Background <p>Nursing students frequently experience prolonged standing during clinical practice, which can lead to foot health disorders. Despite its critical importance for overall well-being and future job performance, foot health among nursing students remains understudied. This study aimed to examine foot health status and associated characteristics among nursing students.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 184 nursing students. The survey collected data on general characteristics, foot-related disease and methods for relieving foot pain, stress, foot health status. T-tests and ANOVA were employed to examine stress and foot health status according to participants’ general characteristics.</p> Results <p>Approximately 93.5% of nursing students reported foot discomfort, with prevalent foot-related diseases including toenail disorders, tinea pedis, eczema, and plantar fasciitis. Stress showed statistically significant variations based on academic year (F = 3.62, <i>p</i> = .014), clinical practice period (F = 3.60, <i>p</i> = .014), foot self-care (t = 2.97, <i>p</i> = .003), and experience using foot care facilities (t = 2.28, <i>p</i> = .024). General foot health showed significant differences according to daily standing time (F = 3.74, <i>p</i> = .006), foot self-care (t = 3.57, <i>p</i> &lt; .001), and current foot discomfort (t = 6.84, <i>p</i> &lt; .001).</p> Conclusion <p>This study comprehensively documented the extensive foot health challenges faced by nursing students. The findings underscore the urgent need to develop and implement targeted educational programs that enhance students’ awareness and self-care abilities regarding foot health. Such interventions could significantly contribute to improving the occupational health and future quality of life for nurses.</p> Clinical trial number <p>Not applicable.</p>