ER Nurses Say These $37 Sneakers Keep Their Feet Comfortable Through 12-Hour Shifts—Even With Plantar Fasciitis

Published on January 24, 2026 05:00AM EST

As I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate the benefits of comfortable footwear. Whether I'm heading out for a long day of errands or going on an outing that involves a lot of standing, I always prioritize comfort over style by wearing shoes that don't make my feet ache or swell. It matters even more if you have a career that keeps you on your feet all day, like nursing. Investing in the right shoes can help reduce foot fatigue and keep you energized during long shifts. While well-known brands can cost $100 or more, we've found comfortable sneakers—raved about by nurses—that cost less than $40 and still look fashionable. You'll want to pick up a pair in time for your next long day on your feet.

Feethit Lightweight Casual Sneakers 

Somewhat similar to other popular, comfort-first shoe brands, such as On Cloud 5 Sneakers or Hoka One Clifton 9, these lightweight Feethit sneakers provide plenty of cushioning support but without the high price tag. It features extra padding to relieve pressure on your feet after a long day of walking around the hospital or clinic. One nurse described these shoes as "easy to walk in for long hours" and appreciated that their "feet don’t ache by the end of [her] shift like they usually do." 

The shoe's supportive insole adds extra elasticity and absorption for your foot. You can walk quickly or sprint down halls, another nurse attests, saying she's on her feet, "running for 12+ hours at a time." She was "pleasantly surprised at how well these worked out." She even added that she is "prone to bad plantar fasciitis" and these shoes "have become [her] favorite ER shoes.”

The heel cup provides added shock absorption and stability to support your joints and keep you comfortable during long-hour shifts. One shopper mentioned having "several feet issues" and tried these on a whim. Even after adding her own heel cups, she found them roomy with the wide-toe box and “not too ugly.”

The shoe's flexibility gives you freedom of movement instead of forcing uncomfortable strides. At the same time, the nonslip rubber sole means you don't have to worry about slipping on freshly waxed hospital floors or skidding when you suddenly change direction. Another nurse said the shoes are “so comfortable,” even when they stand all day and get their weekly exercise steps in. 

The water-resistant fabric means you don't have to worry about splashes onto your shoes or about being careful while traipsing through puddles. It features a stretchable mesh vamp that helps your foot breathe and provides flexibility to accommodate potential foot swelling during shifts. You can also take them on and off so easily, thanks to their elastic slip-on style.

Available in nine colors, including a sleek all-black, an eye-catching burgundy, a classic all-white, and navy blue with a white rubber sole, these shoes will complement your nursing outfit or any off-work-for-the-day style. You might just be tempted to buy a pair in more than one color for your changing style moods. One shopper even "repurchased these twice for nursing school" and found them "very comfortable for the price." 

Looking for more comfortable footwear? We also recommend these affordable picks for your shopping list. And they're all under $40.

Inzcou Breathable Mesh Walking Sneakers 

Scurtain Zero Drop Sneakers 

Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Sneaker 

Chopben Breathable Running Shoes

PPQ Slip-On Walking Shoes