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The Best Nursing Shoes: Top Picks to Keep Your Feet Happy
As a nurse, you spend countless hours on your feet, walking, standing, and tending to patients. This can take a toll on your feet, making comfortable, supportive, and durable footwear an absolute necessity. The team at Amergis Healthcare Staffing understands this, so we compiled a list of the best shoes for nurses that we believe will help your feet get through the most grueling shifts.
Our Picks: The Best Shoes for Nursing
Dansko Professional Clog: These clogs feature a roomy toe box, supportive footbed, slip-resistant sole, and raised heel. The classic design provides both style and functionality.
HOKA Bondi 8: With ultra-plush cushioning, stability, support, and a breathable design, these shoes are ideal for nurses with foot or knee problems, feeling like walking on clouds.
Skechers Work Sure Track: These sneakers have a slip-resistant sole, memory foam insole, durable leather upper, and sporty design. They provide excellent cushioning and support to help reduce fatigue.
Clove Classic: Specifically designed for healthcare workers, these shoes have fluid-repellent, easy-to-clean materials, padded heels for blister prevention, and excellent cushioning for all-day comfort.
Crocs Classic Clog: These clogs are lightweight, easy to clean, and roomy. Plus with ventilation holes and a slip-resistant sole, they make an effective choice for keeping you safe and comfortable.
Alegria Debra Slip-On: With a stain-resistant upper, slip-resistant outsole, removable footbed, and rocker bottom sole, these slip-ons are both practical and comfortable. They also come in fun, colorful designs.
Timberland PRO Renova Professional: Featuring a slip-resistant sole, shock-absorbing insole, moisture-wicking lining, and easy-to-clean leather upper, these shoes have a sleek design suitable for various nursing roles.
Brooks Ghost 15: These versatile, cushioned, and responsive shoes provide a secure fit and strike a fantastic balance between cushioning and responsiveness, offering long-lasting comfort.
On Running Cloudflyer: Lightweight and offering cloud-like softness, good support, and a smooth ride, these shoes are designed to provide a smooth and energized ride over long distances.
What to Consider When Looking for Good Nursing Shoes
- Support: Wearing shoes with the proper support can help nurses to reduce fatigue, prevent injuries, and improve posture. Look for shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and stability that reduce strain on your feet, knees, hips, and back. You also want to look for shoes with supportive insoles and midsoles that conform to the shape of your foot.
- Comfort: Finding comfortable shoes should be a top priority. Choose shoes made with soft, breathable materials like leather or mesh, and ensure there is ample cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and blister-free. To also ensure comfort, you should make sure to check there’s enough room in the toe box and no slipping at the heel.
- Slip-Resistance: Your shoes must be equipped to handle the perils of the healthcare setting, so finding options with excellent slip-resistance is a must. Look for shoes with traction and slip-resistant patterned rubber soles that are highly reviewed by fellow healthcare professionals. This can help prevent falls, keeping you safe and confident as you navigate your workplace.
- Durability: Nursing demands a lot from your shoes, so finding durable shoes that can hold up through repeated long shifts is vital. Invest in shoes made with high-quality materials, reinforced stitching, and sturdy soles to ensure they withstand the rigors of the job. Durable shoes can save you money in the long run and provide better support and comfort over time.
- Easy Cleaning: Being a nurse means sometime getting dirty, so it is best to find shoes that can be easily cleaned. You should look for shoes made with materials that can be wiped down or machine-washed to maintain hygiene. Also try to avoid shoes with materials like suede or canvas, as these can be hard to clean.
Other Tips to Promote Happy Feet
- Replace Shoes Often: Try to get new shoes every 6-12 months as worn-out footwear can lead to discomfort and potential injuries. The midsoles of shoes, which provide cushioning and support, can break down over time, leading to a loss of shock absorption and stability. This can cause foot, leg, and back pain, as well as increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Keep track of when you purchased your shoes and replace them regularly to ensure you’re getting the best support possible.
- Find Quality Socks: Invest in comfortable, moisture-wicking socks made from materials like merino wool or bamboo to keep feet dry and prevent blisters. These materials are breathable and help regulate temperature, keeping feet cool and dry. They also have natural antimicrobial properties that help prevent odor and bacterial growth. Look for socks with reinforced heels and toes for added durability, and consider using a light liner sock underneath for added moisture management.
- Test Fit Thoroughly: Try on shoes at the end of the day when feet have had a chance to swell to avoid buying shoes that are too tight. Feet naturally swell throughout the day, so trying on shoes later in the day will give you a better idea of how they’ll fit during your shifts. When trying on shoes, wear the same type of socks you’ll be wearing at work, and make sure there’s about a thumb’s width of space between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
- Consider Orthotics: Using orthotic inserts can give you additional support and cushioning, especially if you have specific foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, or heel spurs. If you have any specific foot concerns, talk to a podiatrist or foot specialist about whether orthotics might be right for you. There are also over-the-counter inserts available that can provide added support and cushioning for more general foot comfort.
Treat Yourself
Remember, taking care of yourself is just as crucial as taking care of others. So take a moment to invest in a quality pair of shoes that will support you through your demanding nursing shifts. By prioritizing your foot health and comfort, you can better equip yourself to provide the highest level of care to your patients and tackle any challenges that come your way.
Are you a nursing professional looking for the guidance of a staffing agency? Connect with Amergis today.
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