Washable Nursing Shoes and Clogs

The most hygienic choice for hospital staff, washable nursing shoes, and theatre clogs are generally made from synthetic compounds. Designed to withstand regular washing, and easily rinsed between washes.

Washable Nursing Shoes

There are three main methods for cleaning and sterilising nursing shoes and clogs:

Machine Wash
Autoclave Machine
Chemical or UV Sterilisation

Machine Wash

The most widely-used method. PLS Medical stock a variety of shoes that are machine washable. This means that they can be washed in a regular washing machine on a cool 30°C to 50°C wash, depending on the style.

The most common washable nursing shoes are made from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). EVA is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. It’s an extremely elastic material that can be sintered to form a porous material. EVA is like rubber, yet with excellent toughness.

Our washable nursing shoes are also anti-slip and antistatic. We have a variety of styles of EVA nursing shoes that are washable at 30°C.

The Oxypas ‘Smooth’ is an open-heeled hospital clog with pivoted straps to give a choice to the wearer. You can view the ‘Smooth’ here. We also have the ‘Zero’, an EVA clog with adjustable straps that is also machine washable at 40°C you can view the ‘Zero’ here.

For a closed-heel option, our most popular theatre shoe styles are the Oxypas ‘Oxyva’ and the ‘Dynamic’. With built-in postural support and shock absorption to increase the wearer’s comfort. The built-in postural support helps in easing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. It also helps to ease the discomfort from other common pain complaints. You can view the ‘Oxyva’ here or the ‘Dynamic’ here.

There are a number of new styles of washable shoes made from high-tech mesh and synthetic materials. The Kassie is a lightweight and breathable smart unisex shoe, machine washable at You can view the ‘Kassie’ here or the ‘Patricia’ here or ‘Roman’ here.

Autoclave Machine

Most autoclavable shoes and clogs are TPR (thermoplastic rubber). This is so they can go through the autoclave machine at 135°C. TPR is a mix of polymers (usually plastic and rubber). Thermoplastic rubber shoes show advantages typical of both rubbery materials and plastic materials. Meaning that the shoes are able to withstand the high temperatures of the autoclave process while still being comfortable.

Our most-popular Autoclavable nursing shoe is the ‘Oxyclog’ from Oxypas. This is a clog style theatre shoe with an adjustable strap to give the wearer a choice, depending on the situation. The shoe has shock absorption built-in to improve the comfort of the wearer. You can view the Oxypas Oxyclog Autoclavable Nursing Shoe here.

Oxyclog Autoclavable Clog

We do recommend, however, that if washing at high temperatures is not a requirement, it may not be the best option. The EVA compound is softer, and therefore more comfortable to wear than the TPR shoes.

Chemical or UV Sterilisation

Hospitals differ in their sterilisation techniques and sterile services requirements. Some may insist on the use of either chemical or UV sterilisation techniques. Both EVA and TRP nursing shoes are suitable for Chemical or UV Sterilisation. This means that all our styles of EVA nurses clogs and shoes and the TPR options are suitable for this type of decontamination.

You can view our full range of washable nursing shoes here.