Outfit is one of the biggest things that groom the modern-age personality. Many people are fairly keen when it comes to dressing and proper outfits.
People like to match with the trend, from wearing great watches, hats, and best shoes to maintaining an overall professional appearance- as in the case of nurses and dental assistants.
Dentistry is one of the more involving professionals that requires one to work throughout the day on their feet. Being a dental assistant, you will need to walk back and forth, prepare materials, sterilize dental equipment, set instruments, and assist during dental procedures- this job can get really exhausting.
For that, you need the best shoes to ease the movements and keep your feet comfortable all day. Otherwise, you’ll be exposed to the immense pressure that can result in severe pain in the hip, leg muscles, and lower back sections.
It is important to know that there are different types of shoes available in the market. But speaking of dental assistant footwear, they should be very comfortable, highly supportive, and slip-resistant.
Well, there are other key factors to consider (which we shall discuss later in this article), but first, let’s see some of the best shoes for dental assistants currently available in the market.
Table of Contents
Here the Best Shoes for Dental Assistants
Skechers Women’s Comfort Flex SR HC Pro-Health
Skechers have introduced the Pro-Health Care Series to provide comfortable and supportive shoes for your feet. It is a professional model designed with a stylish look that makes it ideal for the workplace.
The synthetic sole provides excellent grip with a slip-resistant feature. The shoes are manufactured with breathable textile fabric, which allows proper ventilation throughout the day. The material is also stain and fluid resistant; thus, it protects your feet from any spills in the clinic while promoting easy cleanup.
There is also the air-cooling memory foam incorporated in the shoes for extra comfort and support. The midsole features a dual-density cushioning, which is quite lightweight and flexible. It is also thick enough to absorb shocks while ensuring optimal arch support to your feet.
Further, the shoe is upholstered with synthetic overlays in the heel and toe area. The smooth synthetic overlay is also present in the lacing system, which adds to the shoe’s durability.
The low-top shaft and lace-up upper bring more support to the feet. The shoe comes in different designs and color selections, which makes it quite fashionable.
Pros
- Breathable material
- Excellent comfort ideal for healthcare professionals
- Available in attractive designs and a variety of color options
- Good tractions on slippery floors
- Lightweight and flexible
- Durable with translucent synthetic overly
- The textile material is both stain and water-resistant hence easy to clean
Cons
- Brand size might vary from actual.
New Balance WX608v4 Training Shoe
As a world-famous brand, New Balancing offers excellent choices in the field of footwear. They are highly reputable due to their superb quality of sporting equipment. The WX608v4 is the brand’s new edition, which is also extremely popular even among those not after athletic properties because of its multipurpose ability.
The shoe comes with a porous and modernized cover as an extra perk. There is also a prime spot as one of the most favorable shoes for dental assistants. Other features and benefits include the fact that the shoe is carefully designed to keep your feet from becoming fatigued.
Quality memory foam adds to the shoe’s overall cushioning and support capabilities. Users will also be impressed by the state-of-the-art technology, which is midsole-based and couples with the IMEVA design for ultimate support and comfort.
The rubber outsole is designed to absorb shock, while the lacing system ensures a comfortable fit. However, the shoes are available in relatively wide widths, so ladies may want to take note.
Pros
- The fit is true to size
- The memory foam is soft yet firm
- Roomy toe box
- The shoe is overall very flexible
- Durable construction
Cons
- The outsole is a bit thin and flat.
Also Read: Best Breathable Work Boots For Ultimate Footwear Protection
Skechers Performance Go Walk Slip-On
At first glance, the Skechers Go Walk Slip-On may look a bit unassuming and simplistic. Still, the effort to put forth along with the superior quality traits in its design will prove to you that this shoe can easily go the extra mile while offering a huge amount of pleasurable comfort.
They are responsive shoes that bring the experience of a natural walk. Skechers boasts excellent customer support for valuing comfort over style. The Ortholite insole inhibits odor, while the independent circular sensor promotes flexibility and responsiveness for more comfort while walking.
Superior cushioning maximizes protection without skimping on responsiveness. In other words, the shoes are crafted with persons who do a lot of walking and standing in mind.
Pros
- Many people prefer solid canvas design
- The shoes are very lightweight and flexible
- Provides just the much-needed amount of support
- The interior designs support orthopedic inserts
- Breathable shoes for dental assistants
- Very comfortable with lots of cushioning
Cons
- Size runs half-smaller than what would be true.
Nurse Mates Women’s Dove Oxford
The Women’s Dove Oxford is one of the best footwear choices offered by Nurse Mates. It incorporates all the qualities that someone would expect for long shifts; that is the reason why we chose to include this model in our list of best shoes for dental assistants.
Slip-on design makes it more accessible and presents a professional yet stylish look. The built quality features 100% leather, and the shoe is breathable, especially on the upper.
It is meant to protect your feet against wear and tear even during long-durations at work. The leather includes a strain-resistant feature, making it easy to clean and stay safe from chemical spills. You will surely maintain a professional appearance while at work.
The EVA insole is designed for constant support and protection. As for the outsole, you will get a steel shank EVA material employed to keep the whole thing lightweight and absorb shocks or disproportionate impacts while offering a smooth transition.
The outsole has slip-resistant properties for maximum grip and traction, hence protecting you from falling. Overall, these loafer style shoes are among the best choices for dental assistants. In fact, they have a 1 ½-inch heel drop that brings you proper posture and stability.
Pros
- Maximum comfort and stability
- Lightweight material
- Leather upper ensures durability
- Easy to slip on/off
- Firm traction with slip-free rubber outsoles
- Stain-resistant keeps the shoe free from stains, thus easy to clean
- Provides good protection
Cons
- Only available in black and white color options
Nurse Mates Women’s Velocity
The Nurse Mates Velocity was designed to resemble sneaker-style slip-on footwear. It offers sufficient comfort level while ensuring some neat patterns that are sure to impress most dental assistants.
The Nurse Mates Velocity shoes are well-crafted leather shoes with an excellent orthotic performance that will put your feet in a premium position for uncompromised stability and support.
Nurse Mates Women’s Velocity Shoes are made with great accessibility in mind, where users can easily slip the shoes on and then apply the stretch laces to adjust the tightness to their personal tastes.
Speaking of features and benefits, these shoes are made from durable full-grain, leather printed polyurethane uppers with a rounded toe. The light padding around the collar and the tongue makes the shoe more comfortable, yet lightweight. The simple elastic lacing system is another aspect that makes it easy to adjust the fit.
The dual-density foam footbed is firm and flexible, and it helps to subside shocks generated during movements. It comes with built-in arch support for life-long comfort. The lightweight construction, together with the shock-absorbing slip-resistant outsole, guarantees that these are safe shoes to have in a medical environment.
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Very supportive
- The pair comes with a spare set of laces
- Available in seven different attractive designs
- Easy to slip on
Cons
- The arch support might feel a bit too much for some.
Croc’s Unisex Specialist II Work Clog
Croc is a famous brand known for manufacturing footwear ideal for long hours support. On that note, their Unisex Specialist II Work Clog is designed to support your long hour’s shift, making it suitable for dental assistants.
Crocs have developed this work shoe with dense rubber protection within the toe and metatarsal regions to protect dental assistants from accidental spills and sharp objects. Unlike other models out there, Specialist II Work Clogs are designed with contoured footbeds, giving you better arch support while the nubbed footbeds bring you a massage-like feeling.
These shoes are designed for a more accommodative fit that helps your feet move comfortably, especially during extended working hours. They are easy to clean, using water and soap. Moreover, the heel height is meant to meet your workplace’s standard while ensuring more protection to your foot.
The Croc’s Unisex Specialist II Work Clog features ventilation ports around the toe box, thereby allowing airflow. Breathability is not a concern. They fit both men and women and are offered in four different attractive color options.
Pros
- Excellent arch support
- Ideal for both men and women
- Easy to clean with water and soap
- Good protection against spills and equipment
- Offers massage-like feeling with every step
- Provides extra comfort with a roomy fit
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- The rubber sole is not entirely slip-resistant
Merrel Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe
Merrel Encore Gust Slip-On Shoe is yet another excellent choice meant for those who work throughout the day. It is a slip-on gear with a look of clog and leather material design that makes it suitable for wearing in the workplace.
The anti-microbial coating and mesh lining comes in handy to keep your feet free from moisture and odor. The detachable orthotics offer constant support for all-day work, not to mention the M SELECT grip that features sticky material for maximum traction on slippery surfaces.
There’s also the EVA foot frame midsole around the heel to minimize the excessive impact and shock and provide relief from any pain caused by standing for a longer time. For added support, the shank arch support is incorporated in the midsole.
The design front features Encore gust, which is more elegant than typical clogs. The M Select outsoles make it quite durable for use in indoor places like clinics, hospitals, and restaurants. The pair is available in two color options.
Cons
- Easy to wear
- Extremely comfortable
- Provides excellent traction
- Moisture-free construction to avoid odor or bacteria build-up
- Accommodative toe box
- Leather material promotes durability
Cons
- Not the most flexible
- A bit costly
Also Read: Best House Shoes For Hard Floors
Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite 235 V2 Cross-Trainer Shoe
Most professionals choose to wear sports shoes in their workplace due to their comfort, support, and value for money. In case you’re one of those sport shoe lovers or are looking for something for several occasions, you’ll be wise to consider the Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V2. It is among the best in the range.
The whole thing is human-made with imported material, making it more durable and comfortable for long hours. The mesh upper enhances the shoe’s lightweight and breathable feel. The manufacturer has applied the Met-Cradle technology into the lacing system.
The feature provides a snug and secure fit as per your foot movements without compromising flexibility. The shoes also come with mesh lining, padded collar and tongue to ensure proper ventilation and fitting for your feet.
Good arch support reduces instances of fatigue after working for a long duration. The removable insoles allow you to customize the comfort level by swapping factory orthotics with your custom inserts. The overall built quality is easy to clean to maintain freshness.
Another aspect that makes this shoe really amazing is the outsole. It is made from rubber, alongside sticky compounds to enhance steady grip on surfaces. For the upper, there’s the Rope-Tec 360 wrapping to give more grip, traction, traction, and protection for your feet.
The heel area consists of a Y-Lock feature to keep your feet intact and at its place, while the forefoot area comes with flex gloves that support durability and flexibility.
To achieve more comfort, the Inov-8 has modernized the sneaker with a wider toe box that provides more room and support for a long duration. Coming down to appearance, these sneakers are offered in ten color variations.
Pros
- Offers strong traction
- Wider toe box
- Maximum comfort and durability
- Available in different color variants
- Snug and secure fit
- Optimal support and flexibility
- Good traction and protection on different surfaces
- Mesh upper ensures breathability and flexibility
Cons
- Costly
- Shoelaces are shorter in length.
Dansko Clogs Professional for Women
This is the ultimate one-stop choice for dental assistants considering the application of top-quality rubber outsole, which helps to keep your feet from moving or slipping inside.
This Dansko edition brings much-needed comfort and support for long hours during consultationS and other clinical sessions. The toe box is roomy and reinforced to give plenty of wiggle room and safety.
The memory foam cushioning used in the footbed provides ample support through padding as you pace down the clinic. Further, the shoe employs a PU midsole, which is anatomically contoured to accommodate your underfoot. The inner frame design is specially meant for support and stability.
The outsole features PU construction material. The built is reinforced by flexible rubber material for improved traction. The presence of the rocker bottom feature facilitates forward movements and support while offering anti-fatigue features.
The protective heel counter ensures proper up and down movements of the feet while promoting lateral stability. The shoe’s upper features leather material, which guarantees added durability while offering a stylish finish.
Pros
- Non-slip outsole
- Large toe box
- Ensures outstanding comfort
- Stylish and long-lasting leather design
Cons
- No notable fault
Align Velocity Nurse Mate for Women
This sneaker features a union of style and polished look, which makes it perfect for work settings. The supportive elements featured by this shoe provide improved alignment, stability, and optimal positioning for extended standing or working hours.
The crisp white appearance makes this a go-to option for dental assistants looking to improve their style.
The Innovative Align orthodontic technology employed in the footbed provides excellent shock absorbency, while the dual-density midsole comes with built-in arch support for improved comfort.
This feature brings invaluable support to help accommodate you throughout the day. The moisture-absorbent lining will keep your feet dry while stabilizing shank features promote the feet optimum position.
The upper is crafted with stain-resistant leather to add to the appealing design and overall durability. The stretchy lacing system allows for quick adjustments while the padded collar brings more support and flexible fit. The outsole is made from lightweight EVA material alongside slip-resistant features that provide excellent traction on various indoor surfaces.
Pros
- Highly supportive
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Available in different attractive designs
Cons
- Breathability
Best Shoes for Dental Assistants: Buying Guide
There is a wide range of shoes made explicitly for nurses and dental assistants. While most of them claim to provide the best comfort, not all of them actually qualify as dental assistants’ shoes.
It is crucial to make sure that the chosen shoe fulfills your needs as a dental assistant. Therefore, you need to remember some of the essential factors that make certain footwear best for dental assistant’s jobs.
Cushioning
This is one of the most influential aspects when it comes to the best shoes for nurse or dental or nurse assistant shoes. You need to choose something with excellent padding so that it absorbs shocks and provides support to keep your feet comfortable all day. Ideally, you can add gel-cushioning inserts not just for extra comfort but also to keep your feet cool inside the shoes.
Arch support
Dental assistant jobs are very demanding, both physically and mentally. You spend much time on your feet, which can lead to foot pain and other complications. To get around this fact, you should consider shoes that offer proper arch support.
This feature distributes the pressure across the foot, thereby releasing tension from one region. Apart from improved posture, proper arch support will eventually prevent foot fatigue and enhance comfort during long working hours.
Lightweight
Abrupt walks throughout the day, not just exhaust you but can eventually make simple tasks harder. Therefore, you need something that, in case of complicating your performance, complements your performance. This might sound a little comic, but the best shoe should let you walk easily and comfortably. Otherwise, heavyweight shoes will often lead to opposite results.
Breathability
Dental assistants spend most of their time in their shoes, which can lead to excessive sweating, moisture, and even odor build-up in the shoes. This, in turn, causes irritation and heaviness.
For best performance, make sure the shoe you’re about to buy features ample ventilation to keep your feet aerated. Pick a great gear, preferably those made with leather or mesh upper as such material allow excellent breathability. This will keep your feet cool and dry, and you won’t experience heaviness inside the shoe.
Traction
As a dental assistant, you will need to walk back and forth to complete different tasks inside and sometimes outside the workplace. Such constant walks can lead to severe accidents and injuries if the shoe does not have good traction.
Walking and standing cause change in posture and even lead to slips and falls. When choosing the shoes for walking or standing jobs like dentistry, always check that the soles are made with good gripping rubber.
Bottom Line
One impressive thing about dental assistants is that they have many admirable skills, virtues, and talents. They are naturally sensitive to people who are in pain and are good listeners too. They are always detail-oriented to know how to follow the protocol.
They are also good at working with their hands and feet in tight spaces. They are organized and incredibly passionate. Of course, there are the digital skills that every professional nowadays seems to possess. These are all wonderful qualities for a dental assistant. However, we must not ignore their physical appearance.
The dental assistant job requires you to be on your feet most of the time. Therefore, it is important to make sure you wear shoes that offer excellent cushioning, traction, breathability, and proper arch support. We have reviewed the best shoes for dental assistants that meet all of these needs while still presenting yourself as a professional.