Today we’ll be reviewing 19 of the best shoes for dental assistants and dental students.
The thing is a lot of brands claim their shoes are great for standing all day and that their shoes provide the cushioning and support needed for comfort.
But the truth is most dental assistants, students, nurses, teachers, etc still go home with sore feet, knees, and back.
Well, cheer up. We’ve reviewed some shoes that help lots of dental assistants like you go home with happy feet.
What I found is most dentists and dental assistants consider athletic shoes to be the holy grail when it comes to underfoot comfort.
So, let’s kick off with some great athletic shoes for you.
Best Shoes for Dental Assistants
Hoka Bondi
The Bondi series has three options for you:
The regular Bondi is a running shoe and has a lightweight mesh upper.
The Bondi LTR is the leather version with a water-resistant upper.
The Bondi SR features a water-resistant leather upper and a Slip-Resistant outsole, hence the “SR” in the name.
Upper
The upper has a more open mesh which gives you a lot more breathability but it’s also a lot more durable. That’s a really cool thing and you’re not going to have your toes poking out of your shoe any time soon.
Hoka added a pull tab in the back, which is a cool feature if you don’t like to unlace your shoes when you’re putting them on.
Rocker Midsole
The midsole features full EVA foam which is what people love about Hoka shoes. The Bondi offers a lot of cushioning in this midsole.
It also has a meta-rocker design that gives your foot natural movement whether you’re a heel striker or a midfoot striker. It’s also great if you’re on the balls of your feet when you’re standing or walking.
Hoka also took a lot of material out of the outsole to decrease the weight but you still have the same amount of cushioning and the same amount of durability.
The Hoka One One Bondi 6 is one of the best shoes for standing all day because of the way the midsole and the meta rocker are designed.
If you want to enjoy plush cushioning, these are some great max cushion shoes to consider.
Nike Tanjun
As one of the best tennis shoes for dental assistants and vet techs, this shoe looks very similar to the Nike Roshe One except that it costs less.
A lot of people buy running shoes and use them as everyday regular shoes. You can also take them to work when your job requires you to be walking around and standing on your feet all day.
The Nike Tanjun is a great option for that because it’s not only a really comfortable shoe but also a great stylish shoe thanks to its simplicity. This means it’s going to look good with pretty much any style or look.
Upper
The Tanjun has a really durable construction with a comfortable mesh upper that is designed to give you premium breathability. There’s Nike branding on the tongue and the Nike swoosh on both sides.
Inside
The inside features Nike soft padded comfort footbed. There’s a really soft padded collar on the inside along with a kind of thinner tongue to give you some added mobility while still giving you that comfort that your feet need.
Outsole
The Tanjun has a really thick synthetic outsole designed to keep you steady. It is very lightweight and flexible as well and doesn’t mark anything.
The heel does add a little bit of height increase, which can be nice sometimes and it does provide good arch support.
Sizing
The Nike Tanjun is unisex. So whether you’re a woman or a man, you can still wear them. It does run a little bit small, though so you’re going to go up half a size.
The Nike Tanjun provides a good amount of support and you probably won’t get tired of wearing and standing all day long.
Skechers D’Lites
A quintessential Skechers silhouette, the D’Lites sneaker has a signature style all its own that keeps loyal fans coming back.
These are the top 3 features that make this retro classic a well-loved favorite.
Sporty Design
Signature style starts with the lace up front and the famous S logo radiates down through the iconic D’Lites outsole for a familiar sneaker silhouette with unmistakable 90s appeal.
Hidden Gems
Real D’Lites fans know the hidden secrets are found inside this unassuming package. The internal 1/4″ wedge adds lift and a unique design makes your feet look smaller for a flattering look that fans can’t get enough of.
Major Comfort Features
Air-cooled memory foam cushion insole delivers the comfort Skechers is known for.
Sizing
Proving that you can’t have it all, the Skechers D’Lites tends to run a little large. So shop this style in a half size down for your perfect fit.
Skechers for Work Sure Track Trickle
Upper
This shoe is super sleek, and soft to the touch with a rich durable genuine leather upper.
There’s a great lace-up design to provide you with a perfect fit and it’s nicely lined on the interior with breathable mesh lining.
There’s a removable memory foam cushion footbed on the bottom for all-day bless.
Midsole
The midsole design is supremely lightweight and helps absorb shock while being super flexible.
Outsole
The outsole has been Electrical Hazard Safety rated and is completely slip-resistant.
When it rains it pours, be prepared for those heavy workdays with the Skechers Trickle.
New Balance 608 v5
Upper
These shoes come with a mixed faux leather as well as a breathable mesh upper. There’s an easy lace-up design and a back pull tab.
It features a dual-density collar that uses both a softer density foam for cushioning but then a firmer density foam for support. That’s a good balance.
Inside
The inside gives you a breathable textile Phantom lining that’s odor-resistant and nice cushioning in the footbed.
Midsole
The midsole has an injection-molded EVA and a polyurethane insert for a firm but also flexible cushioning, too.
The Abzorb heel panel offers support while reducing compression during those hard heel strikes.
Outsole
The 608V5 feels nice on the legs thanks to that durable non-marking outsole on the bottom.
Keep moving steadily and standing comfortably all day with the New Balance WX608V5 on your feet.
Best Walking Shoes for Dental Assistants
Brooks Addiction Walker
Slip-resistant, supportive and soon to be your favorite is this walking shoe from Brooks.
Upper
The Addiction Walker is constructed out of full-grain leather that’s going to supply you with tons of cushioning. It’s also going to supply you with tons of cushioning around that tongue and that thick collar.
Midsole
The Addiction is going to help deflect impact away from your body, adapt to your stride, and offer plenty of support and comfort thanks to the iconic BioMogo DNA.
The midsole provides maximum support thanks to the extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB). This is a support system for your entire body.
PDRB helps place your body strategically and gives you arch support so you get a natural motion. Thanks to this, the Brooks Addiction Walker is meant to help you with your overpronation issues.
On the inside, the Addiction comes with a removable and cushioned footbed that you can also replace with your own orthotics.
Outsole
The bottom features a slip-resistant HPR outsole that’s environmentally friendly and meant for both wet and dry surfaces.
Wherever the day takes you, you know you’ll be protected with the contemporary Addiction Walker from Brooks.
New Balance 411
Upper
The comfortable 411v2 from New Balance has a man-made leather and mesh upper with perforations throughout the outside to give great breathability.
You have two adjustable hook-and-loop closures on top to easily grab and lock your foot into place.
The inside offers plenty of comfort and added support thanks to the very soft fabric lining and the padded collar and tongue.
Midsole
There’s an EVA midsole and a removable cushioned footbed that provides good padding and gives plenty of cushioning and extra energy return as well.
Outsole
The bottom features a sturdy rubber outsole with a Walking Strike Path Zone on the outside. The outsole will help keep you really steady while always providing fantastic flex and traction.
If comfort is what you’re looking for, you can’t do any better in the 411 V2 from New Balance.
Cons
- Not enough arch support for those who need it.
Propet Stability Walker
Upper
This shoe is made of a full-grain leather upper. It’s nice and soft and it’s got great stitching details throughout. It’s also got a double hook-and-loop strap closure for a nice easy fit.
There’s light padding around the tongue and collar with a soft brushed nylon lining that wicks away moisture to keep those feet dry.
There’s also a removable polyurethane insole which has a gel heel pad and cushioning at ridges to give you all-day comfort.
It does have a built-in contoured heel stabilizer and a wide unit sole for sure footing.
Outsole
It’s all on top of a durable rubber outsole that is designed to deliver traction and grip on a variety of surfaces.
Treat yourself to comfort and accessibility with great dental assistant shoes like the Propet Stability Walker.
Cons
- Laces tend to wear a bit more quickly.
Easy Spirit Women’s Romy
This great level 1 walking shoe is perfect for lightweight walking, leisure activities, and health professionals.
Upper/Inside
It features a leather upper that is breathable and molds to your feet for added comfort.
On the inside, you’ll find a removable padded sock liner that helps provide cushioning and shock absorption. It also has a soft fabric lining that will feel great against your foot.
Outsole
On the bottom, you’ll find a lightweight rubber outsole that ensures a durable finish.
Whether you plan on going for a walk, going for a light run, or want something to support you at work, the Easy Spirit Romy will make a great addition to your daily activities.
Tip
The laces seem to push into the ankles, so try to use a loop lacing method to tighten the shoe around the heel.
SAS Men’s Athletic Inspired
When it comes to comfort, SAS is one of the very best at providing you with plenty of it.
Last
The shoe is made from a foot-shaped last which is developed and crafted by the SAS shoemakers. It’s designed to follow the natural shape of your foot to provide you with plenty of all-day comfort.
Upper
The upper is made of leather which is very soft and breathable so you’re going to get a great experience out of that.
There’s a lace-up system upfront for a nice secure fit along with some cushioning around the collar and tongue.
Footbed
The Journey also features a removable SAS CootSTEP footbed which is designed to keep your feet nice and cool. It’s also moisture-wicking, which is an added perk.
Inside
The inside of the shoe has a Tri Pad Comfort System that’s going to give you plenty of cushioning around the three pressure points of your foot which include your heel, inside ball, and outside ball.
Midsole
The shoe offers plenty of shock absorbency to add to support. The SAS features a SteadyTrac midsole which is very lightweight.
Outsole
On the bottom, the SAS features the Comfort outsole which is made out of a durable rubber compound to give you plenty of stability for all-day wear.
Be prepared for that long journey ahead with the Journey from SAS.
Best Clogs and Slip-Ons for Dental Assistants
Dansko Professional Clogs
In 1990, the Dansko company came to be when two owners went to Denmark and they realized that there was the traditional clog.
This is where they get their inspiration from. They were looking for something to fit their equestrian needs because they were horse trainers at the time and the traditional wooden clog really fit the bill.
They started bringing them over and more and more people were interested so that’s when they started their own company.
If you go to any hospital or any single restaurant or anything where people are walking around, look down next time you’re doing that and I’d say one out of ten minimum is wearing one of these clogs.
Fit
Well, the biggest hurdle with Dansko shoes is the fit, and a lot of people are unsure of how it is supposed to fit.
A clog will always slip in the heel and that’s okay, it’s meant to because the clog’s rigid sole is not really meant to kind of grip onto the heel.
But what you have with the Dansko is a contoured heel counter that is designed to stabilize the foot laterally but always slip in the heel.
For somebody who’s never had a Dansko before, that’s the biggest hurdle that you have to overcome and once you do, you’ll generally be back for another pair.
Related:
Rocker Bottom
The Dansko clog has a rigid construction giving you a true rocker bottom. When you walk from heel to toe nice and evenly, this is going to give you that gait and ride to make that happen.
Your ankles, knees, hips, everything moves more comfortably and smoothly with a clog like this.
The contour and the tapering are also great whether you have the XP 2 with a little bit softer ride or the traditional stable clog with a firmer ride. Both have excellent comfort and quality built into them.
Style-wise, Dansko provides lots of different color options and they also do a lot of seasonal things.
Differences
There are some major differences between these shoes. The original Dansko has a polyurethane base, full-grain leather lining, and a nice upper to it with lots of different options whether it’s a full-grain upper or patent.
The XP 2.0 has a totally different construction. It has a cold molded EVA base that is much lighter weight. Being lighter weight, Dansko had to create a little bit more rigidity and a nice reinforcement through the base.
The other two main differences with the new XP 2.0 is that the base is supported by a little bit softer construction insert.
Some people prefer the firmer construction versus the softer; everybody’s got a personal preference. Also, the XP version features a removable Dansko Natural Arch technology dual-density polyurethane footbed to leave room for your custom orthotics.
What’s great about the Dansko clog is that whether you’re in the medical field, service industry, retail, or you’re just anybody who wants one of the most comfortable shoes for all-day walking or standing, you can’t go wrong with both versions.
Last but not least, these are also considered one of the best nursing shoes for wide feet and one of the most comfortable shoes for dental hygienists.
Merrell Jungle Moc
The Jungle Moc is one of the best shoes for dental assistants from Merrell.
Merrell pioneered the durable slip-on moccasin style and the Jungle Moc is one of their most popular models.
It is hard to beat the easy-on comfort and simple good looks of the shoe. It is the perfect sports shoe but is equally qualified as an everyday driver.
Merrell builds the Jungle Moc with the same attention to design and technical cushioning that they use in their trail shoes.
For example …
The Jungle Moc features an Ortholite anatomical footbed, a compression-molded EVA foot frame with arch support, and Merrell’s Jungle Runner sticky rubber outsole.
Merrell maintains good looks with clean lines and leather uppers.
This is not your average moccasin, the Merrell Jungle Moc is sure to become your new go-to shoe.
Alegria Classic Clog
These are Alegria’s best shoes for dental assistants.
This is the clog that started it all. This style is perfect for those in the nursing and hospitality and other occupational fields that require standing on your feet a lot.
The Alegria’s ability to provide unmatched comfort and support is what kept customers coming back for more. This clog comes in a variety of rich leathers and in a vast combination of fun prints.
The clog has a fully adjustable instep buckle that allows you to cinch up to a custom fit.
The interior offers moisture-wicking control to help you keep your feet feeling fresh and dry.
Footbed
It has a combination of latex and cork footbed that is designed to form to the foot. The footbed can be removed to custom-fit orthotics to make the shoe truly yours.
Rocker Outsole
The PU outsole is engineered to reduce heel and central metatarsal pressure and the bottom is flat to increase stability.
With its rocker outsole, the shoe also propels you forward rocking you from heel to toe in a natural motion resulting in less tired feet and body at the end of the day.
The Alegria Classic clog features an approximate heel height of almost 2 inches.
Sizing
I also want to mention that their shoe sizing is a little different than the standard fit of most other shoes. So, make sure you check out Alagria’s shoe size chart carefully to get the perfect fit.
Birkenstock Boston
Upper
This classic-looking clog is made from a rich suede leather upper. It’s got a round toe and tons of space in the toe box to keep you comfy.
The strap around the instep has got that classic-looking buckle over the top of the vamp for a cool classic feel and an adjustable secure fit.
Birkenstock Footbed
The Boston has got an easy slide-on style with a comfy anatomically correct cork and latex footbed. The footbed is made from 100% renewable and sustainable cork to give you awesome foot health.
This ingenious cork footbed is the icon of the Birkenstock brand. It’s going to aid your circulation and it just molds to your foot’s unique shape to give you a custom fit. The microscopic air bubbles underneath cushion your feet and keep you super comfy.
Last but not least, the arch support on these is awesome and it just supports high arches, low arches, and just any type of feet.
Outsole
On the bottom, there’s an EVA outsole that is lightweight, super shock-absorbing and gives you super support.
You don’t want to miss out on that easy sliding go-to comfort from the Birkenstock Soft Footbed.
Last but not least, the Boston is one of the best shoes for dentists with Plantar Fasciitis.
Easy Spirit Women’s Traveltime
The Traveltime is Easy Spirit’s number-one selling style of all time for the last 10 years with over 10 million pairs sold. Ten million people cannot possibly be wrong.
These shoes are lightweight and feel like an extension on your feet, which means comfort all day. They’re great to slip on for any daily activity including work at the dental clinic.
Outsole
The durable rubber outsole not only gives you excellent traction but means you’re set for all-day wear.
Insole
The Traveltime has resilient cushioned Elon insoles that are cushier than standard EVA insoles. You can also remove the insole to insert your own custom orthotics if you need to.
Upper
The breathable upper lets air circulate over your feet for a dry and cool comfortable wear every time you slide them on. They also offer excellent stretch all the way throughout.
It’s like a dressy sneaker you can slip on and off and you can wear it almost everywhere. It’s also perfect for traveling.
The quilted black model in the picture really looks high-end and very designer-like.
For all-day comfort that cushions every step, the Traveltime from Easy Spirit makes the perfect companion. It fits perfectly and holds in your foot.
Tip
The description doesn’t mention the sparkles on the shoes.
Nurse Mate Dove
This long-time best-selling Nurse Mate style has been one of the best shoes for nurses and other medical professionals for decades.
With its clean lines, easy slip-on styling, and enduring comfort, it’s so easy to see why.
Upper
It features full-grain stain-resistant leather uppers with goring on both sides for flexibility that moves with you. Around the edge, the padded collar surrounds your foot in cushiony soft comfort.
Inside
On the inside, Nurse Mates’ Pillowtop comfort footbed provides the oh-so-important support your hard-working feet need.
The footbed is contoured to cradle the foot and the tempered steel shank provides lateral stability while walking.
Bottom
It’s set on a lightweight EVA bottom that’s slip-resistant to help keep you steady on your feet. The 1½ heel provides just the precise lift.
The bottom features an ultra-lightweight outsole with a rubber insert for slip-resistant and longer wear.
Check out the Nurse Mates Dove and experience all this customer favorite has to offer.
Merrell Encore Breeze 3
Looking stylish and feeling fresh will be a breeze with these wonderful vegan-friendly slip-on shoes from Merrell.
Upper
They have a breathable air mesh upper that’s going to provide you with plenty of comfort because it’s going to leave your feet feeling nice and dry.
It also features a nice padded collar that’s going to add some comfort to your feet and a breathable mesh lining to help wick away moisture.
Footbed
These feature the M-Select Fresh removable footbed which helps prevent odors and provide you with plenty of comfort.
This footbed is great because it’s removable and you can add your own custom orthotic if you like. But the footbed that comes with the Breeze 3 is fantastic because it features a molded nylon arch shank to provide you with stability.
Midsole
The Breeze 3 has air cushion in the heel to help absorb shock and add stability as well.
The Breeze features a Q-Form comfort EVA midsole and an alignment system. This system helps to provide you with plenty of cushioning, comfort, and support.
Outsole
The bottom features a nice durable outsole that’s going to give good grasp on a variety of surfaces because it does come with M-Select Grip technology.
You’ll feel light on your feet and happy as a clam with this wonderful Encore Breeze 3 from Merrell.
Propet Wash & Wear
Upper
You’re looking at one of the best shoes for dental assistants from Propet.
These lightweight slip-on leather shoes feature an upper made from machine-washable full-grain leather for ease of care.
They look great straight out of the box and far beyond. They are designed for easy cleaning with a quick spin in the washer and an air dry so they’ll stay looking new longer.
A quilted leather or a nubuck leather upper supports a nylon and neoprene padded collar that doesn’t chafe providing the sensitive skin of your upper foot and ankle with maximum comfort.
The collar is stretchable and it’s going to provide a proper fit for you. There’s also a pull loop at the heel for easy on and off.
The Propet is the perfect shoe to slip on when you go for a walk, go to work or just stand on all day.
Inside
Inside, your feet are supported thanks to the construction of the insole. This insole is there to provide underfoot cushioning and comfort while being removable to accommodate orthotics for a fit just right for your foot.
Outsole
They’re suitable on any surface because of the superior traction provided by the super sticky rubber outsole.
The outsole is lightweight and helps absorb shock even on hard surfaces. They come with the Propet’s 1000-mile guarantee so they’re in it for the long run. They’re designed to keep your entire foot feeling good all day long.
Keep it clean and comfy and keep your go-to slip-on looking new longer with the Wash & Wear Walker from Propet.
Note:
The shoes need some breaking time until everything gets loose and cushy.
