Whether you’re busy assisting on a molar extraction or doing a full day of cleanings, one thing for certain: you need shoes that can keep up with you. Dental professionals spend 8-12 hours on their feet, and the wrong pair of shoes can turn a productive day into a painful one.
So to help you feel the best you can, we’ve rounded up some of the best shoes for dental assistants and hygienists that balance comfort, support, and style.
What to Look for in Work Shoes for Dental Professionals
Before we get into our top recommendations, here’s what you should always look out for when searching for your next pair of shoes to wear in the operatory.
- All-Day Support: Prioritize arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption.
- Slip Resistance: Spills and wet floors can occur in the operatory; ensure you stay safe.
- Easy to Clean: You’re bound to spill or get something on your shoes at some point in the day.
- Arch Support: Having good arch support can help alleviate foot pain and maintain your body’s alignment.
- Professional Appearance: Your shoes should align with your clinic’s dress code while providing maximum comfort and functionality.
Best Shoes for Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists
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1. Clove ClassicsBest Overall for Healthcare Professionals
Price: $145 (Classic) – $160 (Forte/Alto) | |
Why Dental Professionals Love Them: Built for healthcare professionals, Clove has three styles (Classic, Forte, & Alto) that are fluid resistant, non-slip, and supportive for long days in the office. Slip them on, wipe them down, and stay comfortable through every patient, polish, and procedure.
Key Features:
- Fluid-resistant and easy to wipe clean: perfect for messy moments in the operatory
- Slip-resistant outsole with hospital-grade traction: keeps you steady on slick office floors
- Cushioned memory foam insole with built-in arch support: all-day comfort for long shifts
- Multiple color options to match your scrubs: because style counts, too
What Dental Professionals Are Saying: “I love my Clove sneakers. I rarely ever have foot pain anymore, and I am on the move most of the day. I’ve had the same pair for over a year, and they still have good support.” – mdono1997 on Reddit
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2. On CloudmonsterBest for Maximum Cushioning
Price: $170 | |
Why Dental Professionals Love Them: For dental assistants and hygienists, the Cloudmonster delivers max cushioning without weighing your steps down, reducing foot fatigue. Plus, the rocker‑style sole helps with smooth transitions when you pivot between chairs, and the overall stability means fewer aches when you’re leaning, bending, or standing still for those tricky cleanings.
Key Features:
- CloudTec® cushioning technology: max cushioning means less impact and extra comfort
- Rocker sole design: promotes natural foot movement and reduces fatigue over long shifts
- Lightweight design (under 10 oz): all the support without weighing you down
- Stability: stay balanced and supported through busy clinic days
What Dental Professionals Are Saying: “On Cloudmonsters hands down; I’ve gone through three pairs.” – Ready-Assumption-959 on Reddit
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3. Alegria KeliBest for Classic Professional Style
Price: $130 | |
Why Dental Professionals Love Them: Designed with healthcare pros in mind, the Alegria Keli is a favorite for dental assistants and hygienists who need serious support. With a slip-resistant sole, easy wipe-clean leather, and a memory foam footbed that molds to your feet, these shoes are all about all-day comfort. Whether you’re on your feet charting or chair side for a double prophy block, Keli’s got your back (and your arches).
Key Features:
- APMA-approved footbed: designed to support healthy posture and reduce strain during long shifts
- Slip-resistant polyurethane outsole: keep your footing on those slippery operatory floors
- Memory foam footbed: personalized comfort that lasts all day
What Dental Professionals Are Saying: “I love Alegria (specifically Keli), I’ve been wearing them since school, and they’re so so comfortable. Plus, I love that they’re slip-on.” – SaltyVida22 on Reddit
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4. Brooks Revel 6Best Athletic-Style Option
Price: $100 | |
Why Dental Professionals Love Them: Powered by DNA foam cushioning and a responsive midsole, the Revel 6 offers a springy yet stable step, perfect for dental assistants and hygienists clocking long shifts on hard clinic floors. With a breathable, form-fitting knit upper made from recycled materials and a snug heel lockdown, these shoes stay secure through every pivot and patient.
Key Features:
- DNA foam cushioning: comfort through every patient
- Secure heel fit: lockdown system keeps you stable as you move around the operatory
- Lightweight yet supportive: easy on your steps without sacrificing stability
- Professional style: athletic look that still fits in a clinical setting
What Dental Professionals Are Saying: “I love my Brooks Revel 6. They’re super comfy, stylish, and not clunky… They’re very light too.” – prophy_wife on Reddit
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5. Sanita Professional ClogsBest for Durability
Price Range: $99 – $149 | |
Why Dental Professionals Love Them: Trusted by dental assistants and hygienists, Sanita’s professional clogs bring together support, safety, and polish. Featuring certified slip-resistant PU outsoles and APMA-approved, anatomically contoured footbeds with padded insteps, they tackle long days at the operatory with ease.
Key Features:
- APMA-approved: reduces strain during long shifts
- Certified slip-resistant: dependable traction on clinic floors
- Padded insteps: cushioned comfort that lasts through back-to-back patients
- Durability: many pros report 3+ years of daily wear without losing support
What Dental Professionals Are Saying: “My program did not allow sneakers or any fabric shoes. I wore Sanita clogs (used to be Dansko but they sold the brand name). I worked in these style shoes for 16 years in restaurants on my feet for 14 hour days; they hold up for years.” – FahrenheitRising on Reddit
All in all, your work is demanding; your shoes shouldn’t be. Whether you go with something cushy, classic, or minimalist, the right pair can make a huge difference in your day. If you’re picking up shifts through GoTu, make sure you’ve got footwear that works just as hard as you do.