Nightingale travel nurses know that clothing choices can make all the difference in how you feel during your shift. The right footwear and socks can even help prevent injury or keep you from aggravating an ongoing medical condition. When you’re a nurse, your choice of scrubs, shoes, socks, and other clothing can make a profound difference in your comfort while you work.

This Nightingale Nurses article looks at some of the most popular scrubs, nurse shoes, compression socks, and other stuff to keep you comfortable throughout your shift.

The Best Scrubs for Travel Nurses

If you’re a travel nurse, you practically live in scrubs. Many of us remember that it wasn’t too many years ago it was almost impossible to find scrubs that you really liked. Even now, a lot of scrubs don’t have enough stretch. They’re tight or loose in the wrong places. Some lower-quality scrubs don’t breathe very well, which isn’t nice in a hot work environment or when you run around a lot.

Well, some companies have heard us, and now, more comfortable scrubs are finally here. Here are some of the travel nurse favorites, as reported to us:

#1 Scrubs for Travel Nurses: Figs

Figs is a relatively new brand of nursing scrubs, coming out in 2013, but they’ve quickly earned a great reputation for comfort, durability, and looking nice. Note: Some bigger, taller, and curvier nurse travelers say Figs run too small or don’t offer enough range of motion or wiggle room. We should note that Figs has launched a plus-size lineup, which could change the equation.

What travel nurses like most about Figs scrubs:

• Tailored fit that’s more flattering than many scrubs.
• Cooler patterns, colors, and styles than most.
• Durable, antimicrobial materials and fabrics
• Extra pockets in several styles.
• Wrinkle resistance

#2 Scrubs for Travel Nurses: Healing Hands

Figs are great for nurses who like slightly more form-fitting scrubs or those with slight builds. But quite a lot of traveling nurses do not fit that description. Not to worry! Healing Hands is the favorite of our nurses who prefer roomier scrubs. Another bonus is that they tend to be a bit less expensive than Figs scrubs.

What travel nurses like most about Healing Hands scrubs:

• True-to-size fits
• Zipper pocket
• Comfy, stretchable fabrics
• Roomier than many without being sloppy
• Wash and wear —- no ironing needed

The Best Shoes and Footwear for Travel Nurses

Few jobs keep you on your feet as much as travel nursing. The wrong pair of shoes can make a 12-hour shift more grueling than it needs to be. So, it’s no surprise that you will have a hard time finding a traveling nurse who doesn’t have an opinion about shoes. Nurses need comfy shoes that really perform and are also workplace-friendly and won’t slip on floors that may be wet or slick. Both of our picks are slip-ons, as that’s what most nurses prefer.

Here’s what our travel nurses tell us are their favorite nursing shoes:

#1 Shoe for Travel Nurses: Skechers Work Sure Track Shoes

We’re a big fan of Skechers. They’re comfortable and long-lasting and offer lots of styles with no-slip soles. Most are roomy, so they won’t feel tight on swollen feet and have a great memory foam insole. Best of all, at a time when everything seems to be more expensive, Skechers are still a pretty good deal. Note that these Skechers are “relaxed fit,” so if you have wide feet or a narrow budget, they could be exactly what you need.

What travel nurses like most about Skechers Work Sure Track Shoes:

• Easy-clean leather upper
• Removable memory foam insoles
• Slip-resistant rubber traction soles
• Wide fit comfortable for up to EE.
• 1.5” heel gives you a little extra height

#2 Shoe for Travel Nurses: Clove Classic

Some of our nurses swear by the Clove Classic shoe. The all-white ones look neat and professional. They are made from Clarino vegan leather, which makes them both liquid-resistant and easy to clean (especially important for all-white ones). They offer good, resilient cushioning that lasts all day and extra grippy, no-squeak soles, which is a nice feature since SO many shoes seem to squeak on hospital floors. The one catch is they are a little pricy at $145, but if they’re within the budget, you will understand why people pay that much for them.

What travel nurses like most about Clove Classic Shoes:

• Liquid-resistant and easy to clean
• Well-cushioned insoles
• Cute and classy style
• No-squeak, grippy soles
• Cool Limited Edition styles

The Best Compression Socks for Travel Nurses

Not every travel nurse wears compression socks, but if you’ve never worn them, we suggest giving them a try. You may be amazed by how much more comfortable they can make you. If you’re a nurse who has worn compression socks before and didn’t care for them—-consider the possibility that you just didn’t find the right pair for you. Some are a lot more snug-fitting than others. Some are softer than others. The benefits are worth trying a few types, if necessary, to find the right nurse socks for you.

The Benefits of Compression Socks for Nurses

1. Improves Circulation: Enhances blood flow, preventing pooling and reducing DVT risk.
2. Reduces Swelling: Prevents fluid buildup, alleviating leg and foot swelling.
3. Prevents Varicose Veins: Supports veins, reducing pressure and avoids varicose veins.
4. Alleviates Fatigue: Delivers more oxygen to muscles, reducing fatigue and soreness.
5. Enhances Comfort: Promotes better circulation and reduces discomfort, improving performance.

The Compression Socks for Nurses We Like Most

The compression socks that our travel nurses have praised the most are listed below, with additional notes about each one.

Nurse Mates Compression Socks:

Nurse Mates brand compression socks are made specifically for us. They come in three different material types (synthetic, spandex blend, and natural/synthetic blend). There are also a ton of fun styles, patterns, and colors, so you can find some that are uniquely you.

Bombas Compression Socks:

You may have heard Bombas’ ads on the radio if you’re a listener. They have some pretty wholesome spots. They also happen to make very comfortable socks. Their lineup now also includes compression socks for men and women. Bombas are also more conservatively styled if that’s your preference.

Pro Compression Socks:

We also hear a lot of good things about the Pro Compression brand of compression socks. They’re made in the USA and come in three different compression ratings, so you can dial in just what you need. They also come in some pretty clever and creative designs, like the Nurse Mates.

Become a Nightingale Nurse Today

If you genuinely love nursing and put your all into it — we’d love to talk to you about travel nursing. If you’ve never travel nursed before —- Nightingale Nurses is a great place to find a home. We assign nurses nationwide and offer very competitive wages and benefits packages.

We empower you to do what you love, including enjoying the adventure of travel and the career opportunities that come with it.

If you love nursing as much as we do —- we should talk!

Contact Nightingale Nurses today at 561.314.0140 or simply click this link to submit your inquiry.