Healthcare workers spend long hours on their feet. Comfortable shoes aren’t just a perk—they’re essential. But beyond comfort, there’s a legal and safety dimension to what kind of footwear is acceptable in hospitals and clinics. Questions often come up about whether sneakers are allowed, what OSHA requires, and how safety standards apply. The rules aren’t as simple as “sneakers or not.” They depend on the risks associated with the job and the protections workers require, which is why nurse sneakers have become a popular choice that balances comfort with compliance.
OSHA’s General Rule on Foot Protection
OSHA sets a broad requirement: employers must ensure workers wear protective footwear when there are hazards of foot injury. These hazards include falling objects, sharp items that could pierce the sole, exposure to harmful chemicals, or slippery walking conditions.
OSHA’s main regulation is 29 CFR 1910.136. It states that employers are responsible for making sure employees use protective footwear. These standards outline how shoes should perform in protecting against impact, compression, and punctures.
That means the type of shoe required depends on the environment. A nurse working in a general medical-surgical floor might not face the same risks as someone handling heavy equipment in a lab or working in a hospital’s maintenance department.
Are Sneakers Allowed in Healthcare?
Sneakers are essential in everyday healthcare. They provide cushioning, flexibility, and support for long shifts. But whether they meet OSHA’s requirements depends on their construction. Regular athletic sneakers from a retail store usually aren’t designed to resist punctures or compression. They’re made for comfort and performance, not workplace hazards.
Some sneakers, though, are made specifically as “safety footwear.” These models combine the comfort of athletic shoes with reinforced toe caps, slip-resistant soles, and puncture-resistant midsoles. If they meet ASTM standards, they can be considered compliant with OSHA’s rule.
In short, regular sneakers may be acceptable if no special hazards are present in the workplace. But if risks exist, employers must require shoes that provide the right level of protection—even if that means safety-rated sneakers or clogs instead of standard athletic shoes.
Infection Control and Hospital Policy
Beyond OSHA, healthcare employers have their own policies, often shaped by infection control standards. Shoes in patient care areas may need to be closed-toe, fluid-resistant, and easy to clean. Mesh sneakers, for example, are often discouraged because blood or other fluids can seep through. In surgical areas, additional requirements may apply, such as dedicated footwear or shoe covers to reduce contamination. Hospitals translate that into dress codes that often exclude sandals, open backs, or absorbent fabrics.
The Role of Slip Resistance
One of the biggest footwear-related risks in healthcare isn’t falling objects—it’s slipping. Wet floors, spilled fluids, and high-traffic hallways increase the risk of slips and falls. OSHA cites slip resistance as a factor that employers must address under the General Duty Clause, which requires workplaces to be free from recognized hazards.
For that reason, many healthcare employers require shoes with slip-resistant soles. This is one area where sneakers often fall short, since running shoes are designed for traction on dry surfaces, not slick hospital floors. Safety-rated sneakers and clogs designed for healthcare often include specialized rubber compounds and tread patterns to reduce slipping risks.
Who Decides What’s Required?
OSHA sets the baseline requirement: protective footwear is mandatory if hazards are present. However, employers have the responsibility to assess those hazards and establish specific rules. That’s why footwear policies vary between hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
In practice, most healthcare employers require:
- Closed-toe shoes to prevent exposure to spills and sharps.
- Slip-resistant soles to reduce fall risks.
- Non-absorbent materials for easier cleaning and infection control.
- Shoes in good condition (no worn soles or damaged uppers).
Some facilities add requirements, such as white shoes for nurses or no fabric mesh. Others allow any clean, professional-looking shoe as long as it meets safety criteria.
Best Practices for Healthcare Workers
For workers, the safest approach is to choose footwear that balances comfort with compliance. Key points to look for include:
- ASTM-rated protection if working in areas with heavier hazards.
- Slip resistance is tested for wet and oily conditions.
- Closed design with no open backs or breathable mesh.
- Easy cleaning—leather, coated fabrics, or synthetic materials that can be wiped down.
- Cushioning and support to reduce fatigue during long shifts.
If sneakers are preferred, healthcare-specific safety sneakers are widely available today. They offer the look and feel of athletic shoes while meeting safety standards.
Final Thoughts
OSHA doesn’t ban sneakers in healthcare. What matters is whether the footwear protects against the risks of the job. For most nurses and healthcare staff, that means closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes that can withstand spills and long hours. Regular running shoes may be suitable in low-risk areas, but employers ultimately have the final say—and they’re responsible for ensuring compliance with safety laws.
The bottom line: sneakers can be part of the uniform, but only if they meet the standards for safety and infection control. In healthcare, comfort matters, but protection always comes first.
