For any dental assistant investing in a quality pair of shoes is imperative.
No matter whether you work in a huge or small hospital, you need to make small movements throughout the day performing various jobs, which usually total up to several miles. And if you don’t wear a good pair of shoes, you could experience foot aches that could result in dwindled productivity.
Since my niece’s birthday was just around the corner, and she had finished her dental exams, I thought of gifting her a good pair of shoes for work. Upon spending hours on the Internet, I was able to put together a list of some exciting shoes, and I thought, why not share it with you guys.
Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today I will review the five best shoes for dental assistants to help you make an informed purchase. So, without wasting a second more, let’s get started.
Top 5 Shoes For Dental Assistants
1. Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc
I start this list with the Men’s Jungle Moc from the house of Merrell, one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality shoes in the US. Created with comfort in mind, this pair of shoes is a perfect choice to be worn to work, a pub, or around the campsite. Let me tell you more about them in the following few sections.
Product Highlights
Firstly, these shoes are made from suede leather, which means they are comfortable and soft against the skin yet incredibly durable. Not to mention, suede is known to last for years, meaning you don’t have to worry about buying a new pair of shoes soon if you decide to purchase them.
The shoes are highly versatile and can be worn at work, to the pub, or around the campsite, which makes them a go-to choice for many users. What’s more, they are available in a wide range of colors and sizes, allowing users to pick the one that best suits their taste and size.
Another thing I particularly liked about these shoes is that the foot frames feature compression-molded EVA that helps them provide better cushioning. And finally, these shoes are available at a fairly reasonable price point despite being loaded with premium features, which I truly find commendable.
What’s There To Like About It?
What I liked the most about this pair of shoes is that they can go with any outfit in your wardrobe. Unlike many ordinary shoes, they sport a minimalist design with no flashy stripes, laces, or other attention-grabbing details. So, rest assured, you can wear them to work, a pub, or any other place you can think of.
The shoes are loaded with heavy amounts of cushioning from the extra-padded heel to the EVA footbed; hence comfortability will be the least of your concerns with these shoes.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Without a doubt, this pair of shoes is one of the best on the market, especially given their minimalistic design and comfort. That said, the only thing I didn’t like about them is that they tend to get a little slippery when wet, which could put you at risk of being injured.
Pros and Cons of Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc
Pros
Cons
- Comfort features like pigskin lining and an Ortholite footbed make this slip-on the perfect everyday companion.
- Compression molded EVA footframe provides cushioning
- Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability and breathable mesh lining
2. Skechers Performance Women’s Go
Based in California, Skechers is a footwear brand that needs no introduction whatsoever, and the Performance Women’s Go is a true testament to the goodwill the brand possesses. Made using fabric and synthetic, this pair of comfortable shoes is an option you would not want to miss out on.
Product Highlights
To begin with, these shoes are feather-light as they feature only three materials: an incredibly responsive synthetic outsole, an ortholite insole, and soft top fabric. Hence, you will get a sense of freedom while wearing them.
While the top meshed fabric ensures top-notch air circulation, the included ortholite helps keep foot odor to a bare minimum. From black and navy to white and light gray, they are available in various color options. This means you are free to select a color as per your preference.
And not only that, but they also come in 23 different sizes, so rest assured fit is not going to be an issue with this pair of shoes from Skechers. The shoes are also quite affordable compared to other shoes with the same features, which ensures they are a good value-for-money option.
Understandably, they are among the highest-rated and most sought-after shoes currently available on the market.
What’s There To Like About It?
I would have to single out the weight of the shoes as their key highlight; they are so lightweight that they offer you pretty much a barefoot experience. This makes them an ideal choice for dental assistants and those who want to enjoy a natural walking experience.
Apart from that, I’ll have to commend the manufacturer for making them affordable despite loading them with a ton of nifty features such as Resalyte cushioning and synthetic build.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc shoes have more color options when compared to the Skechers Performance Women’s Go shoes, which is why I have ranked the former higher. Other than that, a few disgruntled customers have complained about their narrow fit, so that’s another thing you might want to keep in mind.
Pros and Cons of Skechers Performance Women’s Go
Pros
Cons
- Breathable leather lining
- Flexible sole
- Non-marking outsole
3. Nurse Mates Women’s Velocity
Nurse Mates has dedicated itself to manufacturing the best quality scrubs, footwear, and accessories for decades. So, it should be no surprise that the Women’s Velocity from the brand is among my top recommendations. Featuring a lightweight EVA bottom, this pair of shoes is a perfect choice for nurses and dental assistants.
Product Highlights
Are you a modern nurse or dental assistant who wants to keep up with the trends? If the answer is yes, this pair of shoes is an absolute must for you. Unlike most other options on my list, these shoes have been specifically designed for medical professionals, so you can’t afford to ignore them.
Featuring a lightweight EVA bottom, the shoes are more flexible and lighter than the rubber ones. Plus, you will be pleased to know that EVA soles offer better grip and resist shock, which means the shoes will last a long time. They are available in 14 different colors, thereby allowing users to pick a shade as per their choice.
Thanks to the adjustable stretch laces, they ensure a soft yet tight hug. Additionally, they come in various sizes, from 6 to 11 wide, so you should have no problem selecting the right fit. Overall, they are one of the best shoes for dental assistants.
What’s There To Like About It?
There are quite a few things that I loved about this product. For instance, the corrective orthotic insole, a thick midsole, and a super-lightweight EVA bottom- all of which work in cohesion to ensure the shoes withstand daily wear.
Since the shoes are available in a wide variety of color options, I believe users will have no problem choosing the one that suits their personality. And lastly, I must mention that they are stain-resistant; you can easily wipe off anything that falls on them and keep them clean.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
While these shoes are comfortable, they are not as good as the Skechers Performance Women’s Go or the Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc, which is why I have ranked them third. Other than that, I must point out that you might find it difficult to keep them on for prolonged periods as they could make your feet sore.
Pros and Cons of Nurse Mates Women’s Velocity
Pros
Cons
- Align corrective orthotic
- Full-grain leather or printed polyurethane
- Adjustable stretch laces
4. Dansko Women’s LT Pro Clogs
While discussing the best shoes for dental assistants, it’s difficult to keep the Women’s LT Pro Clogs out of the discussion because of their lightweight construction and stain-resistant feature. Keep reading to know more about what this pair of shoes promises to bring to the table.
Product Highlights
The Women’s LT Pro is a noteworthy addition to the clog repertoire of Dansko. With a soft ride under foot and lightweight construction, they deliver top-notch comfort at all times. These features make them a perfect pair of shoes for medical professionals, dental assistants, and nurses that need to walk more than 10,000 steps every working day.
The clogs are available in 15 eye-catching colors and across nine sizes. So, rest assured that you will find a pair that suits your color choice and size. Since they are mere clogs, they are easy to put on and off, making them an ideal choice for those with tender feet or those in a hurry.
Moving on, I liked that the shoes are aesthetically pleasing, which gives them an edge over other medical shoes at a similar price point. Overall, they are one of the best shoes for dental assistants.
What’s There To Like About It?
I was pleased to learn that they sport a stain-free leather top; hence I could easily wipe off anything that fell on them to keep their aesthetic appeal intact. Apart from that, it is worth noting that the shoes feature a cushioned footbed and EVA outsole that allows for high-quality impact absorption.
Thanks to the lightweight construction, you won’t even realize that you have them on. From my experience, I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed with what they offer.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
These shoes from Dansko are more expensive than the Nurse Mates Women’s Velocity, which is why I believe the latter offer better value to those on a tight budget. Also, I must mention that these shoes run a small size, so select a larger size while purchasing if you decide to go for these.
Pros and Cons of Dansko Women’s LT Pro Clogs
Pros
Cons
- ALL DAY COMFORT: Our lighter weight LT Pro clogs are ergonomically designed with padded instep collar, roomy toe box, and TPU heel counter for women who are on their feet all day.
- LONG STANDING SUPPORT: An EVA midsole provides stability and shock absorption, while the dual density PU footbed includes Dansko Natural Arch technology and memory foam for cushioning.
- QUALITY & STYLE: With a classic clog shape, this practical footwear features high quality leather uppers. The removable footbed accommodates standard and custom orthotics.
5. Propet Women’s W3851
Now, let me introduce you to the Women’s W3851 from Propet, a relatively new entrant to the market that is committed to designing the best walking shoes. Equipped with a lightweight EVA midsole, this pair of shoes promises to offer you the most comfortable walking experience. But does it deliver on its promises? Keep reading to find out.
Product Highlights
Unlike a few other options on this list, these shoes are not specifically designed for medical professionals and dental assistants. However, they are just as good, given the range of features they are equipped with.
Straight off the bat, you get a washable quilted upper, which means you can clean them hassle-free as and when required and keep them from getting dirty. They also come with a stretchable neoprene collar so that you can put them on without breaking a sweat.
Additionally, the shoes feature a rubber outsole and EVA and are backed with a 1,000-mile guarantee; hence you don’t have to worry about them wearing out any time soon. Those worried about improper fit will be glad to know that they are available across 60 different sizes, which is remarkable, to say the least.
Users also get seven color options, which means they can choose a color that best suits their style.
What’s There To Like About It?
Being a relatively new brand, the manufacturers have chosen to keep the pricing economical, ensuring the shoes are a bang for your buck. Additionally, it is worth noting that despite featuring a leather top, the shoes don’t rub or scratch your feet.
The shoes sport many support-enhancing and comfort features, including the internal heel counter, orthotic cushion, and a lightweight EVA midsole, which is seldom the case with ordinary walking shoes. And the fact that they are available across 60 different sizes makes them a great choice.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Unfortunately, these shoes are not designed for dental assistants or medical professionals like the Dansko Women’s LT Pro Clogs or the Nurse Mates Women’s Velocity. Also, they are slippery on wet floors, which is why I have ranked them lower on my list. But given the affordable price and the nifty features on offer, they are a lucrative purchase nonetheless.
Pros and Cons of Propet Women’s W3851
Pros
Cons
- Washable
- Removable footbed for Orthotics
- Internal heel counter
Buyers Guide
Now that you have gone through my top recommendations for the top shoes for dental assistants, I believe a buyer’s guide will help you make the right purchase. That’s why I have written this section discussing all the essential factors of shoes for dental assistants so that you can choose the right pair of shoes for yourself.
1. Comfort
Comfort is one of the most important factors you must keep in mind while selecting a pair of shoes for dental assistants. In order to make sure that your feet get an adequate level of comfort, go for shoes that feature enough cushioning and fully padded insoles. This will ensure you can run, stand and walk more comfortably while on the job.
2. Durability And Slip-Resistant
There is no use getting a pair of shoes that will wear out in a couple of months. So, make sure you choose a durable pair that will last you for years, if not decades. Since you will mostly be walking on slippery surfaces, go for shoes that are “non-slip,” as they tend to offer better traction.
3. Breathability
There is no denying that wearing a wet pair of shoes can cause a lot of discomfort, and standing for prolonged periods can make your feet sweat like anything. Thus, make sure there is sufficient ventilation on the shoes that you intend to buy, as it will keep the moisture from causing irritations on your feet.
I strongly recommend purchasing shoes with “high breathability” to ensure your feet are dry all day.
4. Size
Another essential factor that should not be ignored at all costs while getting a perfect pair of shoes for dental assistants is the shoe size. Know that to ensure you get the best possible comfort, the shoes need to fit right so that you don’t have any trouble walking flexibly.
If your shoes don’t fit properly, your legs will become sore and exhausted after having them on for a few hours. Therefore, you must select the right-sized shoes. If required, note down the width and length of your feet and place the order accordingly.
5. Price
More often than not, users refuse to buy the product they had initially intended to because of its high price point. But quite frankly, that should be an excuse for compromising on quality.
I also think twice before ordering slightly expensive shoes; however, I make sure that I never settle for a low-quality pair just because I didn’t have the required money. This is because you may end up making additional expenses down the road if your shoes wear out in a month or two.
I am not telling you to drain your savings on shoes for dental assistants. Instead, I am asking you to save the required amount and buy the right model that will last you a long time.
6. Aesthetic Appeal
The aesthetic appeal of a pair of shoes is just as important as their comfortability and breathability. I would suggest that you choose a pair that would go well with other outfits apart from your professional attire. On a side note, all the shoes that I have reviewed in the article come in various colors, so choosing a pair as per your taste won’t be a problem.
7. Arch-Supporting Features
Being a dental assistant is not that easy. After all, you need to stand for prolonged periods, which could cause nasty aches on your feet. If you wear the incorrect footwear that does not support your arch, the discomfort is bound to get severe. So, make sure that you go for shoes that have arch-supporting features.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may be surprised to know that Crocshave become a go-to option for users with painful feet over the past few years. So, yes, they are a great choice for medical professionals and dental assistants.
Some of the popular shoe brands for dental assistants are:
- Merrell
- Nurse Mates
- Skechers
- Propet
- Dansko
My Final Recommendation
With that, I have almost reached the end of my guide on the best shoes for dental assistants. And I genuinely hope that by now, you are ready to make the right choice based on your needs. Before I wrap it up, however, I would like to let you in on my top choices from the list to help you even further.
For me, the pair of Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc is the best overall, simply because the shoes are incredibly comfortable and can complement any outfit. A close second would be the Skechers Performance Women’s Go, as these shoes sport an affordable price tag and are made with premium quality materials, thereby offering a barefoot experience.
And if you are looking for a pair of shoes that are stain-free and can easily withstand daily wear, I suggest considering the Nurse Mates Women’s Velocity.
On that note, it is time for me to sign off. Until next time, see ya!