The most versatile nursing shoe. Perfect for ER, ICU, and med-surg nurses who need a shoe that handles movement AND standing.
After 12 years in the ER, I've tested every major nursing shoe brand. Brooks Ghost 15 is my #1 recommendation for a simple reason: it's the Swiss Army knife of nursing shoes. It's not the absolute best for any ONE specific task, but it's genuinely good at everything.
I wore Ghost 15s for 18 months straight, through 400+ 12-hour shifts. I never had foot pain. I could run to codes, stand at the med station, and walk the unit without discomfort. That's rare.
8.4 oz (men's size 9) - Lightweight for an athletic shoe, making it ideal for high-movement nursing roles
DNA Loft v2 + BioMoGo DNA - Responsive cushioning that doesn't get mushy. Springs back immediately, reducing foot fatigue.
Neutral (moderate support) - Works well for neutral arches. If you have flat feet, you might want more support. If you have high arches, perfect fit.
Engineered mesh - Breathable, stretchy, accommodates swelling throughout your shift
BioMoGo rubber - Slip-resistant, durable, lasts through 8-12 months of nursing wear
10mm - Standard athletic shoe drop. Good for people used to running shoes or athletic footwear.
Black, white, gray, navy - All professional nursing colors. Minimal logo, looks clinical not athletic.
I bought my first pair in 2021 because I was desperate. My feet were killing me in my previous shoes, and I had heard great things about Ghost 15s from other ER nurses.
Day 1: Felt good immediately. No break-in period. This was huge—I was skeptical at first because that seemed impossible.
Week 1: Finished my first 12-hour shift with these shoes. Zero foot pain. My calves were slightly tired (normal for first week in new shoes), but no pain in feet, heels, or arches. This was immediately different from my previous shoes.
Month 1: Absolutely no issues. I wore them for 4-5 shifts per week. My feet felt fresher at the end of shifts compared to my old shoes. I started noticing I could walk faster without that grinding foot pain I used to get around hour 8.
Month 3: Still perfect. No deterioration. The cushioning felt exactly the same as day 1. I was starting to believe these might actually last as long as people claimed.
Month 6: Slight softening of cushioning, but still comfortable. Some nurses would switch shoes around now. I wasn't ready yet.
Month 12-18: The cushioning felt noticeably softer after 18 months and ~400 shifts. Still wearable, but I could feel the degradation. Time to replace.
| Feature | Brooks Ghost 15 | Dansko XP 2.0 | Hoka Clifton 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort (Immediate) | ★★★★★ Excellent | ★★★★☆ Good (slight break-in) | ★★★★★ Excellent |
| Arch Support | ★★★★☆ Moderate | ★★★★★ Maximum | ★★★★☆ Moderate |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ 8-12 months | ★★★★★ 14-18 months | ★★★★☆ 8-12 months |
| Lightweight | ★★★★★ Very | ★★★☆☆ Heavy | ★★★★★ Very |
| Professional Look | ★★★★☆ Good | ★★★★★ Excellent | ★★★★☆ Good |
| Price | $140-160 | $159-189 | $130-150 |
Brooks Ghost 15 runs true to size. If you wear size 8 in casual shoes, get size 8. No need to size up or down. The fit is slightly snug but not uncomfortable.
Important: Try them on in-store first. If you have wide feet, they might feel too narrow. Ghost 15 comes in normal width only (no wide option).
YES. If you have neutral arches, work in a nursing role with mixed standing and movement, and want a reliable shoe that will make your feet feel good, Brooks Ghost 15 is the best choice.
It's not the cheapest shoe. It's not the most supportive shoe. It's not the longest-lasting shoe. But it's the most BALANCED shoe, and that versatility is exactly what most nurses need.
I'd estimate 70% of nurses would be happy with Brooks Ghost 15. The remaining 30% would prefer either more support (Dansko) or more cushioning (Hoka).
My personal rating: 4.8/5