Nurse here and ultra endurance and marathon runner. I won’t work or run in an other shoe than ALTRAS. They have extra wide toe/boxes which allow your toes to naturally splay out and expand. Which makes them super comfy for 16 hour shifts or 16 hour runs. For work I suggest their Road Running shoes which have more cushion, but I also wear their cross trainers or trail running shoes at work. Always size half a size up . I’ll never buy any other running shoes ever again. REI has some to try on, they also have clearance sections. I bought my sister a pair Poshmark for $40 to see if she’s like them first, and they’re a huge hit. Such an underrated running/ nursing shoe. I’ve owned almost every brand of running shoe, and These are honestly the best shoe ever.
Good shoes
Within a week, my plantar fasciitis was under control!
They are very comfortable , too. Mine have held up for over a year now.
Hoka shoes are worth the investment.
Hoka is the best shoe for nurses. I personally buy a new pair of Hokas every year. I love the feeling of walking on clouds. I never have pain or fatigued feet after a 12 hour night shift. If you want your feet to feel as fresh as the beginning of the shift all the way to the end of shift then you must wear Hoka.
They are amazing! They have a little wider base so provide some good stability throughout your shift. I wear them running but they are my “go-to” shoe as well for work!
Yes
Everybody's feet are different! I used to buy a pair of shoes, wear them for a shift or two then never wear them again because they were uncomfortable. I finally got a pair of Keens and they are perfect for me. But remember this….. a pair of shoes will only last 6 months until they start to internally wear out. My Keens lasted almost 18 months
It’s all I wear whether I’m working or not. Expensive but worth it! You will never go back to anything else.
I love mine! They are very supportive for the walking that the shifts demand. My feet will be a lot more sore without them! However, they are quite bulky. If you like shoes on the lighter side, I would suggest the New Balance Freshfoam 1080 or More series.
I have the New Balance Freshfoam More v2 and the Hoka Clifton 7. The More is lighter and I have less soreness after a shift than with the Clifton. However, my feet feel really supported in the Clifton, but I did add an orthotic for extra support. I would like to point out that I have the Men's Clifton 8 as well and I find it a lot more supportive without any additional orthotics.
If you prefer to try them on before buying, you can go to a local running store, as they typically have all of these models available to try on. Hope that helps!
I had heard good things about hokas, but I never tried them myself. Currently I’m obsessed with cloves. They’re really comfortable and cute!
During my last 10 or so years of nursing I wore Dankos for hectic 8+ hour shifts (2-3 miles walking/shift). I recently took a 5 year break from nursing which included 2 years of working 12 hr shifts in a warehouse, walking (6-7 miles/shift) on concrete floors—the Hokas saved me. I also learned that I needed to alternate 2 pairs of shoes every other day so each pair of shoes gets a day to recover from wear. The alternating shoes will last longer vs wearing the same shoe daily.
I have worn Hoka shoes for the last 3 years and have loved them.
Yeah, they are comfortable
I heard from colleagues that Hoka is good, I haven’t tried myself! I wear Dansko clogs for the last 18 years that I worked in healthcare!
Yes, they are comfortable for being on your feet long hours. good for the heels on hard floors.
In the grand scheme of all things nursing, this is a question you should keep to yourself. Concentrate on giving the best care possible, learning and innovating. Priorities need to be set before you step to the bedside. Geez and Jesus!
Yes, I used them. They are lightweight, cushioned and perfect for long days when you're on your feet
Love hokas and oofos
I absolutely love mine! I have had Hokas for a few months now and I actually plan on getting a pair for casual everyday use.
I will be honest, I have never tried Hoka shoes. I have heard good things about them from co-workers though. After having some trouble with plantar fasciitis and a heel spur, my podiatrist recommended Merrell brand shoes. After trying these, I now know what it's like to not have leg pain after working all day. Shoes never did hurt my feet, but would make my legs hurt. I have insoles from my podiatrist in my other shoes (mostly Asics) but do not need them for the Merrells. All in all, these were a great investment.
As a side note, I have large feet and buy men's shoes to ensure a proper fit (women's wide shoes in a bigger size are hard to come by).
My best advice would be to keep trying shoes until you find ones that are right for you. I often shop clearance and buy styles or colors that I would not normally wear to see if I would like the shoes and if so, then go back and buy ones that suit my taste better.
I had tried them, but I found them too wobbly and I didn’t feel steady on u own 2 feet! I immediately switched to New Balance runners but have been using Klogs for nearly 15 years now! Made in USA, non slip and perfect arch support and lift to prevent plantar fasciitis!
I’ve been wearing Hoka’s for almost a year now and I have to say my feet and legs are better than with any other sneakers I’ve worn.
It is actually not the shoe brand that matters. First, find out if you are flat footed or have high arches. This will tell you how much support you need to be comfortable when you are standing and walking. Then try the shoe that you want. Is it comfortable to walk around or not. I tried the Hokas. Unfortunately, for me the cushioning is great but I feel wobbly and my feet felt uncomfortable when standing still due to my arches. But, my husband love it so much and rave on it. Similar to the years when Dansko was the "It" shoe. It took me a while to understand that brand and found a perfect pair. Also, I found out years ago that if you are standing or walking on a shoe for more than 12hrs, don't wear it again the next day. Wear another pair to help that shoe recover its cushioning.
Yes they are great
I've been a nurse for 13 years and have tried loads of different shoes, but I must say Hoka is a game-changer. My feet used to hurt like crazy after those non-stop 12-hour shifts until my sister, who's also in nursing, turned me onto Hoka shoes. Since I've been wearing them, all that foot ache, soreness, and pain is history. They're not only mega comfy but also super durable with slip-resistant soles – a total win for hospital life. Just remember, everyone's feet are unique, so it's a good idea to shop around and try different styles to see what works best for you:)
I have hokas and really like them, they have good support and last.
Hokas are great shoes, but everybodies foot needs are different. I suggest going to a sports store and trying on different types. I have a wider foot. The hokas were not my first choice, the altrias one the shoe try on. The onclouds were a bit narrow for me. I still ended up buying some hokas, I trade them out. Seldom wear the same shoe two nights in a row. I hope this helps. :)
Absolutely!
They hurt my feet! That band across the top of my foot. I see all my elderly patients wearing them though! I’m elderly but no good for me!
I went to a Podiatrist after working as an RN for a year. He suggested Hokas or Brooks. I was wearing crocs. The Hokas are by far the best shoe I have tried! The only disadvantage is they are not water proof and can get pretty dirty. I believe Hoka is making a waterproof shoe now, but they are pricey. I find my Hokas at Nordstrom Rack.
Hokas are the only shoes I can were. I had an ankle problem for years. As soon as I started wearing Hoka shoes it went away!
I have purchased five different styles and not found any be to comfortable for the entire shift. Many nurses swear by them however.
Yes. I’ve used all brand of shoes but someone introduced me to HOKA and I never looked back.I have 6 pairs and counting…
The BEST!
Yes the best, comfortable.
Very good and still waiting for my free shoes size 71/2
Yes there are, I currently own a pair for about 2 years now and they are still good.
I love my Hokas. I can definitely tell a difference since I started wearing them. They are pretty pricy, but my feet don’t hurt after wearing them all day long.
HOKAS diehard fan UNTIL I tried the New Balance 1080s. More cushion, and more bounce if you can believe it! No back pain, and no plantar fasciitis pain. Better shoe all around IMO.
Personally they are overrated. They do have some great shows for sure. I personally like diadoras and ASICS.! I am a nurse but I also work for a special running store. We scan and watch walk to determine the right fight. I have converted a few nurses from my floor already . Like I said though they are not for every one which means for some ppl they really are the best for them. Every time I tell a person that hoka isn’t for them and take it anyways they come back to return it
I love Hoka shoes for nursing. I only wear Hoka's!!! They are so comfortable
No, get a sturdy shoe that is comfortable, you’ll be in them all the time and need a sure foot!
Inpt Pedi Hem Onc BMT nurse here. I work 3-4 12hrs/wk.
I got a pair of hokas for Christmas and they have been a game changer for me! I recommend them!
Good shoes are a must, but also get good compression stockings!! An absolute must for on your feet all day, no matter how old you are.
I thought so at one point. I paid over $200 for a pair on the recommendations of several people. At first they were great! Once you wear them for a couple months, I started to have issues. I am still searching for shoes that will work/help my plantar fascitis .
Not for me, I prefer QCcloudsurfer. Great shoes
Not a fan of Hoka big and clunky
Brooks ghost 15 was god sent for me , had severe foot pain / plantar fasciitis . Now I don’t have foot pain after I started using brooks have 2 pairs for now planning to buy more , bought 2 for my dad and one for my mom and now my friends are also wearing brooks with good review .give it a try with brooks ghost 15 .
Yes
Yes
Yes they are!
Yes. I wear them myself.
I love mine! I have terrible feet; had reconstructive surgery on both & have minimal arches yet these shoes are very comfortable, for 8 hrs
Yes, they cushion your feet. It feels like walking on pillows.
No, I developed bunions after wearing them. I would not recommend them to anyone.
No
I find them very comfortable, I just bought a pair and they feel so good. I don’t feel the pain that I always feel after a long 12 hours shift anymore. It’s worth the price.
Yes.
Absolutely! I love my pair of Hoka. It feels like walking on cliuds and it perfectly fits.
Yes. Many nurses wear them for comfort. They are somewhat expensive. However, nurses say it is worth the extra cost and it feels like you are walking on air.
Very good and comfortable for nurses. Just do your research on which type will work for you!
They are the absolute best, they feel wonderful.
Yes
Yes
Hokas are the only shoes that I wear as a nurse! Well worth the money, you won’t be disappointed!
The best shoes to wear for your feet are HOKA. My back aches went away when I started wearing them.
Yeap they are as well as the On Cloud I have 2 pairs they’re the best honestly.
Cannot find response re New Balance again but bought my New Balance at a Bass outlet and got two pairs for 65% of one pair. Wide toe box and room for medical orthotics
The best thing you can do for your feet and legs are good pair of tennis shoes and sequential socks up to your knees at least while up on your feet at work
Not for me.
They are amazing 😍
Yes! They are the best! Go to the store and try it. Those shoes are worth it!!
The are good but expensive!. Some other brands cheap with same quality that hoka have 😳
Altra Via Olympus. The original ones w zero drop. The new ones have 4mm drop which I don’t like as much. You can still find the original ones online, and they’re cheaper now since they’re discontinued now.
wear my hokas everyday. Love them
If you need arch support they are useless. My back hurt so bad after a week I threw them away. They are too soft with no support.
Can’t tell havent got one yet .But given a chance definitely would Love to try it ..
Good
A BLESSING TO MY FEET! That's saying alot after 12 to 14 hours of walking and standing on your feet! Thank you Hoka!
Yes
I am currently wearing Hoka shoes with inserts. I love them and my feet does not hurt after being on my feet all day.
Went to REI specifically for Hokas. Tried a pair on and they felt comfortable, but I felt the arch was a bit narrow. I tried a pair of Brooks and that was all she wrote. Enough room for your feet to spread out and they have a thick sole. Nice and bouncy. I think that these are the answer.
Yes, they're the best 👌
I absolutely love Hokas! My feet don’t hurt after a long day of walking! I bought several pairs cause they’re just so damn comfortable !
They are ok, not the best I have ever had SAS are the best I have ever had.
Yes because of its balance
Yes
Yes
Yes!
They are very comfortable for those 12hr shifts👍🏽
Yes, I love my Hokas. Night shift nurse here. Because of developing Plantar Fasciitis, I switch off with my Brooks. So far, so good.
Yes they are
Never used
I've worn Hokas for three years now consistently. Every three months I switch my shoes, between my Hokas, and its done wonders for my knees and back. I'm a night shift traveling nurse who rarely gets to sit down
I love mine! I went to a local shoe store and they fitted me for the correct style and size. I definitely recommend doing that because there are so many different ones! I love mine and have bought the same pair twice again lol. I got my husband and brother hooked on them too, who are runners and are on their feet all day for work. :)
I adore mine. Within a week my back pain decreased, and they've got a good grip in case you've got to get somewhere quixk
Good arch support and comfortable but does not relieve all the stress from being on your feet for most of a 12 hour shift.
Almost everyone at my hospital wears them so they must be good.
Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!!! You’re like floating on them and really helps with tired feet. I do recommend to make sure that you get the right one. You have to answer the survey which will guide you to get the right one for your feet.
As a Critical Care nurse, I worked long shifts and walked most of the day. Then I developed plantar fascists! Podiatry recommended I check out a couple of different types of shoes.
Hokas were not inexpensive saved my feet and have lasted YEARS. I use the old ones to garden or take long walks. Definitely recommended!!!
Yes! I wear Hoka shoes and love them. I started wearing them 3 years ago and now Hoka is the only brand I wear.
Yes
Yes, I think so. I got a pair of them for Christmas and I really like them. They are firm but comfy. My legs aren’t tired and my lower back doesn’t ache after my 12 hour shifts.
I would recommend them to anyone!
I personally can't wear them as they aren't the right fit for me; however, my husband wears them. He is a physician and he absolutely loves them!
Depends on the person. I do not wear Hoka shoes
Absolutely!
Yes, absolutly!
Yes
I prefer Hokas. I have 3 pair. Alturas have always worn out too fast.
Yes!! Very comfy
I see a lot of nurses wear them so I’m assuming they are
I began staying OT at my job (10-12h shifts vs 8h) & switching to Hoka shoes + Clove shoes made all the difference in the pain I was experiencing in my feet. Our shoes are apart of our uniform & should be something you never doubt investing money into. Good shoes are well worth it!
Yes! I love my Hokas
I wear them daily
Love l
Yes very comfortable
Yes
Yes
Yes Hokas is a more comfortable shoe. They are very good for long hours of wear.
I have been a nurse for nearly 30 years and I am too a retired ultradistance runner. A runner for nearly 41 years. I too have owned many different brands of shoes. Asics are my favorite brand for road and trails. HOKAS are my second favorite fir trails. HOKAS are meant for long distances. Nurses and CNAs spend countless hours on their feet. I would definitely recommend HOKAS for nurses and CNAs.
I have been in the medical field for 34 years and have tried almost every shoe their is. The last pair I bought were HOKAs and I wouldn't go back to anything else! I have a bad back, and the support and proper alignment these shoes provide is, hand's down, the BEST! They also have a wide toe box to allow for movement and air circulation, keeping my feet cool and comfy for the entire shift. Sizing is also "true", and whether I'm wearing regular socks or compression socks, they always fit and feel AMAZING.
Hi, I have been using Hoka and Graviity Defyers are my preference,
Hi! It really depends on your feet, but I hear you either love them or hate them no in between. I personally have tried Cloves which I loved their colors but ultimately hated the shoe, they made my feet hurt after every shift. After, I tried the Bala brand and have not looked back since. They have a great insole which give a lot of support and are super easy to clean. I’ve had mine for a few years now and you wouldn’t even know it. They look brand new and I get a lot of compliments.
Zcoils have kept me on my feet and able to work for the last 4 years, both before and after retirement and two hip replacements. >50 years in nursing. LVN, RN, BSN.
Yes
They don't fit my feet well.
I have arthritis and they are the best sneakers I have ever worn. I have no leg, back, or joint pain since I started wearing them even on a 10 hour shift!
Well I’m not sure I know what they are! So I can’t really help you there.
No. Expensive and hurts my feet.
When I wear my Hokas, my legs don’t hurt at the end of the day.
I’ve been wearing Hokas (Bondi only) since injuring my foot 4 years ago. I suffered stress fractures & didn’t go to doctor until 3 months later. He recommended Hokas. It’s the only tennis I wear and almost always the only shoe worn. My son bought me Brooks (Ghost). I wore them all day yesterday. I had such foot pain on injured foot that I’ll need to return them.
Hoka shoes are great in my opinion. I’ve bought two pair, but there are also other good shoe brands out there.
Yes..Love mine!
Yes
Yes!
Almost all the nurses in my small department wear Hokas.
I wear Gaviotas- the super motion control ones.
Yes
YeS, they are the best when you are on your feet
Your whole
Shift
I love those!
I have worn both Hokas and Brooks. While both of these are great for nurses, my choice for comfort as a nurse are FLUX!!!
Just now I became familiarized with the brand. When I look for a good pair of shoes, the first thing I look is the technology behind the sole and the insole. Basically, I need to feel that my heels are well support. That the shoes are well balanced, meaning, my feet will not turn/bend easily. I am looking for the stepping on Brazilian white sand kind of effect. Hopefully, this brand meets that category. The colors are awesome though.
I wear BeeZees
Hoka's are great if you have very high insteps. Hoka's have built-in arches
They offer good support, but can be uncomfortable if you are flat footed
I have no idea what Hoka shoes are.
Yes very comfortable
They are the best shoes for walking ,Depending on the brand you need to ask salesperson which one is good for standing all day. Cliftons are good for walking . No pain and support is really good.
Yes
Yes
Yes - I wear Hoka Mach 5’s and they are the comfiest and most supportive shoe for myself. The soles are more squishy than Altras, which I use for trail running and hiking. Obviously it’s hard to tell which one really works for you until you wear them for a 12 hr shift.
Definitely! I have been wearing this brand for at least five years now. They are so good for my heels that used to hurt all the time. Many variations to choose from.
Ive tried many, many brands and styles searching for comfort that lasts 12 hours. I find Hoka's to be the best thus far.
According to my podiatrist all hospital personnel should be wearing these type of shoes!
Yes. I have had foot surgeries and a podiatrist I worked with looked at them and said they were the best shoe for my feet. Love them
Yes
Love my Hokas.....legs don't ache as much after working a 12 hour shift
Shoes are different for every person… but it has been my experience that most that invest their hard earned dollars in HOKA, are not disappointed!! My cousin works in a Dr’s office and absolutely loves hers.. I professionally prefer OOFAS.. they are my favorite and I wear them almost exclusively. I have Hoka, Alegria, Brooks, Dansko… I’m a bit of a show horse.. but Oofas are my favorite!! I wear the clogs.
Hoka’s are the best shoes I’ve worn. I’ve tried Cloves, Nike, but my Hoka’s are, by far, the most comfortable pair, I’ve worn.
Hoka shoes are great for nurses. I wear one, and many of my colleagues on my unit do as well. Before my Hoka, I used to have pain in my legs and tender foot bottom from standing and walking so long.
Since, I started wearing my Hoka I do not experience that anymore. I wear it with compression Stockings. Game changer for me.
I will encourage you to elevate your foot for 20 minutes daily. That helps as well.
I hope that answer was helpful. Take care of your feet. They are your money.
Natalee Cooper, BSN, RN.
Hokas saved my feet and legs. I was in so much pain after my 10-12 hour shift on an Endoscopy Unit. I walked no less than 9-10,000 steps at work daily. My feet hurt so bad I would cry after I got home because I was in so much pain. I saw that many of the nurses were wearing Hokas so I got me a pair and like magic, I didn’t cry at night after my shifts.They’re very light and comfortable but supportive. I’ll never wear anything else for work.
Yes!!!!
You'll have to try them out. I did and I like Altras so much better.
Hoka’s are AMAZING !!! I always where the Bondi due to the super cushion. Be kind to your feet wear Hoka’s ! It
good
Yes, Hoka are great shoes for nurses. Hoka provides much needed support for walking and standing for 12-hour shifts.
Very comfortable
I love my Hoka's. On my second pair. I put in about 10,000 steps a shift as a corrections nurse. My feet never felt better.
One of the nurses I worked with at Einstein NICU loved Hoka shoes.
Absolutely amazing shoes. I work as a nurse and use them for cardio HIT training and weights. They definitely save your feet from all that pressure. Definitely worth the investment!!
I love my Hokas!! I bought a pair when I became an ER nurse and was on my feet all the time. I ended up buying a second pair for home because I realized how uncomfortable my sketchers were, compared to the Hokas.
Yes
They have been a God-send for me! I work Qq hours night shift on post partum. Outlet care on a busy unit. I believe every nurse I work with wears HOKA.
yes
No knee pain or foot pain after starting to wear HOKAS
Yes
Yes, they are great as nurses spend lots of time on their feet. I’ve seen doctors and other healthcare workers like to wear them too as it provides more cushion.
Yes. I was introduced to them when I took up running. They also helped when I developed Plantar Fasciitis. They definatelly provide good support.
Excellent shoes
Yes. I have tried every pair of expensive shoe there is to help with my aching feet and swollen ankles. Hoka is the only shoe that has enough cushion and layers to keep your feet from feeling that horrible concrete. I have invested in 12 pairs. I prefer Bondi for work, and others for every day wear.
Definitely. Super comfy and recommended by my podiatrist.
Yes they are! But you have to be patient for couple of months until they get soft and comfortable.
Any shoe or sneaker depends on your feet. Do you have any conditions that you need special specs for your sneakers to have? I would advise to go to a running store and have them fit you properly by having them watch you walk and try on different brands. Hope this helps.
I wear HOKA’s when I’m working. I work nights and I still have spring in my step even after doing a 12 hour shift. They are so comfortable and supportive. I have New Balance but in my opinion I like the HOKA’s better.
Yes very comfortable
Yes
Absolutely!
I only use them to walk in and am happy with them
Love them for running, many nurses love them for nursing. Certainly light with ample cushion!
Yes, very comfortable for long days.
I love my Hoka shoes for my 12-hour shifts in the ICU. I wear either Gaviola 5 or Bhondi 9. Both are extremely comfortable and provide great support. They are expensive but well worth it in my opinion.
Depends on your arch. I have an extremely high arch so I can’t really wear them
Once I started wearing Hoka’s I have stopped having back, hip, knee and foot pain during my shifts and even after. The Bondi’s are the perfect fit for me, but every one has their own favorite style.
Definitely Hokas. I looked at Altras but they have a narrow foot bed and I couldn’t stand them even trying them on in the store.
Yes. Total game changer. Up your size by a half size to account for slight swelling over the course of a shift and combine with some compression socks for total perfection. Only complaint is the more you work, the shorter their lifespan is. Will need to replace every few months depending on how much you work.
Yes. Very supportive and functional.
Yes
Certainly, it is. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made getting one.
Yes, they are good shoes, kind of gives you speed.
Yes but I prefer Joyas.
Absolutely. Best pair of shoes I've ever owned. I have hoka bodi 8. My feet feel great after a 12 hour shift. I walk anywhere from 6-12 miles on my shift..
New balance has wildest toe box which makes for better comfort for 12 hours
They are great for nurses! A little pricey but it's worth it.
Absolutely
Altra has a wide toe box which prevents everything from ingrown toenails to knee and back pain. Much better for you than the cushion of hoka.
Yes! As a nurse, I have tried many Sneakers, and Hoka saved my feet.
Love Hoka shoes. Supportive and comfortable.
My son has a friend who runs marathos and uses ON. I usually wear light weight hiking boots. Good support and sturdy. Have had the same pair for more than 10 years.
Everybody here go try the Hoka Bondi and THEN tell me how you like them...game changers!
I loved HOKAs until I moved to Brooks. If you can, get properly fitted at a running store. They will likely offer a HCW discount, too!
A lot of staff at our ER buy those colorful tennis shoes from ebay and amazon. They have deep cushioned soles and are cheap. You can buy 5 pair and rotate them for price of one pair of brooks
Those shoes are so ugly! Brooks are the shoe of choice at any hospital I've worked at
Yes
Yes
I am not sure. I have only worn Dansko shoes.
Yes, they are comfortable depending on which style you choose. Some styles push the toes forward.
