Shoes play an essential role in the lives of physical therapists. A good pair of shoes is necessary to perform complex tasks smoothly. Physical therapists have to do a lot of work in their day-to-day lives, from caring for their patients to looking after their personal lives.
Physical therapists must perform physical activities that include standing, walking, and flexing. Additionally, they need to be able to move quickly than average person to check on their patients. So, having shoes that improve their daily experiences is an essential ingredient.
The cushioning in the shoes allows for improved comfort, while the midsole and outsole technologies make the shoes more stable and durable. Additionally, the mesh technology ensures that the shoes are breathable, which is vital for the activity of physical therapists.
As a physical therapist, you can use the shoes for running, jumping, and lifting heavyweight patients without any problem. So your shoe should be strong enough for your job.
Here is the list of nine great shoes for physical therapists that you can select according to your choice.
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Table of Contents
List of 9 Best Shoes for Physical Therapists
[Women Physical Therapists Shoes]
1. Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10
Saucony Women’s Cohesion is one of the best shoes for a physical therapist. They provide excellent protective cushioning, flexibility, and shock absorption.
This running shoes has a breathable upper mesh that keeps the feet dry and prevents sweat and smell. It will keep the feet feeling fresh all the time.
A well padded and adjustable tongue to ensures a comfortable fit. The wide toe box make the shoes well ventilated.
The insole is a very soft material envelops the feet with comfort and is ideal for foot and ankle pain or heel pain. It has inner linings that vibrate the foot and keep it active throughout the day.
The midsole is composed of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate, ensuring the foot’s bottom. The thick lining in the rubber outsole makes it safe for slick and wet surfaces. So, you can wear shoes for daily use. It is durable and has a long-lasting performance.
Pros
- Comfortable shoes for working all-day
- Provides great stability and durability
- Breathability stops sweating
- Available in different colors
Cons
- A little bit expensive
2. New Balance Women’s Fuelcore Nergize V1 Sneaker
The New Balance women’s fuelcore energize V1 sneaker is a top-of-the-line item meant especially for working women who are always on their feet.
50% mesh and 50% synthetic material makes the comfortable upper of this shoe. The tongue is padded and gusseted. The mesh design allows breathability to keep your feet relaxed throughout the day. The toe box is reinforced, preventing the toe from wearing through.
The midsole cushioning on these sneakers is provided by the REVlite midsole, which delivers lightweight cushioning and a responsive ride. The Underfoot Comfort is ensured with the addition of an NB Memory Sole Comfort Insert, offering a plush feel with every step.
The rubber outsole of these tennis shoes works as a heel grid system and minimizes fatigue and discomfort.
Sleek design of this sneaker provide and a perfect fit that makes them perfect for physical therapists and other working women. It will also help in foot pain and heel spurs.
Pros
- Breathable design
- Durable material
- Comfortable cushioning
- Flexible soles
Cons
- Not available in different design
3. TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes
TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Shoes are perfect for physical therapists, occupational therapists, orthopedists, and podiatrists. These sneakers for women are highly recommended wear. The shoes are durable and provide better stability to the user.
Ventilation holes on the upper of this shoe is keep the feet cool and allow them to breathe. This design makes it sweat-resistant as well as odor-proof. The toe box is roomy, which means it has enough space for the toes to move freely.
The inside of this shoe is soft and restful for the feet, making it an excellent choice for long hours. Because of its high arch support and reasonable posture assistance, it energizes the feet.
The midsole is made of a phylon sole that is shock absorbent and anti-fungal, while the outsole has anti-slip and anti-skid surfaces to keep you safe on slippery or damp surfaces.
The beautiful design and cushioned comfort make it one of the best sneakers for a physical therapist who wants to be more comfortable while working.
Pros
- Comfortable shoe for work
- High-quality material
- Flexible for different activities
- Best for daily use
Cons
- Not much flexible
4. Sketchers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
The Sketchers performance shoe for women is one of the most popular shoes worn by physical therapists. This shoe is incredibly soft, long-lasting, and has excellent sole reinforcement.
It is breathable, prevents sweat from building up, and is odor resistant. The Upper is constructed of 100% high-quality mesh, making it very comfortable for the top and sides of the foot.
The tongue of this shoe is a little bulky and tight, which makes it hard to slip on and off. The toe box of this shoe is not much wide, which does not enable the toe to adjust properly if your size runs out.
It is good shoes for pain relief and plantar fasciitis. The insole is quite soft and comes with a calming and comfortable footbed, making it one of the finest shoes to wear as a physical therapist.
The midsole is made of shock-absorbing, high-quality fabric for maximum protection from unexpected jarring ground sensations. The outsole is sturdy linings that give a solid grip on wet and slippery surfaces.
The shoes are lightweight, supportive, and durable. It has 8 different sizes ranging from 5 to 13. It comes in many colors, including black and navy and white and gray.
Pros
- Durable construction material
- Good Arch support
- Slip-resistant
- Provides stability
Cons
- The toe box is not much wide
5. Feetmat Women’s Work & Athlete Sneakers
This is the ideal shoe for physical therapists since it provides excellent quality and durability for women working in the hospital all day long. This shoe is constructed of 100 synthetic materials to improve users’ comfort.
The upper of this shoe is breathable woven mesh, making it an excellent choice for sweaty feet. It also prevents the formation of odor.
Well sewed and soft tongue makes it comfortable. The toe box is well cushioned and comes in a contoured shape to comfort when walking.
The insole has soft cushions that ensure good elasticity and make the shoe comfortable to wear for long hours. The midsole is made of high-quality rubber that is shock absorbent and ultra-lightweight. It is well reinforced, ensuring you feel less discomfort from rough surfaces.
It allows a good posture and walking and comfortable standing and sitting. The outsole has an excellent lining, making the shoe safe on wet or slippery floors.
This shoe is lightweight and may be worn by anybody because it comes in various sizes. It’s one of the finest shoes for therapists.
Pros
- Shoes are slip-resistant
- Flexible and durable
- Perfect for walking
- Breathable Mesh
Cons
- Not water resistant
6. Orthopedic Women’s Walking Shoes
Another excellent choice for a physical therapist is the Orthopedic Women’s Shoes. The upper of this shoe is made of breathable knitted fabric that is sweat and smell-resistant. These shoes provide overall comfort in day-to-day work.
The tongue of this shoe is also made with a breathable fabric and is attached to the shoe’s body. The toe box is also well-cushioned, making it a good option for people recovering from sprained toes.
The insole is cushioned with soft cushions that prevent the foot from becoming uncomfortable after usage. Therapists can wear this shoe for extended periods.
The midsole is constructed of high-quality Ethylene Vinyl Acetate that is shock absorbing and bouncy, allowing quick movement. The outsole is slip-resistant and suitable for wet or slippery floors.
This physical therapist shoe is lightweight and flexible. It’s also available in various sizes, so users can pick whatever size they like.
Pros
- Breathable
- Durable
- Flexible midsole
- Suitable for daily use
- Slip-resistant
Cons
- Not water resistant
[Men Physical Therapists Shoes]
7. Under Armour Men’s Running Shoe
This is another stability shoe for the physical therapist; the pair is beautiful and available in different colors. They are highly recommended because they provide comfort and flexibility, making them suitable for long working hours. The mesh upper allows breathability to keep your feet cool and dry.
The rubber sole provides good traction; the insole is made of EVA rubber. The shoe’s midsole is of a very stiff (and solid) type of foam. The insole is removable, and you can see the Charged cushioning in the heel. The outsole is made of rubber, giving it a good grip on wet surfaces.
The tongue of this shoe is relatively thin and made of one material with the rest of the upper. The toe box is wide with cushioning that gives space for the toes. A plastic support piece is under the laces to lock it down and provide arch support.
These shoes are available in different colors with one design. So, it would be a great deal if you bought this pair.
Pros
- Breathable mesh upper
- Comfortable cushioning materials
- Provides good arch support
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not enough arch support
8. New Balance Men’s Hook and Loop Shoe
It’s no surprise that New Balance Men’s 928 V3 Hook and Loop shoe is one of the best shoes for therapists. The shoes offer a great combination of stability and comfort, with suitable cushioning.
This shoe is made with a mesh and faux leather construction to provide all-day comfort. Mesh and faux leather do their job well. Mesh provides breathability while leather strengthens the durability.
Two straps on the top are adjustable according to the size. It has a cushioned collar and ensures that the top and sides of your foot are well-cushioned.
The tongue of these shoes is a bit thin, but there seems to be no need for an additional insole. The toe box is wide and gives a lot of room for comfort without causing any discomfort. This makes the shoe perfect for those with wider feet.
The insole is made with Air-pillow gel that gives a pillow-like feel to the bottom of the foot, making it a perfect option for extended wear. The midsole is made up of shock-absorbent leather, and it also provides excellent in-shoe support for flat feet.
It also aids in the maintenance of proper standing posture. The outer rubber sole is lined with grip pads to give you a firm grip on wet or slippery surfaces.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- High Traction
- Durable for daily use
Cons
- A little bit simple
9. Acaine Men’s Slip-On Casual Mesh Loafers
The Acaine Men’s Slip-On Casual Mesh Loafers are an excellent choice for therapists. The shoes are comfortable and safe to wear while at work. The upper is made with a beautiful mesh material that is durable and comfy for the top and sides of the foot.
The toe box is big enough to allow swelling without any discomfort. So these are the Best sneakers for physical therapy. It comes with ventilated pores that make it very breathable and remove the discomfort of sweaty feet, preventing odor. It comes with a padded collar to increase comfort.
The insole is made of memory foam cushions, which increase comfort for the foot’s bottom and make it a durable option for 24 hours.
The midsole is comprised of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate and Rubber, which is a shock absorbent. The outsole has linings that provide good grip while giving physical therapy on different types of floors.
Pros
- It comes with a breathable mesh upper
- Easy slip-on
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Less ankle support
How to Pick Best Shoes for Physical Therapists 2024 [Buying Guide]
This buying guide will help you know the factors to consider when buying physical therapist shoes. You can make the perfect selection of the best shoes for physical therapy by reading this guide. Read below to learn what qualities good shoes must have.
Comfort
When choosing physiotherapy shoes, it is essential to prioritize maximum comfort. After all, you will be wearing this shoe for most of the day and don’t want to be uncomfortable. A good pair of work shoes will help you focus on your job and be more productive. If you want to be comfortable, keep this point in mind and the comfortable shoes as per you foot type.
Breathability
Breathability is an essential factor when picking shoes for physical therapists. It can help keep your feet cool and comfortable. When you move around a lot, as is often the case in physical therapy, your feet will warm up. If your shoes are not breathable, that heat will be trapped and can cause discomfort or even pain. A breathable shoe will allow the heat to escape, keeping your feet more relaxed and comfortable.
Traction
When choosing shoes, it is crucial to consider the traction they provide. Shoes that do not have good traction can be dangerous, as there is a risk of injuring oneself. Try out shoes before purchasing them to ensure that they provide good traction. Rubber soles are generally good at delivering traction, although some are better than others. Be sure to test out different shoes for physical work before buying to find the best option for you.
Weight
Weight is an essential factor to consider. Physical therapists generally prefer lightweight shoes, as they are easier to wear and allow more movement. However, while a heavier shoe might offer better protection, it will restrict your movement.
All the units on our list are lightweight and provide good slip resistance, making them perfect for shoes for physical work. So whichever you choose, you should have a good time with it.
Slip Resistance
Slip resistance shoes are generally liked by physical therapists and medical professionals, protecting them from getting injured while working in healthcare facilities.
The best shoes for therapists should be able to provide comfort to the users without sacrificing grip and great protection abilities. This is why we have taken great care when selecting these shoes.
Our motive is to help you select the best shoe to get value for your money and avoid accidents during work.
My experience as a nurse helped me do a thorough research and analyze physical therapist reviews while making this post. We have compiled the list based on physical therapist approved shoes. I hope this guide will help to select the best shoes for physical therapy work.
FAQs
What do physical therapists assistants wear to work?
The physical therapist’s uniform consists of scrubs, which can be any color. Most physical therapist wears a white coat and blue paint. Additionally, he/she can wear sneakers or any shoes of their choice. Some assistants will wear scrubs representing their facility, but some facilities do not allow this.
What kind of shoes do physical therapists wear?
The shoes that physical therapists assistants wear to work vary depending on their place of employment. Some PTAs may work in hospitals, wearing dress shoes or sneakers. Others may work in clinics or private practices, wearing sandals, sneakers, or boots. The shoes that physical therapists assistants wear need to be comfortable and supportive in their work environment.
Do physical therapists wear stethoscopes?
Yes, physical therapists do wear stethoscopes. It is used for a variety of diagnostic purposes. For example, physical therapists may use them to listen to patients’ heart sounds, including those with irregular heartbeats. The stethoscope is also used to listen to the sounds of a patient’s lungs as well.
Final Words
A Physical therapist needs to be on their feet all day, and they need comfortable and supportive shoes. We’ve put together this list of the best shoes for physical therapists. The shoes are solyte midsole, super lightweight, synthetic overlays, shock absorption, and good support.
Therapists and patients can wear the above-mentioned therapist shoes. This article can benefit a therapist who provides therapy and a patient who takes treatment.
You need to read this entire article to know all the details of therapist shoes. If you have further questions, write us in the comment section or connect with us on social media platforms.
So don’t wait any longer! Check out our selection and find the best shoes for physical therapists.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.