking and gym training. And without further ado, we can say that Bondi 7 provides superior quality and is the best HOKA shoes for nurses.