The job of a dental hygienist is not only demanding mentally but also physically requires effort. Staying on foot for long hours is not uncommon for a dental hygienist. They also have to move around their clinic environment quite a lot, perform repetitive tasks, and stay seated at times as well.
To prevent your feet from cramping, you need shoes that provide support and comfort. Moreover, you are working with liquids and chemicals that can spill on your feet. Your shoes should have a closed upper to protect against spillage.
There’s also the matter of complying with office rules and maintaining a professional appearance. With all that in mind, we have come up with a list of the best shoes for dental hygienists. You are bound to fall in love with these fabulous shoes. Let’s take a look at them one by one to find the right one for your feet.
Best Shoes for Dental Hygienist-Dependable Pairs for A Demanding Job
For a new level of support of your feet if you work as a dental hygienist, then our top picks let your work ease up with comfort.
Best for Support-Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe
Looking for endless comfort in your shoes? Adidas has you covered with their Cloudfoam pure shoes. Let’s take a look at what makes these one of the best shoes for dental hygienist.
Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe
- From the arch, the shaft measures around 0-6 inches.
- The platform is around 0-3 inches wide.
- The boot opening is 6-12″ wide.
- Breathable mesh upper with stretch.
- Sock-like structure to hug your feet comfortably.
Cloudfoam by Adidas is a newly created EVA compound that gives a new level of underfoot cushioning in the heel pad of the midsole. Combined with the rubber outsole, these shoes cushion your feet pretty well. The padding offers your feet the support it needs when you are standing for hours on end.
The shoe also has a mesh upper that makes it highly breathable. With these shoes on, you don’t have to worry about sweaty, stinky feet. The adidas Cloudfoam also offers a great fit. As you step into these shoes, you can feel them mold to the shape of your feet, hugging them.
This product is made of recycled material and doesn’t have any animal-derived components in it. So, it is not only friendly to your feet but also to the environment.
Best Lightweight Kicks- New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker
The New Balance FuelCore Nergize sneaker is ideal for fashionable yet practical professionals searching for a kick that is both stylish and comfortable.
New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker
- The REVlite midsole provides exceptionally light cushioning.
- NB Memory Sole Comfort Insert provides a cushy sensation.
- Bootie upper is designed to hug your foot.
- Mesh and synthetic materials for a superlight sensation.
- Available fitting sizes for wide feet.
These sneakers are stylish and fit for everyday wear, with a smooth, easy-to-wear bootie-style top that provides a snug and supportive fit while also adding a stylish touch to your look.
The FuelCore includes a REVlite midsole that provides lightweight cushioning for a more responsive ride, as well as an NB Memory Sole Comfort, Insert that provides a velvety sensation with every stride, making them suitable for all-day usage. The synthetic material is also lightweight, allowing you to be more comfortable at work.
Lightweight, comfortable, fashionable, and supportive- this shoe has it all. However, they have a performance fit which makes ordering the right size tricky. Going with ½ a size bigger than your usual NB size is best.
Although the FuelCore is stylish to its core, the adidas Cloudfoam comes in more style variations for you to choose from.
Best for Breathability- Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 3 Shoe
Skechers is one of the most reputable brands in the footwear industry. They are known for making the most comfortable and supportive shoes. This slip-on pair is one of the best sneakers to wear in the dental clinic.
Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 3 Shoe
- Lightweight Skech Knit Mesh fabric upper
- Subtle chevron texture design
- Multi directional traction sole
- Full length goga mat return energy insole
- Memory foam cushioned heel and vamp
Designed for women, these slip-on’s are a great addition to any wardrobe. They feature a synthetic and mesh top for maximum breathability; your feet will remain dry and fresh all day even as you work hard at your dental practice.
The Resalyte midsole and flexible synthetic outsole give grip, support, and stability for long-term usage, while the soft fabric lining and fabric footbed provide comfort. These V Stride technology lightweight slip-on trainers will make you feel at ease.
Even people with arthritis in their feet find these shoes to be cozy and supportive. These may just be the right pair of comfortable dental assistant shoes you are looking for. You can expect them to last a long time if you only wear them to work, where you will mostly be indoors.
These Skechers come with as much variability as the FuelCore and also offer to fit for people with wide feet, which the Cloudfoam lacks.
Best for Comfort- Crocs Unisex-Specialist II Clog
We now have the newest work footwear sensation on our list, Crocs. You will find all that makes Crocs comfortable in these clogs from their At Work Collection.
Crocs Unisex-Specialist II Clog
- Heel measures about 0.8″
- thicker toe and metatarsal regions protect feet from spills
- Roomy fit for both men and women
- Increased arch support
- foam footbeds for a massage-like experience
Crocs get a bad rep for their funny looks, but nothing can beat the comfort. If you value comfort over all else, these clogs are for you.
Crocs shoes are composed of croslite, a polymer-based closed-cell resin. Croslite is a material that is neither rubber nor plastic. This soft substance is not only scratch-resistant but also non-slip. It is waterproof and lightweight.
As an additional benefit, these shoes are the easiest to clean. Just use soap and water to make it shine as good as new. The polished and clean look sure does make you appear more professional and put together.
They also offer incredible support. The footbed is well-padded and provides arch support. Many professionals who work long hours report reduced foot ache and knee pain after switching to Crocs. We highly recommend this pair if you are someone who experiences pain in your heels, feet, or knees after work.
Best in White-Timberland PRO Women’s 90658 Work Shoe
Finally, a shoe for leather lovers! Timberland is a reputable global brand that specializes in craftsmanship, durability, and protection when it comes to footwear.
Timberland PRO Women’s 90658 Work Shoe
- Heel measures 1.25 inches
- Platform measures 1 inch
- Features Timberland Pro anti-fatigue cushioning
- Thick insoles for maximum support
- Upper doesn’t scuff or scratch easily
Another pair of clogs that are wildly comfortable to step in. Even after working all day, your feet won’t complain. That’s how much support these shoes provide! The material of the insole has anti-fatigue cushioning to give your feet the support it needs all day. They offer good arch and heel support.
A waterproof upper ensures that you won’t have to worry about liquid spills that can hurt your feet. They are also slip-resistant. However, since the upper is made of leather, these clogs can’t be cleaned as easily as the Crocs clogs.
These shoes come in all black and also in all white. A lot of practices have regulations regarding wearing only solid white footwear. If that’s the case with your work, this one will surely fit the code.
Overall these are a comfortable pair. If you put comfort over fashion and prefer a leather upper than a rubbery one, this is the right shoe for you.
Best in Appearance- Reebok Women’s Ever Road DMX 4.0 Walking Shoe
Reebok is one of the best sports brands out there. These slip-on sneakers easily slide onto your foot and are comfortable and stylish. Let’s take a look at what makes these one of the best sneakers for dental hygienists.
Reebok Women’s Ever Road DMX 4.0 Walking Shoe
- Material molds to your feet like a sock.
- Upper made of synthetic mesh for breathability.
- moving air technology gives comfort.
- Molded heel provides maximum heel support.
- Rubber soles with grooves for traction.
Although designed for walking, this shoe can be worn to jobs that require standing for long hours as well. These hassle-free shoes with a slip-on design are the perfect choice to keep your feet comfortable and trendy. They feature a soft, breathable mesh upper for 360° comfort and a laceless, slip-on design that makes them easy to put on and walk out the door.
The DMX moving air technology delivers adaptive cushioning and support where you need it the most. They have molded heel and rubber soles that provide comfort.
This pair offers a combination of durability and a stylish appearance. The Cloudfoam and this Reebok DMX are definitely the cutest sneakers on our list. However, these shoes aren’t waterproof like the Crocs or Timberland clogs. Though, the mesh upper is certainly more durable than the patent leather upper that the Timberland clogs offer.
Best for Wide Feet- Nurse Mates Align Harmony Slip On White
Nurse Mates is a brand that focuses on making quality footwear, scrubs, and accessories for nurses. So, this shoe is designed for work and particularly the kind of work that takes long hours and standing.
Nurse Mates Align Harmony Slip On White
- All white design, fit for all office dress codes.
- Orthotics present for better posture.
- Full-grain leather upper with minimum seams.
- Dual-density foam footbed for shock absorption.
- Slip-resistant EVA outsole for increased traction.
This slip-on, low-top, flat-heeled shoe is excellent for walking and standing. Those are the physical activities typically required of a dental hygienist. So, this shoe should cover all the functional areas of your job.
The synthetic insole and outsole provide adequate padding to support your feet. The outsole is lined with groovy patterns that give traction and slip resistance. This round-toed, flat-heeled shoe is perfect for dental professionals.
Full-grain, high-quality leather gives this shoe a solid A in the aesthetic department. It has a professional look that can make your clients view you favorably. Its breathable design makes it perfect for every season. Your feet won’t sweat in this shoe.
However, it won’t be a good fit for you unless you have wide feet. If your feet aren’t wide, we recommend you go with another pair. All the other entries on our list offer sizes for narrower feet.
Features of a Good Shoe for Dental Assistants
Here are some features to look for in a shoe for dental assistants.
Closed Upper: You need to have the top part of your feet covered since you are always working with sensitive chemicals that might hurt your feet.
Arch Support: Standing and walking throughout the day can make your feet kill you when you get home. A shoe that provides adequate arch support protects your feet from pain.
Scratch-free upper material: A scratch-free upper material ensures that your shoes keep looking fresh even after long usage. This way, you will be able to maintain an immaculate look that suits your profession.
Cushioned midsole and insole: The midsole and insole of a shoe determine how comfy they will be. If these parts offer adequate padding, you will feel like your feet are on foam. A thin sole will exert more pressure on your feet when standing or walking.
Slip-resistant outsole: Since you will be working indoors, the floors are most likely smooth, which can make you slip. But with a grooved outsole, you will get enough traction.
Buyer’s Guide-How to select the right shoe for dental hygienists?
Selecting the right pair of shoes for work can be quite a task. We will make it simpler by letting you know which factors to consider.
Comfort and Ease
The first thing to look for is comfort. What makes a pair of shoes comfortable, you ask?
A good fit is where comfort begins. You want a pair that feels snug. If the insoles have memory foam, they will mold to the shape of your feet, which will make for a perfect fit. Then, we recommend going for a pair that is easy to put on. Slip-Ons are a great option.
Performance Ability
For your job as a dental assistant, you don’t need shoes that have the high-performance ability. Walking or running shoe is fine.
But to invest in additional features that give better performance ability is unnecessary as you won’t be using the shoe for such purposes. You may also go for shoes that are purposefully designed for work in the medical profession.
Support & Cushioning
With adequate padding on the inserts and soles of your shoe, you may get enough support to relieve some of the pressure your feet take from standing all day. Make sure the shoes you choose provide good arch support. Work can get a lot easier with supportive sneakers.
Flexibility
Good ergonomics is all about support and flexibility. The only way to keep your joints from aching is to keep them in motion. You can do that only when the shoes you are wearing allow for flexibility and a good range of motion.
Breathable Material
Having your feet in shoes all day long can create stink and sweat. But if the upper is made of breathable materials that allow for moisture to leave the shoe, your feet can stay dry and fresh all day.
Appearance & Appeal
As a dental practitioner, you need to appear professional. There is also a matter of complying with workplace dress codes. However, what you wear can tell your clients a lot about you. Choosing a pair of shoes that matches the impression you want to leave.
FAQs
What type of shoes should be preferred for dental assistants?
Shoes designed for workwear, walking or running sneakers, clogs, and slip-on are great for dental assistants. Make sure what you choose is comfortable, and you can move around easily in them.
Which Are the Most Comfortable Shoes for Dental Assistants?
Crocs Unisex-Specialist II Clog and Timberland PRO Women’s Work Shoe are the most comfortable shoes for dental assistants.
What shoes should I wear to dental school?
You must wear close-toed shoes. You may wear low-heeled shoes or completely flat ones; both are professional enough. You can wear sneakers or clogs to dental school.
Are dental hygienists on their feet all day?
Dental hygienists are constantly on the move throughout the day. Lots of standing, working with repetitive motions and moving throughout the clinic. It is critical that a dental hygienist has the physical stamina to maintain this level of performance throughout the day.
Final thoughts
Dental hygienists have a mind as well as physically demanding job. If you are a dental hygienist, chances are you are walking around all day in your clinic. This can leave you exhausted by the day, especially your feet.
The right pair of shoes can ease some of that pressure from your feet. Little changes like getting shoes with wonderful ergonomics can bring a big difference in the long run. Your shoes should cater to your needs.
All of the pairs listed above are great, but only you can tell which one will suit you best.
