Nurses work in extreme conditions and extra-long hours, unlike regular office jobs. The complex nature of their work requires them to find the best nursing shoes that are fit for them. Else, they end up having sore and tired feet if they wear the wrong nursing shoes. Now, nurses can relax knowing that they can soon find the best Under Armour shoes for nurses.
Why is Under Armour an Excellent Brand Of Shoes for Nurses
Under Armour is a favorite sportswear brand among younger consumers. It has a great deal of attention on introducing innovative products not offered by other competing brands, and Under Armour has celebrated success on this.
Another strong edge is marketing innovative technology along with appealing and fashionable shoe designs. These factors are what makes Under Armour a hit even to those in the nursing profession.
Choosing the Right Under Armour Shoes for Nurses
Running and walking are among the frequent daily activities of a nurse. For this, a nurse would make sure that they get the best and most flexible nursing work shoes for them to wear. Comfort, support, and safety are also on top of their priorities. Thus, the need to get the perfect fit is why a nurse finds it quite challenging to find a good new pair of nursing work shoes.
This guide will get you ahead of the shopping game. So, relax and checkout below some shoe expert tips and guidelines in buying the best Under Armour shoes for nurses.
Shoe Buying Guide
There are a lot of factors to consider when shopping for the right nursing shoe. Whether you are planning to buy a new one in actual shops or online, it is worthwhile to do some advanced reading. Here is a rundown of factors you should consider before getting those nurse work shoes.
1. Comfort and Protection
A nurse's job is often time labor-intensive and means doing a lot of errands here and there. These activities often make a nurse feel tired and fatigued at the end of the day. The best pair of nursing shoes will provide both relief and protection to your feet. One that offers padded shoe insole, preferably removable ones, will avoid leg, heel, and foot soreness.
You may also try to consider orthopedic shoes if you already have existing foot conditions. Memory foams, laces, and straps can also provide a customized and secure fit. Firm soles and closed-toe shoes may protect you from sharp objects on hospital floors.
2. Foot Conditions
A nurse knows well that standing for long hours makes them prone to suffer more from a number of foot conditions. Nurses, especially those who have spent many years in their hospital careers have already developed some foot problems like the following:
More often than not, a nurse does not have the luxury to enjoy their breaks and rest their feet for a while. So, to help you provide your all-out care to your patients, you also need to take care of your feet. Investing in new high-quality nursing shoes will help you alleviate and avoid future foot issues and likewise help you perform better as a nurse.
3. Shoe Type, Style, and Color
Each nurse has a different foot type and shoe preference. Depending on the area of designation, a nurse can either choose shoes that are either slip-on or laced-up. A slip-on nursing shoe is best suited for those who frequently enter sterile areas.
They also need better protection when in emergency rooms or intensive care units. A laced-up shoe, on the other hand, is ideal in settings where a nurse does frequent running.
Another popular choice is clog-type nursing shoes. This type of shoes are perfect for nurses who do long hours of standing and need to avoid pressure on their feet. If you have wide feet, it is advisable to choose one that has a wide footbed and toe box area.
You may also want to check if the hospital you work for requires certain shoe code policies. To look professional, it is good to go for neutral or plain colors like white, black, blue, or gray. Dark-colored shoes like black and blue may best suit areas where spills and leaks are common.
4. Material
A nurse should also look at the material of the shoes closely as it also aids them in protection quality and durability. You would probably be wearing your nursing shoes every day, and for long hours that is. Choose a new pair that will wear out longer than your average footwear and one that can withstand harsh chemicals in the hospital environment.
The material used will also add to the level of satisfaction and performance that nursing footwear can offer. Materials should also be well-sewn and constructed with light fabrics. If you want to maintain good airflow, shoes made with breathable materials are your best options. Leather, on the other hand, is ideal as it is built for long-lasting years.
5. Footwear Sizing
Proper shoe sizing is also an essential factor. You may need one that has a roomy toe box if you want extra comfort and protection. Make sure when you get a new pair of shoes that it fits your size and shape and feels good to wear on any day.
6. Slip-Resistant and Easy to Clean
Spills, leaks, and hazardous chemicals are a common scenario in a hospital setting. It is ideal to choose one that is slip-resistant to avoid work-related injuries. Shoe wear that can be easily cleaned and maintained is also desirable for a nurse who works in a clinical or hospital environment.
The 7 Best Under Armour Shoes for Nurses
Perhaps the main reason why shoe shopping for nurses has always been a taxing task is that they need to find the perfect pair. Fortunately, the Under Armour brand showcases a wide array of more than the 5 best high-quality and flexible shoes for both men and women. Here are our top picks of the best Under Armour shoes that fit those in the nursing profession.
1. Under Armour Women's HOVR Infinite 3
Under Armour Women's HOVR Infinite 3 shoes is a stylish and innovative running shoe for women that performs excellently. It has an elegant and impressive style and is simply perfect for the nurse who loves being fashionable even at work.
These women's UA shoes are also for active nurses who love to run. It features a smart boost technology chip that synchronizes smoothly on the MapMyRun app. What is even better is that you need not charge it for it to work. Updates are also done effortlessly and automatically through the MapMyRun app.
The embedded sensor in the shoes' insole gets you ready to start running in as fast as 15 seconds within connecting to the app. This incredible built-in technology can track your speed, distance, cadence, strides, and can even give personalized coaching tips.
HOVR Infinite 3's upper is also made with lightweight and breathable engineered mesh material that provides good airflow. The EVA padded midsole features an energy-return soft foam that provides an extreme cushioning effect. It also makes your feet feel less tired after a long shift.
The large rubber outsole is flexible and has optimum traction on all surface types. It also has rectangular pods underfoot and a sturdy external heel counter for extra support.
The toe box is a bit narrow and runs smaller than the original sizing though. So, we advise you to get half an inch up, especially if you have flat or broader feet.
Another good feature of these shoes is the reflective dot markings on certain parts of the shoes that make you visible at low lights or night. All these significant features certainly make it the best Under Armour shoes for almost any woman.
2. Under Armour Women's Horizon STR
Under Armour Women's Horizon is a lightweight, flexible, and comfortable running shoe for women. If you are looking for both a comfortable and fashionable pair, then these shoes are a great fit.
This running shoes' upper is made with breathable engineered mesh material and textile lining that provides a healthy inflow and outflow of air. Stitched leather overlays are integrated into the upper for that extra aesthetic appeal.
The foam midsole is made with soft and high-qua EVA material for maximum energy return and bounce. This feature is perfect for a nurse who stays on long day or night shifts. The tongue and collar are also made with soft foam making it extra comfortable and well-cushioned. It also has a removable padded sock liner that is ideal for hygienic purposes.
The rubber outsole is made with durable and high-quality material and works well on both wet and dry surfaces, making it perfect for running around hospital floors. The shoes are perfect even for outdoor activities because of their optimal traction capability and abrasion-resistance properties.
The lace-up closure is designed for a comfortable and optimum fit, while the 4D foam footbed is designed to avoid heel slippage. To get the best fit, you may want to add half an inch to your original shoe size.
The shoe material used is easy to clean and maintain. Designs are available in 20 colorways and are perfect to use both on or off-duty days.
3. Under Armour Men's Micro G Pursuit
The Under Armour Men's Micro G Pursuit may be the best choice of comfortable shoes for active male nurses. These shoes have a full-length Micro G soft midsole foam and a high-rebound EVA foam and are ideal for walking, standing, and running activities.
Under Armour's Micro G Pursuit features a lightweight and synthetic breathable mesh knit upper and this means an extra-plush experience. The mesh material allows adequate and constant airflow on the entire upper. This breathable comfort is perfect for nurses who work long hours doing intense and laborious nursing tasks while on duty.
It also has foam padding on the ankle collar and under the tongue to provide maximum comfort and improved shoe fit. It also includes a removable padded sock liner that takes the contours of the feet for the ultimate cushioning experience.
One good thing about these shoes is that it has an option for individuals with wider feet. It is an exceptionally made all-around activity footwear that is flexible, has good shock absorption properties, and excellent heel, foot, and arch support.
The rubber outsole has traction points that are strategically placed on specific points to protect from impact. The rubber material used is also designed for optimum traction on all kinds of surfaces. This feature makes it ideal to prevent slippages and injuries in wet areas in the hospitals.
Along with excellent comfort, these shoes come at a pocket-friendly price that will not hurt your budget. These shoes come in 31 colorways that you can mix and match with your nurse scrubs and uniforms.
4. Under Armour Women's Charged Bandit 5
Under Armour's Women's Charged Bandit 5 is a neutral running shoe ideal for the nurse who wants well-priced shoes that are also comfortable and responsive.
This comfortable running shoe offers great value for its low price. It also boasts of its being lightweight and cushioning support. It uses a full-length cushioning system for the midsole, while the padded collars provide extra plush comfort. The compression foam used reduces shock impact and pressure making it perfect for runs. Also, the rubber outsole features flex grooves on points where your feet need it most and for extra flexibility.
The upper lightweight mesh material leaves your feet feeling cool even after wearing it for extended hours. It even has reflective lights that make it ideal to use for night duty hours.
These running shoes feature a true-to-size fit, so you would not have to get a half-inch up.
It is ideal for daily casual wear use. It can also be used for all types of activities like gym workouts and long or short walking and running activities.
These shoes have a removable insole that is ideal for maintaining hygiene. It also makes the insertion of orthopedic shoe inserts easier.
The external heel counters and the lace-up system keeps the heel and foot tightly secured in place. Overall, it is a do-all shoe for nurses that offers arch support, comfort, and durability as well.
5. Under Armour HOVR Sonic 3
Under Armours Sonic series is known for its maximum cushioning and energy return. These shoes are perfect for active nurses who are up for intense activities. Like the HOVR Infinite, you can track your running activity's metrics by connecting it to Under Armour's MapMyRun app.
Under Armour HOVR Sonic 3's upper is made of thin and quick-drying microfiber making it super lightweight and comfortable. The shoe tongue is fixed to the sole for a sock-like feel and snug fit.
Sonic 3 is a fast-tempo shoe that has an external heel counter that locks the feet in place. The heel cap is firm and hard but still provides soft cushioning to the heels.
The midsole is made with a three-quarter shock-absorbing HOVR foam. This foam is protected with a net-like material called Energy Web that allows for energy-return in each stride or step.
This footwear's rubber outsole also features a mix of two rubbers - blown and high-abrasion rubber material that ensures optimal traction.
It is also a do-it-all shoe that is perfect for nurses who may be stationed anywhere in the hospital. Another similar shoe for men that you can check out and opt for is the HOVR Machina.
6. Under Armour Speedform AMP 3 Sneaker
These Under Armour sneakers are probably the best training shoes for nurses who live an active lifestyle. Speedform AMP 3 sneakers feature a one-piece all-knit sock-like upper. These lightweight and durable materials are made to be abrasion-resistant.
The criss-cross multi-looped laces work well to give your feet a snug fit and avoid slippage injuries.
Like other Under Armour shoes, the midsoles use EVA foam for soft cushioning comfort. The floating space between the foot and midsole allows for arch support. The inside liners are molded into a durable one-piece support system, while the studded outsole allows for good traction capability.
7. Under Armour Women’s Charged Assert 8
If you are a nurse who wants an even lighter shoe than the other models, Under Armour Women’s Charged Assert 8 may be the best one for you. The lightness even resembles many Nike models.
Another good thing about these shoes is the wide toe box area. So, for women who wants roominess at the toe area, this is one excellent pick.
It features a Charged Cushioning midsole for extra cushioning comfort. Thus, it is a very comfortable shoe making it perfect for nurses who crave optimum padded comfort. The EVA sock liner and the lace-up closures will also ensure a comfortable, snug, and secure fit to avoid slippage anytime.
These shoes are great for workwear but not for intense activities like long runs because of the low quality upper.
Overall, it is lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and reasonable-priced perfect for your use on hospital shifts.
Our Premium Choice
Extra costs do not matter when your feet are comfortable and protected. As a nurse, you are fully aware of concerns like spine and foot problems and their adverse effects on your health. So, a brand like Under Armour that offers more than the 5 best nursing shoes is a top choice among them.
For us, HOVR Infinite 3 is our top pick for the best Under Armour shoes for nurses. This modern world demands connectivity anywhere you go. Thus, a connected kick like HOVR Infinite 3 will help you as a nurse keep up with these demands and challenges.
The HOVR connectivity is an enormous technological innovation, especially for nurses who love running. This smart connectivity concept allows nurses to keep track of their health even without carrying a phone with them and even without GPS. This connectivity also offers them the flexibility to review their stats during their free time.
Another good thing about the connectivity technology of HOVR Infinite 3 is that it can give you alerts when it is time to buy a new one. This feature is very convenient for busy nurses who tend to lose track of crucial things like monitoring shoe life and replacing their old pairs.
Also, one good thing we love about HOVR Infinite 3's is its EVA-based HOVR foam cushioning. This foam technology infuses the foam with Olefin wax making it more durable and resilient to tearing apart.
The soft and comfortable HOVR foam also comes hand-in-hand with a net-like mesh fabric called Energy Web. This web surrounds the foam core to prevent it from losing shape, breaking down, or compressing.
There you have it! Remember to choose one that is worth the bucks. And yes, one that makes you feel happy and satisfied. As we have heard before, investing in a good pair of shoes is just the same as investing in your health. Indeed, HOVR Infinite 3 is the best Under Armour shoes for nurses.