CNA shoes - what kind to get?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I will be entering a CNA training program soon, and I have the entire uniform ready except for the shoes. We can wear any kind of white shoes, so I'm wondering what the best type would be. A lot of nurses I've seen wear Crocs, are they awesomely comfortable or something? Is that the ideal healthcare shoe? Or should I opt for a cheap pair of white tennis shoes from Payless? I appreciate any ideas and advice!!

We aren't allowed to wear anything with holes / cutouts / openings, we also aren't allowed to wear anything mesh or non-leather / leather like. My shoes right now are a $28 pair from Payless and I love them...they are non-slip, their brand of work shoes...forget what it's called. I walk three to five miles a day in addition to work and they are great. Much better than some of the $100 shoes I have purchased.

I have been a nurse for a little over a year and the first week on the job my feet were killing me!!!! After extensive research online and from asking other seasoned nurses, I have found the best shoes. They are New Balance 845's. They are made for people with plantar fasciaitis and other feet problems. They are very comfortable and within a week my feet were in no pain. They are quite pricey at about $115, but being the very frugal person that I am, I found a brand new pair on Amazon.com for less than 50. If you find a good deal, get them. I decided a few months later to get a black pair but couldnt find them cheaper than 100 and then one day they were 65, again on Amazon. These shoes will be your godsend!

Since you're going into a field where you're going to be on yor feet, price shouldn't be a concern - comfort is. Try the different ones that have been offered - you will end up with what feels best for you. Most find that a good quality tennis shoe works. I have a pair of the "thera-shoe" from K-mart that I'm getting ready to try. It was suggested after someone saw me wearing an Easy Spirit brand rocker shoe. The easy spirit to me is like walking on clouds. I use to think that about the Asics brand but now this one easy spirit has asics beat! I've had 3 foot surgeries so I understand the need for the right shoe!!

I totally agree with SAS and New Balance. I've wore USED SAS's, from a nurse friend, for over a year and they still beat the laces off any other. If they are too $$, then go with New Balance. My podiatrist said they are the best shoe in his opinion and I gotta agree!! Shop online and you can usually find a good deal or look for sales locally or an outlet mall! I also agree with slip resistant - VERY IMPORTANT (sez my recent broken ankle ). Good luck with CNA...that's where I started and then was encouraged enuff to go on for nurse...DO IT!!

Carole

Specializes in Med surg, Hospice, Geriatrics, AL, LTAC.

After reading through all the responses, I noticed that the Dansko brand was only mentioned once. I have been in healthcare over 25 years and have had a few back injuries. When my hospital announced that we had to wear black shoes I heard several nurses talking about Dansko shoes. I will be honest, I do not like the look of these shoes and they cost around $115 or more, however, since I started wearing them I have not had the horrible lower back and leg pain after working a 12-14hr shift that used to be the norm for me. They are also the first pair of shoes that I haven't had to add Dr. Scholls to get that arch support that I need. The cost was a little bit of a turn-off at first but when you are talking about your health, how can you put a price on that? And I have worn the same pair for almost 2 years and they are still in great condition! They are the ugliest shoes I've ever loved!

I totally agree with SAS and New Balance. I've wore USED SAS's, from a nurse friend, for over a year and they still beat the laces off any other. If they are too $$, then go with New Balance. My podiatrist said they are the best shoe in his opinion and I gotta agree!! Shop online and you can usually find a good deal or look for sales locally or an outlet mall! I also agree with slip resistant - VERY IMPORTANT (sez my recent broken ankle ). Good luck with CNA...that's where I started and then was encouraged enuff to go on for nurse...DO IT!!

Carole

CTaylor--An interesting fact about SAS Brand is that they are handmade in America in San Antonio Texas(aptly named after the city) I often wondered what SAS was an acronym for, if anything so I googled it and here's the SAS Link. Since I am a big proponent of Buying Made in the USA Products, others who like Made in USA goods can rest easy that when buying SAS Brand Footwear, you are supporting American Workers actually here in the good old USA. And don't we need more of that with many of our factories closing down and US workers losing their jobs??? USA made shoes are difficult to find but here they are--SAS. With so much in the news these days about many American Jobs being exported to sweatshops in China, its refreshing to know SAS still keeps their factories and employs Americans at a living wage. Not many Shoe companies can say that. Another USA Brand btw, unrelated to Nursing, is a local shoe company here in an old industrial area of Miami(hialeah) that makes the Model of Shoe that Jackie Kennedy used to buy for many years until her death. Nowdays, the little old shoe factory with only 10 craftsmen still manufactures the Jackie K (or Jackie O) Model one pair at a time and are sent to your better upscale shoe stores worldwide.

SAS:San Antonio Shoes - About Our Employees

Jackie "O"--http://jackrogersusa.com/our-picks/hamptons-navajo-hi-wedge

I am all for Shoes for Crews. They are very comfortable and unbelievable slip resistant, and have a wide variety to choose from.

I would reccomend "nursemates" shoes. their a brand that makes shoes specifically for nurses and other hospital personel. they have many different styles they are very comfortable, as ido many 16 hour shifts these shoes feel as if its surrounded in pillows, mind you after 16 hours it might feel sore from standing and running around alot however they are absolutely very comfortable.

if you were crocs, i dont know if this depends on where you live but where i live you are not covered by the local commission of health and work security. ( they provide sick leav with pay if you fall ro injure urself for a work related accident)

if you fall and you were wearing crocs or any shoe that is not closed or opened in the back , shoes that have a clog like appearance, you will not be covered !!

so protection and comfort are very important

check out : Nursemates.com - The Official Nurse Mates Shoes Website

Wow, thank you all so much! I appreciate all of your comments more than I can say!!

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

New Balance all the way.:)

I really like Klogs. They are expensive but if you go cheap, you'll be buying new shoes every 6 months! They have replaceable insoles. I've had the same pair going for over 1.5 years and no degradation yet. They're nice leather so they look new much, much longer. and they look a lot nicer than tennis shoes. We also had crocs banned (the ones with holes anyway). My feet would be way too hot in them anyway. Sounds like good bacteria breeding grounds!

Specializes in med surg, geriatric, clinical, pool.
I will be entering a CNA training program soon, and I have the entire uniform ready except for the shoes. We can wear any kind of white shoes, so I'm wondering what the best type would be. A lot of nurses I've seen wear Crocs, are they awesomely comfortable or something? Is that the ideal healthcare shoe? Or should I opt for a cheap pair of white tennis shoes from Payless? I appreciate any ideas and advice!!

Whatever you buy, don't go cheap. You will only end up throwing them away in a couple of months.

Your feet deserve the best. They are going to work hard for you. Get someone with support. I always liked running shoes because I have a high arch. If you buy a pair that laces, you can adjust them, which is nice. And wear support knee-highs.

Can't tell you about Crocs other than they are uglier than my first pair of nursing shoes.

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